The flavours of Armenia come to London with the opening of Lusin Mayfair

Armenian cuisine is as ancient as the history of Armenia. A combination of different tastes and aromas the cuisine is closely related to eastern European and Mediterranean cuisine, various spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits combine to present unique dishes. We were excited to visit the newly opened, Lusin Mayfair, to try the cuisine for the very first time!

Offering authentic Armenian cuisine influenced by the vibrant cultures of Eastern Europe and the Levant, Lusin, created by Mira Foods, is the first Armenian restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with outposts in the high-end venue “Centria” in Riyadh, Diyafa Plaza Riyadh, Teatro Jeddah, Al Shaikh Avenue Al Khobar, and now Mayfair London.

Lusin is an award-winning gastronomic concept born out of inspirational travels to Armenia and Lebanon. Hospitality entrepreneur and founder of Mira Foods, Dr Mazen Amulgbel is a pioneer in the Saudi Arabia restaurant scene, taking upscale dining outside of hotels which was unusual when he began his career.

Dr Mazen experienced Armenian and Lebanese cultures during his travels, finding the top food consultants from Lebanon, Armenia and Aleppo, Syria. The first “Lusin” opened on 14th February 2011 in Centria Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fresh ingredients, delicious unique dishes and fusion concept made it an instant success, bringing about expansion quickly with three other sites.

In Saudi Arabia, Lusin has notably hosted royals and government officials such as HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Abdul Rahman bin Musa'id Al Saud, HE Khalid Al Khalifa Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain, the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the United Nations Diplomat Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, and HRH Haifa Al Faisal Al Saud.

Located on Hay Hill Street, Lusin London is a 100-seater restaurant across two floors. The entrance showcases three outstanding pillars that have hand-made carvings resembling Armenian Khachkar, symbols and signs from the “Tree of Life” to the “Eternity” symbol. The interior has been designed by Arch. Maram Seddiq. The walls feature Armenian Tuff Stone which is originally sourced from the Armenian Mountains, in four colours: Pink, Artic Violet, Black, and Anti-Tobacco.

Lusin’s authentic Armenian dishes were created by Madam Anahid Doniguian, author of the Armenian Cookbook “Yepelou Arveste”. The London menu has been curated by 2 Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin with innovative dishes such as the Famous Cherry Kebab made from spiced kebab skewers, perfectly charcoaled, and then covered with the signature homemade cherry sauce. Sour Cherries are sourced from Armenia, after picking season around June-July of every year, and cooked adding sweetness to elaborate a distinctive mixture of sweet, sour, and salty flavours.

The Signature Lusin Kibbeh is singular for its Armenian Gastronomy. Prepared with a special recipe of mixed daily-fresh meat, Bulgur & nuts, seasoned with distinctive Armenian spices, and savoured with pomegranate molasses. This distinguished dish is produced by Lusin’s expert chefs in Armenian Cuisine.

The Lusin Salad is a Lusin creation made with shredded cheese topping a smoky-baked Aubergine, with vegetables and herbs coulis. The main ingredient is the cheese that originates from Armenian Tressed cheese. When this dish was created, they added fresh vegetables and herbs to prepare a delicious fresh starter. Spring vegetables are diced, and the salad is built with shredded cheese and finished with herbs pesto and fresh leaves.

Cocktails include fresh twists on classics and the drinks menu has been crafted by mixologist Giancarlo Mancino, official beverage and bar consultant for the Rosewood Hotels worldwide. Armenian wines are also available to try.

Lusin’s mission is to evoke a sense of beauty with this cuisine, through an inspired rich atmosphere, taking guests on a journey celebrating old traditions and introducing new tastes with their special recipes. We truly enjoyed our first taste of Armenian cuisine, from the attentive waitstaff to the flavourful, beautifully presented dishes we will definitely be returning to try more!

www.lusinrestaurant.com/mayfair

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