Brief
Kumbira in Altona earns 14/20 Critics’ Pick in The Age Good Food Guide
The review highlights the restaurant’s creative take on Filipino classics, including a sticky tamarind pudding and lechon roast pork.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Age Good Food Guide awarded Kumbira in Altona a 14 out of 20 score and a Critics’ Pick on 11 October 2026, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
The two‑level venue was praised for reimagining Filipino cuisine for modern Melbourne diners. Signature dishes mentioned include a "mind‑blowing" sticky tamarind pudding, artisan salt‑shaved "dinosaur‑egg" salt, inasal chicken skewers basted in spiced oil, and an adobo stew presented like French‑bistro rillettes.
What the report adds
The review notes the restaurant’s ambience as "cheery" and its hospitality as generous, describing the experience as reminiscent of Filipino family feasts. It also states that Good Food Guide reviews are anonymous and independent, with no payment from restaurants.
What was said
The guide calls the lechon pull‑apart roast pork, flavoured with lemongrass and ginger and served with liver sauce and vinegar, a "must‑order" dish.
How it came about
Kumbira’s focus on nostalgic Filipino flavours follows a broader trend of Australian eateries spotlighting Asian regional cuisines, a theme previously covered in Felo’s review of Kid, a Turkish‑inspired restaurant in Soho.
Key facts
- Kumbira received a 14/20 score and Critics’ Pick in The Age Good Food Guide on 11 Oct 2026. (smh.com.au)
- Signature dishes highlighted include sticky tamarind pudding, dinosaur‑egg salt, inasal chicken skewers, and adobo rillettes. (smh.com.au)
- The lechon pull‑apart roast pork with lemongrass, ginger, liver sauce and vinegar is recommended as a must‑order. (smh.com.au)
- Good Food Guide reviews are conducted anonymously and without restaurant payment. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Kumbira, Altona - The Age Good Food Guide review”
