Sharing Filipino Heritage: Romulo Café Opens in London

“I am a Filipino, child of the marriage of the East and the West,” wrote Carlos P. Romulo, a National Artist for Literature, diplomat and statesman, and first Asian to win the Pulitzer Prize for Correspondence. Of his numerous works, “I am a Filipino” is displayed in his namesake restaurant, Romulo Café, in Manila. Over the past seven years, his granddaughter Sandie Romulo Squillantini, together with her husband Enzo, have delighted generations with heirloom recipes such as Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare, Lola Virginia’s chicken relleno, and the in-house specialty, boneless crispy pata binagoongan, in both the Quezon City and Makati branches.

Like the branches in Manila, Romulo Café London is decorated with memorabilia

On March 24, her sister Rowena and the rest of their family opened Romulo Café in the heart of Kensington. “People tell us that they have been waiting a long time for a restaurant like this, somewhere that showcases the best of Filipino food and hospitality,” said Rowena, who is based in London. “People [here] have been curious with the Philippines for a long time.”

Romulo Café Manila's owners, Sandie and Enzo Squillantini, with their daughters

The Romulo family marked the milestone over the Holy Week. “My whole family including Enzo, my dad [Dick Romulo], Claudia, Chiara, and our cousin Maritina, have flown from Manila to come and support Rowena during the opening,” said Sandie. “We’re really excited about the great reaction of both Filipinos and Brits to the restaurant. I think our Lolo, who loved his food and being around people, would be proud.”

The chic and cosy bar of Romulo Café London

The international expansion of their restaurant comes at an opportune time for the global acclaim of Filipino cuisine. When Carlos P. Romulo once wrote, “There is no longer any East and West,” he was propagating freedom and world peace. His family, to this day, share this heritage with the astute establishment and atmosphere of Romulo Café.

Romulo Café London's owner, Rowena Romulo, with father Atty. Ricardo Romulo

Reminiscent of an old home’s warmth, Romulo Café is decorated with memorabilia and tradition. From the pictures on the walls to the spacious rooms of lounging chairs, the restaurant has always reflected a sense of family. The London branch seems to be no different.

Carlos P. Romulo was an author, journalist, and general, among other accomplishments and accolades throughout his life.

“[We] love the fact that Filipinos from all walks of life here are proud of the restaurant and seem to enjoy the food, design, and ambiance,” said Rowena. “I wanted Romulo Café to be a symbol of how we see ourselves as Filipinos; whatever we do and wherever we are in the world, we hold our heads up high.”

343 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW +020.3141.6390 reservations@romulocafe.co.uk

Written by Aussy Aportadera | Photos from the Squillantini family’s Facebook. Cover photo from The Best Sunday Lunch.