Lutong Pinoy — Review by Eating With Tod
London, United Kingdom — Filipino
Lutong Pinoy is a 35-year-old London institution serving authentic Filipino cuisine that attracts long lines of local Filipino customers. The standout dishes include hand-made Ilocos empanadas with perfectly crispy exteriors and the national dish lechon, which features exceptional herbs and aromatics. This is considered the best Filipino food in London and highly recommended for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality Filipino dining.
What was great: Crispy Ilocos empanada with fresh green papaya and creamy egg, excellent lechon with herbs and aromatics, high-quality handmade dishes, authentic Filipino cuisine, sharing platters, friendly atmosphere with many local Filipino customers
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The meal begins with the Ilocos empanada from northern Philippines, which features hand-made pastry filled with green papaya, Filipino chorizo, mung beans, and egg, then deep fried until super crispy. The balance of flavors is exceptional, with the freshness of the green papaya complementing the saltiness of the meat, while the creamy egg and crispy exterior create a perfect textural contrast.
The star of the show is the lechon, the national dish of the Philippines. Carved tableside with theatrical flair, it comes filled with an impressive array of herbs and aromatics that create an incredibly flavorful and aromatic dish. The crackling skin is so crunchy it demands a post-meal dentist appointment. The sharing platters are also fantastic, arriving without cutlery to encourage hands-on eating in true Filipino style.
The Experience
The restaurant is packed with local Filipino customers, which immediately signals its authenticity and quality. The 35-year history as a London institution speaks volumes about consistency and community trust. The atmosphere is welcoming and lively, with the energy of a true neighborhood favorite.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the transcript, the generous portions on sharing platters and the quality of hand-made items suggest good value for the experience and authenticity offered.
Notable Moments
You know it's good when it is just full of a line of local Filipino people.
Honestly, this stuff is like Filipino crack.
The Verdict
Lutong Pinoy stands as the best Filipino food in London, offering authentic dishes prepared with care and respect for traditional recipes. This is essential dining for Filipino food enthusiasts and anyone seeking genuine, high-quality Filipino cuisine in the UK.