"Kuya Lord is a tiny cafe in Melrose Hill that's home to some of the most exciting Filipino food in LA. The order-at-the-counter space only has about four tables inside, but if you roll in with family or friends, there will somehow always be enough room. The menu consists mainly of rice bowls with garlicky java rice and your choice of protein (the prawns drenched in garlic sauce are a standout), but under no circumstances should you leave without the pancit chami. It’s a savory-sweet, decadent stir fry made with fish cakes, pork belly, oyster sauce, and plump, chewy wheat noodles. If you’re here with two to three people, share the longtapsilog tray, which comes with grilled sweet sausage and short ribs, pancit, garlic rice, salad, pickled papaya, and several dipping sauces for $42. Leftovers will be a given." - brant cox, cathy park