Chu Chu offers an enticing menu with dishes that showcase bold and balanced flavors. As Korean Americans, we bring a specific taste palette to every meal, and Chu Chu's offerings impressed us with their thoughtful preparation and unique combinations. While it's not typical to share plates at restaurants here, we chose to do so, allowing us to enjoy a wider variety of their delicious offerings.
The Food:
Vegetable Soup (Soup of the Day): This was a delightful surprise. While it had the yellow appearance of a cream of chicken soup, the flavor was entirely different--more akin to a rich cream of potato soup with various vegetables. The depth of flavor was outstanding, and it was the perfect warm, comforting dish. It was a wonderful start to the meal, especially after just leaving Morocco.
Veal Skewer Wrapped in Bacon: The veal was incredibly tender and juicy, with a texture reminiscent of perfectly cooked pork tenderloin. The flavor was impressive, and we paired it with sautéed vegetables, which complemented the veal beautifully. The vegetables--predominantly spinach with carrots and red bell peppers--were mild yet flavorful, likely cooked in beef fat.
Mixed Bread: This plate offered both toasted and fresh baguette halves. The fresh baguette was wonderfully chewy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside--perfect for dipping into the soup and cleaning the bowl. The toasted bread, on the other hand, was overly hard and felt more like a large crouton, best softened by soaking in the soup.
Sweet Potato Fries: These were well-cooked and satisfying, a nice addition to round out the meal.
While we didn't try the desserts, the menu looked incredible, and we wished we had room to sample something sweet.
The Service:
The only drawback was the service. While the staff addressed our needs when we flagged them down, there were moments when we felt overlooked and lacked consistent attention. That said, the food came out quickly, which was appreciated.
Final Thoughts:
Chu Chu delivers thoughtfully crafted dishes with bold, satisfying flavors. The vegetable soup and veal skewer were particular standouts, with combinations that left a lasting impression. Sharing plates allowed us to sample more of the menu, and everything we tried exceeded expectations. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Chu Chu is well worth a visit for a flavorful and memorable meal in Lisbon. read more