Sweet, salty, and sour describe Filipino food. The combination brings an exciting explosion of flavour to the kitchen. A former colony of Spain, recipes have a heavy Spanish influence. The Spanish name went to one of the Philippines’ traditional dishes, Lechon, a slow-roasted suckling pig. Other inspirations have come from China and Malaysia.
In the past, Filipino cuisine has taken a back seat, giving way to more well-known Asian cuisines. Well, the secret is out. Filipino food is no longer Asia’s best-kept culinary secret. London is embracing the gastronomical treasure, and some of the UK’s best Filipino restaurants are in London.
The Best Filipino Restaurants in London: Map
For a fascinating voyage discovering the delights of Filipino food, follow our guide to five of the best Filipino restaurants in London.
1. Mama’s Kubo – Authentic Filipino Food
Kubo translates to a thatched hut, and Mama’s Kubo means Mama’s hut. Founders of the Filipino restaurant, husband and wife team Rommel Bustarde and Claudine Bleza, opened the Filipino restaurant in West Hampstead to offer Filipino hygge, meaning a warm welcome, great food and surrounded by good people.
On the menu are mouthwatering dishes, such as:
- Chicken Adobo, at £8.80. The chicken is perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and an exquisitely balanced Adobo sauce.
- The Beef Kare Kare, for £10.50, is delicious. It has a fantastic peanut flavour, and the aubergine has a hint of smokiness.
- The Coconut Rice is flavourful at £3.25 and complements the main courses superbly.
Mama’s Kubo is a gem of a Filipino restaurant in Hampstead. The restaurant has a relaxed homely atmosphere, where the staff are friendly, passionate, and knowledgeable about Filipino cuisine.
Address: Unit 5 / 6 Palace Court, 250 Finchley Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 6DN
Telephone: 020 8062 6941
2. Romulo – A Taste of Philippines
Romulo Café & Restaurant is a vision from childhood memories of sitting around their grandparent’s dining table. The room was full of warmth and joy as their grandfather Carlos P Romulo, a distinguished, high-ranking diplomat of the Philipines, shared stories of his travels around the globe meeting dignitaries.
Their grandmother was an impressive cook, used to entertaining the many dignitaries and diplomats who would visit their home. Romulo has affectionately adapted their grandmother’s recipes to suit today’s modern clientele.
Entering the restaurant is like stepping into a Filipino home with family memorabilia adjourning the walls. The outstanding food is a reminder of grandma’s cooking with a wonderful gourmet spin added.
The Soft-Shell Crab “Rebosado” is a favourite from the starter menu, at £13.50.
The Romulo Style Sea Bass is perfectly balanced for a main course with a fantastic balance of flavours at £18.
If you love the super-crispy textual pleasure of pork crackling, the Dingly Dell ‘Crispy Pata’ Pork Hock is divine at £16.50.
Vegetarian options are minimal, although considered delicious, and include a Vegetable Lumpia for a starter, priced at £9.50. There is a Roasted Butternut Squash Relleno for a main dish for £14.50.
If you crave the taste of home, you will surely be satisfied. If you are new to Filipino cuisine, Romulo is an excellent start to your journey of discovery. The servers are patient and friendly and guide you through the menu. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is fabulous.
Address: 343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW
Telephone: 020 3141 6390
3. Rapsa – Filipino Fusion
Rapsa means deliciousness in Filipino, and the creative menu brings bundles of tasty dishes to the table. The Filipino Fusion menu was a brainwave of Pinoy Chef Francis Puyat. Rapsa shares and celebrates Mediterranean and Filipino culture with its customers through warmth, Karaoke, and Boodle Fights.
Rapsa has a cool, trendy, fun vibe and offers a weekday lunch menu, Tuesday to Friday, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Available are various dishes, including a variety of Poke Bowls, such as:
Eggplant Teriyaki, Salmon, Prawn, Sweet Potato Katsu, and Crispy Chicken, all priced at £10.00.
On the evening A La Carte menu, Slow Roasted Lechon is delicious at £14.00.
The Baby Octopus in Adobo coconut milk is fantastic at £14.00
For those who prefer plant-based meals, there are several options, including Roasted Cauliflower Salad with spot-on flavours, priced at £11.00.
The portions are generous. However, if you still have room for the Mango Float, it is gorgeous at £7.50.
If you want to experience a Rapsa Boodle Fight, they are held Wednesday to Saturday at Rapsa@ Play Archway. Boodle Fights are traditional feasts in the Philippines. You sit at long tables and tuck in with your hands. Boodle Fights are great fun and go hand in hand with a Karaoke Party. Rapsa Play Archway has a Karaoke Basement for hire.
Boodle Fights are £21.00 per person, including Oxtail Kare Kare, Pork Sisig, and Crispy Chicken Drumsticks.
Rapsa’s Weekend Brunches are popular and can be made into 100 minutes of Bottomless Brunch for £38.00 per person with any brunch dish. Your glass will never be empty of Prosecco.
The Crumbed Halloumi Fingers with Banana Ketchup are a great vegetarian option for £8.50.
A favourite Brunch cocktail is the Harissa Mary, a Bloody Mary with a harissa twist, at £12.00.
Rapsa is highly-rated, and the food and service are outstanding.
Address:
- Rapsa Hoxton, 100 – 102 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6SG
- Rapsa Archway, 141 Junction Road, Archway, London, N19 5PX
Telephone:
- 020 7729 1444
- 0203 7191642
4. Turo Turo- Award Winning
Turo Turo means ‘point point.’ It describes how Filipinos would point to the food they wanted at the fast food stalls and diners.
Turo Turo in Holborn is emerging from humble beginnings. Founder and Chef Rex De Guzman started selling barbecued Filipino street food in 2018. In 2023, his plans include opening a permanent eating establishment. They have catered for big names like Amazon, Channel 4, and Addidas.
They were winners of the British Street Food Awards at the National Finals, in 2019, with the best Vegetarian Dish.
So, while Turo Turo waits for their plans to be complete, you can enjoy their food at the Queen’s Head in Holborn.
One of their signature dishes is the award-winning Charred Aubergine Rice Dish for £11.50.
Their Filipino Fried Chicken Burger with ginger and fermented shrimp glaze is a fantastic fusion of flavours at £12.95.
The Chicken and Bagoong Wings are a highlight with their sweet and tangy coating, priced at £7.95.
For a Boodle Fight Experience, head to Soho Zebrano. Check the website for the dates available. You will share a long, communal table and eat out of banana leaves using your fingers, the Filipino Way of Kamayan, eating with your hands. Turo Turo impressed judges on Channel 4’s ‘The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver,’ where Rex was a finalist.
A Boodle Fight is so much fun and a great way to enjoy fantastic food while sharing the experience with new and old friends. Prices start at £29.50 for an Early Bird Offer, £34.50 for a Standard Ticket, and £39.50 for a Premium Ticket, including a bottle of beer.
For a unique experience and incredible food served by a friendly and accommodating team, Turo Turo is a must-try for some of the best Filipino food in London.
Address:
- The Queen’s Head, 64 Theobalds Road, Holborn, London, WC1X 8SF
- Soho Zebrano, 18 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DS
Telephone:
- The Queen’s Head: 020 7242 3238
- Soho Zebrano: 020 7287 5267
- Boodle Fight: 07946 077795
Related: Best Kebab Shops in London: Tastiest Kebab Picks
5. The Adobros – Filipino Supper Club
The Adobros are two brothers who started their Filipino restaurant journey in a southeast London flat, cooking one meal at a time. Today you can find them at various venues across London. They serve traditional Filipino food in the form of supper clubs and pop-ups, or if you prefer, somewhere of your choice. They also plan to open an online shop.
Menus and prices vary depending on the pop-up location and if The Adobros come to you. However, the next pop-up is in March, in Peckham, and is £45.00 per person. You can relish treats such as Pork Belly Adobo, Binakol, a coconut water chicken stew, and a caramelised Mango Cake.
Their food is divine, perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and will take you on a culinary voyage to the Philippines.
Email: [email protected]
Tips To Enjoy Filipino Food
- How do you eat Filipino food? Filipinos use a spoon and fork, finding a spoon more versatile than a knife, particularly as many dishes include rice. You will have cutlery available at a Filipino restaurant in London unless you go to a Boodle night, and then it might be the Kamayan way.
- Why do Filipinos love food so much? Filipinos are friendly and enjoy conversing with people around them. Food in the Philippines is a way that brings people together.
- What do Filipinos say before eating? Kain tayo, ‘let’s eat.’ It is an invitation to dine.