Tastes of Discovery

It began from Portugal, including Madeira and Azores, with the spice routes of India and Thailand, where fragrant curries and bold flavours left their imprint. The journey continued across the Atlantic, where Brazil and Mozambique revealed a deep connection between Portuguese heritage and the cuisines of former colonies. From there, Ocean ventured north to the rugged shores of Canada, before reaching the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii, uncovering how migration shaped local flavours. Now, after five years of exploration through domestic and former territories and trading routes of Portugal, Ocean by Hans Neuner brings it all together in a singular expression: Tastes of Discovery—a menu that unites the most striking flavours, techniques, and inspirations gathered along the way.

For the past five years, Ocean’s kitchen has been in constant motion, tracing the footprints of Portuguese history across the globe and uncovering the flavours that have emerged from centuries of migration and cultural exchange, and each year Ocean’s menu has been an expedition.

Rather than a retrospective or a “best of,” this year’s menu, Tastes of Discovery, represents a living and ongoing developing expression of the past five years—a proposal that distils the most compelling experiences from Portugal, Mozambique, Canada, Thailand, Japan, India, Brazil, and Hawaïi.

Several dishes stand out for their remarkable execution and ability to transport diners through taste. The Codfish with Alentejo Citrus and Onion delivers a striking opening that immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead, while the Cornnout showcases balance and precision in its execution. The “2020” Crassostrea Angulata Oyster is a refined and elegant creation celebrating Portugal’s oyster heritage, and the Berlengas Skatefish captivates as one of the defining dishes of the evening, capturing the essence of Portuguese coastal flavours. One Night in Bangkok brings a vibrant, flavorful interpretation of Thai street food, adding a dynamic and playful contrast. On the sweeter side, the Azores Pineapple stands out as a bold dessert that reinvents a classic tropical flavour, while the Heart of Viana mesmerizes with both its taste and visual artistry, paying tribute to Portuguese craftsmanship and tradition.

The philosophy behind Tastes of Discovery is about understanding and respecting the essence of a place, capturing the nuances of its cuisine, and reinterpreting them with Ocean’s signature refinement. The menu features influences from:

• Portugal Madeira and Azores – A continuous thread that runs throughout, from codfish to citrus and oysters, including continental Portugal, Madeira and Azores islands.
• Mozambique – A nod to the deep historical and cultural ties between Portugal and its former territories.
• Canada & Hawaii – Featured in select courses, reflecting the migration of Portuguese flavours and to these regions.
• Thailand & Japan – Through old Portuguese trade routes dishes inspired by Bangkok’s lively street food and the comforting depth of Japanese soba.
• India & Brazil – Culinary influences that showcase the global connections of Portuguese gastronomy.

 “Tastes of Discovery is not about nostalgia or recreating past menus, it is about moving forward. Every journey we have taken, every dish we have crafted, has brought us to this point. This menu is about embracing the world, understanding its flavours, and telling stories through food,” he says.

“For us, travel is an endless source of inspiration, and this year’s menu reflects the excitement of discovery.”

This marks the final chapter in a series that has taken Ocean’s guests on a journey through time and place. From the spice trade to South America, over the bustling streets of Bangkok to the remote beauty of the Pacific, Hans Neuner’s five-year odyssey continues with a menu that celebrates not just where Portugal has been, but where it remains.