When it comes to eating out, I love trying new places and so when the opportunity came along to try the newly opened Soy Sauce Bistro is Lisburn, I couldn't wait to visit.
This unassuming restaurant is located above a row of shops just across from the Tesco on Bentrim Road and from the outside, it is probably somewhere that I would not have opted to try.
Stepping through the side door to the eatery, you are greeted by a chicly designed stairwell with a beautiful chandelier which is a world away from the car park outside.
Read more: We tried Blank Belfast - the Michelin Guide restaurant that needs no menu to impress
Entering the restaurant, we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who took us to our table and talked us through the menu.
The restaurant itself is tastefully decorated and pays homage to the owners Hong Kong roots though the various wall murals throughout the restaurant.
The first star of the show for us had to be our waitress Chloe who was a gem. She immediately brought us some prawn crackers for the table while we browsed the drinks menu and was on hand throughout our meal, including giving my friend a lesson in how to properly use chop sticks (top tip - there is instructions on the packet).
As I was driving, I opted to try a mocktail and decided upon the Soy Sauce Signature Cocktail which was made with mango, honey, lime, sugar and ginger ale.
My friend opted to try the Singapore Sling which he said was delicious before moving on to a Mai Tai which went down a treat.
The restaurant also stocks Sun Lik beer from Hong Kong on draft which is a nice, light beer and goes down a treat.
When it came to the food, we struggled to pick from the extensive menu so Chloe recommended we start with some nachos to share.
An unusual menu item for an Asian restaurant but we were glad we took her up on her recommendation as I have never had nachos like these in my life!
Upon deciding on our mains, Chloe recommended that I try the Szechuan Chicken which I had with chips while my friend opted for the Thai Seafood Fried Rice.
As the food arrived, the presentation was top notch. My Szechuan Chicken arrived in a porcelain basket and looked mouth watering, while my friends fried rice arrived topped with a heart-shaped fried egg.
The Szechuan Chicken went down a treat and while there was a slight kick to it, the spice level was just right.
The chicken was cooked to perfection along with the accompanying vegetables.
The chips were on another level all together. Unlike most Asian restaurants, the chips at the Soy Sauce Bistro were fresh, crispy and dry on the outside with a nice fluffy interior. They were salted to perfection and went well with the Szechuan Chicken.
My friend loved the fried rice dish and said that the seafood was cooked perfectly and was paired greatly with bits of pineapple through the dish.
I have quite a sweet tooth, so after our main I ordered some Banoffee Pie which was a nice way to end our meal.
The base was thin and the topping had the perfect balance of flavours. The accompanying mint added a bit of freshness to the dish and Chloe informed us that it comes straight from her garden in Cragiavon.
I remarked that it would be a great in a mojito and so before we left, Chole gave me a cutting of it so that I can grow it at home too.
Overall, the Soy Sauce Bistro is a hidden gem. The staff are overwhelmingly friendly and the interior is tastefully decorated.
The food that we had was top notch and the drinks went down a treat.
Priced at £5.95 for our nacho starter and £14.95 each for our mains, this is a restaurant which definitely won't break the bank.
Drinks were also reasonably priced at £5.85 for a mocktail and £8.95 for the alcoholic versions.
This is a restaurant that I cannot wait to return to and I would urge you all to try.
READ NEXT:
East Belfast cafe's appeal after landmark item 'stolen' from premises
Flame Belfast closes doors after 10 years as they prepare to open "new and improved" location
Belfast bar preparing to open first ever 'Guinness only' pub on island
Rooftop bars and beer gardens to visit while the sun is shining in Belfast
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
