TWENTY THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT LASAN
Much loved Indian restaurant Lasan is celebrating two decades of exquisite cuisine and rich dining culture that is unmistakably all the things we love about India.
Here are 20 Things you didn’t know about Lasan:
20/20 Vision
In the 20 years since its launch, Lasan has been captivating the hearts of discerning foodies and celebs alike with its exquisite Indian cuisine, scooping over 20 prestigious awards throughout this magical journey. Industry and media recognition is wonderful, although our most important reward and measure of success has been the love and loyalty we’ve received from our delighted guests. Our sincerest gratitude to all of you… you kept us true to our vision, true to you, true to India.
10 Most Wanted
Lasan achieved top 10 status in the Independent’s UK Best Indian Restaurants list within the first 10 months of opening. Guilty on all three counts, m’lud – great food, service and ambience.
Birmingham Bites
At the beginning of the foodie revolution in the UK, Lasan was chosen by Birmingham Bites to represent the city as a food hero, with the aim of promoting Birmingham as a world-class culinary destination. Our subsequent amazing food scene is now globally recognised and envied... job done.
How d’ya like them Big Apples!
Lasan was cited by the prestigious New York Times newspaper as one of the main reasons to visit Birmingham… they thought we were so good they named us twice. It was a thrill and an honour to wake up to find we were king of the hill, top of the heap. Thank you for the recognition, New York... and if we can make it there, we’ll make it anywhere!
Full House
Lasan is the only Indian restaurant to scoop the British Curry Award five times in a row. Such is its prestige it has been dubbed the ‘Curry Oscars’, and the ceremonies are indeed star-studded occasions attended by famous celebrities, with whom it was a delight to rub shoulders.
The Famous Five
Since 2002 Lasan has spotted, developed and produced 5 award-winning chefs. Our eye for talent, along with nurturing and mentoring has combined to unlock their star potential and help them to reach the very top. Of course, our customers have been the real winners over the years, getting to sample their delectable creations.
Race to the top
Believe it or not, Taste of Birmingham held an egg and spoon race between top chefs. A bit of fun, you might say… hmm… at Lasan, we just can’t help taking anything food-related seriously. This called for eggstreme measures - we hatched a plan, scrambled the team and whisked them to the start line. Suffice to say, we fried the competition and finished sunny side up.
F Word
Lasan won Gordon Ramsay’s ‘Best Local Restaurant in the UK’ Award on Channel 4’s The F Word. The competition, which received 10,000 entries and spanned 9 cuisine categories involved multiple televised challenges, resulting in a restaurant being eliminated after each round. We were eventually crowned winners after a gruelling few weeks, and Gordon dropped so many F-Bombs on our competitors they went into shell shock!
Great British Menu
As a reward for winning the BBC’s Great British Menu, Lasan’s chef was given the honour of creating and cooking the fish course for the ‘People’s Banquet’. We were super happy that the format this year was banquet style, as Indian food is best enjoyed this way.
Doin’ it for the Kids
Fighting off competition from a Michelin-starred restaurant, Lasan was voted ‘Young Critics Choice’ when tasked to create dishes to encourage children to eat well. The competition was judged by the kids, who made us the hands-down winner – and kids don’t lie! This spawned a cookbook full of quick, tasty recipes for home-style Indian dishes, and the proceeds of all sales went to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Cookbook to Kickback Diabetes
As part of a campaign spearheaded by Warwick University, Lasan was selected to create the ‘Healthy Indian Cookbook’ full of tasty recipes to combat issues with Diabetes, especially in the South Asian community. The success of this initiative led to a Men’s Health Magazine ‘Healthiest Restaurant Award’
By Royal Invitation
In recognition of its outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry, Lasan was invited to attend a royal reception at Buckingham Palace. Thank you for the royal seal of approval, your Majesty – we’ve been sweating ever since we got the call!
True to India
Talk about coming full circle - Lasan received the highest level of validation when the Times of India published one of our dishes.
No, Prime Minister
Lasan was invited to a special reception at 10 Downing Street in recognition of its services to the hospitality industry. The party DID take place, and the cake was exceedingly good… although the PM strenuously denied any parties took place!
Lasan has The X Factor
After dining at Lasan, pop superstar and X Factor judge Gary Barlow hit his golden buzzer and exclaimed “OMG, what is this? No food I’ve ever tasted has been this good!”
We’ll Take That Incredible compliment, Gary, and Pray you’ll come back for good next time!
Director’s Choice
Maverick Hollywood film maker Tim Burton swapped his director’s chair for a sumptuous seat at Lasan. Given Tim’s penchant for making food-related flicks, perhaps there’s hope for ‘Lasan – The Movie’ starring Johnny Depp as a man… caught up in a race against time… accused of a crime he didn’t commit… embroiled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game… on a mission to clear his name, etc. by creating an exquisite, authentic Indian menu. Then again, maybe not – the menu thing’s been done, and the rest would be too unbelievable… wouldn’t it?
0121 Kenobi
Gordon Ramsay was so taken with Lasan founder Jabbar Khan’s first name that he proposed a Star Wars-themed culinary collaboration, provided it was called ‘Jabbar’s Hut’. Jabbar was Luke warm on the idea and opted to stay Solo, as Klatooine Paddy Frogs are a little Chewi & probably wouldn’t have gone down too well on Earth…
Top Gear
“Always a pleasure” & “The best Indian in England” are just a couple of compliments bestowed on Lasan by Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May & Richard Hammond. Lasan was the team’s go-to Birmingham restaurant and we have many fond memories of their visits over the years.
I’m a Celebrity – Get Me in Here!
The dynamic duo Ant & Dec regularly ditch the Saturday Night Takeaway to dine in style at Lasan. “What an amazing dinner – our favourite Birmingham restaurant” they wrote. Given your record-breaking National Television Awards, we think you’ve earned these treats, guys!
From Bublé with Love
The food at Lasan certainly hit the right notes and got the tonsils tapping of smooth, dapper Canadian crooner Michael Bublé when he dined with us during his world tour. “What an absolute pleasure!” he exclaimed. The pleasure was all ours, Michael – and now we’re acquainted, you won’t need to sing ‘I just haven’t met you yet.’
For an authentic taste of India pop down to Lasan, 3 - 4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, St Paul's Square, Birmingham B3 1SD
Author: Dine Hub Team
