Richmond has welcomed a fresh eatery to its food scene with the arrival of Kusina, a Filipino soul food restaurant offering hearty, home-style cooking with a modern twist.

Located on Petersham Road, Kusina opened its doors last month offering bold flavours, friendly service, and a comforting atmosphere.

The restaurant's name – which means kitchen in Tagalog – reflects its mission: to serve meals that feel like they've come straight from a family kitchen.

Head Chef Lloyd, who works closely with Owner, Lorenzo Maderas, personally served each dish during our visit, taking the time to explain its origins and preparation.

During my visit I tried two 'Nibbles', two dishes from its 'Rice Bowls' offering, one side, one dessert and a drink. 

Kusina's Corn Ribs (credit: Cesar Medina).

The Corn Ribs, one of Kusina's two vegan offerings, delivered a perfect sweet-salty balance, with a gentle kick of spice from the sriracha mayo.

Kusina's Plantain (credit: Cesar Medina).

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The Plantain, fried to golden perfection, offered crunchy and gooey sweet bites that were ideal for sharing.

Kusina's Fried Sea Bass with Garlic Rice (credit: Cesar Medina).

Moving to the Rice Bowls, first was the Fried Sea Bass.

Served with fragrant garlic rice and a house-made jerk sauce, the fish was crisp on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavour.

Kusina's Jerk Inasal with Garlic Rice, Slaw and Mac Salad (credit: Cesar Medina).

Another highlight was the Jerk Inasal from the Rice Bowls – Kusina's fusion of Filipino and Jamaican chicken dishes – featuring sweet, succulent thigh meat served with rice, mac and cheese, and slaw.

It's a full, satisfying plate. Ideal for those who prefer boneless chicken.

Kusina's Fully Loaded Fries (credit: Cesar Medina).

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The Fully Loaded Fries, topped with eight hour slow-cooked adobo beef, melts in your mouth.

Served with well seasoned sweet potato fries and a drizzle of sriracha mayo, it's a bold, umami-rich dish that was my favourite of the day.

Kusina's Calamansi Juice (credit: Cesar Medina).

To drink I enjoyed Calamansi Juice - Kusina's homemade tropical juice. It brought a zesty, citrus tang which tastes like summer.

Kusina's Ube Sprinkle Cake (credit: Cesar Medina).

Dessert options at Kusina Richmond are limited to ube (purple yam) flavoured treats, but are no less delightful.

The Ube Sprinkle Cake, served with a drizzle of sweet purple yam sauce, was spongey, sweet and rich.

I will be back to try the brownie, which was sold out during my visit.

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Kusina Richmond is the fourth branch from the restaurant (credit: Cesar Medina).

Kusina Richmond is a warm welcome into the world of Filipino comfort food with a soul infusion.

With prices ranging from £3.90 to £15.50, it offers excellent value for fresh, flavoursome dishes – especially when compared to other eateries in the borough and across the capital.

In a word? Familiar. Each dish taps into the nostalgic feeling of a home-cooked meal – whether it's the sweet plantain, fragrant adobo, or comforting rice bowls.

For those new to Filipino cuisine or looking for a fresh favourite, head over to Kusina Richmond.

To find out more about Kusina visit its website here.

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