Pinoy food flavors evolved throughout the years. The diverse influences brought by different cultures fused with our very own rich customs and traditions created a perfect, uniquely identified Filipino palate.
Our own beloved cuisine revolves around the combination of sweet, sour and salty and for some dishes, a little spicy to complete the flavor. Our base ingredients when we cook usually include bottles of soy sauce, vinegar, and of course our panggisa agents – garlic, onion and slices of tomato (the sauce for those with mouth-watering sarsa!) for some dishes. All these will complete the pinoy taste.
I’m a fan of Pinoy food, that I, myself usually cook my favorite adobo and caldereta when I’m in my mood to move around the kitchen (pag may time!). When I’m outside, first on my list is to find a restaurant that offers great Filipino cuisine. There are lots of legit restaurants that I always consider, and hindi ako nagsasawa, but recently, I discovered a new one that made me think of my grandmother’s recipes when we visit her in Ilocos once or twice a year. She prepared our food with love, warmth and so much passion, nakaka-miss (she passed away 3 year ago)- traditionally made while she tells her stories to us, her grandchildren.
Located at S Maison, Conrad Hotel, SM Prime’s newest upscale lifestyle center, is the Lola Cafe. They opened its doors, their third branch, to the south people of the metro last October 6, 2019, extending Lola Cafe’s cuisine to a new and larger Pinoy food enthusiasts.
Lola Cafe’s first branch in Quezon City was an old ancestral house that was converted into a restaurant that offers a mouthful of Filipino dishes with a modern twist.
Very much similar to the feast that I usually experience in a traditional home during important celebrations, this is how I can relate my experience when visited Lola Cafe. The lutong bahay dishes that I so love were all served in unforgettable presentations and heavenly tastes, some were deconstructed that made it so much better, improved versions worthy of my dime.Â
Remember when you keep on trying out the dish because there is something awesome you are tasting and you’re busy trying to figure out what that taste is and where it is coming from? I had this for a number of times! LOL
My top 3 dishes
Shrimp Aligue Pasta (shrimp, aligue sauce and cream), Lola’s Bicol Express (coconut milk gata, pork belly, shrimp paste, chilis) and Bone Marrow Sisig (grilled bone marrow, sisig and kamias jar) are three of my favorites. These three have stand-out, oozing flavors that will really get your tastebuds’ attention.
The Shrimp Aligue is sinful (if you’re not doing your keto diet) but tasted really good. The richness of the crab fat combined with the cream mixture and spices they used enhanced the overall flavor- savory and delectable. Bone Marrow Sisig is another putok-batok dish that is really irresistible. The sisig on top was perfectly seasoned that I finished the entire cup of rice just with it. Lastly, Lola’s Bicol Express came in an unusual presentation but the Bicol taste was still present. The luscious taste of gata mixed with chilis creates a zesty, flavorful piece. Perfect!
Here are some of my runner-ups that will surely make you drool!
You may find them at Level 2, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard Corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
For seat reservation:
+63 9171083370, 02 88057649
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