The Blurb
Kensington’s award-winning Romulo Café & Restaurant has quickly become the go-to hotspot for Filipino food in London (and if you haven’t yet tried Filipino food, this is the place to start!). It’s a family affair at Romulo Café & Restaurant: Recipes have been passed down through the generations (and tweaked by head Chef Jeremy Villanueva), and even the restaurant’s chic interiors are inspired by the owners’ childhood home. The restaurant has recently re-opened for delivery and takeaway, serving traditional dishes plus some brand-new editions. There’s also an incredible selection from the in-house bakery that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Experience & The Food
Several days ago, I enjoyed what can only be described as a feast from Romulo, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that I’ve been thinking about it ever since. From the first bite of delicately thin and perfectly salty Pansit Guisado (wok-fried rice noodles with chicken and prawn) to the divine, crispy and gooey Jackfruit and Cashew Nut Jumbo Turon, every single dish was worthy of a second order. If you’re bored with all your standard local restaurant deliveries (and who isn’t at this point?) Romulo presents the perfect solution.
The flavours are genuinely exciting—especially for those who haven’t yet experienced the sheer magic of Filipino food—and all the ingredients are top-notch. Highlight dishes include the garden-fresh Lemongrass Chicken Inasal Sisig (diced chicken marinated in ginger, chili, lemongrass, and annatto, a mild, peppery and tart spice) and grass-fed Beef Adobo Sa Gata (fall-off-the-bone-tender beef short ribs stewed in the most mouthwatering adobo and coconut sauce that’s both savory and sweet). All the dishes are generous enough to be shared, but make sure you leave room for dessert because not only is it delicious it’s also gorgeous.
Romulo Café & Restaurant has a whole bakery selection, which, under no circumstances, should be skipped. A must: the light-as-air, pillow-soft homemade Pandesal bread, which is just insanely delicious spread with some Ube Mousse Jam, a dreamy, bright-purple spread made from mashed purple yam (fair warning: this stuff is addictive). Another ube-based dessert not to miss: the irresistible and photogenic Ube Créme Cheese Pan, fluffy buns filled with melted cream cheese filling, and the aforementioned Jackfruit and Cashew Nut Jumbo Turon, a giant deep-fried roll filled with a lush mix of creamy cashew and tangy jackfruit. When can I order again?
The Details
The Romulo Café & Restaurant is open from 12 noon to 8pm, Thursday to Sunday. Customers can order directly with the restaurant for pick-up or curbside service by sending a WhatsApp or SMS to 07907015450, calling 02031416390, or emailing delivery@romulocafe.co.uk. Deliveries can also be made through Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat.
