This former sari-sari store transforms into a cultural, food spot for Fil-Ams
Photo from theluckytigre/Instagram
What started out as a sari-sari store and eatery has now bloomed into a cultural food spot, Lucky Tigre is amassing both Filipino and American fans across the Tampa Bay Area.
From a pop-up to a must-visit food hub in Tampa, their Filipino American dishes are a food lover’s dream. Rising in the pandemic era as Good Fortune Baby, this eatery has been serving up their culinary masterpieces since their opening in 2022 at 1101 S. Howard Ave.
“I am beyond excited. I feel very lucky,” the owner shared during their opening.
Their next big move? Spicing up West Tampa with their delish meals like beef bola and spicy tocino pork dumplings.
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Lucky Tiger is relocating to their new home, at 1713 N Albany Ave, former abode of Helen’s Soul Food and BBQ. As the flagship closes, there’s no reason to fret as the food hub is far from dimming — the owner is thinking of a Filipino diner concept for the new space.
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A Filipino menu that speaks of innovation
The self-taught chef and brains behind Lucky Tigre, Julie Sainte Michelle Feliciano has whipped her spatula and turned dishes that scream innovation.
Her flair for blending Filipino American flavors had earned her brainchild almost five-star Yelp reviews back in 2023.
With a lineup of delish menu that boasts of steamed buns, greens and plant-based eats, the rave reviews are not surprising.
Feliciano’s gratitude for the community support is apparent. “I’m definitely very grateful for the community,” said Feliciano. “It helped us so much in the first year.”
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We haven’t even started with desserts yet — halaya-filled siopao, jackfruit-stuffed turon and ube flan cake are the sweet treats anyone with a sweet tooth can’t resist.
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In the meantime, as the new location is being prepped, a food truck is set to offer their fan faves while adding other Filipino foods and barbecue to the menu.
There’s no official word yet on the opening date, but this South Tampa spot will still welcome customers until their renovations are done.
“We’re just going to chip away at it, bit by bit,” assured Feliciano.
Ready to follow their culinary adventures to a savory, sweet and spicy new destination? Here’s to more sumptuous Filipino dishes on the horizon.
