There's two names that attract visitors to this palatial Rio eatery in the city's Lagoa neighborhood beginning with its chef Sik Chung Lam that's the country's own version of Mr. Chow in a starry eatery owned by the nation's richest man Eike Batista. Visitors arrive to a grand dining space with exterior flanked by double Xian-warrior statues and interior of more modern design elements within a three level dining room with prominent staircase and glassy mezzanine. Walls are trimmed in neon-accented red lighting adding a touch of Mao amongst a thoroughly Rio crowd of celebs and VIP that pack the space from night to night.
The Food
A choice of prix fixe and ala carte menu offers traditional starters like chicken or shrimp satay, vegetable spring rolls or meaty sui mai. Mains are divided by land and sea with presentations of Black Coast prawns, squid with garlic, Mr. Lam’s signature fish fillet and Mr. Batista’s own sweet and sour shrimp dish that bares his name. Meat and poultry dishes include a shredded beef and vegetables, chicken curry and classic Peking Duck that requires a 60-minute lead time. Served family-style, don’t forget an order of seafood noodles or fried rice topped with eggs and peas.
Last Word
Rio’s most famous Chinese eatery offers a VIP dining scene near the Lagoa owned by the Brazil's richest man.
