Must-Try Dining Spot in Podium: Lazy Suzy

Last year, The Podium opened a new wing called The Podium Social. In this wing, you can find a row of curated restaurants with different offerings and vibes where you can dine and hang out. And because it is located on the 6th floor of The Podium Mall, it almost feels like a hideaway. 

I went there with a friend to try a restaurant called Lazy Suzy. It's founded by Chef Patrick Go of Your Local, and its cuisine is East Asian—a blend of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Filipino flavors. 

I'm not someone who's particularly adventurous with food, so I was hesitant to try Lazy Suzy, especially after reading about its cuisine. But at my friend's urging, I went in with cautious expectations.

I went there with a friend for brunch. We reserved a table to be sure we'd have a spot once we arrived. When we arrived, there was only one couple dining at a nearby table. The restaurant filled up pretty quickly, though. 

Lazy Suzy: Contemporary East Asian Aesthetic 

Lazy Suzy embraces a contemporary East Asian aesthetic. The interiors combine warm natural materials and moody lighting to create a space that feels both refined and inviting. Instead of traditional Oriental décor, the restaurant takes a more modern approach—letting texture, lighting, and craftsmanship define the atmosphere. 

What We Ordered

We ordered appetizers for starters: Burnt Nori Caesar Salad and No Fold Xiao Long Bao.  

 Burnt Nori Caesar Salad and No Fold Xiao Long Bao

As Caesar salad is usually my go-to salad whenever I order one from a restaurant, I've tasted quite a few. Lazy Suzy's take on Caesar salad is quite different from the ones I'm used to. The first thing I noticed is that the salad is topped with plenty of parmesan cheese and croutons. The burnt nori Caesar dressing is what made this unique and stand out. It's creamy and savory, and the lettuce was fresh and crisp.  

Burnt nori Caesar salad that's rich in parmesan cheese, croutons, and fresh and crispy lettuce 

Lazy Suzy also gave the usual xiao long bao a different take with its no-fold xiao long bao. It looks like soup to me. When I tasted it, I immediately tasted the spiciness. It's mild but I am not a fan of spicy foods. But probably because this is also tangy and savory, I enjoyed this.  

For our mains, we ordered beef char siu, night market fried chicken, and fly rice 

 

Lazy Suzy beef char siu, night market fried chicken, and fly rice 

The beef char siu is also a must-try. It's made with slow-cooked, grilled Angus brisket that's tender, juicy, and rich in smoky flavor. The caramelized glaze added just the right sweetness, while the fermented vegetables balanced the richness. 

For those who like chicken better, the night market fried chicken is also not to be missed. Crispy, golden-fried chicken was coated in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce that added a savory-sweet depth without overwhelming the dish. A subtle hint of ginger came through at the end, giving each bite a warm, fragrant finish that kept the flavors balanced. 

Lastly, the Fly Rice is unlike your usual fried rice. Made with caramelized maling, smoked soy, leeks, charred greens, egg, and Japanese rice, it has a slightly sticky texture with a sweet, smoky flavor that makes it stand out. 

Overall Verdict 

My friend and I had a wonderful brunch at Lazy Suzy. Every dish we ordered delivered. The menu offers familiar flavors with creative twists, making the meal feel both comforting and memorable.

It's definitely on the pricier side—we spent around Php3,000 for two people—but the quality of the food made it feel worthwhile. It's the kind of place I'd happily return to when I'm in the mood to treat myself to a really good meal. 

P.S. If you're looking for comfort food that won't break the bank, check out Pizzetta in Poblacion, Makati City.