photo: Christina Mitchell
I first read about Lucky 37 Filipino Street Cuisine in East Bay Express last summer, a few weeks after it opened. The Filipino take-out spot sounded so good, it immediately went on my list of places to go. It’s taken a long time for me to get there, but it was so tasty, convenient and affordable that I’ve been twice in the past month. It’s a family operation: the uncle owns the business, the auntie cooks, the grandma rolls the lumpia and the cousins serve the food. Here are some suggestions for how to order at Lucky Three Seven:
Get at least 2 Lumpia
During my first visit, I ordered one lumpia ($1.50-3.00), but Jun (one of the cousins working the counter) said I should order at least two. He was right. Both the Chicken and Shrimp Lumpia were extra long, fried to order and completely addictive. Jun also told me about how the neighborhood kids mixed the two dipping sauces (Sweet Chili and Vinegar) together and after trying it myself, it made the Lumpia even more irresistible. Those kids are on to something!
Sample everything
While the lumpia are frying, you should taste all of the prepared dishes and then choose your favorite. Most were stewed meats kept in warming trays, and pretty much all of them were tender and flavorful. There were chicken, beef and pork dishes, but not much for vegetarians. When you taste a spoonful, imagine how it will taste over rice.
Eat outside
If it’s a nice day, you should eat outside because they play music. But the food also keeps well if you get it to go. Start with the lumpia and then move to the bowl. Both times I ordered a Small (Torta – ground pork and Menudo – pork shoulder, $8) and couldn’t finish.
photo: Christina Mitchell
Put an egg on it
You can have them put an egg on it or you can do it yourself with the leftovers. The food was even more flavorful the next day! I just reheated the rice and meat together, and then topped with a fried egg. The runny yolk added a silky texture that just brought everything together.
Follow them on Facebook
The specials change every day, depending on what auntie feels like cooking. Facebook is where they post the menu every morning. It’s also where they’ll share details about the first anniversary celebration, which is coming up in a few weeks.
2868 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland
510-789-6343
Open daily 7am – 7pm
Christina Mitchell
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So true – “put an egg on it”.
I know, right???