The Lumpia House brings the vibrant flavors of Filipino street food to the heart of the Midwest. It's quickly made a name for itself in the local dining scene and both novice and seasoned diners will find it delightful. The Lumpia House started out as a food truck. But its growing popularity led to the launch of a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which has allowed the owners to expand the menu, serve a larger customer base and provide a more immersive dining experience. What hasn't changed, though, is the authenticity and heart behind every dish it serves.
On a personal note, one of my childhood friends was Filipino, and I grew up eating any number of authentic dishes lovingly made by her grandmother. So, I was particularly excited when The Lumpia House opened not far from where I live.
The Lumpia House greets patrons with an informal, counter-service setup. The space isn't elaborate, the decor is simple, and the focus remains squarely on the food and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. The seating is sufficient, and tables are well spaced to allow for private conversation. And, on Friday nights, there's even a dedicated space for karaoke.
At The Lumpia House, hospitality is heartfelt and genuine. Staff members are eager to explain menu items, recommend combinations and even share tips on how to properly enjoy certain dishes. Staff also maintain a brisk but unrushed pace, ensuring drinks stay full and takeout orders are accurately packaged.
The Lumpia House's menu is diverse and deep, highlighting core Filipino dishes alongside some unique items that were new to us. To me, it seems like a celebration of street food that showcases the country's diverse culinary traditions. Starters include the namesake lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) served in a handful of different ways. Interesting main entrees included pork blood stew (tempted to try but didn't), a variety of different bowls that put a spin on traditional dishes, kare-kare (oxtail in peanut sauce) and the lesser-known but delicious crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle). Of course, there is savory adobo (choice of chicken or pork) as well as pancit (a traditional noodle dish served in a number of different ways).
Of course, we decided to start with an order of the lumpia. These crisp, golden rolls arrived piping hot. Each bite revealed a perfectly balanced filling of seasoned pork, finely chopped carrots and a whisper of garlic. Paired with a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, they're easily a starter for the table and addictive – don't be surprised if you find yourself ordering extra.
We then decided to share several dishes, starting with the pancit – a childhood favorite of mine. This stir-fried egg noodle dish is studded with shrimp, slices of chicken, cabbage and carrots. The noodles soak up a fragrant, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, giving each strand lustrous flavor. A squeeze of lime brightens the dish's richness and the generous portion size made it perfect for sharing.
We also tried the chicken adobo, billed as the national dish of the Philippines. The Lumpia House's adobo features tender, marinated chicken thighs simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and bay leaves. The flavor is tangy yet savory, with soft and velvety meat. It's a comforting classic done exceptionally well.
Finally, we tried the oxtail, which was bathed in a creamy peanut sauce alongside eggplant and string beans. The sauce was neither too oily nor overly thick, just the right consistency to coat the meat and vegetables. We thought we detected some shrimp paste that added an umami depth. This hearty stew felt like a celebration of textures and flavors.
There was a whole case of tasty looking desserts, including numerous pastries, but we just didn't have the room.
The Lumpia House's prices spread across the board. Examples include: $9.99 (chicken barbecue); $14.99 (Pinoy wings); $26.99 (oxtail) and $80-$150 for the lechon belly (which, having had it recently at a Filipino birthday party, is quite the experience). Given the generous portion sizes and the quality of ingredients, many likely imported directly from the Philippines, the meals seem like an excellent value.
Our verdict: Highly recommended. Whether you're exploring Filipino cuisine for the first time or seeking a reliable favorite, The Lumpia House is well worth a visit. Bring an appetite, prepare for friendly service and leave satisfied – both in palate and spirit.
