Exclusive First Look: Franckelie Laloum unveils Lala, his first solo venture in Soho
French cuisine has long been revered for its elegance and precision, though at times burdened by its reputation for excess. Enter Lala, a new addition to Soho’s dining scene that takes the essence of French culinary tradition and reimagines it for modern tastes.
Set to open on February 8, Lala is the debut solo venture of chef Franckelie Laloum, formerly of Louise, and hospitality veteran Michael Larkin. The restaurant, named after the first letters of their surnames, aims to strip French dining of its sometimes stuffy reputation, offering something less grandiose but no less refined.
Michael Larkin and Franckelie Laloum of Lala
The menu revisits classic French dishes with a lighter touch, showcasing chef Laloum’s ability to honour tradition while adapting to contemporary preferences. Highlights include parsley garlic frog legs, sweetbread and langoustine vol-au-vent, and Angus beef tenderloin flambé with Kampot pepper sauce.
Each dish is a balance of technique and restraint, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. For seafood enthusiasts, the charcoaled grill turbot with hollandaise offers a subtle nod to the French coastline.
See also: The best croissants in Hong Kong, according to Tatler Hong Kong’s French editors
A classic French-style roast chicken
Sweetbread and langoustine vol-au-vent
Pastry chef Natalie Leung, who previously worked with Laloum at Louise, oversees the dessert programme. Her creations combine technical finesse with flavours designed to appeal broadly, ensuring the final course is as memorable as the first.
The bar, led by Pawel Mikusek, channels the glamour of classic cocktail culture with a menu centred on precision. Expect impeccably executed Martinis, old Fashioneds, and a selection of inventive cocktails.
A refreshing cocktail by Pawel Mikusek at Lala
Artist Elsa Jeandedieu adds a visual flourish to the space with a bespoke mural, creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere. The design, paired with Lala’s emphasis on warm hospitality, makes it equally suited to intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
Lala aims to give French dining a fresh new look in Hong Kong, making it less formal yet no less sophisticated. As Laloum puts it, “We’re not reinventing French cuisine - we’re celebrating it by creating a space where great food meets a relaxed vibe, making French dining more approachable, and perfect for every day, not just special occasions.” Reservations are now open. Watch this space for more from Lala.
LalaAddress: G/F, 29 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
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