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"A casual Filipino-forward spot working garlic rice bowls with pork or mushroom and tofu sisig with peppers and onions, reflecting San Diego’s large Filipino-American culinary presence." - Kelly Bone
"Acclaimed chef Phillip Esteban invokes the nostalgic flavors of his childhood with Filipino cuisine. Chill out on the Adams Avenue-facing patio while dining on smoked cabbage with patis (Filipino fish sauce) Caesar dressing or silog, a rice bowl made with garlic rice, a fried egg, and different proteins. The small-but-mighty patio feels like a full-on kickback when every table is taken (be prepared to tell your neighbor what your favorite dish is)." - Helen I. Hwang

"After boosting the profile of Filipino food in San Diego, Phillip Esteban brought White Rice to BLVD MRKT, opening there on Thursday, October 11, 2024; I was told his team will serve the same menu as his two San Diego outlets, including his top-selling pork belly lechon kawali bowl and ube pandesal with whipped ube butter, plus tofu mushroom sisig, lumpia, and a sweet longganisa sausage bowl with egg and garlic rice. Every dish is $15 and under, and drinks include calamansi iced tea and a bright-purple ube milk tea, with hours Tuesday–Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and Friday–Sunday until 9 p.m." - Mona Holmes
"Located across from Bica, White Rice Bodega is noted in the piece as being owned by longtime friend Phillip Esteban and is part of the small block collaboration for the opening block party." - Candice Woo
"Having started as a vendor at Liberty Public Market, White Rice has grown into a stand-alone White Rice Bodega in Normal Heights, reflecting the brand’s evolution from market stall to neighborhood restaurant under chef Phillip Esteban." - Candice Woo
