Doa Miami Beach – Tasty LatAsian Cuisine
The creators of Coya (our recent Coya review) and Zuma want to share awesome cuisine with you at an affordable price point. So they have opened DÔA (pronounced <dow-ah>) (meaning “The Door” in Japanese) at 2000 Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach. An Asian Cantina concept, DÔA is a true neighborhood eatery serving high quality Chef driven LatAsian cuisine.
So what is LatAsian cuisine? “We invented the word,” says Waney the owner. “We are not Japanese; we are not Chinese – we are strictly Nikkei and Chifa. The flavors are unique to the Asian influenced cuisine born in Latin America. We greatly look forward to showcasing this type of food and its unique diversity to the country and the world.” We were big fans of Doa and are going to share our favorite dishes from our tastings.
We usually like to start in order, but these freaking mouth changing churros need to be the lead. I am by no means a best churros expert even though I pounded them everyday in my 8 day Barcelona trip (Read my Barcelona Travel guide here). These were some of the Best Churros I ever had, because they were filled with supernal (heavenly) dulce de leche cream and cinnamon ice cream that makes you swoon. Most pair churros with whip cream and vanilla ice cream, which is nice, but if you want the best churros, head to Doa.
After you are done starting with the best churros, definitely order the Softshell Crab Bun – Rocoto Lime Mayo, Shiso & Pickled Cucumber. The bun is marvelous and the crab was fried well offering a nice contrast against the soft buns.
Another great app is the Beef Gyoza with Hoisin, Ginger & Garlic. The sauce is bangin so I kept it for the rest of the meal. Who does not love silky goyza encasing well seasoned beef?
The Nikkei Rotisserie Chicken with Saikyo Miso, Aji Panca with Crispy Yuca was sublime. The rub on it was a very unique and sensational flavor. the chicken was super juicy too.
For a side dish go with the Robata Shiitake – Ginger, Soy Butter & Sesame. The shrooms were succulent and well balanced and pair well with meat or fish.
If you have room for dessert and not sure you need a second order of the best churros ever (do it) opt for the Mochi -Green Tea, Vanilla & Mango. I remember back in 2005 when Mochi Balls were a special off menu item we ordered at Nobu. Thankfully they have come mainstream. “Mochi is Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice. The rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape.” Mochi is sheer, fragile and a lil sticky. When wrapped around Japanese ice cream flavors done right it is a stupendous dessert & Doa does Mochi right.
Another plus is that DÔA will remain open until 5:00 AM, seven days a week. They will have a special late night menu with Pork Ramen.
DÔA’s beverage program will include classics such as the Pisco Sour, Chilcano as well as other unique signature cocktails such as The Nikkei Spritz, Cuzco 75, DÔA Lychee Martini and the Apple & Shiso Mojito. In addition to pursuing DÔA’s seasonally changing cocktail menu, guests can choose from an array of traditional Asian spirits, which include a selection of Sake and Japanese Whiskey, as well as Latin spirits Pisco, Tequila, Mezcal and Rum. “
We loved our Doa experiences and are happy to share a local spot to get the Best Churros!
For more information, please visit: http://www.doacantina.com.
