As a person who loves to eat out, it’s a pretty big deal when I find a restaurant that I love. And, this is especially true if the restaurant is located near me. However, what I’ve learned in recent years is that not all Filipino restaurants are created equal. In fact, quite a few of them are downright terrible. This post will explore why some Filipino restaurants near me are such poor choices and offer some tips on how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
The Reality of Filipino Restaurants Near Me
There are a lot of misconceptions about Filipino restaurants, and many people think that all of them areauthentic. The reality is that there are a variety of Filipino restaurants around the country, with some that are more authentic than others. In general, the most authentic Filipino restaurants will serve traditional dishes like adobo, kinilaw, and lumpia. They’ll also may have a lot of unique attractions, like secret menus or unique ingredients. If you’re looking for a good restaurant to try out Filipino cuisine, be sure to check out these five places near me!
Why We Chose These Restaurants
We love Filipino food, and we thought we would share with you some of the favorite restaurants that we frequented while living in Metro Manila. But as it turns out, our experiences didn’t quite match up to what others had told us. This is why we decided to explore other options before settling on a single Filipino restaurant.
First, let’s start with the one restaurant that everyone seems to agree upon – Tony Roma’s. This popular Italian chain has several locations throughout Metro Manila, and they are known for their pasta dishes and pizza. We were really disappointed with our experience here. The food was bland and the service was slow.
Another restaurant that many people seem to love is Jollibee. This fast-food chain has over 1,000 locations worldwide, and they serve classic Filipino dishes like chickenisitngs, lumpiang sariwaan, and adobo chicken. However, our experience here wasn’t as great either. The food was mediocre at best and the lineups were often long.
Our final destination for this exploration was Zabar’s Market & Deli. This historic store has been in operation since 1914, and they specialize in Jewish cuisine from all over the world. We were excited to try some of their famous bagels and pastries, but the food was nothing special – definitely not worth the high price tags!
Our Favorite Dishes from These Restaurants
We all have our favorite dishes from different restaurants. Some of ours include chicken tikka masala from a Pakistani restaurant, Greek salads at a burger joint, and Chinese fried rice from the local take-out spot. However, when it comes to Filipino restaurants, we often get wrong impressions about what cuisine to expect.
Some people think that Filipino food is all about seafood and Fried rice. While those are definitely some popular dishes, there’s so much more to Filipino cuisine than that! In fact, here are eight of our favorite dishes from Filipino restaurants near me:
1) Crispy Pata: Slightly battered pork belly is deep-fried until crispy and served with a sweet dipping sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty appetizer or main course.
2) Kare Kare: A rich and flavorful stir-fry made with assorted vegetables and meat, served with a creamy peanut sauce on the side. Kare kare is always a hit at any restaurant!
3) Adobo Chicken: Marinated chicken legs simmered in soy sauce and vinegar until tender then finished off in an oven until crispy. This dish can be spiced up or down to your liking – try it with some chili flakes for extra heat!
4) Pork Belly Tacos: Soft tacos filled with succulent pork belly lettuce wraped in warm tortillas then topped with shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes. These tacos are sinful but totally addictive – you’ll want to order them
What to Order If You Are Visiting a Filipino Restaurant Near Me
If you’re looking for a delicious, authentic Filipino meal, you’re in luck! Here are some of the best options near where you live.
1. The Pancake House: This iconic restaurant is known for its fluffy pancakes and more than 20 varieties of syrup. It’s perfect for classic breakfast fare or for pairing with a savory dish later in the day.
2. Wong Fu Tea House: This family-owned business specializes in tea drinks made from fresh herbs and spices. Try the dragonberry wong fu tea if you’re looking for a uniquely flavored drink.
3. Manila Central Market: This market has been voted one of the best food markets in America, and it’s no surprise why! The selection of seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, and more is unparalleled. Plus, there’s usually a long line so be prepared to wait!
4. Gasoline Alley BBQ: If barbecue isn’t your thing, this restaurant also serves up stir-fry dishes and Filipino chicken curry plates. There’s something for everyone at Gasoline Alley BBQ!
Conclusion
After reading this article, I have a better understanding of how Filipino restaurants work and what to expect when I dine at one. Apparently, these restaurants are not as different from other types of restaurants as I thought they were. In fact, many Filipino dishes can be found in other types of establishments around the country. Furthermore, there are a variety of ways to enjoy a meal at a Filipino restaurant- whether it is through the use of rice or noodles, with meats or seafood, or even dessert. All in all, this article has offered me some valuable insights that I can take into future dining experiences.
