We're spoilt for food choices in Southampton but one place that has been on my list to try for the longest time was Lakaz Maman. I walked past it daily when I worked in Bedford Place, always mentioning to Arran that we really must give it a try but we just never quite got round to it and now I'm kicking myself because we didn't try it sooner. Lakaz Maman, meaning Mum's House in Mauritian Creole was opened by Shelina Permalloo who won Masterchef in 2012 and we finally visited last week as Southampton Bloggers held their latest Bloggers Brunch there and it did not disappoint.
Shelina won BBC's Masterchef in 2012 after wowing the judges John & Gregg with her tropical take on gourmet cuisine and after trying the menu at Lakaz Maman, I can totally see why. I'm currently hunting down all the old episodes to watch. As well as the restaurant, Shelina has also written two cookery books, Sunshine on a Place and The Sunshine Diet, both of which I bought the morning of the brunch. Whether they'll make me into a culinary genius, I don't know but I'm gonna give it a go.
Lakaz Maman was opened by Shelina Permalloo and her husband in 2016, they took a rundown greasy chicken shop and turned it into a tropical paradise. Having been in the chicken shop that was once there (don't judge), the change is unbelievable and the interior is absolutely beautiful. It's bright, colourful and the minute you step inside you're transported to the streets of Mauritius full of good food and a vibrant atmosphere. It really is Mum's House and it's somewhere I feel I could spend hours in with great friends.
After Shelina introduced herself, the idea behind the restaurant and spoke about the menu we were eager to try the food. We had drinks laid out on the table to help ourselves to which were delicious and like nothing I've ever tried. The Alooda was a sweet concoction of vanilla, coconut milk and basil seeds while the Panakon was a refreshing mix of lemon and tamarind. I also ordered a latte which this coffee addict loved because Joshua doesn't like sleep at the moment.
The breakfast menu has something for everyone and it was so hard to choose plus it's all priced at £6.95 which is a great price for what is on offer. The Cinnamon Toast with Coconut & Tropical fruits was a hit with all but I eventually settled on The Breakfast Torpedo which was turkey bacon, chicken sausages, Mauritian salsa, breakfast muffin and a fried egg and OMG, it was delish! The Mauritian salsa really made it for me and I won't lie, I've been thinking about it a lot since last Sunday and I'm dying to head back.
Brunch was filled full of excited chatter, blog talk and of course, fantastic food. It was a really fab morning and it was great seeing so many smiles, the blogging community can be pretty special. After we had all eaten as much as we could, plates were cleared and we settled down for a Q&A with Shelina. From Masterchef to food and family to what's next, there was plenty to find out and it rounded up a perfect morning.
After we grabbed the last few shots for the 'gram and Shelina's cook books so we could create some Mauritian magic in our own kitchens we were each given a goody bag with homemade granola, delicious curry powder and her own sauce, all of which is made in house. I had such an enjoyable morning that Arran and I are making Lakaz Maman the place for our next baby free date night.
If you're in Southampton then make Lakaz Maman your next location for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Complimentary meal as part of a Southampton Bloggers event - see disclaimer.