After TC had taken the troops to Engeline’s for Filipino food, I really wanted to give it a shot. One random day, post running some errands (I’m not even sure what I did, actually), he met up with me to introduce me properly to the cuisine.
Since my weight’s been dropping drastically, I allowed myself a special drink. He had mango juice – on the left – and said it was just like canned, but I had canteloupe juice, which was light and refreshing, but best of all, contained long strips of fresh canteloupe that I enjoyed slurping up through my straw and then eating with my spoon. So good.
To be healthy, we ordered a mixed veggie plate… unfortunately neither of us liked this. I’d expected more interesting vegetables in a more pungent sauce, but instead found green beans – properly cooked though – along with eggplant and pumpkin, which surprised me. It was a big meh for me.
Crispy pata, with my hand for scale. Huge leg of pork that was deep fried… I thought I’d like this more but I found it just a mess of fried taste. It was… okay.
Lumpia! or fried egg roll type things – which I love love love – and these were no exception. Fried properly to a crisp exterior revealing a hot interior, a swipe in the orange tangy sweet sauce, and just great. TC and I took turns “fighting” over the last few, haha.
And because I always wanted to try it, kare kare – oxtail stew of sots. I loved the veggies used – kale? – but I found the flavor was a little bland. Nothing the addition of liver sauce didn’t cure, though, so I ate this up happily with…
fluffy white rice. I enjoyed parts of our meal more than others, but I think that’s to be expected – some dishes just weren’t to my liking. I’m sure as I explore the cuisine, I’ll find more dishes that I like and some that I don’t.
For now, I can’t give any sort of recommendation for or against, as I’ve little to no experience with this cuisine – and maybe some dishes were great examples of the dish, just not something I like. What are your Filipino dishes you like and want to recommend I try next time?
T.C. says
Kare kare has peanut sauce in it but it wasnt that strong. I did taste it.
Their crispy pata is okay. I always want meaty spring rolls and lumpia is no exception.
I should’ve ordered a chicken or pork adobo. The pancit/ noodle dishes too perhaps.
Feisty Foodie says
Next time! I want to try more 🙂
hungry says
Funny enough, I don’t have much experience with Filipino food either except for lumpia.
Feisty Foodie says
We should fix that.
Stephanie says
I like all the Filipino desserts and sweet dishes. But haven’t really tried anything else.
Feisty Foodie says
I’ve had so little Filipino food… I only know halo halo but I can’t eat that huge thing alone!
Camille says
Fried Bangus is vinegary and tasty.
I’d recommend laing next time, along with lumpia sariwa (fresh lumpia, available on weekends) and beef or pork siningang. Their pork BBQ remains a staple for me too. Longanisa with eggs isn’t bad either.
The avocado shake makes an awesome dessert!
Feisty Foodie says
Thanks! I will definitely try those out next time. You’ve been to this location then? Longanisa is sausage-like, right?