Filipino Food Truck Hits San Diego Streets

After making it all the way to the finals of The Great Food Truck Race: Holiday Hustle on the Food Network as Lia’s Lumpia, representing the community of Paradise Hills with a team that included his dedicated sous chef and mom Benelia, local chef Spencer Hunter of Hunters Home Kitchen catering was inspired to translate their mobile eatery into reality. Though the pandemic slowed their launch, the Lia’s Lumpia food truck has finally rolled out in San Diego.

For now, the truck’s weekly schedule includes stops at Newtopia Cyder on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Setting Sun Sake in Miramar on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and at North Park’s Poorhouse Brewing Company on weekends from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but starting in 2021 it will be parked five days at week in Chula Vista at 71 Broadway.

Specializing in traditional lumpia, as well as modern variations including mac and cheese-stuffed spring rolls, the truck will also offer quick-service version of classic Filipino dishes like rice plates topped with chicken adobo and pork belly sisig.

In addition to the food truck, Hunter is also developing ghost kitchen next door to Newtopia Cyder’s tasting room in Scripps Ranch. Featuring a to-go window and online ordering plus third-party delivery, the virtual eatery will have an expanded menu that includes Filipino chicken wings and various sides.