Hearty heirloom dishes at Romulo Cafe, Tomas Morato

Soldier, diplomat, statesman and journalist Carlos P. Romulo loomed large in Philippine history and more so in the lives of his descendants. Today, they operate a restaurant chain named after him that recalls the highlights of his prestigious career through photographs. Romulo Cafe also serves heirloom dishes which include those served by his wife, Virginia, during their Philippine embassy dinners in the United States where he marshaled for full Philippine independence.

At the invitation of the restaurant’s general manager, Gilbert Caras, my friends and I recently made our way to Romulo Cafe’s original branch in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.

The place has an elegant and relaxed vibe to it. It has cozy and private spaces as well as wide open areas both indoors and outdoors. Its decor combines old-world nostalgia from the black-and-white photographs and a fresh aesthetic with the modern furniture and green accents.

We were treated to an array of Filipino comfort food that took us back in time:

Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan (Php698). A pork leg boiled until fork-tender then deboned and deep-fried to a golden crisp served with the restaurant’s own eggplant and tomato bagoong sauce.

Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare (Php510). Oxtail and tripe stew in peanut sauce served in house-made shrimp paste.

Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno (Php698). Roasted half-chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, peas and chorizo.

Suman sa Latik (Php70). So simple yet so decadently delicious, sticky suman made from glutinous rice and coconut milk is fried to attain that light golden crisp then served in a shot glass in a bed of coconut caramel sauce.

Cool as Cucumber Mocktail (Php160). A refreshing concoction of fresh lime and cucumber wit mint leaves.

It was feast of Filipino comfort food – with familiar flavors yet a fresh take in presentation or combination – enjoyed in a stylish and well-appointed restaurant: an experience we won’t soon forget.

This Romulo Cafe branch is located at 32 Scout Tuazon Corner Scout Lazcano Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3327273, + 63 2 3327275 or +63

Planning your office Christmas party or family reunion? Romulo Cafe can prepare a sumptuous buffet for you and your guests in its lovely function rooms. Its buffet options include:

Set Menu A at Php695/head:

Appetizer: Chicharon and Tinapa Roll
Soup: choose between Monggo or Molo Soup
Noodles: choose between Pancit Puti or Sotanghon Guisado
Beef: choose between Tito Greg’s Kare Kare or Beef Caldereta
Chicken: choose among Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, General’s Chicken or Bacolod Chicken
Fish: choose among Bangus Al Ajillo, Guinataang Hipon sa Kamias or Crispy Catfish
Vegetables: choose among Bagnet Pinakbet, Guinataang Sigarillas, Laing with Adobo Flakes or Gising-gising
Pork: choose among Lechon Kawali, Honey Garlic Spareribs or Crispy Pork Binagoongan
Dessert: Suman sa Latik

Set Menu B at Php795/head:

Appetizer: choose three among Pinoy Nachos, Cheese and Vigan Longganisa Dumplings, Crispy Crablets, Tinapa Roll, Chicharon, Smoked Bangus Plate
Soup: choose among Molo Soup, Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Sinigang na Liempo, or Beef Bulalo
Noodles: choose among Pancit Puti, Sotanghon Guisado, Penne Carbonara with Vigan Longganisa, Linguini Puttanesca with Tuyo or Pasta Filipino
Beef: choose among Tito Greg’s Kare Kare Beef Caldereta or Lengua
Chicken: choose among Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, General’s Chicken or Bacolod Chicken
Fish: choose among Flying Tilapia, Bangus Al Ajillo, Guinataang Hipon sa Kamias or Crispy Catfish
Vegetables: choose among Bagnet Pinakbet, Guinataang Sigarillas, Laing with Adobo Flakes or Gising-gising
Pork: choose among Lechon Kawali, Honey Garlic Spareribs or Crispy Pork Binagoongan
Dessert: choose between Suman sa Latik or Assorted Mini Cakes

Want to serve the star of all Filipino celebrations – the Lechon – during your buffet feast? A 3-kg lechon roll is available for Php2,800++ (6-kg for Php5,600++). You can add Cebu lechon to your food items for Php8,000 (small), Php9,000 (medium) and Php10,000 (large).

Other Romulo Cafe branches are located at:

148 Jupiter Corner Comet Street, Bel-Air, Makati City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm (Tel. No: +63 2 8220286)
Azumi Boutique Hotel, 2205 Market Street, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm (Tel. No: +63 2 5561443)

Disclosure: Our lunch was hosted by Romulo Cafe. The food items mentioned here were served for us to sample the fare and were not paid for by our group.