Sohao Cafe - Gainesville

I'm updating my review and have decided to lower my rating. After returning twice more, I've consistently encountered issues with the temperature of the food; a... read more I'm updating my review and have decided to lower my rating. After returning twice more, I've consistently encountered issues with the temperature of the food; at least one dish each time was cold in the center and just lukewarm on the outside. Even the hot tea was served cold. This leads me to wonder if the food is pre-made and just reheated in the microwave, or perhaps I happened to visit on days when the regular chef wasn’t available. Regardless, the flavor of the food was off, and even though I love the menu, I don't think I'll be returning. One good experience out of three is not encouraging. In my initial review, I mentioned how much we loved the dumplings, which were the best I've ever had, and the pork buns were incredible! I also enjoyed a spicy boiled beef dish but I can't recall its name. My only criticism was the sweet and sour pork—while the sauce was delicious, the pork was tenderloin, which didn’t quite work for me. Additionally, the coating was soggy instead of the crispy exterior I expected.

The food was absolutely amazing, service was fantastic and overall one of the best Asian food places in Gainesville. Prices are a bit high but you get massive s... read more The food was absolutely amazing, service was fantastic and overall one of the best Asian food places in Gainesville. Prices are a bit high but you get massive shareable portions that definitely will fill you up. The best thing I had was their lomein, if Iwasn't already stuffed from everything else I ordered I would've ordered a second helping.

I?m editing my review and dropping some stars due to the fact that I?ve been back 2 more times and both times at least one of the dishes came out cold in the v... read more I?m editing my review and dropping some stars due to the fact that I?ve been back 2 more times and both times at least one of the dishes came out cold in the v center and barely warm on the outside. Even the hot tea was cold. This got me thinking thatthe food isn?t made fresh but likely just nuked in the microwave before serving or perhaps I was there on an off days when thenormal chef wasn?t there? Anyway the food tasted a bit funky and even though I love the menu, I don?t think I will try again. 1out of three is not good. (My first review below) We loved the Dumplings. Best I?ve had. And the pork buns were unbelievable! Ihad a spicy boiled beef dish that I forgot what it was called that I also enjoyed very much. My only negative was the sweet andsour pork. While the sauce for it was delicious the pork itself was tenderloin and just didn?t work for me but my biggestcomplaint was that the outside coating was soggy and not crispy as I would have expected?

The staff was friendly and attentive. As soon as you walk in, you're welcomed by a variety of delicious aromas that really build your anticipation for the meal.... read more The staff was friendly and attentive. As soon as you walk in, you're welcomed by a variety of delicious aromas that really build your anticipation for the meal. However, many of the menu items are typical, similar to what you might find at a mall or in the frozen food section of a grocery store. The flavors were underwhelming compared to those at several other Asian restaurants I’ve visited. Additionally, the wait times for food were quite long, and dishes arrived at random intervals.

The staff was friendly, and the food was amazing! I ordered the pickled bok choy fish fillet, and it turned out to be spicier than I expected, but still incredi... read more The staff was friendly, and the food was amazing! I ordered the pickled bok choy fish fillet, and it turned out to be spicier than I expected, but still incredibly tasty!