Taste of The Philippines — Restaurant in Rochester

I have lived in Rochester for 24 years and today was the first time I’ve ever uttered the words “Let’s go get Filipino food” that isn’t my own or my family’s house. When I finally got here and tasted the food, it brought back the joys and memories of my family’s cooking and all of the flavor that my people have spent centuries refining, perfecting, and inheriting. Now we have a place in Rochester where people can enjoy such flavorful and robust food (More specifically Ilocano and Kapampangan dishes!)

:::Food review:::

Let’s start with the Pork Adobo: (Soy-Vinegar based Braised Pork Belly served over Rice). This Adobo is rich in umami, the pork belly melts in your mouth as it releases the flavor it stores from the meat. I can tell that this Adobo has been slow cooked and marinated for at least 6-8 hours. This is the absolute gem of Filipino cooking/flavor. This is the dish that most Filipinos serve people who’ve never had Filipino food- so if you’re one of those people- DEFINITELY get this dish!

I also had the Kalderetang Kambing (Tomato-based Lamb Stew over Rice). This is absolutely flavorful. The flavor from the Lamb that has been cooking for several hours until it can fall off the bone- mixed with aromatics and tomato sauce was delightful to taste. This is the type of dish you serve only on special occasions- and they delivered this dish masterfully! The flavor is deep (savory, hearty, subtle tomato)

It also had the Vegetarian Munggo (Mung bean stew/soup- over rice). Although I would’ve preferred Munggo with Pork/Chicharron, this was still a very hearty, warm, and comforting dish. It was still savory (maybe used Vegetable stock vs. pork/chicken stock). This is a perfect dish to get for those who have special dietary needs! (It’s also the comfort food of many Filipinos on a cold day). Munggo is equivalent to Middle-Eastern Lentil dishes- but a different bean!

I also got to try their Biko (Cassava Cake; Rice-Flour-based cake with Coconut and grated cassava topped with caramelized sugar). This was a perfect Cassava cake- not too sweet, and the balance of the coconut-cassava flavors were wonderful to taste.

I wish they would open longer or even on the weekends, but totally understand the amount of time prepping these delicious dishes! After all, most of the menu items they serve take several hours to make!!! This is definitely a place I’d love to come back to over and over again- and to try their...

The food was incredible and authentic. My family is Filipino so we cook it at home often and we know the real deal. However, let me tell you about the owner! She thought she recognized me as someone else, and I wasn’t them, but we ended up spending so much time talking about the culture of the Philippines, our Filipino babies, and how food can bring people together. I am here getting at treatment at Mayo and it has been scary, uncomfortable, and overwhelming at times. To have someone meet me with such kindness and love, you could taste in the food and feel in the atmosphere, was so healing. I would recommend this food and this experience a million times over again for someone who needs some good food and a good conversation. It isn’t every day you get a belly full of good food, a memorable conversation, and a stranger who prays for you and becomes...

Wow! This place is seriously amazing! I was so impressed by the food, and the authenticity in the feel of the place, and most of all the people that own and run the place! The three women who helped me were absolutely wonderful! We tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all amazing, but my favorite was the chicken and the BBQ pork skewers. The owner also came in at the end, and he was amazing, as well! What I love the most about this place is that it’s not some trendy hipster place with high prices that’s geared towards rich people, instead it’s in the galleria, it’s almost cafeteria style, and it’s as authentic as you can get in every way! Cannot recommended this...