Sanduk — Restaurant in Ottawa

A Taste of Philippine "Provinciana" in Ottawa

If you're craving a genuine slice of Philippine "Provinciana" in the heart of Ottawa, look no further than Sanduk. Nestled in a convenient location, this charming restaurant effortlessly transports you to the laid-back life of provincial Philippines, offering not just a meal but an immersive cultural experience, particularly that of the province of Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines.

From the moment you step through the door, Sanduk captivates you with its tasteful and nostalgic decor. It strikes the perfect balance, capturing the essence of provincial living without veering into gaudiness.

But what truly steals the show is the mouthwatering array of dishes that Sanduk has to offer. I have been back a couple of times now at Sanduk, but I want to take you, dear readers, on our culinary journey on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023.

Coming in to Sanduk, we were greeted warmly upon stepping into the restaurant and the ambiance instantly made me forget that I had just come from fighting the bitter Canadian winter. We were promptly offered a comforting bowl of warm soup.

We ordered the street food platter, which contained popular treats such as fish balls, hot dogs, BBQ on a stick, and kwek kwek (deep fried quail eggs), it was a delightful, nostalgic journey through the vibrant and diverse world of Filipino street snacks, served with a side of a vinegar/garlic/chili dip. Our group ordered a number of dishes including bistek, bangus sisig (a delightful twist on a Filipino classic) and pansit guisado.

The crowning glory for me was the kare-kare, a type of Filipino stew with a rich and creamy sauce, showcasing the chef's mastery of blending flavours to create a masterpiece. Topping choices include: pork, seafood, or tofu.

For those with dietary restrictions, fear not, as the accommodating staff ensures a seamless dining experience.

We finished the meal with a decadent slice of ube cake. Unfortunately, I was so full I only managed to have a couple of bites.

While the cozy ambiance and delectable dishes set the stage. Sanduk goes the extra mile in hospitality. There was a slight draft upstairs where we dined, however, as the owners provide blankets and serve up a comforting soup, I barely noticed it throughout the evening. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, creating an environment where customers feel cared for and valued.

Venture beyond the dining area and up the stairs and discover the karaoke room, a haven for karaoke enthusiasts like me. With an extensive selection of Filipino and English songs, it's a perfect place to unleash your inner Whitney Houston.

As an interactive cultural museum of sorts, Sanduk invites guests to interact with traditional Filipino cooking elements such as the kaldero, palayok, and sanduk, sure to evoke important, intergenerational conversations and teaching moments about the Filipino culture. For families with children, Filipino games are available for kids, creating an environment where both young and old can connect with the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.

Remarkably, the price for this exceptional experience is surprisingly reasonable. At around $40 that we paid for two people, Sanduk offers not just a meal but an affordable journey to the heart of the Philippines (surely beats having to pay $2,000 in airfare alone to taste authentic Filipino food).

The owners' commitment to providing an authentic experience is unparalleled. The staff even printed souvenir photos of us, a thoughtful gesture that ensures our memories of Sanduk linger long after I've left.

In every sense, Sanduk is more than just a restaurant; it's a piece of home, a cultural haven, and an immersive experience. The true hospitality of Filipinos shines through every detail, making Sanduk a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine taste of the Philippines in Ottawa.

Thank you Sanduk team! You truly have something exceptional here. (I will take better pictures next time, the food was so good I forgot to take...

Sanduk is my new favorite Filipino Gem in Ottawa! Sometimes, a little detour leads you to the best discoveries! Our son, who's in uni here in Ottawa, had a serious craving for Filipino food. After being turned away from a place I’ve always wanted to try, we stumbled upon Sanduk. This restaurant has completely captivated us!

Oh my gosh, the food! We dove into the Kare-Kare, Bistig, and Adobung Manuk, all served with unlimited rice. Each dish was so incredibly delicious. The Kare-Kare arrived with wonderfully crispy deep-fried pork belly and tender vegetables, all swimming in a luxuriously thick and creamy peanut sauce. The Bistig offered tender, thinly sliced beef sirloin, infused with that classic Filipino savory and tangy soy-based sauce. And the Adobung Manuk was pure comfort: chicken thighs and drumsticks perfectly simmered, absorbing all those delicious flavors of garlic, soy, vinegar, and bay leaves until they were meltingly tender.

The deliciousness didn't stop there. We cooled down with their refreshing Sago't Gulaman, which was wonderfully sweet with fun, chewy pearls and jelly. The Mango Juice was a burst of pure, tropical sweetness, and the Pineapple Juice offered that perfect tangy, vibrant kick. Every sip was refreshing!

Beyond the incredible food, the team at Sanduk was truly wonderful. Our server, Kayla, was simply amazing and so friendly, making our experience even better. Every other staff member we encountered was also genuinely welcoming.

As for the space itself, the restaurant is spotlessly clean and impeccably maintained, with thoughtful decor that really sets a welcoming ambiance. It's clear they put effort into every detail.

The only regret? We were so full from the incredible meal that we didn't have any room left for dessert (a definite goal for our next visit!)

Honestly, after this meal, Sanduk will be the only Filipino restaurant we’ll go to and recommend when I'm in Ottawa. Our son is already panning to bring his best friends here to introduce them to delicious Filipino food!

If you're looking for an authentic and utterly delicious Filipino feast served with warmth in a lovely setting, you absolutely have to try Sanduk. Just writing about it is making me hungry...

I came there last weekend after the snow. It’s a nice place and I like the decoration there. We liked the floor seats next to the window, but it was a bit cold. They provided blankets there, which is really cool. However, it took 20 mins to prepare food. The complimentary soup was salty (as salty as miso), and I smelled the raw green onion from my bowl which was very strong. Anyway, it was fine.

Then they served us Aligui, Lechon Pawsik, and Gatang Susu which were our orders according to the waitress’s suggestions. They were plated nicely with banana leaves and a wooden big spoon. However, the taste was awful for 2 of them and all 3 were just a bit warm, not hot. Only the Lechon Pawsik tasted fine. The other 2 were super salty, and fishy. Aligui and Gatang Susu were seafood, and they weren’t hot at all. The crab didn’t have really any meat inside, the shrimps were unfresh, squids were undercooked, and the snails were fishy. When we were almost done with the meal, the waitress came to check on us if everything was fine. I asked her about the taste if it was supposed to be that salty and if the food should be cold like that. She said no and asked if we wanted them to make another one. But we were disappointed about the temperature of the food, so we denied her offer. And then there was no compensation coming, we just got an apology from them, and that’s it. It’s as pricey as fine dining in the area, but the portion was very small and the quality was terrible, and for sure, a nightmare for the taste. Also, the service was unsatisfactory. We tried to finish all the dishes but were still hungry. They own a parking lot, but that day we couldn’t access their parking because they didn’t remove the snow. The waitress told me to drive through the alley next to the restaurant to get to the back of the restaurant, while snow was all there. So how could I make it? They even didn’t shovel the snow on the parking lots I can say I’ll never come back here. It wasted my money and my mood. We were excited to try the food...