Bobi: A Taste of the Philippines That Delights All Tastebuds
Our recent visit to Bobi, a charming Filipino restaurant located in the heart of Paris, left our group of eight, including our European friends, utterly amazed. This review is a testament to the exceptional food, inviting ambiance, and friendly staff that make Bobi an unforgettable dining experience.
Let's start with the highlight of our visit: the food. Bobi introduced us to a tantalizing array of authentic Filipino dishes that were nothing short of extraordinary. From the first bite of their signature Adobo, with its succulent meat and harmonious blend of soy sauce and vinegar, to the rich and aromatic Kare-Kare, where oxtail and vegetables danced in a luscious peanut sauce, each dish showcased the finest flavors of the Philippines. Our European friends, who were unfamiliar with Filipino cuisine, were pleasantly surprised and couldn't get enough of the unique and delectable flavors. Bobi's commitment to using fresh ingredients and capturing the essence of Filipino gastronomy was evident in every dish, leaving us with a deep appreciation for this culinary journey.
The ambiance at Bobi flawlessly merges Filipino culture with Parisian charm, creating an enchanting setting that complements the exquisite dining experience. The vibrant colors, traditional artwork, and tasteful decor instantly transport you to the heart of Manila while retaining the elegance of Paris. Whether we were seated at a cozy corner table or at the lively bar, the ambiance made us feel like we were partaking in a cultural celebration. The attention to detail in the restaurant's design is a testament to the owner's passion for both Filipino heritage and the cosmopolitan allure of Paris.
However, what truly set Bobi apart was the exceptional friendliness and warmth of the staff. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with genuine smiles and treated like honored guests. The knowledgeable waitstaff were always ready to offer recommendations and provide insights into the various dishes, further enhancing our dining experience. Their passion for Filipino cuisine and dedication to ensuring our utmost satisfaction was evident throughout the evening. The staff's hospitality and genuine care made our visit to Bobi an unforgettable one.
In conclusion, Bobi is a gem that should not be missed. It exceeded our expectations in every aspect. The remarkable flavors, captivating ambiance, and genuine hospitality left an indelible impression on our group. Our European friends were pleasantly surprised by the taste of Filipino cuisine, and we, as Filipinos, felt a sense of pride in sharing our culinary heritage with them. If you find yourself in Paris, Bobi is a must-visit destination that promises a remarkable journey through the rich and diverse flavors of the...
Read moreIf I had to define the essence of Bobi, I would say that it pays homage to traditional filipino fare, with a nod to the best ingredients and a strict focus on flavor. What I love about the place is the unassuming atmosphere from the menu, up to the ambiance. Traditional filipino fare has always been a tough sell in foreign countries, but what I love is that the owners have chosen to be bold and try. And they do it with a smile. We came in for dinner for two on a Thursday, we did reserve, but there was plenty of seating available and would have probably not waited long even if we had not. We started with the lumpia and a sweet and sour sauce. It was cooked well, the taste amazing. Some places overcook one, maybe two pieces, but as I said there was a precision here and a focus on flavor that i found surprising. We also had the BBQ Chicken on a stick which was practical, tasty, and would probably have ordered more if I didn't want to try everything on the menu. Be sure to try a calamansarum drink or any of the others as these are actually unique and flavorful. For our mains I must admit we got carried away and ordered the inihaw na liempo, tinola, adobo, and kare kare. To start the inihaw liempo was cooked well, not greasy at all, and comes with a vinegar dip. What most filipinos think of liempo is the fatty chunk of pork that you can drink beers to and while the night away in idle conversation. The dish itself fits the profile, offering the same flavors without the grease. What I would have liked here is perhaps a spicier dip option to add a little heat. Onto the tinola which was a welcome dish as the temperature outside was 50 degrees. The soup was well seasoned, savory with every spoonful, perhaps a serving spoon for the soup as a recommendation, but honestly after eating all the yummy chicken I found myself just drinking the soup straight up. The adobo here was chicken, me personally I love pork adobo, the mix was well seasoned leaning more toward sour with the vinegar instead of sweet as I am accustomed to. Adobo is the kind of dish that you can make in many ways, perhaps I'd like to see an adobo pork in the future maybe. The kare kare was superb, definitely above par than the hundreds of places I have tried. Its was a nice touch with the shrimp paste to really complete the picture. For dessert we had the mango float, it was simple, fresh mango chunks set in cream, not overly sweet and a great end to a great meal. For the many filipinos out there, eating at Bobi will be like coming home, come try this place if you're in town, it will not disappoint. If you have read this far then I thank you for your...
Read moreWe went to Bobi for dinner mainly because we wanted to try the Okoy (Veggie Fritter) but we also ordered Lumpia, Pork Skewers, Monggo and Kare-kare and it was all very good. The food was well cooked with a lot of heart put into it. It is Filipino dishes cooked the traditional way, as it should be. It made my pride swell up seeing non-Filipinos slurping up the broth from Tinola, eating bagoong with Kare-kare.
The food was presented well. The Okoy fritters were very good, the pork skewers were spot on, and my husband loved the Monggo and ate every bit of it, he paired every mouthful with rice and bites of Okoy.
The only reason why I can't give a full 5 star rating on the food is because I found the Lumpia inconsistent. Strangely, I bit into one that seemed too garlicky, it drowned the taste of the other ingredients, I tried another one and it was a bit bland. Maybe the filling was not mixed as well that day? Also, although I loved the sauce of the Kare-kare, the cut of beef used was a bit tough - too sinewy and somewhat chewy.
The service was great. Kuya and the waitress were so attentive. The atmosphere was vibrant. One thing I wished Bobi had more of was vegetarian, fish or prawn options other than just the Monggo and Kinilaw. But I can appreciate the idea that a smaller menu makes the dishes to be of greater quality and orders are easier to manage.
Kuya, this is constructive criticism, I wish you all the best and that you will continue to thrive and succeed in the Paris food scene so that every time we are in Paris, we will be visiting you again and again. I have to try the Tinola, Pork Liempo and Bicol Express next time, I look forward to the next visit. I will of course be recommending this restaurant to friends and family who will be visiting Paris in the future. Good luck and all the best to Bobi! ...
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