nihao YAO
Nihao YAO has become a street food institution and a beckoning family-run affair. Cadge a seat on one of the communal tables scattered with water jugs, green tea, gallons of soy and a hot, spicy chili oil before ordering a bunch of snack-sized bites (or xiǎo chī). With a Mapo tofu special, iconic guabao's and the must-try Taiwanese potsticker (pan-fried dumplings), a feast is beckoning.
where to next?
Neighbouring its sibling spot, Kølsters Tolv Haner, is Pastaria; a relatively new venture by Esben Kølster. The concept is simple, the atmosphere wholly relaxed. There is no table service so you head to the bar and order one of the pasta dishes from their incredibly concise menu. If you're sipping on a Kølster's beer on the terrace outside you'll receive a flashing disk which will beep in dizzy merriment when your dish is prepared. Keeping most, if not all, of the seasonal menu below 150 kroner and ensuring that all of the ingredients are homemade and organic, results in a mostly vegetarian fare. Arancini is rustled up with a beetroot and goat cheese stuffing, orecchiette is doused in a rich pecorino sauce and the special welcomes the likes of a saucy melanzane alla parmigiana.
