DAO Aarau

Dao in Aarau brings a fresh, modern approach to Asian cuisine right in the heart of the city at Bahnhofplatz 3C. Steps from the main train station, it’s a go-to spot for travelers and locals alike who crave authentic Chinese dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is part of the DAO Restaurants group, with additional locations in Luzern and Rapperswil, reflecting a consistent standard of quality and service across Switzerland. Open daily from 11:00 to 22:00, Dao makes it easy to enjoy a leisurely dine-in meal, a quick takeaway, or convenient delivery straight to your door. The bright, open interior, enriched by floor-to-ceiling windows, creates an inviting yet energetic atmosphere that suits both casual lunches and evening dinners.

From the first sip of a steaming Szechuan soup to the last bite of their famed crispy duck, every dish at Dao is prepared with attention to detail and fresh ingredients. The menu blends traditional recipes with a touch of innovation, satisfying purists and adventurous eaters. With a price point of 20–30 CHF per person, the experience offers great value for the quality. Whether you are a solo diner stopping between trains, a couple on a date night, or a group celebrating a special occasion, the team ensures your visit is memorable.

An Asian Eatery with a Contemporary Edge

Dao defines itself as an Asian eatery, and that label captures the spirit of the place perfectly. While the foundation is deeply rooted in Chinese classics—think wok-fried noodles, dim sum, and rich, slow-cooked broths—the menu also winks at broader Asian influences. The kitchen uses high-quality produce to build layers of flavor, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and umami in every plate. The result is a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting, never stuffy or overly formal.

The restaurant's design mirrors this philosophy. Clean lines, warm wood tones, and subtle industrial accents create a space that feels current and comfortable. The open kitchen concept at some locations adds a dash of theater, letting diners watch the chefs work their magic. Service is efficient and friendly, in tune with the fast rhythm of a station-side restaurant but never rushed. It’s a place where you can linger over a pot of jasmine tea or be in and out in 45 minutes with a satisfying meal—the choice is entirely yours.

Menu Highlights: From Crispy Duck to Szechuan Specialties

The menu at Dao Aarau is a carefully curated journey through classic and modern Chinese cooking. Starters include golden-fried spring rolls, delicate dumplings, and aromatic soups that awaken the appetite. The Szechuan soup, often mentioned by regulars, delivers a warming, peppery kick that’s perfect for chilly Swiss days. For mains, the kitchen truly shines with its poultry and seafood preparations.

Signature Dishes:

• Cantonese-style crispy duck – a house favorite, served with aromatic spices and often paired with fried rice or pancakes.
• Szechuan beef – tender slices of beef wok-tossed with vibrant chilies and Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing, spicy sensation.
• Kung Pao chicken – a beloved classic balancing roasted peanuts, dried chilies, and succulent chicken in a savory-sweet soy glaze.
• Sweet and sour specialties – a lighter, tangier take on deep-fried proteins that bursts with pineapple and bell pepper.
• Hand-pulled noodle soups – rich broths loaded with vegetables, tofu, shrimp, or sliced meat.

Vegetarian diners have plenty to celebrate as well. The menu includes mapo tofu, vegetable stir-fries, and noodle dishes that showcase the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh produce. All items are available for dine-in, takeaway, and online ordering with delivery, giving customers maximum flexibility. The online menu (PDF) is regularly updated to include seasonal specials, so there’s always something new to try.

Dining Options and Accessibility

Dao understands that modern life demands options. The restaurant offers three distinct ways to enjoy its menu: dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. The dine-in setup is spacious and well-suited for groups, with tables that can be rearranged for larger parties. Because it sits right inside the Aarau train station complex, accessibility is outstanding. It’s a natural choice for pre- or post-travel meals, offering a calm refuge from the bustling platforms just outside.

The takeaway counter is designed for speed and convenience, with a dedicated area where you can pick up packed orders without disturbing seated guests. For those who prefer eating at home or in the office, the delivery service covers the broader Aarau area through popular local platforms. Online ordering is integrated on the official website, making it simple to customize your order and schedule a pickup or drop-off time. The restaurant also accepts reservations, ensuring a hassle-free experience during peak hours.

Serving the Community: More Than a Train Station Restaurant

Being located at Bahnhofplatz 3C gives Dao a unique position in Aarau’s culinary landscape. It’s not just a transit stop; it has become a neighborhood fixture. Nearby offices, shops, and cultural venues mean a steady flow of regulars who treat Dao as their weekday canteen. The pricing is fair for the quality delivered, and portion sizes are generous, a detail that families and students especially appreciate.

The restaurant maintains a 4.2-star rating from over 200 reviews, an impressive score that reflects consistent execution and word-of-mouth appeal. Comments frequently highlight the exceptional crispiness of the duck, the efficiency of the service, and the cleanliness of the facilities. While some reviewers note that the station-adjacent setting can feel a bit open, most agree that the quality of the food more than compensates. The team actively monitors feedback and makes adjustments, demonstrating a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction.

Part of the Dao Family: Luzern, Rapperswil, and Beyond

Dao Aarau is one of three current locations under the Dao Restaurants umbrella. The sister restaurant in Luzern, on Robert Zünd Strasse, operates with extended late-night hours (until 22:30, and 23:00 on Friday and Saturday) and features a takeaway and Asian food concept. The Rapperswil location, directly at the train station, mirrors Aarau’s model but adds its own neighborhood charm. Despite their geographical spread, all three share the same DNA: high-quality Asian cuisine, fair pricing, and a welcoming atmosphere. The website daodao.ch serves as a central hub where guests can browse menus, view galleries, and book tables for any location. Email inquiries go to info@daodao.ch, and the team responds promptly. This multi-city presence gives Dao a degree of recognition and trust, showing that the brand is built on solid operational foundations, not a single-hit wonder.

Practical Information and Visitor Tips

Hours: Open daily, 11:00–22:00. These hours make it ideal for a late lunch, early dinner, or a casual bite anytime in between. No mid-day closures mean you can drop in without worrying about a kitchen break.

Location & Directions: Bahnhofplatz 3C, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland. The restaurant is inside the Aarau railway station complex. If you arrive by train, follow signs to the Bahnhofplatz exit; the restaurant is just steps from the platforms. If you arrive by car, there are nearby parking garages at the station and in the city center.

Contact & Reservations: Phone +41 62 773 37 77. For bookings, use the "Book a Table" link on the website or call directly. For general inquiries, info@daodao.ch is the quickest digital channel.

What to Order on a First Visit

• Start with Szechuan soup for a gentle, warming heat.
• Share a half or whole Cantonese crispy duck with steamed rice.
• Pair it with stir-fried seasonal vegetables.
• Finish with a pot of fragrant jasmine or oolong tea.

Children are welcome, and the staff is happy to recommend milder options for younger palates. While there is no dedicated kids’ menu, many dishes can be adjusted in spice level upon request. Payment is accepted via cash, common Swiss debit cards, and major credit cards. Whether you are a train commuter looking for a quick, satisfying meal or a food lover exploring Aarau’s dining scene, Dao provides a reliable, flavorful, and thoroughly modern Asian dining experience that punches well above its station-side weight.