I love Filipino food, so I had high hopes when I stopped by Neri's Casual Filipino Restaurant in L.A. Unfortunately, my visit ended in disappointment, prompting me to share my experience.
Upon entering, I ordered Bistick Tagalog and Pancit Canton. The Bistick Tagalog turned out to be a letdown—boiled beef in an overly salty broth with some cooked onions. To add to my disappointment, the rice portion was only half a cup. After eating half of the Bistick, I called the person behind the counter and asked, "Is this cooked by a Filipino chef?" Initially hesitant, he eventually admitted, "No." I then asked if they had any Filipino chefs, and he replied, "Yeah, we have one chef."
I requested to speak with the Filipino chef. Meanwhile, the counter person offered me a refund if I didn't like the food. I told him to hold off until I spoke to the chef. During this time, I tried the Pancit Canton, which was also disappointing and clearly not cooked by a Filipino chef.
When the Filipino chef arrived, he confirmed that the food was indeed cooked by other chefs who were not Filipino. He was surprised at how I could tell. I explained my background with Filipino cuisine and my love for cooking it. He offered to replace my order, so I requested Laing with rice, insisting it be cooked by the Filipino chef.
When the Laing arrived, it was a relief—it finally felt like I was tasting authentic Filipino food. This dish made me happy and somewhat salvaged my experience at Neri's.
To be fair, the place is very clean, and the staff is friendly. However, the owners need to ensure that the food is consistently authentic. If you decide to eat there, make sure to request the Filipino chef to...
Read moreNeri’s Filipino Casual Dining is an absolute gem! From their Occidental location to the new spot, they’ve kept everything that makes them special—delicious food, a welcoming ambiance, and that unbeatable nostalgic vibe. Walking in, I was instantly transported back to my childhood, enjoying authentic Filipino dishes cooked with love.
The food is simply amazing. The kare-kare was rich and flavorful, the chicken teriyaki was perfectly tender, the bihon was spot on, and the budol fight experience was such a fun and satisfying feast. Every dish brought back memories, and the flavors are as authentic as it gets. What’s even better? Their prices are cheaper than most nearby Filipino restaurants, but the quality and taste remain top-notch.
The ambiance is cozy and inviting, and the 2000s R&B playlist made the experience even better—it felt like home. This is hands-down the best Filipino food in town. Name another spot that offers this kind of flavor, quality, and affordability—you can’t! Neri’s has set the bar high for Filipino dining. Whether you’re new to Filipino food or craving a taste of home, this place is a must-visit. Thank you, Neri’s, for the great food and even...
Read moreI recently visited Neri's in Koreatown, a Filipino restaurant that has been getting a lot of buzz lately. I was excited to try some authentic Filipino cuisine, but unfortunately, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag.
First off, I have to say that the halo halo was definitely the highlight of my meal. This Filipino dessert is a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a variety of toppings such as sweet beans, jellies, and fruits. The one at Neri's had a great variety of toppings and was a refreshing treat on a hot day.
However, the kare kare and sisig were a bit of a disappointment. The kare kare, a stew made with beef and vegetables in a peanut sauce, had a slight hint of peanut butter but was lacking in depth of flavor. The beef was tender, but overall it fell a bit flat.
The sisig, a popular Filipino dish made with chopped pig and was unfortunately a letdown. The dish lacked the bold flavors and crispy texture that I was expecting. It was a bit disappointing, especially since it's a dish that I was really looking forward to trying.
Overall, I think Neri's has potential, but there's definitely some room for...
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