From Pandemic Hustle to Pinoy Food Haven—How One OFW Brought Big Flavours and Bigger Servings to Italy

By Mye Mulingtapang  |  Photos by KUSINA NI LODI

If you ever find yourself in Milan craving a Filipino food trip, Kusina ni Lodi is the place to be. Known for their over-the-top servings and full-on Pinoy flavors, this Filipino restaurant has two showstoppers that are winning hearts (and bellies): the Halo-Halo Promax and their Giant Lomi Batangueño. Think of it as comfort food at its finest—loaded, flavorful, and made with a whole lot of love and nostalgia.

But the halo-halo is just one half of the story. The Lomi Overload, a Batangueño classic, is equally legendary. Served piping hot in a massive bowl, this dish features thick egg noodles, rich savory broth, chunks of pork, kikiam, liver, chicharon, and hard-boiled egg—topped with garlic, spring onions, siomai and lumpiang shanghai. 

“Batangueños don’t play around when it comes to lomi,” Franco says. 

“Our version is just like how it’s served back home. Malapot, malasa, and of course, pang-barkada sa laki!”

Franco’s journey is as flavorful as his dishes. During the pandemic, when restaurants were shutting down and times were tough, he turned to food delivery to make ends meet. Starting from his kitchen, he served homesick Filipinos their favorite Batangas staples like goto, pansit, and pares. 

“Back then, I just wanted to keep cooking and sharing food,” Franco recalls. “I didn’t expect that from those deliveries, we’d grow into two restaurants.”

Today, Kusina ni Lodi has become a go-to Filipino hangout in Milan, known not only for their giant servings but also for the heart and authenticity poured into every meal. “Everything on the menu is inspired by what we grew up eating. It's all about bringing that Batangas warmth to Milan,” Franco says.

So whether you're after a sweet treat or a savory feast, Kusina ni Lodi’s Halo-Halo Promax and Giant Lomi are must-tries. Just come hungry—because these dishes 

are Lodi-level legendary.

KUSINA NI LODI BRANCHES

📍Via Scrivia 1, Milan

📍Via Conte Verde 17, Milan

FB: Kusina ni Lodi 1 & 2 

IG: kusinanilodi