One of the most iconic Filipino street food is their assortment of ihaw-ihaw that you will find on every corner of the street, in markets, and has even found its way to buffet restaurants. This is exactly why Filipino restaurants here in the UAE, like La Mesa Restaurant at Satwa and at the Centurion branch in Dubai, serves Isaw, Barbecue, and other ihaw-ihaw favorites as Filipinos really crave and love the taste of the classic Pinoy grilled food.
From their initial opening in 2015, La Mesa has served thousands of Filipinos, satisfying their cravings who are searching for authentic Filipino cuisine. “We opened the store and really wanted to offer Filipino Food. We want budget friendly pero buffet na may pagkaing pilipino, presyong pangmasa at masusulit ung pagkain mo talaga,” said La Mesa Restaurant Manager Cherrylyn Celis.
Redefining the Pinoy Restaurant Ambiance
One of the most distinct experiences that diners can experience is the warmth of welcomes of the crew and even the cooks at La Mesa Restaurant. “We offer a different experience. We treat our guest as friends, family. Yung interaction namin iba talaga: Kung masarap yung pagkain pero kulang ung interaction sa customer, wala rin. Bumabalik kasi sila samin dahil sa exprience ay parang friends sila. Also when they dine, iba ung enviroinment and ambiance sa amin,” shares Celis.
Grilling Pinoy Ihaw-Ihaw Favourites
As you pop by near the vicinity of La Mesa Restaurant, you’ll be enticed by the very alluring aroma of grilled food. As you enter, you’ll see a variety of food ready to be served for very filling buffet. There are several selections of beef dishes, chicken, crab and other seafood, and of course – the ihaw-ihaw selections such as Isaw, Beef BBQ, Chicken BBQ, Shrimps and more.
Coupled with their signature toyo and suka sauce mixtures, you’ll find yourself eating more than 20 sticks in a single seating, and ready to eat a whole lot more! You’ll also see around 6-7 viands ready to be served as well as an assortment of Filipino desserts and drinks included in the buffet. For their buffet priced at Dh 45, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth!
If buffets aren’t your thing, La Mesa also has an assortment of Boodle Fight meals for couples, families, and friends to enjoy. With their seafood, meat, and vegetable selections, you’re sure to enjoy each bite. Their best sellers include their Streetfood, Seafood Boodle fight as well as their Inihaw na Bangus.
Celis furthers that Filipinos should definitely try the La Mesa Restaurant experience to get their money’s worth of food after a long tiring day at work: “At La Mesa Restaurant, worth it yung pagkain. Siympre nagtrabaho ka maghapon at buong lingo: Dito every fil counts! Di mo maffeeel ung ibang bansa, kasi yung ambiance and surroundings, para ka lang nasa Pilipinas. Napaka-friendly and accommodating ng staff and surely talagang ma-e-enjoy niyo ung experience. Tara na sa La Mesa!”
