There is always something interesting about discovering a restaurant that has only recently opened, especially when there is a personal story behind it.
This time, our destination was Lumea, a family-run Asian restaurant that opened its doors just six months ago in Bettembourg, a short walk from the train station.
The name itself has a meaning: created by the owner, Lumea brings together lumière, the French word for light, and Asia. The idea is to create a place where light meets taste.
Behind the restaurant is a couple who decided to start their own business after years of experience in the restaurant industry. The chef, who is also one of the owners, spent ten years working in other kitchens before finally deciding to open his own restaurant.
And there is something I always appreciate about places like this: the opportunity to meet the people behind the food and understand a little more about what brought them there.
Let’s Talk About the Food!
We started our lunch with a lychee cocktail, a refreshing way to begin our Asian journey.
For starters, we tried the homemade xiao bao and homemade shrimp croquettes.
I always appreciate seeing homemade preparations on a menu, particularly in restaurants where some of these dishes can easily come from ready-made products. It is nice to see a kitchen taking the time to prepare them itself.
We then moved on to the Lumea sushi platter, which was particularly interesting once we learned a little more about the chef’s background.
He actually spent several years working as a sushi chef for a well-known restaurant brand, so sushi is certainly not something new to him.
The selection at Lumea remains rather classic, without too many extravagant combinations or unnecessary ingredients. What caught my attention, however, was the work on the rice and the attention to balance.
And I think this is something worth mentioning. When it comes to sushi, we often focus on the fish, the toppings or the presentation, but the rice is just as important. The texture, the seasoning and the balance between the different ingredients can completely change the final result.
Sometimes, instead of trying to reinvent sushi with fifteen ingredients and three different sauces, getting the fundamentals right is already a very good starting point.
We also ordered the spicy beef fillet, and here I feel a warning is necessary.
When Lumea says spicy, they actually mean spicy!
Not the slightly adjusted European version of spicy, where a little black pepper seems to qualify as an extreme experience, but a dish with a proper kick.
Personally, I appreciate when a restaurant doesn’t automatically tone down the spices, so this was a pleasant surprise. However, if you are particularly sensitive to spicy food, you might want to ask before ordering.
Two Menus Worth Knowing About
One thing I found particularly interesting about Lumea is that, beyond its à la carte selection, the restaurant also offers two affordable menus.
The first is the menu du jour, priced at €17.80, with several options to choose from, including Chinese dishes and sushi.
This is already an interesting option for a weekday lunch, especially if you work in the area or simply want to discover the restaurant without committing to a full à la carte meal.
But what caught my attention even more was the weekend menu, priced at €33.80 for three courses.
Yes, three courses for €33.80, and the menu is also available in the evening!
There are several choices for each course, making it a good option for those who want to explore different preparations from the kitchen.
Considering how difficult it is becoming to find a reasonably priced three-course menu in Luxembourg, particularly during the weekend and in the evening, I think this is definitely something worth highlighting.
It is also a nice way to discover Asian cuisine beyond the usual dishes you might automatically order from a menu.
A Little Cultural Journey Alongside the Culinary One
Now, something that doesn’t necessarily appear on the menu but that I think deserves a mention.
The hostess, who is also one of the owners, genuinely enjoys discussing Asian culture with her guests, particularly Chinese traditions and cuisine.
And I would really encourage you to take the time to chat with her.
I have always believed that discovering a restaurant is not simply about sitting down, ordering food and deciding whether we liked it.
It is also about understanding the people behind the kitchen, their background, their traditions and sometimes the little stories that explain why a dish is prepared in a particular way.
Especially when it comes to Asian cuisine, which is often grouped together under one generic label despite the enormous variety of regional traditions, ingredients and cooking techniques.
Having someone who is happy to share a little more about that culture adds another dimension to the experience.
And, personally, I always enjoy coming home from a restaurant having learned something new.
My Final Thoughts on Lumea
Lumea is still a relatively new addition to the restaurant scene in Bettembourg, but there are already several reasons to keep it in mind.
The experience of the chef, particularly with sushi, the homemade preparations, the possibility of enjoying a genuinely spicy dish and, of course, the affordable set menus.
I also appreciate the fact that it is a family business, run by people who are personally involved in both the kitchen and the dining room.
For those living in the South of Luxembourg, it is another restaurant worth discovering without necessarily heading into Luxembourg City. And with the train station just a short walk away, it is also easily accessible for those coming from elsewhere.
My personal tip? Consider trying the weekend menu if you want an affordable introduction to Lumea’s kitchen, and don’t be shy about asking the hostess a few questions about Chinese cuisine and traditions.
Because sometimes a restaurant visit can be more than just lunch or dinner. It can also be a little journey into another culture.
And this is exactly the kind of discovery I enjoy sharing on Barefoot in Luxembourg.
Lumea – Bettembourg
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese and sushi
Menu du jour: €17.80
Weekend menu: €33.80 for three courses, also available in the evening
Location: Bettembourg, a short walk from the train station
Discover more restaurant reviews and culinary experiences around Luxembourg on Barefoot in Luxembourg.
