Donia

A Filipino Fusion Misstep in London

If you are in search of a taste of the Philippines, Donia might catch your eye. Touted as a modern Filipino restaurant, this spot promises a culinary journey through the flavors of the archipelago.

Regrettably, my recent visit to Donia failed to evoke the anticipated connection with genuine Filipino cuisine, a truly authentic plate of adobo. Some positive reviews seem to come from individuals less familiar with Filipino cuisine, perhaps attempting to embrace a foodie persona without a genuine understanding of the flavors at play.

Ambiance:
Donia has the Instagram-worthy aesthetic nailed down, blending contemporary chic with a smattering of Filipino-inspired decor. It’s cozy and inviting, striking the right balance between trendy and comfortable. While the ambiance scores points, it’s what’s on the plate that matters most, and that’s where Donia starts to unravel.

Service:
While the service at Donia wasn’t particularly remarkable, it leaned towards a friendly demeanor. However, there was a sense that the friendliness may have felt a bit forced, lacking the genuine enthusiasm one would hope for in a dining experience.

Drinks:
The offerings were rather ordinary. It could be an enhancement if they introduced cocktails with a distinct Filipino flair.

Price:
Considering the location and stylish atmosphere, the prices are fair. However, the value proposition starts to waver when you realize you’re paying for an identity crisis on your plate.

Are you here for Filipino flavors, or are you unwittingly part of an international culinary experiment? The confusion extends beyond the menu.

What I Ordered:

Carlingford Oysters, Guava Granita

The granita had a great grainy texture, but the oysters lacked the desired freshness, they fell short of delivering a truly satisfying plumpness.

Adobo Mushroom Croquetas

While the menu sparked excitement by fusing classic Filipino adobo with a Spanish-inspired croqueta, it fell short in paying homage to authentic Filipino culinary traditions.

Despite this, the dish did offer a satisfying blend of crispiness and creaminess, and I appreciated the richness derived from the mushroom filling.

Prawn & Pork Dumplings, White Crab

Every bite revealed a harmonious blend of tender prawns, seasoned pork, and the delicate sweetness of white crab. However, the absence of Filipino identity raises questions. I came here for Filipino flavors, not a taste of French or a twist on Pelmeni.

Oh, this marks the first instance of a buttery sauce in the dishes.

*Lamb Shoulder Caldereta Pie

Undoubtedly delicious, this dish was a flavor explosion, hitting all the right notes with its rich, savory, and aromatic filling. The pie’s texture showcased culinary skill, with a golden, flaky pastry shell providing a satisfying crunch against the tender lamb within.

Yet, it raises the question: does this dish truly reflect Filipino cuisine? Also, notably, this marks the second appearance of a buttery sauce in the offerings.

Chicken Inasal

The dining experience left me perplexed. Why pair crispy grilled chicken with yet another buttery sauce (the third one, to be precise)? The choice of sauce felt questionable.

The chicken, well-seasoned on its own, seemed at odds with the addition of a rich, creamy sauce. It’s disappointing that the essence of authentic Filipino street food was not fully captured. While the chicken boasted a perfectly charred exterior and flavorful meat, the unexplained red toppings left me puzzled.

Conclusion:

Donia falls short of delivering the authentic Filipino dining experience it promises. The misguided attempt at culinary fusion leaves diners yearning for the genuine tastes of the Philippines. If you’re after the real deal, it might be worth exploring other options that stay true to the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. Donia, unfortunately, left us wanting more – and not in a good way.

Having visited Ramo Ramen, which shares an owner with the Mamasons team, it’s evident that their success lies primarily in their desserts.

Reservation available : https://www.doniarestaurant.com/reservations