5 for 5: Persona Mesa Celebrates Five Years with Five Southeast Asian Dishes

Five years after it tickled the palate of picky Boholano diners and touristsalike with its innovative take on modern Filipino & Asian cuisine, Persona Mesa has expanded its menu. 

Marjoe Yamada

Quietly and sans the fanfare, Persona Mesa, the upscale restaurant that reigns supreme along J. A. Clarin St. this city launched its Southeast Asian cuisine with signature dishes from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Southeast Asian cuisine is famous around the world. Its mélange of delectable dishes is synonymous with intoxicating aroma, fiery spices and the soothing flavors of its cuisine. 

To capture the authentic flavors, taste and texture of these dishes, Marjoe Yamada, the stylish & sassy lady behind the upscale resto went on a month- long series of culinary classes. The gastronomic adventure that took her to exotic locales and the back streets of Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam was an enriching experience that had her cradling an armful of completion certificates from the culinary classes she attended.

Here are the first five signature dishes that you MUST check out at Persona Mesa; 

Nasi Goreng

NASI GORENG Indonesia’s delectable rice dish with chicken, prawns & shredded omelet is the ultimate for spicy food lovers 

Pad Thai

PAD THAI, Thailand’s signature stir fried rice noodles with eggs, bean sprouts & tofu in a sauce of tamarind, fish, dried shrimp, red chili pepper, a pinch of sugar, a hint of crushed peanuts and a dash of lemon. Indeed, a delicate balance of sweet, salty, sour & spicy dish. 

Pho

PHO, Vietnam’s popular noodle soup is served in restos around the world. It consists of the perfect noodles, tender slices of beef, crunchy and spicy garnishes and broth for one hot sweaty heavenly treat. The key is in the broth that consists of simmered beef bones, onions, ginger & fish sauce. Mixed together, it’s perfection. 

Curry Laksa

From Malaysia, we have CURRY LAKSA, a slightly creamy noodle dish that is a cacophony of flavors is infused with coconut milk, the spiciness of chili and the fragrance of spices. 

Pork Binagoongan

And from the Philippines, we have PORK BINAGOONGAN, a best- selling dish in Persona Mesa, it is pork belly sautéed in shrimp paste. Scrumptious delight when served with eggplant and steaming hot fried rice.

After all these years, Marjoe Yamada has single- handedly stirred all the ingredients that made Trip Advisor consistenly rate Persona Mesa as one of Bohol’s best restaurants. Of course, with the backing of her Head Cook Aljon Solijon and her dependable & well- trained service crew. 

Head Cook Aljon Solijon

So what are you waiting for? Persona Mesa is open daily except Tuesdays, 11 am- 2 pm and 5.30 pm- 10 pm