The Fattened Caf. — Restaurant in St. Louis

A Symphony of Filipino Flavors: The Fattened Caf

Tucked away on South Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis lies a culinary gem that had me at "banana ketchup." Yes, you read that right—BANANA ketchup. But we'll get to that magnificent oddity in a moment.

Walking into The Fattened Caf for the first time, I immediately sensed this wouldn't be my last rodeo with their Filipino BBQ. The vibe? Casual-cool with a side of "why haven't I been here before?" The staff greets you with smiles that feel genuinely happy rather than customer-service mandated. Co-owner Darren played food sherpa for my journey, and the man knows his territory.

Let's talk chicken adobo—that Filipino classic that serves as my litmus test for any Filipino kitchen. Theirs? A masterclass in flavor layering. The chicken thighs are cooked to that magical point where they're tender but not falling apart, having soaked up the vinegar-soy marinade like tiny meat sponges. Paired with garlic rice and red cabbage, it's less a dish and more a flavor convention where all the delegates actually agree with each other.

Then came the Filipino BBQ chicken that made me question everything I thought I knew about grilled poultry. The secret weapon? That aforementioned banana ketchup marinade. It sounds like something a sleep-deprived college student might invent at 3 AM, but it works with an almost supernatural harmony—sweet, smoky, and savory notes performing a perfect three-part harmony on your palate.

The heavyweight flavor champion, however, was undoubtedly the Piyanggang chicken. Imagine burnt coconut, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass having a party, and somehow everyone gets along perfectly. The balance is so precise it feels like someone used lab equipment rather than measuring spoons.

Plant-based eaters, fear not! The Jackfruit Adobo in coconut milk deserves its own paragraph. Having encountered jackfruit masquerading as meat elsewhere, I approached with skepticism. Wrong move. They've transformed this fruit into something so complex and satisfying that it made me question why we bother with meat at all. The sweet-sour dance with vinegar's acidity creates a dish that's both comforting and exciting—culinary quantum physics at work.

The sides deserve their own review, but I'll simply say this: whatever dietary path you walk, there's a delicious companion dish waiting. The garlic rice, java rice, BBQ beans, and various veggies all perform brilliantly. A special shout-out to the collard greens, which, as a first-timer, left me intrigued enough to want another go-round.

Vegans, I'm sorry to report that you'll miss the grand finale: the Ube Banana pudding. This purple-hued, visually stunning dessert is what I imagine unicorns eat on their birthdays. Creamy, perfectly sweetened, with banana taking the lead while ube provides backup vocals—it's a fitting end to a meal that challenges expectations at every turn.

Bottom line: The Fattened Caf isn't just a restaurant; it's a revelation. Whether you're a Filipino food aficionado or a complete novice, this place deserves your attention, your appetite, and your Instagram posts. Just save room for that...

I literally overheard a woman talking to her friend about this place. "Clean" is the word she used multiple times to describe the food as she raved about its deliciousness and how often she eats there. Coincidentally, when I decided to try it, I googled and realized I was only 2 minutes away. I figured I had to go now. I had no idea it was Filipino food till I got there. I LOVE Filipino food, but I hadn't had it in years. I decided to try Piyanggang Chicken despite Chicken Adobo being my favorite dish, usually. I'm so glad I took a chance. I absolutely devoured that plate. The chicken is so flavorful and cooked to perfection. It's packed with flavors I don't think I've had anywhere else. The cabbage also has me in a chokehold. The vinegar-y, pickled flavor is a delightful kick for the taste buds. Not only is it a playground of flavor, it's plated so beautifully. The colors and arrangement make the plate look like a piece of art. And the service is so welcoming and kind. I also love the ambiance and decor. It feels like you've walked into a home staged as a restaurant. The seating is a masterful, inviting touch, as well as the mural on the wall. I've since been multiple times, and I've tried the adobo, which was also delicious, but I've found a new favorite dish in the Piyanggang Chicken. I'll continue to go here any time I can. Thank you for bringing this experience to St....

I love the world flavors you can find on Grand Ave! The Fattened Calf is a locally owned Filipino BBQ restaurant and has an impressive aray of unique meat options and some incredible sides. If you are looking to expand your palate you should check out their menu and stop by.

That's the short review, now let's just talk about the food and presentation...Of EVERYTHING!!! The food, the plates, the cutlery, the food, the tables and chairs, the art, the food, it's all beautifully curated to create an inviting, comfortable dining experience that is more formal than a quick chain restaurant (though the service is fast and polite), but relaxed and comfortable like the flat of your cool, globe trotting aunt. This is a place for good food and sharing stories with your friends.

I didn't know what to expect of the food, just that it was gonna be new to me, but I was going with return customers. And I will l will be returning myself! I had the the pork steak and the Filipino BBQ sauce was incredible, and complimented so well by the picked red cabbage salad. I will admit, I didn't really know what to do with the side of vinegar, but the good tasted amazing with and without extra vinegar (yay me experiences). I also got to try the yellowtail kinilaw and whoa, that sauce is incredible! I'm not a huge fan of raw fish in large quantities, but that is a dish I...