Seafood Highlights at Chows
Chows, located in Banani, Dhaka, serves a wide array of Cantonese seafood dishes that highlight the region’s gentle yet flavorful approach to cooking. From steamed fish that preserves natural sweetness to stir-fried prawns with aromatic sauces, the menu showcases how Cantonese chefs treat seafood with respect and subtlety. Explore the full range of seafood options on the menu, where each dish is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional Cantonese techniques.
Signature Seafood Dishes
Chows’ seafood menu features several standout dishes that demonstrate the breadth of Cantonese culinary tradition:
- Salt and Pepper Prawns — Crispy whole prawns tossed with garlic, chili, and sea salt. This dish balances crunch with aromatic heat, making it one of the most popular seafood orders at Chows.
- Steamed Whole Fish — Fresh catch steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. The steaming technique preserves the fish’s natural sweetness and delicate texture, a hallmark of Cantonese cooking.
- Black Bean Sauce Crab — Wok-fried crab in rich fermented black bean sauce. The bold, savory flavors of the black bean sauce complement the sweet crab meat perfectly.
- Scallop with Garlic Vermicelli — Pan-seared scallops served on a bed of glass noodles infused with garlic and soy. An elegant dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh scallops.
- Chili Garlic Lobster — Wok-tossed lobster with a fiery chili garlic sauce, offering a bolder flavor profile for those who enjoy some heat with their seafood.
Cantonese Cooking Techniques for Seafood
Cantonese cuisine treats seafood with techniques that preserve natural flavors rather than overpowering them with heavy sauces or spices common in other cuisines. The three primary methods used at Chows include:
- Steaming — The most revered Cantonese technique for fish and shellfish. Steaming locks in moisture and natural flavor while allowing the quality of the ingredient to shine through.
- Quick Stir-Frying — High-heat wok cooking that sears seafood quickly, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
- Light Braising — A slower technique used for crabs and larger shellfish, allowing sauces to penetrate the meat while maintaining a clean, refined taste.
Dim Sum Delights
The dim sum section offers delicate shrimp dumplings and fish ball soup, perfect for sampling the subtle flavors that Cantonese chefs bring to seafood. Check the dim sum appetizers for a variety of bite-size seafood treats including har gow (crystal shrimp dumplings), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls with shrimp), and more.
Main Course Selections
Main courses like salt-and-pepper prawns and braised sea bass showcase the Cantonese emphasis on quick searing and sauce balance. Browse the mains to find your favorite seafood centerpiece. The restaurant also offers a chef’s special seafood platter that combines multiple preparations for groups who want to sample everything.
Fresh Sourcing and Quality
Chows sources fresh seafood daily from local markets in Dhaka. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness is evident in every dish — from the delicate steamed fish to the robust crab preparations. Each ingredient is carefully selected to meet the high standards that Cantonese cuisine demands.
Complementary Drinks
Complement your seafood meal with a selection from the drinks menu, featuring chilled jasmine tea and light wines that pair well with seafood. Jasmine tea is the traditional Cantonese pairing for seafood, as its floral notes enhance the natural flavors without competing.
Business Lunch Options
For professionals, Chows offers a business lunch package that includes a rotating seafood sampler and a free consultation on menu customization. This is ideal for corporate lunches where you want to impress clients with authentic Cantonese seafood.
Private Dining Events
Event planners can host intimate gatherings in the restaurant’s private dining area, where chefs tailor a seafood tasting menu to suit the occasion. Learn more about private dining events and how to book your next celebration.
Location and Atmosphere
Located in the heart of Banani, the restaurant’s open-plan kitchen allows diners to watch chefs delicately prepare each dish, reinforcing the transparency and authenticity of Cantonese culinary traditions. Find directions and contact details at chowsbd.com/location/.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of seafood does Chows serve?
Chows offers a comprehensive seafood menu including prawns, fish, crab, scallops, and lobster, all prepared using traditional Cantonese cooking techniques.
How does Chows ensure seafood freshness?
Chows sources fresh seafood daily from local Dhaka markets. Each ingredient is carefully selected to meet the high standards that Cantonese cuisine demands.
What makes Cantonese seafood cooking different?
Cantonese cooking treats seafood with techniques like steaming, quick searing, and light braising, using minimal sauces to highlight the seafood’s natural flavor rather than overpowering it with spices.
Does Chows have a business lunch package?
Yes, Chows offers a business lunch package featuring a rotating seafood sampler, customizable menu options, and a free consultation for corporate clients.
Can I book a private dining event at Chows?
Yes, you can book a private dining event where chefs create a tailored seafood tasting menu for your occasion. Contact the restaurant through the website for arrangements.