How much do you really know about the world’s favorite pasta dish?
Lasagna - it’s everybody's favorite Italian comfort food! This iconic pasta dish features in restaurants and homes across the world.
And if you’re anything like us, you’ll know the best lasagnas are those made from scratch using only the best quality and freshest ingredients - fresh pasta sheets layered with rich beef ragu, tomato sauce, cheesy Béchamel and topped with mozzarella - delizioso!
That’s why our homemade Beef Lasagna at Ra-Ft Cafe has become one of most popular dishes from our menu - and one of the best and most authentic you’ll find in Kuala Lumpur.
But how much do you really know about this world-famous pasta dish?
To celebrate World Lasagna Day this Friday 29th July 2022, we thought we would share some fun facts and little-known secrets about everyone's favorite Italian classic...
Naples, Italy - the birthplace of Lasagne
What Does Lasagna Mean?
The word ‘Lasagna’ can be traced all the way back to the Ancient Greeks - deriving from the word “laganon” - a reference to flat sheets of pasta dough cut into thin strips. Now, we have done our research and can confirm that this type of pasta is not the same as we know it today - as it was missing key Italian ingredients such as tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Enter the Ancient Romans. Like most great things in life, it was the Italians who elevated this historic pasta recipe to be closer to the dish we know and love today - naming it “lasanum” - which is Latin for container or pot. Italians used this word to refer to the pot that a pasta dish was served in.
It was then the folks in Naples during the Middle Ages who began adding fresh tomatoes in between layers of pasta sheets - as well as other ingredients such as local sausage, fried meatballs, eggs, mozzarella, ricotta - and the all important Neapolitan Ragu. This was when the traditional “Lasagna al Forno” dish was born.
Ra-Ft’s Veggie "Lasagna" - our twist on the Lasagna alla Norma
Are there different types of Lasagne?
The history of lasagne wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the different variations found across the various regions of Italy. As the dish grew in popularity, the folks across Italy began tweaking the recipe over time using the ingredients which were specific to each region. Some examples include:
Lasagna alla Bolognese al Forno - hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, this version features green lasagna sheets made from spinach, as well as a mix of meats in the ragu - such as beef, veal or pork.
Lasagna alla Norma - a Sicilian speciality and a favorite amongst vegetarians due to its layers of eggplant and ricotta. It’s so good the we decided to feature a version of this in our cafes - our Veggie “Lasagna” (see photo above)
Taleggio Lasagna - created in Treviso, in the Veneto region this version features local Taleggio cheese, radicchio, shallots and mushrooms.
Lasagna alla Genovese - from Genoa in North Italy, this version swaps out the ragu for a fresh basil pesto Genovese sauce instead.
Lasagna alla Napoletana - a special decadent version of the Neoplitan classic from Naples itself - cooked mostly for Carnevale (a holiday festival before Lent) - containing delicious meatballs
Is it “Lasagna” or “Lasagne”?
Did you know “Lasagne” is actually the plural for one sheet of lasagna pasta. However referencing “Lasagne” or “Lasagna” depends on whether you’re in the northern or southern regions of Italy. The singular form “Lasagna” is mostly used in America, and the British are more known to use the singular version “Lasagne” - which is why you will see different spellings across the world.
Fresh Lasagna Sheets - available to purchase from our online store
What’s the secret to making the best Lasagne at home?
At Ra-Ft we insist on using fresh lasagna sheets in our recipe - using doppio zero (or ’00’) durum wheat flour and fresh kampung eggs to make our pasta dough.
We also believe the secret to a great lasagne is mixing layers of slow-cooked beef ragu alongside separate layers of homemade tomato marinara sauce.
Did you know that you can pre-order our fresh lasagna sheets and marinara sauce to make your own lasagne at home?
Don’t have time to make your own lasagna?
No problema! Our ready-made lasagna is also available to pre-order for pick-up or home delivery. Serving 4-6 people, it’s the perfect treat for a dinner party or family dinner!
Beef Lasagna @ Ra-Ft Cafe - available for dine-in and takeaway
Enjoy homemade Lasagna in the comfort of our cafes
A delicious Lasagna is closer than you think! Simply pop by your nearest Ra-Ft Cafe (located in Arcrois, Mont Kiara: Binjai 8, KLCC: and Sierramas, Sungai Buloh) and dig into our signature Beef Lasagna - which is available from our all-day menu.
…or you may prefer to opt for our Veggie Lasagna - inspired by the Lasagna alla Norma using layers of aubergine instead of pasta. Both are highly recommended alongside another fan-favourite Italian dish - our Ra-Ft Tiramisu - and a glass of Aperol Spritz or Italian red wine! Buon appetito!
Can’t pop by our cafes?
No problem, as our Lasagna is available to order for delivery via Beep and GrabFood for delivery or self-pick up.
