Rapsa’s award-winning restaurant, The Rampling Pig by Rapsa, is bringing crowd favourites from its famed headquarters in Hoxton in London to a new crowd in Ewell Village in Surrey. Our experience visiting the quirky & cool eatery was fabulous from start to finish.
And of all the reviews we are fortunate to do here at Surrey Rocks Magazine, this Filipino fusion restaurant has been one of the finest. Read on to find out why…
OUR EXPERIENCE
We arrived at 1pm on a glorious, sunny afternoon in May and were greeted by the charismatic owner, Andrew Zilof who was serving the most sumptuous cocktails behind their well-stocked bar much to the delight of his adoring customers!
As the weather was on our side we opted to sit in the newly coiffed, al fresco brick-walled garden at the back of the restaurant with gorgeous Tiki style umbrellas, art deco seating and cutest “pig” themed decorations throughout. Nice touch!!
We were handed the most impressive drinks menu with superb Rapsa-style twists on all the classic cocktails plus some new ones we hadn’t heard of.
Excited to get stuck we went for the ’Cherry Coke Old Fashioned’ which hit the high notes for flavour whilst being morello cherry sweet and very strong! We also went for the nod to Harry Styles’ called ‘Watermelon Sugar High’ which was perfect for this hot Summer’s day consisting of Vodka, Aperol, Watermelon, Elderflower and Prosecco… so light and refreshing.
Finally, off the cocktail menu we sampled a beautiful ‘Hibiscus Margarita’ containing Tequila, Hibiscus Syrup and Lime served in a Jalapeno salt-rimmed glass. The colours and flavours of this cocktail were immense. A must try!
All this while enjoying the ambience of a fun-filled garden with the exuberant staff and surrounding guests.
THE FINEST FILIPINO FUSION FOOD
We got to sample a smorgasbord of Filipino-Fusion food as part of this stunning restaurant review.
Across all Rapsa’s menus are an array of flavours from garden, land and sea. Their a la carte menu is centred around sharing plates and can be enjoyed at all times of the day too.
We ordered a wonderful selection of Starters including the ‘Crumbled Halloumi Fingers’ served with their signature banana ketchup and ‘Crispy Chicken Pulutan’ which comes with Korean chilli sauce and togarashi.
The Halloumi Fingers were cooked perfectly with that perfect crunch, oozing cheese centre and the banana/ketchup dipping sauce was sweet but not overpowering, scattered with paprika to offset. The Chicken Pulutan Strips were delicious too and a very generous portion size.
To accompany we went for the intriguing dish of ‘Salt Baked Beetroot’ which was served with whipped wasabi feta, yuzu kalamansi glaze and bee pollen. Wow what a dish; the colours and flavours were superb. However, this was not to be outdone by the excellent ‘Roasted Cauliflower Salad’ which comes with coconut yoghurt, capers, coconut flakes and dijon mustard. While the sublime ‘Mac & Cheese’ served with pork, shrimp paste and lashings of cheese was also a firm favourite with our reviewers.
The ‘Duck & Mungoo Guisado’ with mung daal puree, torched onions, muringa leaves and coco milk was perfection. Succulent, slow cooked meat served with the brightest, tastiest and tangiest of sauces. We were blown away with this dish and its presentation.
Next up, was the main of ‘Slow Roasted Lechon’ a crispy pork belly with atchara and tamarind kalamansi. Slow cooked to perfection for 8 hours the meat was so soft and tender and literally melted in the mouth. This was also the chef’s favourite dish and one of the most popular on the menu according to Andrew. We knew we were onto a winner straight away.
After our fill of Starters and Mains, Dessert was next on the agenda. We were treated to the new homemade ice-cream selection which included delights such as; ‘Ube Purple Yam Ice Cream’ ‘Condensed Milk Ice Cream’ ‘Mango Ice Cream’ and ‘Coconut Banana Ice Cream.’ Devine!!!!!
RAPSA ROASTS
On Sundays you can enjoy roast dinners – Rapsa style!
Sumptuous roast beef served with beef dripping potatoes, whipped wasabi cream, Yorkshires, sprouting broccoli and heavenly 10-year-old Laphraoig Whisky smoky gravy.
It is easy to tell The Rambling Pig By Rapsa are experts in carvery, flavour combinations and making cosy allowances for the veggies with their ‘Veggie Roast’ proving just as popular as the main meat dishes.
Book in early to avoid disappointment.
RAPSA BOODLES
Plus, get ready to get to know ‘The Famous Rapsa Boodle Flight’ – a feast platter for sharing with your friends and family.
Available every Saturday from 12-3pm (or upon request). You can order a ‘Meat Boodle’ consisting of Lumpia Spring Rolls, Ukoy Fritters, Torta Talong Eggplant, Crispy Chicken Pulutan and Oxtail Kare Croquettes with all the rice and vegetable trimmings for only £24 per person. Or the ‘Meat & Fish Boodle’ for £29 per person comes with the added extra Salmon Kilawin and Tilapia dishes. If sweet treats are your thing you can order the ‘Boodle Sharing Dessert Platter’ consisting of Bibingka, Mango Float, Biko Sticky Rice Pudding and Maja Blanca for only £24 per person.
KARAOKE PARTIES
You can now book one of Rambling Pig’s private dining areas for Karaoke fun to sing to your hearts content. Available for dinner and parties, there is also filming of live sessions and performances if you want. From only £40 per hour gives you the whole room and full use of the Karaoke set up. Fill it up with your friends and order food/drinks as you go or pre-order one of their fabulous ‘Party Sharing Menus.’
The ‘Private Dining Room’ has an 18 person capacity while the neighbouring ‘Rapsa Lounge Room’ seats up to 14 guests.
There are cool, low dining tables and seating, board games and party food menus that can fuel your hangout. A must try!
IN SUMMARY
Lucky guests at Rambling Pig By Rapsa can enjoy award-winning delicious Filipino Fusion Food plates, Weekend Boodle Fights, Draught Beer, Great Cocktails, 2 Private Dining & Karaoke Rooms and a stunning new Beer Garden. They also offer 2 for £15 midweek cocktail offers from Wednesday to Sunday. Check out their latest menu with delicious dishes including ‘Chicken Adobo with Steamed Rice & Atchara Pickle’, ‘Vegetarian Ginataan Curry’ and their famous ‘Halloumi Fries with Banana Ketchup’. We loved every minute of it and will be back soon. Thanks to Andrew the owner of Rambling Pig by Rapsa who made our dream Restaurant Review come true. And congratulations on their recent Surrey Award win for “Best Restaurant : Pan Asian” at the Surrey Awards 2025 at G Live in Guildford on May 15th. Well deserved!!
CONTACT
Rambling Pig By Rapsa, 17 High Street, Ewell, Epsom, KT17 1SB
See www.theramblingpig.uk for more details and to make a booking now.
Email wallow@theramblingpig.uk or call/whatsapp 0044 7485 959921.
