Bringing Filipino Flavors to Louisville

 I flew in from Los Angeles to Louisville 

and had sit down with one of the only Filipino cuisine Chef’s in the city ,

Rudy Bamba . Rudy who is born and raised in Kentucky , represents a new wave of Filipino Americans making their mark in places outside the more densely populated Filipino communities like Los Angeles. I wanted to sit down and hear his unique story , a true testament to the growing influence of Filipinos across the United States, in areas where our presence might not be as widespread.

His love for Filipino cuisine began at an early age. Growing up, he spent countless hours in the kitchen alongside his mother and her friends, absorbing the art of Filipino cooking. He learned to roll lumpia with care and mastered the complex task of navigating the right ingredients for authentic Filipino dishes.

The year 2020, despite its challenges, was a turning point for Rudy. As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Rudy's culinary passion snowballed into something bigger. What started out as neighbors and friends ordering lumpia prepared out of his own kitchen, turned into a booth at a market when a friend proposed the question to try his cuisine at a ‘local farmers market ‘. And as word spread and his fan base grew, Rudy took a leap of faith and launched his own restaurant, "Sarap," and a food truck named "Bamba Eggrolls." These ventures quickly became a hit in Louisville, introducing many to the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Rudy's approach to cooking is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. While many of his dishes stay true to Filipino roots, he isn't afraid to experiment. He talked about the details of his menu including unique offerings like jackfruit eggrolls and crab Rangoon eggrolls or how his pancit included 3 different types of noodle -delicious fusions that pay homage to his heritage while appealing to a broader audience.

"Bamba Eggrolls" holds a special place in Louisville as the only food truck consistently serving Filipino cuisine. Rudy’s courage to craft Filipino dishes in his own way has not only won the hearts of many but also established him as a culinary pioneer in the area. Food connects people in many ways and I had the utmost pleasure to experience that opportunity to learn more about my own Filipino Culture and how it is presently impacting our communities today. “

• Nicholas Gonzalez

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