Former Nobu man takes helm at new Shoreditch pan-Asian restaurant

Funky Asia will open on 3 September on the former site of Pakistani restaurant Lahori Masala on Commercial Street in Shoreditch, serving a modern pan-Asian menu using traditional oriental ingredients.

Led by Ginger Zerbetto, who worked at Nobu restaurants in London, New York, Tokyo and Milan before managing Cocochan and Cay Tre Soho in London, Funky Asia will focus on ‘casual dining… quality food and service without over lightening the pocket’.

Executive chef Danh Huu Bui, who has previously worked at Nobu and Roka in London, has created a menu featuring what he deems are the most popular oriental dishes.

Sympathetic of religious restrictions and food intolerances, the menu features dishes such as Chinese Salt and Chilli Squid, Vietnamese Papaya Salad, Thai Spicy Baby Chicken and Lamb Racks Korean Style.

The restaurant’s design has incorporated historical references with an urban, contemporary feel. Seating is spread over two levels – the basement and the first floor, while a bar dominates the ground floor.

Lahori Masala closed this summer after around 18 month’s operation in Shoreditch.