Tara Mangan Keni — Restaurant in Marina

4-19-25: New to the area, I was looking for a place to eat Pilipino food and I discovered TARA MAGAN KENI {269 Reservation Rd. Marina, Ca) Upon entering there’s a few tables and you order from the dishes that are cooked and on display. So many dishes to choose from so I ordered Lechon Paxil and Diniguan with white rice and a coke to drink. The gentleman working told me to have a seat and he brought me the food out in a big to go box filled with white rice and Lechon Paxil, and the Diniguan in a 16oz size container. After receiving my food I asked for Bagaoong {Shrimp paste) it wasn’t the pink one that I’m used to but it was very good. One thing they don’t do is small portions 👍. Definitely will be back again, and they also cater so I will be ordering when I need to...

Small and tucked away in a shopping center, this non-assuming little hole in the wall is easy to miss. But trust me, you do not want to.

I had dropped off my truck to have repairs done and was waiting on my ride. I hadn’t had breakfast and just wanted a small snack to tide me over. Walking by, I smelled the most delicious odoriferous scents emanating from this culinary oasis. I went inside and was greeted immediately. They were still preparing everything for the day, but seemed happy to see me. I had a simply order of just four pork lumpia to go. The cost: $5!! What an incredible bargain in today’s capitalistic free for all! I salivated at all the other food that was ready, but I knew the lumpia would fulfill me. I cannot wait to bring my wife back! BTW, the lumpia...

Food was decent. I had pork adobo that is quite oily yet lacking in soy and vinegar taste. I also could not taste the bay leaf. I also had pork menudo which was again, overly oily but taste pretty good. Both pork could use a time in pressure cooker or more boil time. It takes quite some chew to be able to swallow. Lastly, I ordered lumpiang Shanghai and I find the insides undercooked. There is a mild sour taste in terms of the filling which I find odd since it’s a fresh batch. They could absolutely improve with the oil usage and flavor profile. Quite unfortunate as well since price range is on the higher end, you expect better flavor profile...