Sakku Pinoy: A Taste of the Philippines

A Filipino restaurant is a rare thing in the North of England. We are fortunate that Sakku Pinoy has opened in Leeds.

There has been a significant Filipino population in Britain for many years but there are relatively few restaurants serving the cuisine of the Philippines. Whilst food from across the world can be found in London and the South of England, the only Filipino restaurant I had previously found in the North is Sebu, in Hull. (If you find yourself at the eastern end of the M62 then you will find great food and great views at Sebu.)

We visited Sakku Pinoy on a Friday evening, having spent the previous hours wandering around Leeds Light Night. It was a suitably bright environment to welcome us. Neon signs, vibrant colours and floral decorations provide a stylish tropical setting. Panelled mirrored walls give a sense of space.

Co-owner John Escudero told me that it has taken ten years to get the restaurant up and running. He has been involved in the Yorkshire restaurant scene for some time, including Japanese restaurant Sakku, the sushi spot which previously occupied the spot on St Peter’s Square.

Pinoy is an informal term to describe Filipino people and culture. There are thousands of Filipino inhabitants of Leeds. John tells me that they are fed up with travelling to London for a restaurant meal. However, he is determined that Sakku Pinoy will be a hit with people who have not tasted the cuisine before.

The restaurant claims to ‘develop and modernise classic Filipino dishes’. There is an emphasis on pork, a staple of Filipino cuisine, but you will also find fish, chicken and ox cheek among the mains, alongside noodle and rice-based dishes. There are vegetable starters but I didn’t spot a single vegetarian main course. This may be something they need to address if they are to extend their clientele.

As it was getting late we decided to order one starter to share and two mains, which we also shared. John was happy to bring extra plates to make the meal communal. If you book for ten or more people then the restaurant can offer a set menu with a selection of dishes to share for £25 per person.

A starter of Lumpiang Apritadang Baboy comprised three plump spring rolls, filled with pulled pork and vegetables. The portion size was more than ample for two to share. The rolls were packed full of tender marinated pork and chunky vegetables. They were accompanied by two dipping sauces: one sweet chilli and one rice vinegar based. Both tasted freshly made, refreshing given the current trend for restaurants to serve shop bought sweet chilli sauce with a range of starters.

For mains we opted for one fish and one pork dish. Pritong Daing na Bangus, was a fried marinated milk fish dish. Milkfish is a tender soft fish eaten throughout the Pacific region. It is very boney, so I was impressed by the expertise of the filleting – not a single bone had been left. The batter was light and crispy and it was served with more delicious dipping sauces.Accompaniments included rice and vegetables: boiled, grilled and pickled.,

Our pork dish, Kare Kateng Bagnet, consisted of double fried pork belly with a smooth peanut sauce. The pork skin was crispy, with a good crunch, whilst the meat was tender and moist. Quite a feat to crisp the skin so effectively without drying out the meat. Pak Choi, runner beans and rice sat surrounded by the creamy peanut sauce. A side portion of chilli shrimp paste allows you to add some zing to the dish.

Portions were again large so we had no room left for dessert, but a range of traditional Filipino sweets are on offer. Sticky rice with coconut and banana fritters were to be expected but are elevated by numerous accompaniments. Western classics, crème caramel and cheesecake, had a Filipino twist with the addition of purple yam purée and Latik sauce. Whilst Hao Halo is a shaved ice dish with numerous additions. There is also a variety of ice cream if you want something simpler or lighter.

Drinks on offer include Filipino cocktails and mocktails alongside traditional cocktails. This is a good spot for someone who doesn’t want to drink alcohol as they have a good range of soft drinks and sell a range of fruit juices by the pint or half pint. All their wines are available by the glass or bottle. There is a choice of Sakki or Virtuous draught beer and Asahi, Japanese alcohol free beer, is also available.

Prices were reasonable for the quality and quantity of the dishes. Starters average around £9, mains £20 and desserts £8. Given the large portion size you might want to share some of the dishes.

This is a corner of Leeds that is often missed by diners, despite the ever popular Kendalls a few doors down. I would urge people to venture out and sample this new cuisine.

Service options: Reservations required · Serves vegan dishes 
Has Wi-Fi 
5 St Peter’s Place, Leeds LS9 8AQ
Hours: 

Phone: 0113 242 3600
Reservations: opentable.co.uk
Website: https://sakkupinoy.co.uk/

Photography by Debbie Rolls.