Filipino food has been steadily making its mark on Hong Kong’s culinary landscape, transitioning from humble eateries to more modern, trendsetting spots. Nestled in the bustling streets of Central Hong Kong, Barkada has quickly become the go-to spot for those craving a unique fusion of modern Filipino cuisine and tropical vibes. Barkada was brought to life by Filipina food influencer Jen Balisi, also known as Indulgent Eats, in collaboration with Singular Concepts, a hospitality group famous for popular venues like The Daily Tot, The Trilogy, and Tell Camellia. Opened in February 2023, the restaurant represents Jen’s love for Filipino flavors with a modern twist. It combines the flavors of her Filipino-American upbringing with innovative dishes that appeal to a wider audience.
Recommender story
Dara Infuses Filipino Spirit into Hong Kong’s Cocktail Landscape
Avoca’s Elevated Cocktails Spotlight Local Flavors
Located beneath the Mid-Levels escalator in the FOCO building, Barkada, which means “group of close friends” in Tagalog, captures the essence of sharing meals with loved ones. The first thing that catches the eye at Barkada is the “Come as Strangers, Leave as Friends” sign—a perfect reflection of the restaurant’s welcoming spirit. The design combines retro tropical decor with the warmth of an open kitchen. This layout creates an intimate, homey atmosphere, making it feel less like a restaurant and more like a communal gathering spot, inviting everyone to feel like part of the family. Whether you’re looking to sit back and relax or engage in lively conversations with friends, have after-work meetups or weekend hangouts, Barkada’s friendly vibe welcomes all.
Barkada’s menu is built around pulutan (small plates designed to be enjoyed with drinks), offering creative spins on Filipino classics. Dishes include crispy Chicken Lumpia—spring rolls with chicken, carrot, onion, and pineapple chili sauce (HK$68); Adobo Birria Quesotacos—crispy tacos with chipotle/guajillo/ancho-chile infused pork belly adobo, mozzarella, cilantro, and pickled red onion (HK$98); and Adobo Popcorn Chicken (HK$108). The Sizzling Sisig (HK$158) and Filipino BBQ (HK$128), Filipino favorites, are a must-try, and the Spicy Funky Coconut Noodles (HK$158) delivers unforgettable bursts of flavor. Barkada also offers vegan-friendly options and even reinvents the traditional bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) into a vegan alternative. This season, they have updated their menu with “Barkada Remixes,” which incorporate global influences and Jen’s unique take on tradition. Highlights include dishes like Dinuguan, a Filipino pork blood stew; Sizzling Bulalo, featuring tender beef shank, whole bone marrow, charred corn, and cabbage; and Pancit Hong Kong, a twist on the traditional pancit canton with the addition of calamansi char siu. They also offer the Pinoy Pride Chicken Sandwich, which features a crispy chicken thigh coated with garlic-pineapple tocino glaze and served in a pandesal bun from Filipino bakery Solar Hands, as well as a striking purple Ube Biko Sundae to end your meal.
A highlight of the Barkada experience is the Boodle Fight Kamayan, a communal meal served on banana leaves—a tradition from the Philippine military where people eat with their hands, sharing everything in front of them to strengthen the bond and build camaraderie through food, regardless of rank or status. The feast is available with meat and seafood offerings at HK$498 per person, which includes sides like Spring Rolls, Tuna Kinilaw (Filipino tuna ceviche), and more. Main course options include BBQ, Beef Tapa, or Lechon Kawali (deep-fried pork belly), with additional options of Spicy Tiger Prawns (+HK$10 per person) or Grilled Red Snapper (+HK$20 per person). Vegan and vegetarian options cost HK$388 per person and include sides like Vegetable Fritters and Eggplant Kinilaw, as well as meat alternatives for mains such as Kare-Kare (peanut stew with eggplant, bok choy, and green beans) and Sizzling Tofu Sisig.
During the Christmas season, the restaurant embraces a beloved Pinoy tradition of enjoying a feast in front of the karaoke. The festive Filipino brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday in December, inviting guests to enjoy traditional Lechon Roast Pork Belly or Lechon Manok Roast Chicken in the company of friends while belting out their favorite tunes on the mic (only on Saturdays and December 24 to 26). Additionally, from December 24 to 26, a Barkada Christmas Dinner Set Menu will be offered, starting at HK$388 per person. This menu includes sharing plates of finger food, a selection of main dishes, noodles, dessert, and an optional free-flow drink package for an additional HK$198.
Barkada’s drink menu (HK$120 per drink) is a mix of Filipino flavors with twists on classic cocktails. Southeast Asian ingredients like pandan and calamansi shine in creations like the Barkada Sour, a refreshing mix of pandan and guava gin, citrus, and calamansi zest—perfect for beating the Hong Kong heat. The Coconut Negroni (coconut gin, Campari, sweet vermouth) offers a tropical spin on the beloved classic, while the Tito Mojito (basil-infused white rum, calamansi, mint, lemonade, and soda water) transports you straight to a beachside setting. Alongside these signature drinks, Barkada serves Filipino favorites like San Miguel beer on draught, mocktails infused with Filipino flavors, and crowd-friendly margaritas and sangrias available by the glass or carafe—ideal for sharing in true barkada spirit.
In a city full of diverse culinary experiences, Barkada brings something fun to the table—a slice of the Philippines with a modern, playful twist.
Barkada is located at UG/F, 48 Cochrane Street, FOCO, Central, Hong Kong. They’re open from Monday to Thursday from 12pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 1am, and Sunday from 12pm to 11pm. Book your table at bistrochat.com and follow Barkada on Instagram @barkada.hk.
Follow DrinkCollectiv on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more drink news and all the latest sips and tips!
