Filipino Restaurants in London: A Delicious Taste of the Philippines
London is one of the most diverse culinary cities in the world, and its vibrant Filipino community has brought the rich, flavourful cuisine of the Philippines to its bustling food scene. From sizzling sisig to comforting sinigang, Filipino restaurants in London are quickly gaining popularity for their bold flavours, warm hospitality, and unique fusion of Asian and Spanish influences.
In this guide, we explore the best Filipino restaurants in London, what dishes to try, and why Filipino food is making waves across the capital.
Why Try Filipino Food?
Filipino cuisine is a delightful mix of indigenous flavours and international influences, particularly Spanish, Chinese, American, and Malaysian. You’ll find a delicious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and umami-rich dishes that are both hearty and comforting. Traditional meals often feature rice, grilled meats, rich stews, tropical fruits, and dipping sauces.
It’s a cuisine known for its family-style dining, so it’s perfect for sharing meals with friends or loved ones.
Top Filipino Restaurants in London
1. Romulo Café & Restaurant – Kensington
Located in the heart of Kensington, Romulo Café brings elegant Filipino dining to West London. Inspired by traditional family recipes, the menu offers beautifully plated versions of classics like chicken inasal, beef kare-kare, and lechon kawali.
What to try:
- Pandesal Sliders
- Adobo sa Gata
- Ube Cheesecake
Address: 343 Kensington High St, London W8
2. Kasa and Kin – Soho
A modern and vibrant Filipino restaurant in Soho, Kasa and Kin is both a restaurant and bakery offering a colourful twist on Filipino favourites. The interiors are stylish, the atmosphere is lively, and the menu features grilled skewers, rice bowls, and sweet halo-halo.
What to try:
- BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Pork Belly Rice Bowl
- Ube Pandesal Doughnuts
Address: 52-53 Poland Street, London W1F
3. Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream – Camden & Chinatown
For those with a sweet tooth, Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream is a must-visit. It serves up traditional Filipino street desserts with a London twist. Think purple ube ice cream, toasted milkshakes, and bilog (toasted ice cream sandwiches in Filipino milk buns).
What to try:
- Ube Ice Cream
- Halo-Halo
- Calamansi Sorbet
Locations: Camden Market & Chinatown
4. Lutong Pinoy – Earl’s Court
A long-time favourite for London’s Filipino community, Lutong Pinoy is a cosy, canteen-style spot known for its boodle fight feasts. Here, rice is spread across banana leaves and surrounded by a mountain of meats, seafood, vegetables, and sauces – all eaten with your hands!
What to try:
- Boodle Fight Platter
- Sinigang na Baboy
- Turon (banana spring rolls)
Address: 10 Kenway Rd, London SW5
5. Filishack – Street Food Style (Pop-Ups)
Filishack is a popular Filipino street food vendor that pops up at markets and events across London. Their offerings include quick, affordable, and flavour-packed meals perfect for lunch on the go.
What to try:
- Adobo Chicken Wraps
- Longganisa Bowls
- Garlic Rice & Pickles Combo
Where to find them: Check their Instagram for pop-up locations and events.
Must-Try Filipino Dishes
If you’re new to Filipino cuisine, here are some essentials to look out for on menus:
- Adobo – A tangy, garlicky stew made with chicken or pork.
- Sinigang – Tamarind-based sour soup with vegetables and meat or seafood.
- Kare-Kare – A rich peanut-based oxtail stew often served with shrimp paste.
- Lechon Kawali – Crispy pork belly with crackling skin.
- Lumpia – Filipino spring rolls filled with vegetables or meat.
- Halo-Halo – A colourful shaved ice dessert with jellies, beans, milk, and fruits.
Filipino Food: A Cultural Experience
Dining at a Filipino restaurant is more than just enjoying a meal – it’s a cultural experience. Filipino hospitality, known as “kapwa”, is at the heart of every restaurant. You’ll often be welcomed like family and served food that’s made to be shared.
Many of the restaurants also host Filipino cultural nights, live music events, or seasonal Filipino festivals, especially around Christmas and Easter.
Halal, Vegan & Dietary Options
Most Filipino restaurants in London offer halal or vegetarian-friendly versions of classic dishes. For example:
- Romulo Café offers halal meat options.
- Kasa and Kin has vegan adobo and tofu rice bowls.
- Desserts like ube ice cream are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
It’s always a good idea to ask your server if you have specific dietary requirements, as Filipino cuisine can easily be adapted.
Where to Find Filipino Ingredients in London
If the meal inspires you to cook Filipino food at home, you can visit one of London’s Filipino or Pan-Asian grocery stores, such as:
- Philippine Remittances and Store – Earls Court
- Lutong Pinoy Store – Kensington
- Hoo Hing – Leyton and other locations
Look for ingredients like bagoong (shrimp paste), ube, pandesal, and tocino.
Final Thoughts
Filipino restaurants in London offer a warm, welcoming entry into one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated cuisines. Whether you’re new to Filipino food or already a fan, there’s no better time to explore its vibrant dishes, hearty flavours, and sweet desserts.
From sit-down restaurants to street food vendors and dessert cafes, the Filipino food scene in London is thriving — and it’s only just getting started.
