So I'm Filipino, but I'm not going to sprout out claims that fast food Filipino is not authentic. Here's the bottom line: this place is fast, this place is good, you get tons of food, and it's relatively cheap. For me Pinoy-Pinay is the ideal fast Filipino food. When I came in a group of 3, we are all usually stuffed when we share 2 combos. Suffice to say, most people that come here get the 2 item combo with white rice. So now, let's get courageous!
-=-Sinigang-=- We didn't get the full-fledged sinigang with meat, but just know that as long as you ask, each combo can receive a complimentary bowl of sinigang soup (sour soup in other cultures). From what I hear, it's an acquired taste, but I've probably already acquired mine since childhood. This place serves it just as I remember it, so no complaints at all from the sinigang here. Complimentary, why not.
-=-Kare Kare-=- This is one of my childhood favorites. It's oxtail meat in a peanut sauce. There is also tripe in there as well. It goes perfectly with bagaong (shrimp paste), and they'll usually give you a complementary cup of this. I like how the kare kare here is not watered down as it is at other places. As with most other Filipino dishes, everything goes well on top of rice.
-=-Kaldereta-=- This is a heavy beef plate that is in a tomato based broth. It's thick and may come across as too salty to some. There are peppers in here that give it a certain zing, but it's not spicy by any means. This isn't the first of my choices, but it's usually a safe bet when I don't see my favorites.
-=-Lechon-=- This place seems to have consistently good lechon. It hasn't backfired on me yet. Lechon is a roasted pork dish with emphasis on the crispy skin. It's always the most oiliest dish you can ever get at a Filipino place, so prepare for that. But this is by far probably the most popular dish you can ever get. Lechon is the official food dish of the Philippines. Even the likes of Anthony Bourdain fauns over it. The lechon sauce usually balances out the oiliness, but really there's no escaping. Make sure you have plenty of white rice to try to balance it out. This stuff is delicious. If you haven't had...
Read moreAfter some time visiting our go to Filipino restaurant in Lomita and after they changed location, raising prices, and deciding to go full blown commercial, decided to take a drive to Cerritos and pay 'Pinoy Pinay' a visit and give them a try.
Me and my family came with a healthy appetite for Filipino home cooking. Being our first time not really knowing the outcome observed the many people visiting this spot.
The smells and displays of their food was quite tantalizing. They have a large variety of dishes to choose from and our favorite is curry chicken, chicken/pork Adobo, pork menudo, pancit, lumpia, and I love binagoongan (which to my disappointment they didn't have today).
My wife and daughter got their special combo with Curry chicken, grilled pork skewers which came with 3 scoops of rice. One bag of Lumpia and sweet dipping sauce. I got their special combo with Filipino menudo, pork Adobo, and the 3 scoops of rice. One of the servers behind the hot cases asked if I wanted their free bowls of homemade soup (being that I love soup) "Yes please" she also asked if my wife wanted one as well for she was ready to pay without getting any. She turned it down knowing she wouldn't finish it.
After getting our food we selected a booth and started to enjoy our meals. To all of our surprise, everything was delicious. I was disappointed in the soup for it was just a tad bit on the vinegary side. I have had the chicken soup at our old Filipino go to restaurant and enjoyed it there, however here, was not for the taste palette.
With the soup being too vinegary and their fish sauce/vinegar bottles on the dining tables needing a little tending to (could use to change to a more convenient dispenser), being my only gripe, I give this restaurant a 4 star.
Restaurant was clean, organized, and had great service. We will be coming back to check out more items on the menu. Great Filipino food...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Pinoy Pinay, a Filipino restaurant that truly captures the essence of Filipino cuisine. The menu is diverse, offering a wide range of traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving for authentic Filipino food.
The food here is undeniably delicious. From the savory Adobo to the rich and creamy Kare-Kare, every dish is packed with flavors that remind me of home-cooked meals. The Lechon Kawali was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the Sinigang had just the right amount of sourness to make it incredibly refreshing. The desserts, particularly the Halo-Halo and Leche Flan, were the perfect end to a delightful meal.
The service was good, with the staff being friendly and attentive. They were knowledgeable about the menu and were able to provide recommendations based on our preferences.
The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, with decor that reflects Filipino culture. It's a great place for family gatherings or a casual meal with friends. The restaurant was clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.
While the food and experience were excellent, I did find the prices to be a bit on the higher side. Some dishes seemed overpriced for the portion sizes offered. However, considering the quality of the food and the overall dining experience, it's still worth a visit, especially if you're looking to indulge in some authentic Filipino flavors.
Overall, Pinoy Pinay is a gem for those who love Filipino cuisine. Despite being slightly overpriced, the quality of the food and the warm ambiance make it a restaurant worth visiting. If you're willing to spend a bit more for a great meal, this place...
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