Plain & Simpol — Restaurant in Metuchen

This restaurant recently opened in Metuchen (close to Lotte Plaza) and they serve Filipino & American comfort food. They offer a variety of rice bowls and sandwiches and also have party platters available. I tried a number of items from their menu and everything was so delicious. Their prices are also very reasonable for the quality of the food and portion sizes. The owners and staff there were also super friendly and happily answered any questions we had. I will definitely be back to try more of their menu. Myrna's Short Rib Mechado - This came with two large pieces of beef short rib in a savory sauce with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers and a side of sautéed mixed vegetables. The short rib was so flavorful and tender and it fell right off the bone. Still thinking about this dish! Beef Caldereta - This was similar to the mechado, but instead of short ribs it comes with chunks of beef and black olives. The flavor of the olives was infused in the sauce of this hearty, stew like dish. As someone who does not like olives, I still really enjoyed this! Chicken Inasal - This came with grilled chicken that was super flavorful and aromatic, and there was a white sauce drizzled on top. It also came with a fried egg and sautéed mixed vegetables that have a nice strong black pepper flavor to it. Classic Pork Adobo - This is a signature Filipino dish and it definitely did not disappoint! It came with chunks of mixed pork belly and lean mean. The meat was so good, and the pork belly was so tender and not too fatty. Melt in your mouth goodness! All the rice bowls were served with my favorite Jasmine sushi rice. We also tried the BBQ Pork Sandwich and Simpol Cheese Steak. These sandwiches were so big (12 inches) and the bread was super fresh! The bbq pork was diced in small pieces and so flavorful. It was paired with carrots, cucumber, and cilantro. The cheesesteak is similar to an American cheesesteak sandwich. It had thinly sliced rib eye, sweet onions, provolone cheese and a house aioli. When we went, they had Ube basque cheesecake available. We had a slice of this and it had a light ube flavor to it and just the right amount of sweetness. The dessert options available varies, so I would suggest calling ahead if you want to know what they...

Opening relatively recently. It’s a new Filipino restaurant with much more authentic flavors especially if one considers Jollibee a representative of Filipino food (it’s not… really it’s really Filipino McDonalds). Decent number of menu items. There is no dine in. Food the cooked/prepared on order. I had the Simpol Beef Mechado, Lumpia (8 pieces), and a Halo-Halo.

Outside, it’s a really small parking lot and shared with several places there. Inside is nice and well lit. There is a paper menu taped inside the windows facing outside and a fry erase board on the inside with the menu and prices although some items like the ube cookies and halo halo on listed on their own paper posters with the price. There are 5 or 6 seats to wait for your food but you cannot dine in… there are no tables. I would recommend getting your food and parking in Lotte Market to eat your food if you’re far from home. A lot of Filipino food tastes significantly better when eaten soon after being cooked especially fried dishes.

The Simpol Beef Mechado was very good. The beef is tender and the sauce is pleasant. Definitely recommend getting this dish. The lumpia is good but I’ve had better in Saigon restaurant in South Plainfield. It’s still a solid appetizer dish although the dipping sauce is a bit towards spicy than vinegar like in Vietnamese places. The Halo Halo is good and one of the better Halo Halo I’ve had in the USA. Not quite as good as I’ve had in some places in the Philippines. I do think the ice could be shaved down a bit more.

Would definitely recommend getting food here but order ahead by phone or web first. Will try the Sisig, Adobo, and Crispy pork next...

Plain and Simpol? More like Plain and Simpol-ly Blew My Freakin’ Mind.

If I had a Filipino grandma, I swear this is what her food would taste like minus the guilt-tripping and unsolicited career advice. This place? It’s comfort food in its final form. Like a warm hug from someone who also knows how to throw down in the kitchen.

I got the Short Rib Mechado and I’m still thinking about it like it was my first crush. Fall-apart tender, slow-cooked perfection in a tomato-based sauce that had depth, richness, and probably a minor in culinary sorcery. My wife ordered the Tofu Sisig and yeah, I judged her a little. Until I tried it. Crispy, spicy, tangy, and straight-up addictive.

Lumpia? We got both pork and veggie like proper gluttons. Golden, crispy, gone in seconds. If you eat them with utensils, you’re doing it wrong. Just dip, devour, and try not to fight over the last one.

Now let’s talk dessert. We got a slice of the burnt ube cheesecake, and listen I live for dessert. And this one, It delivered. Creamy, earthy, lightly sweet with a toasty top that gave it this caramelized kiss of glory. If Willy Wonka was Filipino, this would be in his factory. I’m not ashamed to say I considered ordering a second slice and faking a “birthday” to justify it.

Prices are Totally fair. I’ve paid more for food with less flavor and no personality. This place feels like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home if their home had banging food and no weird cousin lurking in the corner.

Bottom line: Plain and Simpol is anything but plain. Get in there, bring stretchy pants, and prepare to feel like part...