A trip to Batangas wouldn’t be complete without lomi. This egg noodle dish served in a thick broth has a mild flavor and the diner is free to season it to their liking with condiments such as soy sauce, calamansi, and crushed chili peppers for an added spice.

Generously topped with pork liver, kikiam, and quail eggs, lomi is so ingrained in the province’s culture that an entire festival used to be held in June that is dedicated to it. The last Lomi Festival was held back in 2012, yet the dish remains significant to Batangueños up to this day.

Lomi was first served in 1968 when Lipa-based Chinese restaurateur To Kim Eng cooked it for his mahjong friends. He and his wife, Natalia, opened Lipa City Panciteria (noodle eatery), the first-ever lomi house in the city, when more people fell in love with the dish. Kim Eng was also generous, sharing the recipe with others, who then became encouraged to build their own lomi houses.

Today, many lomi restaurants have popped up all over the city. Standouts include Corcolon Lomi House, Kina Imus Lomi House, Lomi King, and Sizzling Lomi House.

Out of all these, one of Lipa’s success stories is Liam’s Lomi House. What started as a humble kubo (hut) that had three tables is now a spacious restaurant with ample parking space, yet has the same passion for serving lomi well-loved by locals.

Liam’s Lomi House owners Corrine and Francis Yuson. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Even before the restaurant opened, owners Francis and Corrine Yuson (then just boyfriend and girlfriend) loved lomi. It was all they could afford as college students with their limited baon (packed food). Their passion grew as they tried lomi from different houses and they soon had the idea of starting their own business in 2007.

Here are four reasons why we can’t get enough of their Liam’s Lomi:

1. They have a unique blend. What makes Liam’s Lomi House different is that their lomi is already flavorful even without the seasonings. Their egg noodles are also firm, soft, and chewy, while their broth tastes thick and rich.

Their lomi is served in huge bowls and are generously topped with meat. Each bowl can serve up to two people. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

2. Their lomi is award-winning. Liam’s Lomi House is a two-time and reigning champion of Lipa’s Lomi Festival. To be recognized twice in such a proud Batangueño dish means that there is something distinct to it.

3. You can have a bowl of lomi for as low as Php 80. You can get a big bowl of their Lomi Special that comes with generous toppings of pork, fishball, and kikiam for only Php 80. Their Chicken Lomi (Php 90) is also a must-try. It is topped with crunchy and juicy deep-fried chicken that goes well with the thick noodles and rich broth. Other unique highlights include their Lechon Lomi or roasted pig Lomi (Php 105), Beef Lomi (Php 90), and roasted or Asado Lomi (Php 95).

The Lomi Special is a gastronomic masterpiece topped with pork, fishball, kikiam, and crunchy garlic bits. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

4. They also have other dishes you should try. Liam’s Lomi House may be known for their lomi but their menu is wide-ranging and there are other delicious dishes to try. Some recommendations include the Lechon Chami (Php 105), which is made up of stir fried flat miki noodles (thick egg noodles) topped with slices of crispy yet tender lechon kawali (crispy fried pork belly).

Lechon kawali, kikiam, and mixed vegetables make up Lechon Chami, a must-try if you want saucy noodles without the broth. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The Special Fried Rice is served in a huge bowl and is good for sharing between two people. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

For those who believe that “kanin (rice) is life,” the Special Fried Rice (Php 150), a spin of Yang Chow and is good for two to three people. You can pair this with their best-selling Lechon Kawali (Php 260). The Yusons also recommend their Chicken Chami (P90), a stir fry flat miki noodle dish topped with fried chicken and vegetables. Another recommendation is their Goto Laman (P80), which is a comforting soup dish prepared with different kinds of beef offal.

The Chicken Chami and Lechon Kawali are also among the bestsellers. Photos by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

If you want to try their lomi and other dishes but don’t want to leave your house, you can order from Liam’s Lomi House via GrabFood and Foodpanda (available to Lipa locals and nearby areas only).

  • Address: Receno’s Compound, Gen. Luna Street, Sabang, Lipa, Batangas
  • Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. (also open on holidays)
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liams-Lomi-House-206982389331281
  • Contact number: (043) 756 5743 and 0917 208 9535

Dine in safely!

Liam’s Lomi House is ready to safely welcome diners. Customers need to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and regularly wash hands before dining in. The restaurant has sanitary and contact tracing procedures, such as registration at the reception and using alcohol to sanitize hands before entering the premises.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

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