Kusinera Traditional Filipino Cuisine — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

As someone who appreciates authenticity and attention to detail when it comes to international cuisine, I was beyond excited to discover this gem of a Filipino restaurant in our town. I am thrilled to share my experience at what is undoubtedly the cleanest and most delicious Filipino food destination around.

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the well-known Filipino hospitality. The restaurant itself is impeccably clean, with staff paying close attention to maintaining a spotless dining area, kitchen, and restrooms. This level of cleanliness immediately inspires confidence in the quality and safety of the food served.

Now, let's dive into the real star of the show - the scrumptious and mouthwatering food. The menu offers a vast array of traditional Filipino dishes, crafted with skill and care to provide an authentic dining experience. As a first-timer, I was guided through the menu by the knowledgeable staff, who were more than happy to explain the various ingredients and flavors that make Filipino...

Everything was incredible. I learned that bitter melon is what Guyanese call "karela" so it was a pleasant surprise to recognize the taste in a different cuisine than I'm accustomed to. We sampled several dishes, all of which were delicious!

I recommend the following: Lumpiang Shanghai ("Filipino egg rolls"), Lechon Kawali (deep fried marinated pork belly), Ginisang Ampalaya (Bittermelon sauteed with garlic, onion, tomatoes, egg), Bistek Tagalog (thinly sliced beef, braised in soy sauce and calamansi, garnished with onion rings), Chicken Afritada (Tomato based chicken stew with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers), and Sisig Pampanga (Minced grilled pork belly seasoned with calamansi and onions).

The hospitality at Kusinera is exemplary: it's one thing to go somewhere and have a meal. This was an entirely different experience, we were invited to a feast of amazing cultural dishes, and they shared the heritage of the dishes. Joy and Dennis are gracious hosts, and I'm excited to return for...

We ordered lumpia, pansit, and turon from Kusinera for my daughter’s Model UN club’s end-of-year celebration, and the food was absolutely delicious—there wasn’t a single bite left! Everyone enjoyed it, and I’ll definitely be ordering again.

When I picked up the order, the restaurant was spotless—bright, welcoming, and elegantly set up despite being a small space. The tables were neatly arranged and ready for diners, and the entire environment gave a sense of pride and warmth.

I truly regret not taking any photos, from pick-up to plating. Everything looked so appetizing and was packed with such care. The food was placed in proper containers, and they provided boxes to keep everything secure during my drive to my daughter’s school. I wish I had captured it all—it really deserved to be shown off!

Joy was kind, responsive, and made the entire experience seamless. Thank you again for helping us share a taste of the...