Amer-Fil Foodmart — Restaurant in Franklin Township

Sure, you're probably reading through the opinions for this eatery seeing arguably what appears to be mixed reviews. Maybe you're at a crossroads, wondering if this place is worth your time. However, there is more than meets the eye. Frankly speaking, you will find yourself comforted with a meal that is made with love and passion that spans across a whole ocean.

If you're new to Filipino food, you might be wondering what makes it unique as its own cuisine. Well, the art and wonder of Filipino cuisine is in the immense regional diversity for each of its signature dishes. From something as "simple" as adobo to the complexities of diniguan, you will find that the recipes for these dishes are nuanced by region and each island of the Philippines. The diversity in the recipes reflects the multi-cultural aspects within Filipino culture. This makes each experience special when it comes to Filipino cuisine, because you are tasting that particular recipe deriving from that particular region/island.

With that being said, Amer-Fil delivers its own unique recipe on these signature dishes. The initial take at the store front might not be anything spectacular or worth noting - perhaps just another simple small mom-and-pops grocery store. Non-perishable cans of consumables and other Filipino/Asian-centric goods line the shelves in seemingly a non-descript fashion - a sort of "if-you-know-you-know" type manner. Finally, as you get to the back, you encounter the dining area. The open area is outfitted with several tables, while the service counter offers a display of the precooked foods through a transparent glass screen of the buffet somewhat in a similar fashion to other Filipino restaurants found in the New Jersey/New York area.

While the appearance may not be appealing, consider for yourself the history and background of the establishment. That the story is rich in context with relation to the generations of Filipinos that have immigrated to the U.S. and made their home here. From humble beginnings, you can't help but imagine the pride and happiness in being able to "make it in America" and how that came to fruition through owning of your own business. Yet, there is that piece of the mind and soul that remains back at home across the ocean - something that never really fades with time. What it is like to make something for yourself and your family is truly remarkable and arguably one of the greatest accomplishments that deserves recognition.

Now take that same pride and happiness, and infuse it with the food. This is ultimately what you will find here at Amer-Fil. We tried the afritada, diniguan, mongo, BBQ pork on a stick, chicken adobo, and pancit. We were amazed at how rich in flavor each of these dishes were, coupled with the unique textures of each dish. If you prefer food on the vinegary-side, you will most definitely enjoy these dishes - especially the diniguan. Typically, diniguan is not my jam due to its cooked-pork-blood consistency, but Amer-Fil has made me a fan with their own take on it. The pancit is on the peppery side, but that gives it an interesting smokey flavor that I haven't previously experienced. You can tell that the food was cooked with love based on how genuine the owner's smile as he presents the plate of food to you - indicative of the pride in that he is to be able to share a piece of his home with you.

I assure you that you will not be disappointed eating here at Amer-Fil. A gem in...

Hear ye, fellow consumers. Neither war nor famine could relinquish my avid following of such an establishment. For as the tales have foretold, such authentic cuisine could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time! After learning of this place from our local bard, my party and I arrived just in time for the midday rampage. Conversing with the owner, we settled among some of the most delectable selections the restaurant had to offer - Lumpiang Shanghai and Chicken Wings. The taste could only be described as extraordinary - juicy after juicy munch on the crisp, clean taste of the wings. And the roll-esque contraptions that lay before us could sway even the most honorable knight to darkness. Truly a joy for my soul and my coin purse, such a place should not go unnoticed!

Na but seriously this place's pretty good. Best can of fanta...

The food is great and the service is friendly. I recommend the beef kaldereta, pancit malabon, shanghai rolls and the banana rolls. Lumpiang Saging. They also do tray orders for parties and the guy who runs the place. Tatang Tony is very friendly and knowledgeable. It's like going to a favorite uncle or a suki at home. He always tries to accomodate everybody and always have a smile ready. ps. the place is also a store where you can get pinoy snacks, canned food, condiments and ingredients for common asian and...