Luyong Restaurant: This Panciteria in Marikina City is My Childhood Favorite (They Make the Best Lumpiang Shanghai!)

I have lived the first sixteen years of my life in the east side of Metro Manila, which includes Marikina City. And one of the special places that my family frequent to is Luyong Restaurant, which we simply and affectionately call “Luyong”.

I’ve tried researching for a credible reference on Luyong. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one. But one thing I’m sure of: It’s a legendary panciteria in the city. It started in the 1950s, and my dad’s family has been eating there long before I was even born!

There used to be three Luyong branches across the city. But only two remains: In J.P. Rizal Street and in Barangay Santo Niño (this branch changed its name several times, with Boy Luyong as the latest name).

For the uninitiated, a panciteria is place that serves Chinese-Filipino dishes. These include chopsuey (stirfried vegetables), the iconic lumpiang Shanghai (deep-fried spring rolls), and different kinds of pancit/pansit (stir-fried noodles; the word “panciteria” literally means “pancit place”), among many others.

Let’s now talk about the food, starting with the Hototay Soup, which is another panciteria staple. It’s a soup dish with a medley of vegetables and other ingredients.

The Ingredients of Luyong’s *Hototay* Soup

Luyong’s version has generous amount of meat and dumplings, and a plain soup akin to Ma Mon Luk mami (check my review here). Unfortunately, the veggies aren’t crisp.

Their lumpiang Shanghai is crisp, juicy, and huge. I like that it has a balanced taste—not too salty, not too sweet, or overly five-spiced. It’s best dipped with Luyong’s All-Around Sarsa or sweet and sour sauce. And needless to say, it’s the best lumpiang Shanghai I have ever tried.

Their Lechon Kawali (deep-fried pork belly) is tender, not dry, and on the lean side. It’s not the best version but I’m okay with it.

If I may suggest, just get the Tofu with Lechon instead. It’s another panciteria dish made of pork belly, tofu, and veggies, stir-fried with tausi or fermented black beans. Luyong’s version has melt-in-the-mouth lechon, silky tofu, and crunchy celery.

I’ve tasted so many tofu with lechon a.k.a. Tokwa con Lechon, as this is my favorite panciteria dish of all time. Nothing comes close to Luyong’s. It’s the best!

The Camaron Rebosado (battered shrimp) is not as good as before (or maybe because the one I’m used to is the one by Boy Luyong).

Of course, no panciteria meal would be complete without fried rice. Their Yang Chow Fried Rice is fluffy and tasty, with the Chinese sausage dominating the flavor.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Small: PHP190; Big: PHP290)

If you like their all-around sarsa, you can bring home a bottle with you. Just pay for it! LOL.

Luyong Restaurant doesn’t just bring childhood memories to me. It’s still serves good Chinese-Filipino food after all these years. I’m happy to say this about Luyong: I highly recommend it to you!

Luyong Restaurant

Address: 801 J.P. Rizal St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City, Metro Manila | Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-2PM & 4-9PM; Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM–9:30PM | Contact No.: (02) 8941-1694, (02) 7502-0354, 0930-1080000, 0917-5630012 | Facebook