New Buzz in Town: Halina Restaurant Brings Filipino Flavour with a Modern Twist

By Janice Lozano

What started as a humble to-go joint and catering service, Bigboy’s Chigs To-Go, run by four passionate friends, has transformed into something extraordinary. Welcome to Halina—a new restaurant that’s turning heads and tantalizing taste buds in the Lower Mainland.

Driven by a deep love for Filipino cuisine and a shared vision to celebrate their roots, the team behind Halina created more than just a restaurant—they built an experience. The menu is rooted in tradition but elevated with Canadian ingredients, offering a unique fusion that feels both familiar and fresh.

The space itself is sleek and modern, with a clean design and vibrant energy. The cocktails are just as creative as the food—standouts include the El Nido, Tita ’Be-by, Pandan Fizz, and Hindi-to Mojito.

To start, I ordered the Slamdunk Wings—crispy chicken wings tossed in a bold mix of maple syrup, ginger garlic, onions, and pepper, served with a tangy house-made mayo vinegar sauce. Handstand, these might be the best wings I’ve ever had. The flavor profile was on point—sweet, savory, garlicky, and just the right hint of heat. Each bite was layered with complexity but still comfortingly familiar. The wings had a perfectly crisp skin while staying juicy on the inside. The house-made dip brought it all together with a zesty punch that cut through the richness and added a satisfying balance. They weren’t just good—they were unforgettable.

I also tried the Araw Araw, a refreshing mix of grenadine, mango juice, and soda—perfectly paired with their Lumpia Filipino spring roll, wrapped in fresh lettuce with Serrano pepper, house-made mayo, chopped herbs, and sweet chili sauce. Each bite was packed with bold, exciting flavour.

For my main, I ordered the Inihaw na Liempo—grilled pork belly marinated in calamansi and cane vinegar, served with atchara (pickled papaya) and a side of java rice. The pork belly was beautifully charred on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with that irresistible balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours. When served hot, it’s absolutely next level—each bite melts in your mouth, with the pickled papaya cutting through the richness just perfectly. Paired with the fragrant java rice, it’s a plate that hits every nostalgic note while still feeling fresh and refined.

The staff was young, professional, and incredibly friendly. Our server, Jem, took excellent care of us—she made us feel extra special, like true VIPs. Her attentiveness and warm energy elevated the entire experience and made us feel genuinely welcomed.

Now I really understand the saying: you find yourself dancing and happy when you’re experiencing and tasting good food. That was exactly how I felt at Halina. This is officially my new go-to spot for Filipino food.

Halina is more than a restaurant—it’s a love letter to Filipino culture, made modern. Whether you’re Filipino or just love great food, this spot deserves a visit.

Kudos to all the owners and chefs for creating something truly new and exciting. Halina is more than just a place to eat—it’s something to look forward to, a must-try, and an experience you won’t forget.