Tilaw — Restaurant in London

Upon entering, guests are welcomed by affable servers and an ambiance reminiscent of the bustling streets of the Philippines. This synergy between the welcoming staff and the contemporary industrial interior design creates a lively atmosphere suitable for family gatherings or casual evenings with friends.

The service staff at Tilaw display amicable professionalism, ready to assist diners in navigating the extensive menu. It is worth noting that during peak hours, service can be somewhat sluggish, with diners occasionally waiting for approximately 30-40 minutes for their orders. Additionally, diners might encounter deviations from the listed menu ingredients, potentially causing confusion, although staff do kindly inform customers of any unavailable menu items.

Categorised as a 'restobar,' Tilaw offers an array of beverage options, including beers and cocktails. However, it's not uncommon for certain selections, particularly cocktails, to be unavailable. The pricing of their mango juice appears disproportionate, as it appears to consist of a less expensive, pre-packaged 'Rubicon Still Mango' variety.

Commencing our culinary exploration with the appetizers, or 'Pulutan,' I highly recommend the Chicken Skin Nachos, featuring fried chicken skin served with a nacho-style sauce, the BBQ Pork Isaw comprised of pork intestine, Sinigang Fries dusted with Sinigang mix, and the Pork Spring Rolls known as 'Shanghai.' The 'Ginabot,' consisting of deep-fried ruffle fat, may not be to everyone's liking, as its fattiness outweighs its crunchiness. Perhaps influenced by busy service periods, which occasionally result in reduced portion sizes.

Unfortunately, Tilaw did not maintain the same culinary excellence in their main courses. The Crispy Bicol Express, featuring deep-fried pork belly with a spicy and creamy coconut milk and shrimp paste sauce, impressed with its perfectly cooked pork but faltered with a subpar, overly spicy sauce. Similarly, the Chicken Adobo, Chicken BBQ, and Honey Garlic Chicken did not meet expectations due to lacklustre sauce flavours or marination processes. The Sizzling Lechon Sisig, consisting of chopped crispy pork with onions and chili, erred on the side of excessive spiciness, underscoring the importance of inquiring about preferred spice levels. Additionally, attention to rice-frying techniques is advisable, as frying freshly cooked rice directly from the cooker is less than ideal.

However, amidst these culinary disappointments, there were notable exceptions. The Sizzling Escabeche, a Filipino-style pan-fried sweet and sour fish, showcased impeccably cooked fish and a sauce bursting with flavour. The Lomi, a Filipino noodle soup with egg and pork cracklings, offered comfort and warmth, making it an ideal choice for a chilly day. Both dishes are best enjoyed when shared with family and friends.

To conclude our dining experience, we indulged in the Turon, a deep-fried plantain served with drizzled caramel and ube ice cream, and the Ube flan, a delectable custard and purple yam cake paired with ube ice cream. The Turon proved to be a delightful and refreshing treat, boasting a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, complemented by the accompanying ice cream. This delightful experience mirrored that of the Ube flan, which rounded out our meal with its distinct and satisfying flavours.

In summation, Tilaw endeavors to offer an authentic Filipino dining experience, characterised by flavourful dishes and a welcoming ambiance. While areas for improvement include service speed, culinary techniques, and flavour consistency, the restaurant's commitment to preserving the essence of Filipino cuisine remains evident. If you seek a genuine taste of the Philippines, complete with fresh and authentic dishes in the heart of East London, Tilaw represents a compelling choice that is sure to leave your palate yearning for more, all within a vibrant and...

Restaurant Review: A Disappointing Experience with High Hopes

We had high hopes for this restaurant, especially given the glowing reviews, but unfortunately, our experience left a bad taste in our mouths—literally and figuratively. From the moment we tried to find the place, things were off. Despite the high ratings, it’s surprisingly hard to locate, and clearer instructions from their website or reviews would’ve saved a lot of hassle. After calling multiple times with no answer, we finally got through.

For future reference, it’s within the Quadrant Arcade, tucked between Greggs and some half-shut doors. You need to call to get in, which seems unnecessarily complicated.

Once inside, the atmosphere was bleak. A few other customers were present, but their faces said it all—disappointment and frustration. One couple even gave up trying to find the place and left. Honestly, at that point, we wished we had done the same. The lack of music for the first 20 minutes added to the awkward silence, and even when they finally turned something on, two tables had already left with barely touched plates of food.

Service was slow and disorganized. The waitress, though polite, seemed overwhelmed by just five tables and wasn’t attentive. The chef, who appeared to be the owner, had to direct her at every step, which was shocking to witness. Despite being a Friday night, the restaurant wasn’t busy, so there was no excuse for the slow and poor service.

As for the food, it was mediocre at best. We spent about £60 on two starters, three mains, and two drinks, but none of the dishes stood out, especially considering the high praise the restaurant has received online. It makes you wonder if influencers get special treatment because our food certainly wasn’t worth the hype. Even a basic café like Sunrise Café in Romford serves better food, and that’s saying something.

The restaurant itself is cramped, no bigger than a coffee shop, and to top it off, the toilet was out of order. For such a small venue, this felt like a major oversight.

Overall, we were left deeply disappointed, especially as this was meant to be a celebration of our engagement anniversary. With a rating of 3.5/10, I would suggest avoiding this place and trying Sunrise cafe or Donia instead. Hopefully, they can improve, but for now, I wouldn't...

Authentic & Tasty Filipino Cuisine! 🍛

A friend mentioned that he and some others were going to Tilaw by Franco, so I thought I’d give it a try since I had never experienced Filipino food before—and I’m so glad I did!

At first, finding the restaurant was a bit tricky as it’s located around the back of Romford Mall, so you do have to know where you're going. But once you figure it out, it’s easy to find and well worth the visit!

Upon entering, I immediately noticed the warm and inviting atmosphere. A staff member greeted me at the door and helpfully directed me to my seat, which was a nice touch. The ambience blends modern and traditional decor, creating a relaxed and cozy dining experience. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that we had everything we needed throughout the meal.

I ordered the Beef Mami, a rich beef noodle soup with tender beef brisket, boiled eggs, garlic, and vegetables. The flavors were absolutely incredible—the beef was perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth had a beautiful garlic-infused aroma that complemented all the ingredients. The portion size was very generous, as you can see from the pictures, making it great value for money.

If you're looking to explore authentic Filipino flavors in a comfortable and welcoming setting, Tilaw by Franco is a must-visit! With generous portions, bold flavors, and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s a great spot whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or already a fan. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys rich, flavorful food and hearty...