Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine with heart at vegetarian restaurant Sorriso.
By Shruti Kothari
Celebrated restaurateur Gaurav Kejriwal, creator of Indian hotspot Saras, returns with another passion project to delight herbivores and carnivores alike. Located right above its sister establishment in Sukhumvit Soi 20, Sorriso, meaning smile in Italian, truly upholds its name. This brasserie-style family-friendly joint exudes warmth and verve like an Italian nonna. The deep tones of the wooden tables and chairs, contrasted with gleaming white walls and cherry-red curtains come together in a cheerful setting, perfect for the hearty fare served by Italian Head Chef Matteo.
Food and Drink
The Tomato soup (B150), so simple in nature, is an absolute must. Fresh tomatoes are simmered with just a hint of celery to brighten the flaavour, and then blended with a touch of cream into a velvet bisque that is guaranteed to delight. It pairs well with the traditional Pasta salad (B260), a light mélange of penne and diced summer vegetables, drizzled with a full-bodied olive oil and served with fresh, herbaceous pesto. If you are looking for a more substantial starter, consider the Soy vegan chicken nuggets (B180). Soy protein, textured to leave even the most discerning meat-eater eater charmed, is fried in layers of mozzarella and breadcrumbs, resulting in a crisp bite oozing with molten cheese. The ensemble is accompanied by a piquant tomato relish, bringing the dish to a perfect balance.
For those seeking other creative soy chicken dishes, be certain to sample the Vegetarian chicken chili pizza (B255), which cleverly fuses creamy Italian cheese with fiery Thai spice for a truly sophisticated mouthful. Another popular pizza is the Olives and capers (B265) variety, where the acid notes of the pickled toppings bring a zesty balance to the richness of the dairy.
Fresh pasta, more supple than its dried counterpart, is a highlight at any Italian establishment, and Sorriso is no different. The Ravioli with truffle sauce (B290) uses a spinach dough to create tantalising pasta parcels stuffed with spinach and a blend of cheeses, which are then enrobed in a rich truffle-scented cream sauce certain to thrill diners both young and old.
However, Sorriso’s crown jewel is its unique fusion Risotto blue butterfly pea (B235). The stunning blue hue is truly a feast for the eyes, elevating the classic risotto to a multisensory experience. The chef, hailing from the regional home of risotto, marries the flavours of his Northern birthplace of Vicenza with the vibrancy of his Asian abode of Bangkok. Delicate and robust in the same bite, this dish is a culinary masterpiece
The indulgent Beetroot banoffee pie (B95) is the ideal sweet finish to this sumptuous meal. The classic dessert, made with layers of banana, cream and toffee on a crumbly biscuit base, is uplifted with the addition of beetroot, which lends an exciting pink hue and a slight earthy element to the original recipe. However, if you are a chocolate lover, consider the Chocolate mousse (B95). Whipped to perfection, the mousse has the consistency of clouds, which are brought back to earth with the bittersweet weight of chocolate.
Buon appetito!
Sorriso offers a carefully curated wine list. The Black Cottage Pinot Gris (B250), served chilled in premium Lucaris crystal glasses, is an off-dry selection offering hints of toffee and quince which perfectly complements the rich Italian fare. For those who prefer a red, the Black Cottage Pinot Noir (B250) is an excellent choice with its violet and pink peppercorn aromas.
SORRISO
First floor, 15 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Tel: 02 401 8484
Open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 2.30pm for lunch and 7pm to 10pm for dinner
Facebook: @Sorriso.Veg.Rest
www.sorriso.asia
