Delicious authentic Filipino food and great service is on offer at Lutong Pinoy in Footscray and Deer Park. Owner Narcisa Mcleavy has worked almost every day during the five Melbourne lockdowns due to the continued demand for her dishes.
Lutong Pinoy offers an array of Filipino dishes, including Lechon Kawali, Kare-kare, Beef Steak, Dinuguan, Palabok and Pancit, which she says are her best sellers for small orders and party trays.
After successfully running her takeaway shop at the Footscray Market food court for nine years, Narcisa opened her second store in Deer Park in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lutong Pinoy could not celebrate its grand opening in 2020 nor its first Anniversary in 2021.
Narcisa, otherwise known as ‘Narsing’ comes from a large family in Barangay Talisay, Anda, Bohol. She is one of fourteen children. After many years in Australia, she has been able to help several relatives migrate to Melbourne, some of which assist her in her business.
Narcisa is known for her service and generosity. She has a charity collection tin at her counter and organises an annual feeding program for kids in her hometown in the Philippines. Sadly in June this year, her collection tin was stolen and it is unknown who took it.
Lutong Pinoy continues to face challenges during the pandemic, especially when restrictions include a 5km limit. Narcisa is grateful for her regular customers nearby who continue to patronise her business, especially as customers often order the food they enjoy to get them through these challenging times. A reminder of home in a time when home has never felt so far away.
Lutong Pinoy is located at 85 Station Rd, Deer Park and Footscray Market.
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