We’ve always been great fans of Lasa, and we were delighted when Conor and Elizabeth’s new Filipino Fusion restaurant recently opened its doors on the Upper Newtownards Road.
“Lasa” means “taste”, and there are plenty of authentically vibrant Filipino flavours to enjoy in the fabulous tasting menu, which changes every month. There’s also a Filipino inspired cocktail menu and carefully selected wine offerings.
We started with Pulutan, consisting of salty, spicy Lumpia Chips with vinegar dust (perfect as a snack to enjoy with our Rum and Lychee cocktails), and freshly baked Pandesal with an umami-rich Kare Kare whipped brown butter.
Next, Dynamite; a popular Filipino streetfood of green chilli spring rolls stuffed with Irish cheeses and served with Lasa dipping sauce.
We had opted for a meat-free menu, and the Pinakbet, a hearty Filipino vegetable stew, was topped with skewered caramelised corn, butternut squash, and greens.
Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish known for its spicy and creamy flavour, and the coconutty sauce was rich and savoury, complementing the meaty monkfish perfectly.
Often considered the unofficial national dish in the Philippines, the Adobo is a flavourful way to prepare meat, fish or veggies, which are first browned in oil, and then marinated and simmered in vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and garlic. Our vegetarian version was delicious; Oyster Mushrooms with pineapple, chimichurri, and shallot, served with crispy potatoes, and carrot and mooli tempura.
Finally, the Tamis Boodle, a Carioca Trio, were three saucy sweet treats, and were a delightful finish to the meal. Many thanks to Elizabeth, Rory, and Conor for a wonderful tasting experience.
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