Are you looking for the best Filipino food in London to celebrate Lunar New Year? Look no further! We've rounded up some of the best restaurants in the city, from traditional Filipino dishes to combining classic Chinese food with a new take. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a more special venue, Bintang restaurant is sure to make your Lunar New Year celebration one to remember. Read on to find out more!

Chinese Food in the Philippines

The Philippines and China have a long history of trade and cultural exchange, dating back to the 9th century when Chinese traders first arrived in the Philippines. The Philippines was a key stop for Chinese traders traveling the maritime Silk Road, and over time, a significant Chinese community settled in the Philippines.

Today, Chinese Filipinos make up a proportion of the population in the Philippines, and many of them continue to celebrate Chinese New Year. The celebration of Chinese New Year has developed into a method for the entire Filipino community, both in the Philippines and the UK, to participate in and appreciate this cultural feature. Chinese culture and traditions have also significantly influenced the Philippines, particularly in terms of business and trade.

For the Lunar New Year, Bintang presents two Filipino classics with Chinese traditions in our tables in Camden - Escabecheng isda (fish in Tagalog) and Lumpiang (spring roll in Tagalog) Shanghai!

London Fish Escabeche

The cultural significance of eating fish in the Philippines has been influenced by Chinese feng shui. Fish is frequently regarded as a sign of riches and abundance in Chinese culture. Eating fish is thought to bring luck and wealth. The Philippines is also an archipelago with a vast coastline and many bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and seas. This makes it an ideal location for fishing & fish farming.

Fish Escabeche, derived from our Spanish cultural heritage, the Philippines have it their own through the evolution of Chinese cuisine. It is typically made with a white fish, such as sea bass or snapper, that is fried or grilled and then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, citrus juice, and spices. This weekend, we bring this traditional Filipino-Chinese favourite in the form of sea bream.

Filipino Lumpiang Shanghai

One of the fire starter dishes from the Philippines, known as lumpia is thought to have been influenced by Chinese food. Despite often using a thinner wrapper and being packed with a variety of meats, seafood, and veggies, the cuisine is comparable to Chinese spring rolls. The meal, called lumpia, has been a favourite among Filipinos for generations. It was first introduced to the country by Chinese traders during the pre-colonial era.

This weekend, we bring this Chinese-Filipino classic by wrapping the ground lamb and beef filling in a thin wrapper, made from wheat flour, and then deep-fried until crispy. Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. It is said that the name "Shanghai" was added to differentiate it from other traditional lumpia, which is also a Chinese-influenced dish, this version is said to have originated in the city of Shanghai.

Year of the Rabbit 2023

Just for this weekend only - Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd of January, our Lunar New Year specials: Lumpiang Shanghai and Escabecheng Isda will be available.

From all of us at Bintang, we wish all the people who will be celebrating a Happy Lunar New Year! May this new year bring good health, prosperity, and happiness. Gong Hei Fat Choi / Xin Nian Kuai Le!

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