Jea K.
Google
Authentic Filipino food with a homely touch.
For a long time, Boston's culinary scene lacked a Filipino presence, so I was quite excited when I heard about the opening of Pinoy Kabayan. This was my first time trying authentic Filipino fare, and this place didn’t disappoint.
The ambiance was reminiscent of a typical bowl place with counter service, yet it maintained a unique charm with most of its dishes being made-to-order. I opted for one of their hearty Filipino breakfast plates, which had traditional beef jerky paired with fragrant garlic fried rice. The beef jerky was essentially marinated lean beef, and its hearty combination with fried egg and vinegar sauce was enjoyable.
Another surprise was their small but tempting selection of Filipino street food. The Kikam – a crispy fried fish ball – was an excellent side.
Dining on styrofoam plates also contributed to a laid-back, almost food-truck-like dining experience. Being the sole customer at the time, I found the Filipino owners to be exceptionally warm and hospitable.
Overall, an interesting addition to the Financial District's food scene. While it isn’t necessarily a high-end cuisine, it's certainly a spot worth visiting for anyone curious about authentic Filipino dishes.