Tacos, Tequila and Under-the-Radar Mexico with Michelin-Starred Chef Santiago Lastra

The Upgrade by SUITCASE Magazine

This episode is proudly sponsored by away. Follow @away on Instagram, Twitter & TikTok. Or to browse the full line-up and find your ideal travel companion, visit their website at awaytravel.com or IRL at their London store, located in vibey Seven Dials.

Nicknamed the “nomadic chef,” Santiago Lastra has cooked the learnings of his international travels into the Michelin-star kitchen of his Mexican-British fusion restaurant, KOL. Taking inspiration from kitchens in the 27 countries he’s worked in, Lastra has presented London with new ways to use local ingredients, grounded in the flavours and techniques of Mexico, his home country. Listen in as the pioneer culinarian details his journey to not only success, but a sense of purpose.

On the heels of three family deaths, the then 15-year-old Santiago Lastra found solace in cooking for his mother and brother. Watching from the kitchen, the young chef witnessed the power of quality food to brighten the darkest of moments and has chased that feeling ever since.

After bouncing around the world, Lastra settled on London to open KOL, the first Mexican restaurant in the UK to have a Michelin star –– and within the first year of opening nonetheless.

The once solo-mission has now granted him with a new, and thriving, community in a city where he’s most definitely made his mark. Plus, Lastra gives insider tips on exploring Mexico City, the origin place of his culinary career.

This episode was recorded at Soho Works, the members-only co-working space from Soho House with locations in Los Angeles, London and New York. Visit sohoworks.com.

Keep up with our hosts’ travels and follow Fleur Rollet-Manus on @fleur_rm and Amira Hashish on @thedesigneditor.