Looking for a place you can exclusively rent to host a game or karaoke night with friends and family? Or simply dine in, and experience La Union food- If these are your deal makers- you may want to consider Lampara Kitchen and Bar- where food, games, and karaoke collide.
Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Mabini Street in Barangay Catbangen, San Fernando City, La Union, this family-owned gem is a testament to the warm hospitality and culinary excellence La Union is known for.
Urban comfort in San Fernando City, La Union
You can easily spot Lampara Kitchen and Bar, because of the lined-up buffet-style clay pots in their facade. It’s an 18-minute drive if you come from Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union; and 7 minutes from Thunderbird Resorts and Casino in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union. For commuters, you can hail a tricycle in San Fernando City and ask to bring you to Lampara. Tricycle fare is at P25 minimum. The nearest landmark is the post office in barangay Catbangen.
The inviting urban comfort and laid-back ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy home, provide a welcoming backdrop for your culinary adventure. During the day, it’s a bustling dining area, while at night, it transforms into a lively bar, complete with music and drinks. Weekends come in love with soulful acoustic performances by local talents.
How Lampara Kitchen and Bar started
Lampara Kitchen and Bar’s remarkable journey began as a pandemic-born concept, driven by the simple desire to share home-cooked meals with those seeking comfort and connection during challenging times.
The family behind Lampara initially started by delivering these lovingly prepared dishes to their customers, and the overwhelmingly warm and positive feedback they received was the spark that ignited a bigger dream. With no formal culinary training but an unwavering passion for food and hospitality, they decided to turn their home-based venture into a physical restaurant, bringing their beloved dishes to a wider audience.
The choice of the name “Lampara,” meaning “lamp” in English, is deeply symbolic. Inspired by the lamps used by fishermen as guiding lights in the darkness of the sea, it reflects their commitment to being a guiding light of warmth and nourishment in the lives of their patrons.
Lampara Kitchen and Bar is a heartfelt testament to the power of passion and perseverance, where family bonds, a love for cooking, and a dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences come together to light up the lives of all who enter its doors.
The GAME ROOM
Amidst the culinary brilliance, Lampara Kitchen and Bar unveils its secret weapon- a game room that sets it apart from the rest. The game room can accommodate 6-8 people at P3,000 for 3 hours. It has a smart TV connected to Netflix and HBO for movies or you can play Ps5 console instead. Besides these, there are available board games inside the room, as well as darts, and poker.
This unique space isn’t just for games; it’s a place where laughter and friendly competition thrive. Whether you’re playing darts, billiards, or cards, it’s where unforgettable stories are made, adding an extra layer of charm to Lampara’s appeal.
THE KTV ROOM
What best defines family gatherings other than karaoke? Lampara Kitchen and Bar understands the importance of family gatherings, and they’ve gone above and beyond to cater to this sentiment. They offer specially designed KTV or Karaoke rooms, good for 12-15 people. These private havens are perfect for families and friends to come together, enjoy a sumptuous meal, and then unleash their inner starts with a spirited karaoke session. Just like the game room, customers can turn it into a watching session as the TV is also connected to Netflix and HBO. It’s really a delightful fusion of great food, music, and togetherness that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Food for every craving
The family extends to many their love of food. They understand how family members differ in their cravings and often argue about which food to order. In order to resolve that, they’ve thought of offering different cuisines.
Hand-picked, and well-thought-out they formulated a menu that interestingly combined all the cuisines you and your family might love. They offer Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and of course, Filipino cuisines. Among the must-try are the Crispy Palabok, Grilled Squid Sisig, Baby back ribs, to name a few.
Taste
The taste profile at Lampara Kitchen and Bar is nothing short of delightful. The team was served with some of the best sellers in the restaurant- mostly Filipino cuisine with a twist.
Crispy Palabok
Starting with the Crispy Palabok, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors- the crispy squid toppings paired with that rich Palabok sauce create a mouthwatering experience. The Juan Republic team agreed the Crispy Palabok is one for the books and is something you will crave after you’ve tasted it.
Pusit Sisig
The Pusit sisig was literally fired up before serving. The squid was surprisingly tender, while the sisig was well-seasoned. While we missed out if there was a mushed pig’s brain in the sisig- we didn’t taste any mayonnaise. We recommend this as pulutan in your next drinking sesh.
Crispy Pata Kare-kare
Their Crispy Pata Kare-kare, a marriage of crispy pata and kare-kare, came in on a sizzling plate. A whole crispy pata with the usual kare-kare vegetable (string beans, pechay) beautifully arranged on the hot plate, was poured on with the rich peanut butter sauce. The pork skin was crackly and crunchy while the meat was tender enough to be chewed on. But it wasn’t “falling off the bone” tender. The kare-kare sauce had a slight peanut-y flavor and was seasoned well- not too sweet and not too savory. If you like your kare-kare sauce with just a mild taste, then you will like this.
Banana Rhuma
For those who are familiar with and have tried Manong Tootz FoodHouse turon, Lampara’s Banana Rhuma will hit you in the right spots. It’s a classic turon but glazed with a reduced jackfruit sauce, dusted with skimmed milk, and served with Puno’s ice cream- the best ice cream in Nueva Ecija. It surely felt like a warm hug.
Choco Lave with Ice Cream
Another dessert we have tried was the Chocolate Lava cake topped with ice cream- from Puno’s again- and sprinkled with gold leaves or sheets. It’s a combination of warm and cold- warm cake and cold ice cream. When you scoop or cut a serving, a rich chocolate filling will ooze from the center. This one’s on the sugary and rich side, so if you have a sweet tooth, you will love this.
Ratings:
Customer Service
Lampara’s staff embodies the warmth and hospitality that La Union is known for. From the moment you’re welcomed at the door to the attentive service throughout the meal, their genuine passion for sharing their culinary heritage shines through.
Price
Food prices range from 200 (starters) to 1,900.
The menu and experience at Lampara Kitchen and Bar covers a spectrum of prices, starting as low as 120 pesos and going up to 1,900 pesos. Locals, who are mostly minimum wage earners (P372 to P400/day), will probably need to save up a little for a special dining experience in Lampara Kitchen and Bar.
Here’s the deal: the food is seriously good, and the customer service is top-notch. While we understand we need to pay more for a superb dining experience, we still pray the price tags could be a little lower so more Ilokano can afford it. But when we say the food’s delish- we mean it.
Other services
Lampara is open to hosting events. Or you can rent out the meeting room, for intimate gatherings in a packaged deal.
Parking space
They have a limited parking space within the premises that can fit 3-5 cars. But street parking is also allowed.
Restrooms
They have two, one for females, and one for males. Both are clean, well-maintained, and smell good. Also, they’re Instagrammable.
Food delivery
Available at Food Panda, FoodEarly, and other local food delivery services.
Pet-friendly
You can bring your fur babies to Lampara. They also have their adopted in-house cats you can play or cuddle with.
Business hours
Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Fridays to Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Contact number
09173348262
Lampara Kitchen and Bar isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination where moments are created, laughter is shared, and memories are etched into the hearts of its patrons. With its diverse cuisine, game, and karaoke rooms, Lampara has seamlessly woven together elements of fun, family, and fantastic food. The warmth of their service, reasonable pricing, and willingness to cater to various needs make it a hidden gem in the heart of San Fernando City, La Union.
Whether you seek a gastronomic adventure, a thrilling game night, or a harmonious karaoke session, Lampara Kitchen and Bar invites you to experience it all under one welcoming roof. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the inviting atmosphere, and indulge in a delightful collision of flavors, entertainment, and togetherness at Lampara Kitchen and Bar.
