I remembered walking by Lamesa Filipino Kitchen at least 4 years ago, at the tail end of my last trip to Toronto. I promised myself, that I next time I visited, it will be on my list. Well, I’m finally here.
I’m not too familiar with Filipino food as I’ve only have it a handful of times. But I’m fascinated by all Asian food. This is an elevated version of Pinoy cuisine.
We started with the Lamesa salad. The crispy 5 spice tofu partnered very well with the freshness of the salad and the tangy dressing. Next up was the pancit molo. It is traditionally wontons in a chicken broth soup. This version had pan fried dumplings with ginger laced broth. It reminds me of the sauce that accompanies Cantonese style steamed fish.
The chicken adobe came with crispy chicken and roasted garlic in a soy vinegar sauce. It was quite tasty. The veg pinakbet is a Filipino vegetable stew. The crispy polenta added some texture. Both of us really enjoyed the garlic fried rice. I will have to try to make that one at home.
Good service, great food. Definitely a must try.
5 spice tofu, mango, zucchini, cucumber, curry pinipig, coconut vinagrette
pork and shrimp dumplings, poached egg, spring dashi, ginger scallion oil
CHICKEN ADOBO
seared marinated chicken thighs, soy vinegar jus, confit garlic, chimichurri
VEG PINAKBET
crispy polenta, cashew “cheese”, tomato, spring vegetable ragu
GARLIC FRIED RICE