When I first heard about Lazy Suzy, I was intrigued by its take on modern East Asian cuisine.
Located at The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, the restaurant offers a modern take on East Asian cuisine, drawing inspiration from Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean culinary traditions.
Behind the menu is Chef Patrick Go, the chef behind the Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Your Local. His creative approach to Asian fusion cuisine is reflected throughout the menu, where familiar East Asian flavors are reimagined with modern techniques and unexpected combinations.
The moment we stepped inside, I immediately noticed how warm and inviting the space felt. The interiors have a contemporary East Asian feel, with warm wood finishes, soft lighting, and clean lines instead of the more traditional East Asian-inspired décor you might expect.
Starting with the small plates
The menu is divided into Small Plates, Sharing Plates, Noodles, Rice, and Desserts, making it easy to decide whether you’re dining solo or sharing dishes with the table.
We started with two appetizers: the Burnt Nori Caesar Salad and No Fold Xiao Long Bao.
Caesar salad is usually my go-to salad order whenever it’s on a menu, so I’ve had my fair share over the years. Lazy Suzy’s version immediately stood out. Generous shavings of Parmesan and crunchy croutons gave the salad plenty of texture. The burnt nori dressing was creamy and savory, giving the classic Caesar a unique twist that made it memorable.
The No Fold Xiao Long Bao delivered a mild kick of spice that was balanced by tangy and savory notes. While I usually shy away from spicy food, the flavors remained well-balanced enough to keep me coming back for another bite.
Hearty mains worth ordering
For our mains, we ordered the Beef Char Siu, Night Market Fried Chicken, and Fly Rice.
The Beef Char Siu’s Angus brisket was incredibly tender, and I loved how the caramelized glaze added just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the smoky flavor. The fermented vegetables also helped balance the richness, so the dish never felt too heavy.
Those who prefer chicken shouldn’t miss the Night Market Fried Chicken. Crispy and golden, each piece was coated in a rich peanut sauce that brought a savory-sweet depth without feeling too heavy. A subtle hint of ginger lingered at the end, adding warmth and fragrance that kept the rich peanut sauce from becoming overwhelming.
Of everything we ordered, this was probably my favorite.
The Fly Rice was unlike any fried rice I’ve tried before. Prepared with caramelized Maling, smoked soy, leeks, charred greens, egg, and Japanese rice, it had a slightly sticky texture, unlike the drier fried rice most diners expect.
The sweet, smoky flavors lingered with every bite, making it hearty enough to enjoy on its own while still pairing perfectly with the restaurant’s mains.
A meal that doesn’t try too hard
What I appreciated most was that none of the dishes felt like they were trying too hard to be different. The familiar flavors were still there — they just came with thoughtful twists that made the meal memorable.
I’d happily come back to try more dishes, and if you’re looking for a fresh take on East Asian cuisine, Lazy Suzy is definitely worth adding to your list.
Find them here:
Lazy Suzy
L6, Podium Social, The Podium
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
