Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Tell Lola, "Let's go eat Vegan Filipino Food" and you'll probably get a side eye.
Tell Mama Lulu (of otakoyakisoba), and she'll rip the big fork off the wall and come after yo ass.
Vegan whaaaa?!
Filipino food and vegan may seem like an oxymoron but seriously...Chef Reina got that pinoy flavor down solid. In fact, when I brought a meat loving friend to Nick's on Grand in SSF (Chef Reina's previous resto), they had no idea we were eating vegan food!
Chef Reina now operates out of small storefront in Brisbane for takeout and delivery. They use SpotOn who partners with DoorDash for delivery. They seem to have extended range as they deliver to the southern parts of SF.
There's two cafe tables outside but there's a park down the block to picnic. If you have a car, drive a mile to the Brisbane Marina to enjoy your meal with a waterfront view.
M E N U
* Apps: Lumpia, musubi, tacos, etc.
* Filipino Breakfast (all day silogs) w/ choice of protein, vegan egg, and garlic rice
* Filipino Classics like sinigang (tamarind soup), sisig (sizzling tofu), kare kare (peanut based stew), and lechon kawali (deep fried mock pork belly)
* Other items: Loco moco, katsu, birria, lomo saltado, bbq skewers, etc.
Chef Reina's food can also be found at Mama Go's in SFO airport (ticketed passengers only).
F O O D
* Tocilog: Mock pork slices in a sweet citrus marinade, vegan egg, garlic rice ($18): https://tinyurl.com/2xfc9eh3
--Add spicy vinegar (25 cents)
The flavor of the tocino was on-point...sweet with a smoky charred flavor. The mock meat had a slightly fibrous, chewy texture. I didn't mind it since that's expected with wheat gluten and the flavor made up for it. The vegan egg looked and tasted like the real deal down to the slightly browned craggily edges and slightly chalky texture you get from a well-done yolk. The garlic rice was good but could of used more garlic.
Must add the vinegar for a punch of tangy heat that balances the sweetness of the tocino.
Only negative: I was really thirsty afterwards. I didn't have that issue before with the food.
Other things I've tried at Chef Reina's other locations: Lumpia shanghai, lechon kawali, sisig, kare kare, and pancit. Highly recommend trying the lechon kawali, you def get that crispy fatty mouthfeel.
S E R V I C E
Ordered online and was quoted 20-30 minutes for my order. When I arrived in 15 minutes, it was ready.
A M B I A N C E
Takeout/delivery only with two outdoor tables (seating for 4 total).
P A R K I N G
Easy, free street parking.
Overall, whether you're vegan or not, if you're craving pinoy food without clogging your arteries, hit up Chef Reina!