Next Door Provisions — Restaurant in Jersey City

Chef Ruby and Next Door Provisions continues to hit all the culinary marks - for presentation, for flavor, and for the skillful balance of the familiar and novel that only someone with genuine mastery can conjure. I don't write reviews often and rarer still make dedicated IG posts about restaurants, but this kitchen has such a special place in my heart - and I'd like for everyone I care about to taste the chef's passion for food that's evident in every bite. I've found that a lot of "elevated" filipino restaurants are good but can be a bit over-priced (charging a lot of $$$$ for so little food) or over-hyped (sacrificing either on flavor or presentation); such is NOT the case at Next Door Provisions, where you get so much value for your money.

I had the pleasure of dining here in August 2024 on my last visit to New Jersey, and vowed to take every opportunity to experience their food. I kept that promise on this latest trip to my home town. ... After lunch with a friend in Brooklyn in Clinton Hill, I did a lap around Prospect Park and biked the 18 miles to Jersey City just in time for Friday night dinner at Next Door Provisions. My sisters and I shared the Blistered Asparagus, Chicken "Dry" Pho, NY Strip Salpicao, Kare Kare Mafaldini, Pork Belly Adobo with some Mango Guava juice. It was a mix of favorite dishes we tried during our first visit and new menu items that we would gladly order again. We've had the Kare Kare Mafaldini and Port Belly Adobo before, and I can report that the quality flavor and presentation remains consistently good 💋👌. (I think it's hard to go wrong with the pork belly adobo 🤤 / a perfect dish for bike ride recovery.) On Sunday, Joy and I rode the Five Boro Bike Tour - riding 37~ miles and caught the ferries in time to make it just before last call for Sunday brunch. We devoured the tortang talong and the Hong Kong-style french toast, and ordered the Thai Duck Rendang Curry for takeaway to have for dinner. (I didn't take photos but the rendang was so good; I love Chef Ruby's take on it with the pineapple, baby corn and eggplant 😍🤤.) ... My only regret is that I live so far away in Denver now, and can't frequent NDP as often as I'd like. To all my friends and family.... and strangers reading this post: please eat here for me, so I can keep visiting and eating Chef Ruby's food for...

Mother-effer.

I'm so mad at our friends for introducing us to this amazing Filipino fusion spot. It's in the middle of bumblef*ck nowhere NJ, so unless you have a car, you'd need to take a bus, then a scooter, then a camel, to get to this place. And that makes me extra mad because I just recently sold my camel.

(Pause)

I've been reminded that Uber/Lyft exists. Oops. Anger dissipating.

Back to the food. The delicious, delicious food. There was nothing that we tried here that wasn't world class.

Coconut Chia Pudding: Typical it sounds, but typical it's not. This ain't your crunchy granola, Lululemon concoction. I don't know exactly what they put in this pudding (besides maybe crack), but it was rich and flavorful and more coconutty than a Bounty bar.

Kare Kare Mafaldini: A hearty mafaldini meets a succulent beef brisket, and they get married in a savory peanut sauce. The result is the tastiest wedding your mouth has ever been invited to.

Kansi Shanks: Picture fall-off-the-bone meat cooked with nicely charred greens you've never heard of (batwan?) and fruit like long peppers and jackfruit. You'll want this for the carnivores in your crew.

Bibingka Pancake: I literally still fantastize about the fluffiness of these incredible cakes perfectly skilleted with coconut flakes, butter, condensed milk, macapuno cream, and surprise salted duck egg yolk. Picture Japanese souffle pancakes made by a SE Asian perfectionist. You've pictured heaven on a plate.

As a special bonus: This beautiful cafe is covered in plants. Gorgeous, healthy, green and colorful plants. Turns out, Chef Ruby (the wife of the couple who own NDP) is a big plant lover, and all the plants are cuttings from home. As a fellow plant mama, I was pretty sure I died and went to heaven from the moment I stepped in, but I was positive I had died when James, her husband, offered to let me take home a cutting of anything I wanted. Guess who now has a...

This establishment embodies all the qualities I cherish in a neighborhood gem – an inviting ambiance accentuated by bright and tasteful decor, abundant greenery that imparts a sense of stepping into a cherished home. The lavatory, adorned with entertaining comic books and captivating artwork, is a haven one could easily lose themselves in.

A delightful birthday brunch orchestrated by my girlfriend and her husband elevated my visit to a new echelon. Our chosen corner, bathed in natural light, provided a picturesque setting complemented by low-volume yet contemporary music. The BYOB policy allowed us to augment our experience with personal touches, such as our own supply of orange juice and Prosecco.

The owners, gracious and welcoming, exemplify the epitome of hospitality. The culinary offerings showcase a harmonious fusion of Asian and American influences, with flavors that transcend the ordinary. The Pork Belly Adobo, featuring purple rice, succulent pork belly, kimchi, fingerling potatoes, eggs, and biscuits, left an indelible impression. The impeccable seasoning beckons one to savor every morsel, making it nearly irresistible to leave an empty plate.

Nestled conveniently near the light rail in the vibrant heart of Jersey City, this establishment maintains a delicate balance, exuding the energy of a bustling locale while retaining the charm of a serene neighborhood spot. Despite the bustling surroundings, the ambiance remains quintessentially quaint.

The memory of the delectable cake we enjoyed eludes me, yet its splendid taste remains etched in my mind. A return to this establishment is not a mere possibility but an assurance. Also took home their carrot cake and it was pretty epic as well. Gratitude for the best dining experience one...