Norfolk is a melting pot of cultural cuisine – from Thai takeout to Indian indulgences, there’s no shortage of fare that will take your taste buds abroad to wherever your heart desires. With restaurants pivoting over the past year and a half and stepping up their takeout game, it’s easier than ever to enjoy your favorite dishes from around the world while out and about or in your living room.
If you’re looking for a new spot, check out one of the Filipino-inspired restaurants throughout Norfolk, most of which offer lumpia, a Filipino food staple. Lumpia is a variation of a spring roll commonly found in Indonesia and the Philippines. Here are just a few great choices around town for lumpia and some of the reasons we love these spots.
Shopping with a Side of Lumpia at Slide Thru #FAM
If you haven’t checked out Selden Market yet, drop your plans this weekend and head there to check out the variety of shops and treats, one of which is Slide Thru #FAM. Slide Thru #FAM offers Filipino-inspired food you can grab and go while you shop. Their mix of Filipino flavors and hip-hop-inspired menu names and décor provide an unexpected but perfect pairing.
One of their specialties is sliders with Filipino flair, but they also offer freshly made lumpia and pancit (or LOOM-PYA AND PAHN-SIT on the Slide Thru menu). You can order either by itself or make it a combo.
Were you looking forward to Sunday brunch but craving lumpia? No worries! Slide Thru #FAM also offers brunch-inspired lumpia (aka Brekkie Lumpia) only available on Sundays, so you can have your brunch/lumpia and eat it too.
Lumpia with a View
Another fun spot that might fly under the radar when wondering where to grab lumpia is Big Wisky Porch. Located at Nauticus, Big Wisky Porch offers water-front views at an open-air covered deck for ultimate nautical vibes.
The ‘Big Wisky’ references the Battleship Wisconsin, and the menu offers South Pacific-inspired dishes to celebrate the rich history of the battleship’s time in that area during World War I and the Korean War.
Enjoy a basket of Lumpia under a canopy of string lights while watching boats sail by on the Elizabeth River. It doesn’t get much better than that! And great news, you can check out Nauticus after lunch since it shares a space with Big Wisky Porch.
The Real Deal
If you’re looking for a no-frills, authentic lumpia experience, Lumpia House is your answer! This well-respected establishment’s Little Creek Road location can be easily driven past by those unfamiliar with this area. Don’t let this understated building fool you; their lumpia packs more flavor and goodness than any other game in town. If anything, the subtle exterior confirms that the lumpia inside is the real deal. With the perfect amount of crispiness on the outside, balanced with savory meat and a delicious sweet chili dipping sauce, this lumpia is heaven to the taste buds. There’s both a pork and a beef option, and of course, you should pair with pancit for the ultimate experience.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh and funky spot to enjoy lumpia or are looking for an authentic place without all the bells and whistles, Norfolk has you covered with their variety of lumpia throughout the city!
Tiffany Frazier
Ghent, NFK
Tiffany grew up in Chesapeake but has called Norfolk home for the past seven years. She fell in love with the city while working with Festevents during college summer breaks. She graduated from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) with a degree in corporate communication. Tiffany now works as a digital marketing specialist and enjoys strolling and rollerblading her way around Norfolk. She lives in Ghent with her husband Trevor, and their two cats, Tux and Joe.
