White Rice Bodega serves up a modern take on Filipino staples with standout dishes like crispy pork belly and ube milk tea, all in a cozy outdoor spot.
"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, Candice Woo
"Bica lands on Adams Avenue across from White Rice Bodega, which is owned by longtime friend Phillip Esteban." - Candice Woo
"The fast-casual restaurant and bar grand opens Monday, September 19 on Adams Avenue. Landing on Adams Avenue, the new White Rice Bodega puts a fast-casual spin on Filipino cuisine courtesy of Phillip Esteban, Eater’s 2021 chef of the year. Esteban’s menu revolves around silog, a staple Filipino dish of garlic rice and meat or other accompaniments, offered here with the convenience of a rice bowl topped with everything from crispy pork belly and grilled chicken to a vegan sisig made with mushrooms and tofu." - Candice Woo
"White Rice Bodega, a fast-casual Filipino spot, is expanding from Liberty Public Market into a stand-alone space in Normal Heights. The 600-square-foot restaurant will be housed in a renovated 1930s-era building and will have its own outdoor dining patio. Initially launched in Liberty Station by chef Phillip Esteban, the new venue will feature popular menu items like Filipino spaghetti and a vegan version of classic sisig made with tofu and mushrooms. The restaurant will also serve Filipino beer, local brews, natural wine, and sell grab-and-go provisions." - Candice Woo
"More progressive takes on classic Filipino dishes can be found at White Rice Bodega." - Candice Woo
