Photos by Jake Romoser
Laut is a quirky little Malaysian gem situated near Union Square with a mile-long menu and Thai influence.
Be forewarned, however, if you don't like close spaces or sitting practically on top of people dining at the table next to you then Laut is not the place for you.
We got pretty cozy with the table to our left and even swapped desserts. Maybe it was the Ginger Martini, or the mojito, or maybe they put the tables that close on purpose to get people talking and sharing food—either way, I laughed until my sides ached and my belly was full.
Be forewarned, however, if you don't like close spaces or sitting practically on top of people dining at the table next to you then Laut is not the place for you.
We got pretty cozy with the table to our left and even swapped desserts. Maybe it was the Ginger Martini, or the mojito, or maybe they put the tables that close on purpose to get people talking and sharing food—either way, I laughed until my sides ached and my belly was full.
For an appetizer, Jake ordered the Chicken Satay, a marinated and grilled chicken skewer doused in spicy peanut sauce. The peanut flavor really packed a punch, but I definitely preferred my starter instead.
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I ordered the Pork Roll. Would it be a sushi roll with pork stuffed inside? Would they present me with a small slab of pork and call it a day?
What came out of the kitchen was flavorful, beautifully presented and downright delicious. The croissant-like crust was flaky yet crisp, while the meat inside was warm and tender. Next time I'll order two. Yes, it was that good.
What came out of the kitchen was flavorful, beautifully presented and downright delicious. The croissant-like crust was flaky yet crisp, while the meat inside was warm and tender. Next time I'll order two. Yes, it was that good.
I'm not a big fan of curry sauces, but Jake's entree wasn't too overpowering and actually tasted yummy with the white rice. I'm not exactly sure what the black rice was—some kind of Thai delicacy I think—but I would rather eat my own toenails than try that again. It was bitter, hard and and looked too much like a small mound of black ants.
Laut redeemed itself with my Chili Crab, a mix of spicy chili crab, egg, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, sesame and peanut oil. I made a small steamed bun sandwich with my lightly fried crab and a dollop of sauce.
The whole dish was so flavorful—especially the sauce. I ended up using the extra steamed buns like a sponge to lap up the excess.
I'm not sure if I'd visit Laut again, but it was definitely an adventure trying different flavors and seasonings from across the globe.
The whole dish was so flavorful—especially the sauce. I ended up using the extra steamed buns like a sponge to lap up the excess.
I'm not sure if I'd visit Laut again, but it was definitely an adventure trying different flavors and seasonings from across the globe.