Over the past 10 years, Filipino fare has made a huge splash to London's dining scene. And we are here for it. Drawing influences from South America, Spain and China, it can be difficult to sum up what makes this cuisine so darn delectable. From family-style restaurants cooking up traditional adobo to venues putting their modern flair on dishes, the city is chock-full of places that will surely tantalise your tastebuds. Read on to discover the best places to eat Filipino food in London.
Turo Turo
Run by chef Rex De Guzman, Turo Turo is slinging out food at The Queen’s Head from Monday to Friday. That’s right. After polishing off a couple of pints, settle into this boozer for some BBQ Filipino food. The venue has veggie-friendly mains such as charred aubergine or cauliflower gata with a turmeric coconut sauce. Meat lovers can also wolf down braised pork, king prawns and a Filipino take on a fried chicken burger.
Rapsa
With Mediterranean-trained chef Francis Puyat at the helms, Rapsa is great for family meals and weekend brunches. Alternatively, if you’re really looking to get your Filipino fix, head here on Sundays from 5pm to 8pm for their Boodle Fights, a cultural tradition featuring a whole roasted lechon (suckling pig) served with lumpia spring rolls, atchara papaya pickles and much more atop banana tree leaves.
Sarap
For the best Filipino restaurant in Mayfair, Sarap is a bit of a no-brainer. With its namesake meaning ‘delicious’ in Tagalong, the hotspot slings out modern Pinoy food. Nestle into the cosy yet contemporary haunt and enjoy a tantalising tasting menu for £55. That means chowing down on the likes of cassava hash browns topped with caviar, BBQ pink fir potatoes and squid noodles.
Kasa And Kin
Kasa and Kin is a fantastic Filipino restaurant in Soho. The literal translation of this joint means ‘home and family’ so you can expect a cosy meal with a tonne of flavour. Showcasing seating arranged in an L-shape and a tropical rainforest mural by Kulay Labitigan, the venue embraces its heritage to whip up scrumptious Filipino fare. We recommend trying the Chinoy-inspired duck breast with oriental spices.
Bintang
Fronting Filipino Pan-Asian food in Camden, Bintang is a more casual spot on this list but nonetheless top-notch. Settle into its quaint interiors decked out with quirky frames, or head outside and cuddle up in their pretty garden when the sun is out. Chow down on dishes such as oxtail kare kare, crispy wok-glazed banana lamb ribs and dirty fried rice. Oh, and it's BYOB so be sure to nab that pesky bottle of wine sitting at home.
Romulo Café & Restaurant
With five-course tasting menus featuring the likes of braised beef shin and spring chicken adobo, Romulo Café & Restaurant is knocking up fine dining in sleek interiors. Boasting lime green seating and stunning chandeliers, the venue is ideal for a group dinner. And if that doesn't wet your whistle, the venue whips up signature cocktails. We can’t decide between the guava margarita and virgin ube martini – both sound sublime.
Ramo Ramen
A cool fusion restaurant combining Filipino and Japanese cuisine, Ramo Ramen has two unique spots in Kentish Town and Soho. Start your meal off with Scotch bonnet wings and pan-fried gyozas, followed by Pinoy ramen dishes. We mean Tokyo-style noods paired with cumin mince lamb or padron peppers. And grab a wee bit of sake to finish off the evening.
Bong Bongs Manila Kanteen
Housed inside Seven Dials food market, Bong Bongs Manila Kanteen promises Filipino street food with a flair. Enjoy their classic rice boxes, featuring sesame bean salads and pickles or opt for pancakes with crispy pork. And to add a bit of zestiness, ask for Mang Tomas (a Filipino all-purpose sauce) and nab a pina colada for something a little tropical.
Mama Kubo
Flaunting Filipino plates such as lumpia rolls and aubergine bistek, Mama Kubo is run by husband and wife duo Rommel Bustarde and Claudine Bleza. Along with a cosy outdoor area to dine in, the venue’s bright red interiors and potted plants make for a cute date night as well. Don't forget to add a tipple or two to your meal such as a glass of white wine or whiskey-infused green tea.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to the best restaurants here or sign up to our London newsletter and get the latest sent straight to your inbox.