Soy Soi Brings Closer Authentic Street Food From Southeast Asia

In this blog post, I cover Soy Soi, a Pan-Asian fine-dining restaurant in Ardee Mall, Sector 52, Gurugram.

Have you ever wondered why street food is so effing popular? Besides being cheap, street food is incredibly delicious. That said, can street food offer real insights about the local culture and traditions? Well, if you were to ask me, it sure can!

As someone who's pretty well-traveled, I can tell you that street food is the king in Southeast Asia. It's common for Asians to frequent food hawkers around their neighborhood. Street food is tasty, affordable, and supremely instagrammable; it's a no-brainer why Southeast Asia has one of the most vibrant street food scenes in the world!

It is not very often that I go to a new Pan-Asian fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic street food from eight countries. Soy Soi in Ardee Mall, Gurugram, offers a window to popular street food options from the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

Brand Chef Peter Tseng has been at the helm of affairs, yet again, having curated Soy Soi's exciting menu. Kudos are also in store for Japtej Ahluwalia and Nikesh Lamba, two young entrepreneurs behind the success of Soy Soi.

Soy Soi Special Maki

The restaurant is another winner from Pricol Gourmet Pvt Ltd, the same group that gave you the highly-rated South Indian fine-dining restaurant, Savya Rasa. Opened on August 12, 2019, Soy Soi is lauded for its uber-chic decor and innovative concept.



Before the official launch of Soy Soi, Chef Peter and Executive Sous Chef Rahul Shrivastava had traveled to six Southeast Asian countries, to fully comprehend the street food culture in that part of the world.



My epicurean journey at Soy Soi started with a popular Indonesian soup called Soto Ayam Madura. Hearty chicken soup with pepper, clear herbal broth flavored with fresh turmeric and served with a boiled egg and celery leaves.

This was followed by the delicious Scallops and Prawn Suimai Dim Sums soaked in Thai yellow curry. Steamed open dumplings made of minced prawn, topped with sliced scallops, and wrapped in paper-thin wonton wrappers and Tobiko (a.k.a. Flying fish roe).

Scallops and Prawn Suimai Dim Sums

Try the signature Tom Yum Xiao Long Bao, which are Tom Yum soup dumplings made of minced chicken, lemongrass, and kaffir lime.

If you like Singaporean Baos, you're in for a perfect treat. Go for the sumptuous Chili Hoisin Jackfruit Bao. Pulled jackfruit in hoisin and chili marinade, chili glaze, scallion greens, pickled red cabbage, and cucumber.

Chili Hoisin Jackfruit Bao

Room for more? Try the Char Sui Belgian Pork Belly Bao, with coriander, pickled red cabbage, and toasted peanuts.

Char Sui Belgian Pork Belly Bao

Sate lovers should try the Sate Ayam Madura. Chargrilled skewers of chicken leg dices in Kecap Manis (Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce) and dry roast spice marinade served with chili sambal dip.

Sate Ayam Madura

Sate Udang Jelantah was wonderful too; Indonesian chargrilled prawn sate marinated in fresh red chili sambal and coconut oil.

Prefer something light? Go for the Laotian Crispy Rice Salad (a.k.a. Nam Khao). This is a street favorite from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Crispy rice balls crushed and tossed with mint, peanut, chili flakes, and lime.

Laotian Crispy Rice Salad

For desserts, the Pandan Kaya Mousse is a must-have. Dark chocolate and pandan mousse with kaya jam, coconut crumbles, and coffee ice cream.

Pandan Kaya Mousse

Pair your favorite street food with unconventional cocktails, courtesy Mixologist Dhawan Singh Jina. Originally from Uttarakhand, Dhawan has a few tricks up his sleeve to jazz up your overall experience.



My recommendation for a delightful signature cocktail is Roselle, made with fresh strawberry, rose petal syrup, spice vermouth, and gin.

Roselle

Roselle

Immerse yourself completely in the food culture of Southeast Asia. Enjoy delicacies that come together in a delightful medley of flavors, only at Soy Soi.