Meryenda — Restaurant in Ottawa

Dropped by on October 20th after visiting the nearby doctor's office and smelling something undeniably delicious coming from somewhere around me... Surprise, surprise, it was the food truck, and they make FILIPINO food! Oh man~!

I'm no expert, and not even Filipino myself, but my Ninang passed her adobo recipe on to my mother to make for me after I was born because my mother loved eating it so much while she was pregnant (which is why I was dubbed the "adobo baby").

I'll be perfectly honest and say I was intimidated by the prices at first, but given the local options — Micky Dee's is definitely not worth it and I'd end up spending close to whatever Meryenda was asking for anyhow — I bit the bullet and ordered both the CHicken Inasal and the Turon — which I hadn't had in almost a decade and a half after moving to Ottawa from Toronto.

The food was prepared FRESH, something I didn't mind at all waiting just a few minutes for, and when I parked my keister on a nearby picnic table (I'm guessing set up for the food truck, or by the food truck?) I dug in.

The chicken inasal was delicious. I'm a big guy, but this was a good serving of rice, chicken, and slaw. Tasty, tender, I didn't notice it being dry in any way, and it was definitely something I hadn't tasted before, so I was more than happy to have tried it once I looked down and all the food was gone. ;)

The turon was fresh and crispy, but the truck had run out of vanilla ice cream so I couldn't get the full experience, unfortunately. I made sure to ask afterwards in case I misread the menu, but no, they were simply all out. I wasn't too broken up about it given how delicious the turon was with the caramel sauce, but I do kinda wish I was made aware that they were out of ice cream ahead of time. (I would've ordered it anyway, though!)

The ladies that took my order were friendly and professional, and after I'd chowed down and the ladies had left (probably on break?) I had a nice little conversation with a gentleman (the owner...?) about food and how much I wished Ottawa had a better food truck scene. I understand this city doesn't quite have the population or interest for it, but it's still a shame...

Anywho, while I ended up shelling out close to $30 for lunch and dessert, I definitely think it was money well spent on something I (a) hadn't tried before — the chicken inasal — and (b) something I hadn't had in over a decade — the turon.

They had a sign up saying they'd be closed for the winter — which makes perfect sense — but I'll definitely be in the neighbourhood once the ice and show has thawed and I'll definitely drop by again to try the rest of their menu.

Here's hoping that if I try the adobo, it doesn't ruin my family recipe in my eyes. ;)

Update, May 21st, 2024: It turns out I forgot to update my review after the second time I visited, so here's a review after my third visit!

The Bicol Express was simply scrumptious. A wonderful spicy heat that wasn't overpowering but reminded you you were alive. Just the right amount of burn with an amazing braised pork shoulder. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a rice dish.

Today, I tried the Longanissa Burger and it was fantastic. The burger was tender and juicy with just the right tangy notes that never went too far to become sour. It isn't the kind of tang that makes you make a face, but it definitely tastes different from any boring old burger you might've had before. The sweet potato fries were plank-cut and cooked perfectly as well. Tender without being mushy, and tossed(?) with some sesame seeds and probably a couple other things I'm forgetting that made them stand out from other sweet potato fries I've had elsewhere. Definitely a favourite.

I'm out of characters, so check the photos for some extra items added to the menu that aren't on the normal menu I've already taken a couple pictures of! Everything here is delicious, so I'd definitely recommend trying out something new each time you visit if you're lucky enough to be...

I finished renewing my passport and googled places to eat nearby aside from McDonald's. Merienda food truck was nearby and decided to try, why not. I am a Filipino after all. I ordered the pancit with lumpia. The traditional pancit will have Canton and or bihon noodles, asian/flat cabbage, carrots,celery. I do prefer the bihon over the vermicelli they used, the asian cabbage over the red cabbage added. And it's unusual to have red and green peppers with the dish. This version also has a tangy taste, I think the used some fermented vegetables. Again, not the taste you will expect usually. The lumpia filling was just vegetables. Only veggies. Usually it has pork or tofu.

Overall, although the portions were generous, there were so much alterations. Not the taste I...

Best street food in Ottawa. The love and passion really comes through in the food!! Awesome snacks, entrees and even desserts! If you are not familiar with Filipino food, you really need to stop by and find out! If you are familiar and haven’t stopped, what are you waiting for!!!! Value for money is definitely on your side here! You can’t go wrong with this menu. The sweet potato fries are not soggy (I hate when they are). The “spicy mayo is not spicy so don’t be scared. I ended with turon, how could you go wrong with plantains covered in caramel and cinnamon, wrapped in a spring roll wrapped then deep fried. Common! Not a plantain fan, I challenge you to say you don’t like this! Go support a...