Shambala

Beautiful restaurant with very romantic ambience. So many candles lit but very little other lighting so it was pretty dark when the sun went down. Arrived about 8 pm for dinner without a reservation and the restaurant was fully booked for a Wednesday night but told the hostess we’d be done by 9 so we got seated. Husband ordered tom yum kung soup. The most expensive one we’ve ever seen for about 13 € and it was just ok. He also ordered pad Thai for 17 €, also the most expensive pad Thai we’ve ever had and it was just ok. Not really a fan of the fusion aspect. I had the duck for 20 € and it was pretty good. Service charge was 4 € per person.

One of the first times I visited Milan, my husband took me on a date to this thai-​vietnamese fusion restaurant in the southern part of the city.
I remember the place was amazing, low lights, inciense, candles and a bamboo garden, the food was delicious, mainly fresh seafood with exotic hints like mango and tamarind, we had a great evening.
It’s been years since that happened so I demanded another date and we decided to see if everything was as we remembered. The place is still as beautiful as I remembered, kind staff and wonderful atmosphere.
We had mixed appetizers: crab rolls, salmon sashimi, vietnamese sushi (with fruits and vegetables), chicken bundled in pandanus leaves, curry marinated chicken skewers and the most delicious tuna sashimi with tamarind sauce. The portions were not very big, being just starters but they were delicious.
We also had a tuna sashimi with tamarind sauce and the seared tuna with black pepper and avocado salad. Both portions were enough, not too small, definitely not big and they were perfect in taste and presentation. If you are into food porn like me, keep in mind that the lights are too dim to take good pictures (try not to use the flash so you won’t spoil the romantic atmosphere).
I had a very refreshing drink called Hindoo made with vodka, mint leaves, and green tea and a glass of an average Vermentino wine.
Starters cost between 10 and 22 euros while main dishes go from 17 to 22 euros. Drinks (cocktails or wine by the glass) from 6 euros. By Milan’s prices Shambala’s aren’t really that high, considering the creativity and good quality of their dishes and the atmosphere. The place is perfect for romantic dinners, business and even for medium groups since it is spacious; during the warm season you can dine in the garden.