Looking to celebrate my partner Josh's birthday, I recently visited Lasun Indian Cuisine. Situated on Dean Road, Lasun really is a hidden gem within South Shields' extensive Indian food offering. Proudly serving its loyal customers since 2010, it is easy to see why diners regularly return to Lasun for its impeccable service, delicious food and lively ambience.
Upon arrival, we were instantly impressed by the venue’s atmosphere. Lasun boasts luxury and comfort in abundance, with plush velvet seating, ambient lighting and ornate gold furnishings combining to make an opulent space. The restaurant, however, maintains a family-friendly, cosy feel and was notably full of diners on a weekday evening.
Lasun offers the finest Indian cuisine, with an extensive menu of both classic favourites and creative dishes. Head Chef, Tazul Islam, boasts 20 years’ culinary experience and offers immense attention to detail, having spent years perfecting his unique spice combinations and flavours. The venue also remains affordable, offering a Sunday-Friday special menu of a starter, main course, rice dish and dessert for only £15.95pp.
The restaurant clearly prides itself on offering outstanding customer service. All staff were friendly and welcoming and were on hand to accommodate any needs or special requests. After a warm welcome, we enjoyed a tasty bottle of rosé and some homemade poppadoms and house pickles, whilst we waited in anticipation for our starters.
To start, we sampled the delectable platter for two. Served on a sizzling plate, the dish comprised a mix of chicken, lamb and king prawn tikka, as well as onion bhaji, nestled on a bed of mixed vegetables. The platter also included a tangy lamb-tikka kebab wrapped in a scrumptious omelette wrap. With both artful presentation and mouthwatering flavours, the dish demonstrated the high standard of cooking Lasun is really capable of.
Following up, the restaurant provides a plethora of choice. Customers can delight in a range of classic favourites, such as Roghan Josh, Jalfrezi and Dupiaza, in addition to a host of innovative meat and seafood specialities, many served straight from the tandoor clay oven.
On this occasion, Josh devoured the delicious Chicken Tikka Bhuna, a thick, medium-base dish spiced with tomato, chopped onions, garlic and fresh coriander.
Meanwhile, I tasted the Aloo Gosht, a unique dish made up of tender lamb chunks, baby potatoes and fresh green chilli. Both mains were absolutely exquisite and were mopped up nicely by a generous helping of fluffy pilau rice and peshwari naan.
Despite feeling replete, we finished off proceedings with some tasty ice cream, coffees and liqueurs, which rounded off a thoroughly pleasant evening spent at Lasun.
All in all, Lasun Indian Cuisine offers exceptional service and flavoursome food from its easily-accessible location in South Shields. The restaurant also caters for various events, such as work functions and family gatherings, whilst remaining a popular destination for takeaway lovers too. It seems that Lasun really does offer it all.
Lasun Indian Cuisine can be found at 50 Dean Road, South Shields, NE33 4DZ. For more information, visit their website www.lasun.co.uk, or call 0191 454 5111.