RJ Pinoy Yum might be our fave Filipino hangout in Newfoundland and Labrador

RJ Pinoy Yum in Newfoundland and Labrador is giving Filipinos all the homey feels | Photo from RJ Pinoy Yum

Picture packing your culinary dreams and hopes in a suitcase and setting out into a new land. That’s what Ricky and Joy Dela Cruz did when they moved from the Philippines to Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada before launching their restaurant RJ Pinoy Yum.

The big move happened in 1997 when the two hadn’t met each other yet. Little did Joy know that meeting aspiring restaurateur Ricky would give birth to their hub of Filipino delights. The “RJ” in the restaurant actually stands for Ricky and Joy.

“His first catering was our wedding. That was amazing for him to do,” Joy fondly recalls in an interview.

But their migration was far from ordinary. Neither of them thought their path would lead to St. John, Newfoundland. “[The Filipino community] were so happy that we brought the Filipino dishes here,” Joy said.

A fusion fiesta at RJ Pinoy Yum

Stepping into RJ Pinoy Yum, you’ll be greeted by a symphony of flavors and aromas. From sweet to savory, each dish is rooted in both tradition and innovation.

Try their wanton tacos (either with beef or chicken) topped with tomatoes, red and green peppers, red onion, and three cheese ranch dressing. And don’t miss out on their silky lomi, too; the Pinoy version of udon comes loaded with shrimp, tofu, crispy pork belly, chicken strips, and vegetables.

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But Ricky and Joy didn’t forget to infuse their Filipino flavors with Canadian classics such as the poutine. As for personal favorites, Ricky is proud of their kare-kare, a rich beef dish simmered in peanut sauce.

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Anyone who’s ever tried the restaurant has nothing but praise for RJ Pinoy Yum. On Yelp, the reviews average 4.8 stars with notes like, “This is a must-try! World class!” exclaims one reviewer about the pork buns or siopao.

Customers also share positive stories of the “quaint and simple” surroundings that come alive with friendly faces and good food, delivering a dining experience that feels straight out of a five-star restaurant.

In addition, this Filipino food hub boasts a glowing 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor, with one customer who tried Filipino food for the first time ended up loving all the flavors.

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When Filipino flavors create family bonds

Amid the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Filipino restaurant stood firm. “This is it. We’re still open,” Ricky declares with determination. Their Filipino fusion cuisine still continues to amaze palates.

RJ Pinoy Yum’s story extends outside the confines of the restaurant’s walls. Ricky and Joy didn’t just bring a taste of the Philippines to Newfoundland but also welcomed their families into the endeavor.

“This is the goal, maybe, of this restaurant—to get our family here and give them that better future,” Ricky reflects.

Whether you’re Filipino or just someone who happens to visit Newfoundland, don’t miss the chance to savor the diverse tastes of Filipino cuisine and say, “Yum!”