Hoy, hoy pinoy! Even though we have less than a handful of Filipino restaurants in fair Canberra, the ones that are here each deserve a try. Known for its entirely unique taste, somewhere between sweet, sour, and salty, Filipino cuisine makes use of all its influences, Spanish, Chinese, and American. You might be surprised to find some Aussie mixed in there, too.

Lolo and Lola

3 Watson Pl, Watson

Like many great Canberra food hubs, Lolo and Lola started as a humble shipping container front, setting down in westside Acton Park in 2016. This year, Out In Canberra named them ACT’s top casual restaurant. Lolo and Lola is owned by Kim Cudia, and Jay Preto, hailing from the Laguna and Bicol region respectively. Other than their signature Filipino barbecue and Kare-Kare, their menu changes weekly to feature dishes from every region of the Philippines – yes, all 7,000 islands. “Eventually!” laughs Kim. “Our goal is to provide a taste of home to every Australian-Filipino here in Canberra. We try to make sure our whole archipelago is represented.” The business ethos of Lolo and Lola has not changed since it was named, “we want to pay homage to every Filipino’s Lolo and Lola (grandfather and grandmother), to honour the exquisite tradition of food that they’ve passed through the generations.” However, if you’re a first timer to Filipino cuisine, Kim and Jay’s family-like customer service will put you at ease while you try what she calls “the original fusion food”.

To order, call 6248 8119.

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Salu-Salo

Shop 8/39 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls

Opened in early 2020, Salu-Salo is run by John Andrew Dangca and his family, hailing from the Cavite province. John is motivated to bring Filipino cuisine to the Australian market, starting in the nation’s capital. He says that until you try Filipino food, you have no idea what you’re missing. “Filipino taste is very unique. There are the Asian cuisines that you’ll find more commonly, but once you try Filipino food, you’ll understand how it’s so different and unique in comparison,” says John. The chef’s speciality at Salu-Salo is their Dinuguan, a dark and spicy pork stew, and the classic pinoy winner, Chicken Adobo. Salu-Salo offers delivery, takeaway, and catering.

To order, call 6242 8878.

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Papa J’s Resto Bar

G04/21 Challis St, Dickson

The baby of the three, Papa J’s Resto Bar only opened towards the end of 2020 – a daring feat that the colourful, pop-art diner has managed to pull off. Conveniently located at the Dickson shops, a stone’s throw away from the light rail, Papa J’s is tucked away on Challis Street for keen foodies to find. CW tried and tasted their delicious, crackling pork sisig, and heavenly leche flan. They complete the trifecta of fabulous Filipino restaurants in Canberra – be sure to give one (or all) a try this weekend!

To order, call 6170 2223.

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