A memoir of journeys made

Last week, a friend suggested we try the newest Filipino restaurant on the block – Romulo Cafe. So we did!

On my google map, it showed that I was at the area but when I looked up, I first thought it mus not be right as it looked like a bar complete with neon lights. But upon reading the sign outside, it indeed say Romulo Cafe – and if you’ll peek inside, you’ll notice that it’s much bigger than you’d initially think of.  In I went and was immediately greeted by the friendly barman. I said I was quite early for our reservation but they led me to our table anyways. Also, my phone chose that time to go completely empty of battery and they kindly offered to recharge it for me by the bar.

Not really fond of alcoholic drinks , I ordered mango juice -a drink that never fails to remind me of home -Philippines!  After browsing through the 3 page menu – all full of delicious tasting  favourite dishes, we ordered a starter, 2 mains, a vegetable dish, 2 kind of rice, and a dessert! Whew!

Starter for us was pork sisig. It’s chopped sizzling pork belly with pickled apples and caramelized shallots. Being so familiar with the sizzling plate version, we were slightly confused when it came to our table. Anyway, this dish tasted so good! We were so tempted to ask for one more. We had to stop ourselves though coz we’ll have 2 mains coming up – can’t be too greedy.

Pork Sisig

Mains came after quite some minutes of waiting. The owner, Chris, was chatting with us while we were waiting. He was very nice and was excitedly telling us about the place. He even gave us a quick tour after. Our food arrived. I enjoyed the chicken relleno  which is roasted chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, chorizo, and peas (kinda like embutido)  a lot. My friend thought the kare-kare – a stew in a peanut based sauce served with steamed vegetables and flavoured shrimp paste with beef and oxtail- was really nice. To ease my guilt from eating a lot of meat, we ordered laing as well. It’s sauteed taro leaves in coconut milk topped with adobo flakes.

There was a Caucasian guy at the table beside us and it was pretty noticeable that he kept asking his companion about the chicken relleno on our table.  Also, another couple on our left side were eating in a Filipino restaurant for the first time and was asking us about the food we had on our table. Chris noticed them having a hard time choosing and eventually made recommendation to them on what to order.

Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno

Tito Greg’s Kare-kare

Taro Leaves Laing

We barely managed to eat half of our mains as well as rice – too much! I was so full! But… but… we just couldn’t let any dessert pass us by. Not when they have a favourite of mine, sans rival, in their menu! We decided to share one between the two of us. Sans rival is a Filipino dessert made with dulce de leche buttercream, cashews, chewy and sweet meringue with vanilla ice cream. Easily our favourite! :D

Since we had lots of leftovers, we asked them to pack it so we can enjoy the rest at home. :)

This is by far the nicest Filipino restaurant I’ve eaten at here in London! I’ve been to quite a few already (but I’m not saying I’ve been to all Pinoy restos). We’d both love to come back here so we can try the other dishes! :D

Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday
12pm-12am (til 11:30pm on Sundays)

Address:
343 Kensington High St
London W8 6NW

Phone:
(+44)020 3141 6390