Filipino food has always had its place in Sydney, but it was limited to a small community and a common serving of pork, vinegar, and rice. However, a new wave of interest in Filipino culture has birthed eateries spanning different regions and specialties.
From the crowd-favourite lechon thrown in everything to lemongrass-infused charcoal-grilled squid, the city now boasts a tapestry of Filipino flavours waiting to be explored. Here’s where you will find some of the best Filipino restaurants in Sydney.
Mama Lor, Rooty Hill
Immersed in Filipino street-food culture, Mama Lor stands as a charcoal barbecue haven. Its grill sizzles with charred tilapia, pork skewers, and stuffed squids. Amidst stacks of hopia, beloved pastries brimming with yam, mung bean, or pork, you’ll find shelves laden with Filipino rolls, sugary cakes, and coconut buns. Named after the family’s matriarchs, Mama Lor and her son orchestrate the in-house bakery. The Filipino community flocks for salty sisig, chicken stew, and beef marrow soup, all kissed by real charcoal flavour.
Lazza, Marrickville
Lazza delivers an extraordinary experience with its colossal bamboo platter, laden with crispy pork, charred fish, egg noodles, rice, and more. While there are no utensils, a banana leaf serves as your plate in this $35-per-person culinary spectacle. The “bilao feast” is a Filipino celebration staple, customizable with 23 dishes from Lazza’s repertoire. Highlighting kare-kare, sisig, and crisp pata, it’s an anticipatory delight.
Beyond the feast, Lazza offers rich bulalo, bitter melon treats, regional Bicol Express, and rotating weekly specials, creating an authentic Filipino culinary experience.
Sizzling Filo, Lidcombe
This unassuming spot embraces beloved Filipino traditions, offering crispy pata, succulent pork-leg chunks with dipping sauce, and tapa. The iconic banana sauce, reminiscent of ketchup, enhances the barbecued pork skewers and sizzling plates, trust us. With karaoke echoing on Saturdays, Sizzling Fillo provides an authentic taste of the Philippines’ savoury, sour, and soulful delights.
Panlasang Pinoy, Kogarah
In the heart of south-west Sydney’s Filipino community, Panlasang Pinoy stands as a beloved gem. With a devoted following, locals and travelers alike queue up on weekends to savor the diverse barbecued and bain-marie offerings. This eatery sets itself apart by presenting not only familiar Filipino classics but also an ever-changing array of rare specialties.
From lechon to chicken inasal, sour fish soups to balut, Panlasang Pinoy offers an immersive journey into Filipino flavors, accompanied by live music or karaoke for a lively atmosphere.
Burger Point, Circular Quay, Marsden Park, and Wentworth Point
During her 2019 Australian tour, Lizzo name-dropped Filipino-fusion burgerspot Burger Point as a must-try, so we had to put it on the list. Inspired by the flavours of classic American diners, but with a Filipino influence, Burger Point is serving up gourmet burgers along with loaded fries, buffalo wings and shakes.
Come for the Boss Burger with house BBQ-glazed handicraft beef patty, lettuce, onion, American cheese, caramelised beet relish and boss mayo. Finish with their delicious Filipino dessert, Halo Halo.
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