Helen’s Kitchen

With all the hoopla about Pares Overload in social media these days, this place piqued my interest during a recent foray towards the West Covina area. We were hungry but pressed for time, and a quick Google search for "the best Filipino food near me" brought back Helen's on top of that list. We secured a reservation quickly (yes, they take reservations online) and headed there. The place is decent-sized, obviously recently opened as it still had that unfinished quality about it. We were quickly greeted by a friendly gentleman named Floyd, the owner who shared that his Kapampangan wife is the chef, and that he grew up eating pares back in the Philippines. There were 3 other sets of diners there who seemed to be enjoying their meals. Of course, we ordered their Pares Overload as featured on their print ads and menu board. The verdict --- it was pretty legit price wise, tastewise, and appearance-wise. Is it the best I've tried? Well, it was as I'd never had this combo of fried pork belly, chitlins and pares before. The lumpia and shumai were pedestrian at best (I'm sorry) and the garlic fried rice was decent. My husband agrees with me. The portions were big enough for sharing but we ended up ordering more rice to finish all the rest of the food. There aren't any reasons not to support the business in the future. I see big things for them, especially once they start serving desserts! We will return soon!

Wonderful filipino spot! Helen’s Kitchen is a great place to get some “lesser known” filipino favorites. If you’re tired of seeing different variations of adobo, pancit, and fried chicken everywhere, Helen’s Kitchen serves tasty Pares, Tapsilog, Longsilog, Sisig, and more! Their Halo Halo overload was also really good too. Super friendly staff, clean dining room, good vibes from the customers, and only about $12 per person. Helen’s Kitchen has that perfect balance of old school recipes and modern flare. Great place to bring filipinos and non-filipinos! We will be coming back soon.

We had high hopes for authentic Pares, anticipating a taste reminiscent of Pares Retiro in the Philippines, if you know this great authentic pares place in the Manila. Unfortunately, it didn't quite measure up. While the flavor was decent, the sauce was too thick to be considered truly authentic. Despite this, I'm giving the restaurant 4 stars because the atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Their halo-halo is also quite good. I’d still come back to try other items on their menu. M

I got too full. The food here is just that good. Short review right now, will add more later after driving. Edit: I’m ashamed to say but we ordered a bucket of taho. We at it all in 3 days. I’m not ashamed, it was delicious.

Me and my husband went on Sunday with our daughter daughter, and we loved it this place has better food than most big Filipino restaurants it is so delicious and the people are great we will definitely come back and support and we love the scriptures..

Helen’s Kitchen in West Covina has the best halo-halo! Their chicharon bulaklak and sisig is my favorite. If you're craving filipino food or a refreshing treat, this is the spot.

The best Pares we have ever had in the USA by far. Very affordable and the family who owns the business are so friendly and accommodating. This is a must try to all. God bless.

Nice, affordable, namit. Try pares overload

I have dined at a few Filipino restaurants. This is by far the best tasting, best service, and best price! Get the overload and you will leave beyond satisfied. I also ordered the sig sig and it's different from all the other places. Amazing. Do yourself a favor. Come with an appetite and leave happy and beyond satisfied. This place is something special.

The beef pares is to die for! They also have the best halo halo I've ever tasted! The place is clean, and service is amazing. A "must try!"

I'm ... so happy. Helen's Kitchen is affordable luxury. Rich in flavors, depth, and authenticity. I often eat filipino food, but Helen's Kitchen offers something unique. It's freshly cooked ingredients delivered with culinary talent. I brought my family to Helen's Kitchen (Sunday, 11AM). Our waiter (Floyd) charmed everyone as he spoke in Tagalog and explained the dishes. Floyd is quick, hard working, and helpful. My family ordered six dishes yet the food arrived quickly (about 10 minutes) and hot. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, but I will focus on the Beef Pares ($13) with Overload Upgrade (additional $8). The dish is exemplary! The Beef Pares is reminiscent of beef stew. The meat is tender and juicy. Its thick broth is flavorful and well seasoned. When combined with the garlic rice, the flavor blossoms. It's hearty and savory. The Overload Upgrade adds more food. It's a tour of planned textures and comforting flavors. The lumpia is lightly crisp and filled with meat. The siomai is firm and moist. The lechon kawali is cooked expertly; crunchy skin and tender middle. The bone marrow is soft and flavorful. The chicharon is airy and crunchy. I must reiterate how Helen's Kitchen is unique and flavorful. My family is from the Philippines, and they devoured it. The food is high-quality and fresh which is humbling since Helen's Kitchen is hidden. A potential best in SGV. Helen's Kitchen won our hearts. We will return. Thank you to Floyd and the brilliant chef. Salamat Po!

This place is located right off the 10 freeway, Vincent exit. It is in a small parking lot shared with multiple stores so it may be hard to find parking. Luckily, we came by on a weekday where a spot quickly opened. There are about 8 tables for plenty of indoor seating. The place looks clean with a home-y feel. Our waiter quickly greeted us and brought drinks over. We ordered the beef pares overload, shu mai, Shanghai lumpia, and tapsilog breakfast. The Shanghai was wrapped well, tasted delicious, made with plenty of meat and cooked perfectly. The tapa is worth coming back for again and again. Great flavor, not too sweet or salty, and super tender. It was paired with an egg and garlic rice. The shu mai was also really good but came out slightly cold in the center so perhaps previously cooked or frozen. Lastly was the pares. It was really good but could use a dash more flavor. Maybe salt or soy sauce. Overall, good experience, good prices, and delicious food.

We've been there 4X in the last 3wks. They serve delicious authentic Filipino food. Awesome friendly service. We'll be going regularly.

I haven't had Filipino food in ages and decided to check out this new spot. I was recommended the Pares Overload to sample a little bit of everything which was the move. It came with bone marrow, lechon, garlic rice, lumpia, and soup. All very delicious. Finished the meal with a Halo Halo which in itself is a second meal. The server was very attentive and was ready to answer any questions I had for him. Would highly recommend on giving this place a try!

08/24/24 - AMAZING AMAZING!! AND FRESH!! We are from Florida and stopped in here after we had a bad experience at Titas of Manila filipino kitchen. Ugh, terrible! We had $50 of food from there that we just threw away. Anyways, we still wanted our filipino food fix, and I am so glad we came here . We were greeted by Floyd and he was so inviting and so nice , he explained to us the dishes which helped a lot since we are used to our basic filipino dishes. Everything was made fresh, which we loved . Floyd was so nice, he even gave a complimentary plate of amazing Pancit! Floyd and Isa were so kind we even chatted with them for a while We had: * Pares Overload - AMAZING!!! #Bone marrow awesome! #Lechon Very good # Siomai fried very very good * Sisig with garlic rice - OMG, the best we ever had . * Pancit - AMAZING! The way my mom makes it * Halo Halo - AMAZING and want more !!! * Pineapple juice. Very good We will definitely be back if we are ever in the area.

Wow. Came to this place on a whim for lunch. The food is AMAZING. I got the Pares Mami which is a bowl of noodles with beef and the tastiest, richest broth I have ever tasted. My cousin and brother got the Pares Overload and every single dish was very flavorful. We also got the Halo-Halo for dessert and it was refreshing after a heavy meal. Would also recommend the Sagot-Gulaman and Pineapple for refreshing drinks. The server was also very patient with us since we've never had Filipino food before. He took the time to explain each dish and gave us great recommendations. The place was empty on a Monday noon. No wait at all. It might be easy to miss it since the restaurant is in a plaza off the freeway.

Ordered the pares overload which is kinda like a platter of their best items. If you order with extra side of rice, it definitely good for two. Pares -- it's kinda like a brisket stew. Tender and succulent bite-sized brisket in a rich stew. So rich it almost can be a gravy. It's thick and delicious, a soul food. Bagnet -- it's like korean samgyeopsal (pork belly) but deep fried. Dip it on the vinegar sauce the have, and it's amazing. Some bites are a bit tough, but the overall experience is nice and juicy. Lumpia -- it's like egg roll but way better. And what i love the most is that the stuffing are good! Most of egg rolls i find usually has crispy skin/outer, but the stuffing doesn't leave much to be desired. But here, the lumpia is crispy and the stuffing is nice as well. Definitely one of my top three favorite lumpias (or egg roll for that matter). Chicaron bulaklak -- this one is my favorite! I don't know how it's made but it seems it's a deep fried chicaron that still has some fats in it. So rich, deep, juicy, and addictive! Definitely will come again for this dish alone (and maybe a small bowl of the pares broth) Bone marrow -- if you haven't had bone marrow before, you're missing out. They will give you stick to poke and scrape it out, but personally i like to use a straw to just suck all the goodness out. The marrow is so smooth, rich, and not gamey at all. It also came with a light soup that serves nicely as a 'breather' for all the rich and delicious items. The whole thing will set you down $20, but i'd say the price reflects the quality meal they provided.

Wonderful filipino spot! Helen's Kitchen is a great place to get some "lesser known" filipino favorites. If you're tired of seeing different variations of adobo, pancit, and fried chicken everywhere, Helen's Kitchen serves tasty Pares, Tapsilog, Longsilog, Sisig, and more! Their Halo Halo overload was also really good too. Super friendly staff, clean dining room, good vibes from the customers, and only about $12 per person. Helen's Kitchen has that perfect balance of old school recipes and modern flare. Great place to bring filipinos and non-filipinos! We will be coming back soon.

The mami was very flavorful. The overload part was just overwhelming as everything was fried. It was enough for 2 people. The fried rice was too oily. It was good but I just can't eat it all the time. We drove to this place from Ontario just to try this place. Hoping that next time I'll see more options on the menu. The service was good. Our server was very accommodating. The ambiance was pretty clean and easy to find. Parking is very limited. I do however was turned off with the styro plates. I don't mind the plastic utensils but styro is really my pet peeve with restos. I give this place 3.8

Came on a Wednesday night with no wait! Helen's Kitchen offers a casual, homey, and nostalgic vibe. We ordered two sisig bowls with garlic rice for an additional cost. Service was friendly and fast! Sisig was VERY tasty and a bit spicy. I wish garlic rice was a bit more softer but nevertheless would come back again to try other dishes!

Very flavorful and authentic food! The beef stew (beef pares) and beef (tapsilog) are so tender, and the overload upgrade is awesome as you get to sample their various sides. We mainly came to try their Halo Halo, and were surprised with great food and friendly staff.

Great service, cute place and delicious food. We are definitely coming back. The tocilog is hubby approved. Pares had a lot of flavor and savory YUM!

Soooo yummy! The BEST halohalo, worth it to drive out here. Its not too sweet and full of ingredients.

The service is good, and environment is nice. Food gets a bit too oily/tiring after eating too much for me (prob wont order overload next time I visit) since I am not really used to Philippine foods. However, I would still recommend because it's still a nice experience.

Do you miss eating pares in the Philippines? This resto is for you Come here and you'll see They just started a few months ago The place is clean and at home agad kami Ang sarap lahat Don't forget The halo halo Thanks Floyd for the awesome service and taking time to talk to us See you soon We are taking the whole clan with us

Food was actually good. I like the mami they have, brings back memories when i was back in the philippines. Could improve more on the service but i understand they still new. It's a cute lil place. Would def go back again i do love the food they have.

First timer, tried a new Filipino dish. It was delicious 5 stars. My GF is Filipino and has never tried that dish. Will be coming back.

I was attending an event nearby this restaurant and looked up places to eat with good ratings. We were very fortunate to end up here, it is truly a gem. Neither myself nor anyone in our group was super familiar with Filipino food aside from the generic adobo and lumpia you find at most places, but the waiter recommend a bunch of items, including ones that were typically for breakfast, and literally everything was great. The place is very casual, almost like you are eating at a friend's house and their mom is cooking for you. But the waiter was very patient and explained all the food to us. The food is all pretty heavy (we even had the fried pork trotters, which was delicious, but an absolute gut bomb lol), but everything is pretty reasonably priced, so it's pretty easy to over order too, so be careful. If this place was close to where I lived, I'd be a regular.

Been seeing this posted on Facebook, finally got to go here and try the Beef mami pares overload and the pares overload! My first trying out "Pares". Well it is worth the hype, it is delicious! The service was fast, very friendly and informative server that recommended their specialty. They also gave us a sample taste of their sisig that just got put on the menu yesterday... all soooo good! This place not big but cozy, it gave a friendly, local vibe. We also had their halo halo and it too is overloaded, it had ice cream, leche flan, corn flake crunch, and their own homemade ube halaya mixed with rest of beans and fruits, nata de coco. So yummy. So full! Will definitely come back to try their other dishes.

Best Filipino food I have ever tasted. And the staff is just as amazing as the food. Trust me your experience here is wonderful, personable and memorable. It is starting to become a tradition to eat here regularly. The vibe of the place was very comfortable. Again, this is a must-try local restaurant that is Family owned which is the best part.

Good food! Attentive, friendly and fast service! The place is welcoming and well lit! I will definitely come back and try other food from the menu.

Wanted some authentic filipino food to celebrate my sister and I's birthday with our grandparents and Helen's kitchen was exactly what we were looking for! The service was wonderful and welcoming. The food was incredible and they have us birthday halo halo!

This restaurant was recommended to me by my previous co-worker. Food was very good! I ordered the pares overload and I loved it specially the soup and noodles. Very good service. Both Charmaine and Lloyd were the ones who entertained me. I wasn't familiar with "pares" so they explained it to me and I ended up ordering the pares overload. The restaurant was very clean and organized. Highly recommended.

I grew up frequenting Filipino food restaurants. Helen's kitchen is very unique in its pares offerings and will return primarily for them. Had the Mami pares (beef) with the "overload" add-on. The mami had a rich and developed broth, which is unusual compared to other restaurants (that typically have chicken as the protein and the broth as an afterthought). The "overload" side order is a bargain, and samples "cholesterol's greatest and most delicious hits" from the Philippines, such as crispy lechon kawali, lumpia, chicharon bulaklak, bone marrow, and fried siomai. Meals here provide the delicious decadence you deserve after a long stressful day of work or to celebrate a day off. It's apparent it's run by a talented power couple that keeps God first in all things and service reflecting the respect for the customers that chose their restaurant among the many in West Covina area. A business well worth patronizing!

First time trying their Pares Overload and it's a 10/10! Highly recommend. Crispy and very tasty + friendly staff

Very good food! Last I had Pares was over 24 years ago. Was on my bucket list on our recent trip to the Phils. Got super busy and never got to try it in the homeland. Very happy to have found this place to try out Pares. It did not dissapoint. Friendly and attentive staff. They are family owned. Very happy that we now have more options for filipino food. Let us support small, and family owned business!

The pares came out super quick and was delicious. They give just the right portion for a meal and I had a bit of rice left over. Wish they gave more garlic on the rice. I would def come back to get the overload to try their other dishes

Had to run a quick errand in West Covina. And saw this place on yelp. So glad we tried them out, the meat on the overload was super crispy and tasty. The broth and noodles in the Mami we perfect. Will eat here again when I'm in the area.

My friends told me about this place from our airsoft group and found out their are having a soft opening. Wow, I was blown away by their soft opening very good items and I heard more to come like crispy pata and lechon kawali. I ordered the Pares Overload which I believe is a must for first timers as well as the Pares Mami. Very good and tasty at a high level of authentic and traditional Filipino cuisine. I can't say enough that I really enjoy this place and is a highly recommended spot for me in my book! Thank you Helen's Kitchen I will be back for the grand opening!!

This place is West Covina's best little secret. I ordered their Sisig with garlic fried rice. I absolutely enjoyed my meal. Their halo-halo looked amazing! I will for sure try it next time. Check them out guys!

Food was excellent my first time trying Filipino food. Will definitely be back. Service and waitstaff were extremely helpful when ordering for a first-time diner. My order was to go and wait time was minimal. Everyone please give this local kitchen a try. Also received a good review by Food Critic Merrill Schindler.

Straight fire thank you for an amazing meal. Casual comfort food. Highly recommended.

If you guys are craving filipino food specially beef pares (beef cube brisket/stew)...this place is legit. The owners are very nice and accomodating. They have beef pares overload (consists of the beef stew, soup, bone marrow, fried lumpia (eggroll), siomai (dumpling) and two scoops of rice for $20. I was so happy eating here because I felt like I was eating food back in the Philippines which I havent been for about 20 years. I wanted to try out their beef mami (noodles with soup) but I was so full with the food that I ate lol.I will definitely be back for more...next time would be the mami overload. I will be supporting this business and already told my friends that food here is tha bomb. All they need in the restaurant are pillows and blankets because I was so sleepy after eating and I just wanted to lie down afterwards and sleep hahah...food coma?...I dunno...they got the good stuff here. Legit go here guys.

I came for the first time hoping to have an authentic Filipino beef mami (sabaw). I wasn't disappointed and in fact I finished an entire big bowl of it! Their Pares Overload is very satisfying, yum! Come and enjoy the experience with this family-owned small business. You'll be pleasantly surprised

All of their food is so good! A must for all the pinoy that is craving for pares. Definitely will comeback. 5++

They serve filipino comfort food. I love their sisig and pares overload, reminds me of home particularly my manila college life. Service is great, they're very approachable and passionate about their products. Halo-halo is also GOOOOD the best! Will definitely come back here

Staff was SUPER personable, food was FAST and so flavorful! I'm coming back with friends for the peaceful atmosphere and a "family friend" vibe.

Though still in soft opening, the food and service are great. Have been back here for a couple of times, the service is great and staff is very friendly. The food is so delicious and is the family's go to restaurant when craving for specialized filipino dishes specially the pares and overload. Family is always happy and very satisfied when in this place. Wishing the best for this Filipino restaurant and thank you.

Best Halo Halo I've ever had! 20/10 would order again. Floyd is a very accommodating and helpful host!

My husband and I found this place by accident, given that it was the only Filipino restaurant still open past 8 pm and let me say that it was the best accident we had come across. We ordered the pares overload and although the plate screams heart attack, it was one of the best, if not the best pares we have ever tasted. I just wish there was a bit more garlic rice in our take out dish. You definitely need to give this place a try! It is definitely one of the best Filipino restaurants in the West Covina area!

MUST TRY!!! THE BEST!!! DIWATA PARES IN WEST COVINA? HELL YES!!! The owner Floyd was really nice and helpful. Good customer service. We ordered the Pares Overload and it was really SULIT, OVERLOAD IT IS (good for 2 people). Chicharon bulaklak was chicharon bulaklaking and bone marrow was bone marrowing. A REALLY MUST TRY!!! Congrats to the very humble owner Floyd!!!

Finally a Pares place!! Pares is like a Filipino braised beef. Found this place on Yelp, they are just on their soft opening. Grand opening will be around July. Ordered the Pares Overload, food is really delicious. It is located close to the 10 freeway off Vincent Avenue.

This was a complete surprise for my family and I. My parents found this place on our way to a doctor's appointment, and this food is the closest thing we've had from actually being in the Philippines. We all agreed, food was very flavorful and authentic. Service was really good , very attentive. The place is a small little spot and it's a very home relaxing vibe. Definitely coming here more often, no questions asked!

Amazing Filipino food! This restaurant deserves more recognition, bigger soace and a lot more customers.

With all the hoopla about Pares Overload in social media these days, this place piqued my interest during a recent foray towards the West Covina area. We were hungry but pressed for time, and a quick Google search for "the best Filipino food near me" brought back Helen's on top of that list. We secured a reservation quickly (yes, they take reservations online) and headed there. The place is decent-sized, obviously recently opened as it still had that unfinished quality about it. We were quickly greeted by a friendly gentleman named Floyd, the owner who shared that his Kapampangan wife is the chef, and that he grew up eating pares back in the Philippines. There were 3 other sets of diners there who seemed to be enjoying their meals. Of course, we ordered their Pares Overload as featured on their print ads and menu board. The verdict --- it was pretty legit price wise, tastewise, and appearance-wise. Is it the best I've tried? Well, it was as I'd never had this combo of fried pork belly, chitlins, and pares before. The pares sauce could have used more seasonings, though. The lumpia and shumai were pedestrian at best (I'm sorry), and the garlic fried rice was decent. My husband agrees with me. The portions were big enough for sharing, but we ended up ordering more rice to finish all the rest of the food. There aren't any reasons not to support the business in the future. I see big things for them, especially once they start serving desserts! We will return soon!

Best Philippino food I've tried. It's always fresh and hot when you get the food and the customer service is amazing! They just opened so it's not their full menu just yet but the food they have now is delicious! I can't wait for the menu expansion !

Good place to go when craving for filipino comfort food. I ordered tapsilog and my daughter loved it. Serving is good for 2 people. Service is excellent.