Lumpia House in Columbia: Filipino Egg Rolls and Family Recipes

What Lumpia House serves and where to find it

Lumpia House is a casual Filipino restaurant in Columbia that specializes in lumpia—crispy fried egg rolls filled with meat, vegetables, or both. The restaurant focuses on this single signature item and does it well, offering versions that reflect family recipes rather than a broad menu trying to do everything. You order at the counter, find a seat, and eat in a small, unpretentious dining room.

The restaurant is located on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with other independent shops and restaurants nearby. Parking is street parking or in nearby lots. Hours tend to be lunch and early dinner, though you should call or check their current schedule before making the trip, as independent restaurants sometimes shift their hours seasonally.

Key Takeaways

• Lumpia House makes crispy fried egg rolls in several varieties, from meat-filled to vegetable, using recipes that come from the owner's family background.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot in Five Points, a neighborhood known for independent dining and local businesses.
• Lumpia is a Filipino appetizer or snack that works as a full meal when you order several rolls, and Lumpia House pairs them with simple sides like rice or dipping sauces.
• The space is small and casual, designed for quick meals rather than long sit-down dining, though you can eat in or take food to go.

The lumpia varieties and what's inside them

Lumpia comes in different fillings depending on what the restaurant is making that day. The most common version contains ground pork or chicken mixed with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, all wrapped in a thin pastry wrapper and deep-fried until golden. Some versions include shrimp or are made entirely vegetarian with just vegetables and sometimes tofu.

Each roll is about the size of a thick cigar and served hot. The outside is crispy and shatters slightly when you bite into it, while the inside stays moist from the filling. They come with dipping sauces—typically a sweet and tangy sauce similar to sweet and sour sauce, or a spicier vinegar-based option. You can order them individually or by the dozen if you want to take them home or feed a group.

How lumpia fits into Filipino food culture

Lumpia is a Filipino staple that appears at family gatherings, street food stalls, and casual restaurants throughout the Philippines and Filipino communities worldwide. It is often served as an appetizer or snack rather than a main course, though eating several rolls with rice makes a complete meal. The dish reflects the Filipino approach to cooking—using simple, available ingredients and frying as a preservation and flavor method.

The wrapper itself comes from Chinese influence on Filipino cuisine, a result of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Filipino cooks adapted the concept and filled it with their own ingredients and flavor profiles. At Lumpia House, the recipes come from the owner's family tradition, which means the flavors and proportions reflect how lumpia is actually made in Filipino households rather than a restaurant interpretation of the dish.

Ordering and eating at Lumpia House

You walk in, order at the counter, and pay before you eat. The staff will tell you what fillings are available that day and how many rolls are ready or how long a fresh batch will take. Most orders come out within a few minutes. You can eat in the small dining area or take your order to go.

A typical order might be six to eight rolls per person if lumpia is your whole meal, or three to four if you are sharing or adding other items. The restaurant usually has rice available as a side, and some locations offer other simple Filipino sides depending on what the kitchen is making. Prices are low—usually a few dollars per roll or a set price for a half-dozen or dozen.

Five Points neighborhood context

Lumpia House sits in Five Points, a neighborhood in central Columbia known for independent restaurants, vintage shops, and a walkable street layout. The area has a mix of long-established businesses and newer spots, and it attracts people looking for something different from chain restaurants. Devine Street, where Lumpia House is located, is the main commercial strip.

The neighborhood is accessible by car with street parking, and it is close enough to downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina campus that it draws both neighborhood residents and visitors. If you are exploring Five Points, you can combine a meal at Lumpia House with browsing nearby shops or eating at other independent restaurants in the area.

What to know before you go

Lumpia House is a small operation, so hours can change. Call ahead or check online to confirm they are open and what fillings they have ready. The restaurant does not take reservations—it is first-come, first-served. If you arrive during lunch rush, you might wait a few minutes, but turnover is usually fast because most people eat quickly and leave.

The space is casual and not designed for lingering. If you want to sit and eat, there are tables, but the atmosphere is more grab-and-go than leisurely dining. The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards. If you want to order a large quantity for an event or party, call ahead to see if they can prepare a bulk order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the lumpia at Lumpia House vegetarian?

Some varieties are vegetarian, made with vegetables and sometimes tofu, while others contain meat. Ask what options are available when you order, as the vegetarian versions may not be made every day. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what will be available.

Can I order lumpia for a party or event?

Yes, most small restaurants can prepare larger orders if you call in advance. Tell them how many people you are feeding and when you need the order, and they can let you know if they can accommodate it. Lumpia travels well and stays good for a few hours after frying, making it practical for gatherings.

What should I dip the lumpia in?

Lumpia House provides dipping sauces with your order—usually a sweet sauce and a spicier vinegar-based sauce. You can use one, both, or neither. Some people eat them plain. Try a small piece with each sauce to see which you prefer.

Is Lumpia House in the same location as it has always been?

Independent restaurants sometimes move or change locations. Before making the trip, confirm the address on their phone number or social media, as Five Points has seen some business changes over the years. A quick call ensures you are going to the right spot.

What else does Lumpia House serve besides lumpia?

The restaurant focuses on lumpia as its main item, though they usually have rice and simple sides available. It is not a full-service Filipino restaurant with a broad menu—it is a specialist spot. If you want a wider range of Filipino dishes, you may need to visit other restaurants in the area.