Ash and Pat Shiao used to talk about and dream up concepts for opening a restaurant together one day.

While neither of them had previous experience in the restaurant industry with Ash Shiao serving as a travel nurse and Pat Shiao managing an auto shop, the two considered themselves foodies and knew they had the passion for it.

After moving to Sugar Land from Maryland, Ash Shiao began to miss the Peruvian way of cooking charcoal chicken.

“I missed the Peruvian chickens that we usually eat on the weekends with our family because it's mostly a family-type meal,” she said. “I found out about the restaurant in Eldridge, and so I kept ordering there.”

She took her husband to the original Las Brasas Charcoal Chicken in Eldridge so frequently that the owner said the couple could open a second location in Sugar Land.

A year after that first conversation in August 2024, the Shiaos opened their Las Brasas location in Sugar Land, which Ash Shiao said is the first restaurant in the area to serve Peruvian charcoal chicken.

The chicken at Las Brasas is marinated for 24 hours before being slow-cooked in a rotisserie charcoal grill. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)
The chicken at Las Brasas is marinated for 24 hours before being slow-cooked in a rotisserie charcoal grill. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)

On the menu

Ash Shiao said she and Pat had previously decided that if they ever opened a restaurant together, it would have to serve one of their favorite foods.

“There were a couple of different concepts that we were thinking of doing, but I feel like this one is ... it’s just very diverse, and if you don't eat meat, then you have a salad, you have our veggies, you have our fish ... if you like chicken, you have chicken,” she said.

Along with the chicken meals, customers can order dishes with beef, fried fish, ceviche and pasta. Side options include chaufa, or chicken fried rice, plantains, yuca fries and black or pinto beans.

The local impact

As a mom, Ash Shiao said it was important to her for the restaurant to have a family-friendly menu and environment. She said she often gives out free fries and candy to kids visiting the restaurant and has a table full of busy books and activities for them to enjoy while there.

Ash Shiao set up a sticky note wall, where customers can leave notes and feedback. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)
Ash Shiao set up a sticky note wall, where customers can leave notes and feedback. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)

Additionally, Ash Shiao said the food at Las Brasas is halal and designed to offer families healthy but affordable options. For $8.99, customers can order a quarter leg chicken, three sides and a drink. Families of four can also order a group meal for $30.

“We love food and as Filipinos, we like feeding people,” she said. “I feel proud when we serve our food, because I feel like it's a healthier option.”