Tapsi ni Vivian — Restaurant in Cainta

For an institution that has been around since 1984, this has clearly rested on its laurels. Tapsilog, as ubiquitous as it is, demands the utmost differentiation. Tapsi ni Vivian, even though I have been a loyal customer the better part of a decade though, has clearly deteriorated. Its signature offering, the tapsilog pales in comparison with most of its competitors. It's too sweet. The serving is too small for what they charge and the quality leaves much to be desired. It is a sad day when one has to downgrade an institution that one has grown to love over the years but this is the truth. The food industry is dynamic. Everyone copies everyone. Tapsi ni Vivian clearly has become complacent.

Update: Had no choice but to eat here. We were famished from out out of town trip. I forgot my review abouve 4 years ago. As hard as it is to believe, the place is even wrse than the 2 stars I gave it 4 years ago!

Staff were very noisy and boisterous. They kept joking around and shouting at each other. Some were singing and laughing out loud. Palengke ang dating. Not all wore masks. The tapsi was still ok. Small serving for the price. I saw trash under the airconditioning unit. There was also rat glue paper clearly seen by anyone. I shudder at the thought how many mice run around at night. The airconditioners hardly worked. One stray cat also loitering around. The air-conditioner was set at 34 degrees. Hotter than the outside temp. The waitress I talked to knew nothing. "Bago lang ako dito." The restroom area smelled of sewage. I'm never...

Food was still good but some of the staff are lazy.

2022 update. Not only were the staff lazy but has become apathetic. Nobody helped me with the tables for my 5 children.

It was hot in the place, called out the staff for it but NOTHING has been done.

And the FOOD. Not the lutong-bahay you desperately want to experience anymore. Vegetable bits on bulalo with broth probably from beef broth cubes.

Not the Anonas experience that made me a fan. It was just I could not find the Markina branch and traffic to Cubao was horrendous that I thought of the Ortigas extension branch being the last hope that I would still get a better experience. But nope. It may already have turned for the worse.

Ano na nangyari Aling Vivian? My bill, 2145. Sana daw nag Jollibee na lang kami...

Lots of friends recommended this place when it comes to tapsilog. First time here, I can say that it can have its appeal to some but not to all. For me, it's decent. I've tried better ones. The meat itself is soft and tender--don't expect the crispy type, and it's lingering between pares and asado taste-wise.

The sisig is enjoyable, mostly fat from the pig cheeks but damn its good with rice.

The calamares is best dipped with their excellent mixed vinegar. But then again, the streetfood calamares is better.

Crispy crablet, pinakbet are special mention as decent. Sago't gulaman is meh.

It's good to be able to try this popular place but that's it for me. Not exactly...