Cherylynn N.
Yelp
If you've been fortunate to go visit a matriarchal Filipino home, you know that you'll NEVER go hangry. They'll feed you until your pants seams bust and send you home with Tupperware of leftovers.
Then, the next time you visit, she'll say, you've gotten "fluffy"....but in a blunt way.
Several months ago, I called Pampanguena Cuisine for a lumpia tray and the phone just kept ringing. Come to find out, they closed and Fili Taste Grill & Restaurant took its place in in early June 2024 . They're open for takeout and dine-in. No outdoor seating.
While there was no lola onsite, dining at Fili Taste felt like an extension of their home and we left with plenty of leftovers.
M E N U
Filipino Fare - Array of skewers and a handful of a la carte dishes: Sizzling Sisig, Fili [Grilled] Chicken, Lechon Kawali (fried pork belly), Grilled Jumbo Squid, and Bitter Melon Soup.
Combo plates available during lunch from 11 AM - 3 PM: Two proteins/lumpia plus rice for $14.99.
If you spend over $35 for two people, it's FREE unlimited rice.
Order at the counter (pick your skewers), seat yourself, and pay after you're finished eating.
F O O D
* SKEWERS ($2 each): https://tinyurl.com/4z8szcb7
- Pork BBQ
- Chicken BBQ
- Pork Stomach
- Hot Dog
- Chicken Feet
- Chicken Heart (x2) - sorry no pic
- Kwek-Kwek: Battered + deep fried quail eggs
Fili is one of two Filipino restos in the bay to have such a large array of skewers (like Dollar Hits in LA). Most of the skewers are brushed with a savory sweet glaze and perfect if you're looking to get a good sampling of proteins.
* Inihaw na Pusit: Grilled Jumbo Squid ($14.99): https://tinyurl.com/mryfcde7
Tender and pleasantly chewy with a nice char. Make sure to grab some housemade soy-vinegar-chili dipping sauce from their condiment station.
* Fili Chicken, Inasal-Style ($14.99): https://tinyurl.com/msn9ta3p
Everyone has their own recipe/variation but inasal chicken is usually marinated with vinegar, calamansi, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger...and annatto for that red hued skin. The whole chicken legs were juicy and lightly seasoned so the soy-vinegar-chili dipping sauce came in handy.
* Silver Lechon Kawali: Deep Fried Pork Belly ($14.99): https://tinyurl.com/47dfeb9x
Fav items of the night! Golden brown and crunchy bursting with juicy porky goodness. It was bit oversalted for me but balanced when dipped into the accompanying sweet mang tomas sauce.
* Soup of the Day - Bulalo: Filipino Beef Shank Soup ($19.99): https://tinyurl.com/pkdbcxrw
Least fav item - while the bulalo looked ginormous, it was mainly a huge bone with marrow and two small pieces of beef. The beef was still tough, and the bok choy and corn were undercooked. It just needed to be simmered longer to achieve a rich, soulful broth.
* Garlic Rice (Free for spending over $35 for two)
No Filipino meal is complete without rice and I was happy the garlic rice was part of the min. spending freebie.
S E R V I C E
Friendly, warm, pinoy hospitality with prompt food service.
A M B I A N C E
No-frills casual dining area with 7-8 tables.
P A R K I N G
Street parking can be challenging during peak hours.
Overall, if you're looking for tasty Filipino eats with warm hospitality in the city, give this new local small business a try!