Kuya Lord

"With just a handful of seats in the tight dining room, the best way to enjoy Melrose Hill’s Filipino spot, Kuya Lord, is with takeout. If only ordering for one person, try one of the rice or noodle bowls topped with proteins like lechon kawali, longsilog, and tocino; for enough to feed a group, opt for the Kuya trays, which feed two to three. Each tray comes with a generous serving of a protein of choice, a pint of rice, pickles, dipping sauce, and more. This may be an ideal meal for a park picnic or evening Cinespia screening. Order pick-up directly through Kuya Lord, or delivery on Uber Eats." - Rebecca Roland

"Since debuting last year during the pandemic, this Filipino pop-up in La Cañada Flintridge has been among our favorite places to eat in the entire city. And this weekend, they’re doing something a little different - brunch. Running from Friday, September 10th to Saturday the 11th, Kuya Lord is selling massive brunch platters that include two different kinds of longsilog, beef short ribs, blue prawns, yellowtail collar, and lucenachon, or roasted rolled pork belly. All the ordering is done via their Instagram, and pickup is between 11:30am-2:30pm each day." - brant cox

"I’ve said this to just about everyone I know, so I might as well tell you guys - Kuya Lord is the best meal I’ve eaten all year. This Filipino pop-up is run by Lord Maynard Llera, a former sous chef at Bestia, and operates entirely out of his house in La Canada-Flintridge. I understand that DMing someone you’ve never met on Instagram and showing up at their private residence might be... outside some peoples’ comfort zones, but get comfortable, because pop-ups are here to stay, and Kuya Lord is simply too incredible to miss. Everything on the constantly changing menu is inspired by what Llera grew up eating in his hometown of Lucena, Philippines, and I’ve frankly yet to try something that doesn’t send me into a place of unadulterated bliss. What I’m trying to say is order everything that’s available that week. There will be leftovers… a lot of leftovers, but if someone in your household complains about that fact, at least you know where to make some relationship cuts." - brant cox

"Kuya Lord began as a pandemic-era pop-up, but is now a full brick-and-mortar in East Hollywood. The tiny, order-at-the-counter cafe only has about four tables inside, but if you roll in with family or friends, there will definitely 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 don't leave without the pancit chami. It’s a savory-sweet, decadent stir fry made with fish cakes, pork belly, 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 $45. Leftovers will be a given." - nikko duren, garrett snyder

"Los Angeles “Pop-ups are…popping off this year in LA, and Kuya Lord is one of our favorites of the bunch. This Filipino spot is run entirely out of the chef’s house, and the only way you can order is via Instagram direct message. The menu changes - my orders have included crispy lechon kawali, pancit chami, and Filipino BBQ chicken that’s pretty much ruined all other BBQ for me. More than just great food though, Kuya Lord gave me hope that, even in the darkest moments of the pandemic, restaurants will continue to show the rest of us how to find incredible, creative ways to get through this.” -Brant Cox, LA Editorial Lead" - team infatuation