Dhole Milano

The area of ​​Porta Romana, already rich in venues for all tastes, boasts a new address that is definitely unmissable for lovers of mixology and experimentation. This is the Dhole, the cocktail bar and restaurant inaugurated this summer by the very young people of Eppol in Porta Venezia.

If you too are wondering about the origin of this curious name, know that Dhole, also called red dog or cuon, is a wild animal, similar to the jackal, originating in Central Asia and from there spreading to India and the Southeast Asia. The East, with its aromas and spices, is definitely present in the Dhole drinks and cuisine.

From the meeting between Asian flavors and Mediterranean ingredients, between exotic inspirations and innovative preparation techniques, new and fascinating flavours are born. The drink list, which on the cover shows the stylized drawing of a dhole, is a real journey among the countries in which this animal lives or has lived (unfortunately it is an endangered species). From India to China, from Japan to the Philippines. Each drink is dedicated to a different country and is distinguished by unexpected ingredients and contaminations that on paper may seem bold but that when tasted turn out to be surprising and delicious.

As a gin lover, my first choice could only fall on the Therevada, the drink dedicated to Thailand (therevada is in fact the most widespread form of Buddhism in the country). Gin flavoured with the technique of thai-fry, lime, turmeric and soy sauce. A mix of savoury, spicy, sour and sweet … difficult to describe, a must try.

Unknown ingredients and non-discounted combinations for the other paper drinks: from the Dou lì (the name derives from the hat used by the Vietnamese farmers), which combines coconut rum, guava molasses, acaí berries and roasted marshmallows or the Vil Kickij (in this case the name is a tribute to the Russian Strait on the Arctic Ocean) with akavit to the oyster leaf, umeshu and marine vaporization.

The kitchen also stands out for its desire to experiment and is characterized by ingredients and combinations that are perhaps less extreme but just as interesting.

But the location is definitely one of the strengths of the Dhole. Sophisticated style as a whole despite the essentiality of the elements: lots of wood, floral wallpaper, minimal design tables, pink velvet armchairs. Two halls: the first dominated by a scenographic counter, in front of which a vertical garden develops; the second is more intimate, with soft lighting and climbing plants that descend from the wooden ceiling. The result is a sophisticated and slightly vintage atmosphere, warm and welcoming.

The ideal place to spend relaxing moments and try new flavours.