Bites Nearby: Lumpia House in Dublin

I can't claim to be an expert on Filipino food and I know there aren't many places in the Tri-Valley that serve it. This is why I've wondered about  as I passed the restaurant time and again.

It's tucked back in a tiny strip mall. If you blink while you are driving down San Ramon Road you will miss it. This restaurant has not only sustained itself, but thrived since 1999.

I started a recent visit with a couple of dishes I was slightly familiar with. Who hasn't had lumpia? At Lumpia House the specialty is the Lumpia Shanghai. These are little rolls filled with pork and spices. They were delicious crispy rolls that weren't at all greasy. They were served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and sold in increments of seven, starting at $3.75. I also had the pansit, Filipino noodles similar to chow mein but with a different texture. This dish ran $6.95 ala carte. 

To venture out of my comfort zone a little I tried a couple of dishes that I knew nothing about but that were recommended by the manager of Lumpia House. The first dish was the chicken adobo — pieces of chicken with the skin still on, smothered in a mix of garlic, vinegar and soy sauce. This item was $6.95 ala carte.

I also tried the beef mechado. The meat was simmered in a tomato-based sauce so it was tender and flaky. I would put this dish in the category of comfort food; it cost $6.95 ala carte. 

Many people come to Lumpia House for its combination plates. You can get a one-item combo for $5.50, two items for $6.95 and three for $7.95. Each combo plate comes with steamed rice, add 75 cents for fried rice. 

The fun part is that the menu changes daily. Of course, lumpia, pansit and chicken adobo are always available, but you'll  find new dishes, too. They include crispy pata, which is deep fried pork hock, and bicol express, spicy coconut pork.

Filipino style breakfast is served all day. It typically comes with a protein such as beef, pork, fish or sausage along with garlic rice and two eggs. Dishes range from $6.50 to $6.95. 

I decided to try the turon and ice cream for dessert. The turon is described as a banana fritter but I would say it's closer to a banana spring roll. It was a large piece of banana in a fried wrapper and covered with a slightly sticky sauce. It is not super sweet, which is why it goes perfectly with ice cream. I had mine with coconut ice cream and it was a perfect combination. One turon was $1 and the scoop of ice cream was $2. 

The restaurant isn't fancy but there is some seating. You can get your food to go, as well. They also do catering for all occasions.

Owner Giselle Adams told me that the restaurant has grown over the years through word of mouth among the Filipino community. As many in the community share the restaurant's food with friends and co-workers, Lumpia House is becoming more popular. I am glad I gave it a try and definitely will come back for more. 

Lumpia House, 8937 San Ramon Road, Dublin. 925-803-8982; Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Monday.