We ordered a spread of dishes that felt both familiar and exciting. The Crispy Pork Belly Rice was one of the standouts. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you how obsessed I am with crispy pork, and this one did not disappoint at all.  Pork belly cooked until the skin shattered with every bite, paired with spiced vinegar, pickled daikon, and cucumber to cut through the richness. It was indulgent but beautifully balanced.

The Chicken Adobo was everything I wanted it to be: tender pieces of chicken braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaf until the flavours soaked deep into the meat. It had that comforting tang that instantly reminded me of home, the kind of dish you want a big bowl of rice with to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Speaking of rice, the Beef Fried Rice (Tapa Fried Rice) was another highlight: smoky, garlicky, and studded with marinated beef tapa, kalamansi, and shallots. It wasn’t just a side dish but a star in its own right, satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.

We also tried the Kale in Coconut Stew (Kale Laing), which I was especially curious about. Traditionally made with taro leaves, their version used kale simmered in rich coconut milk, with a touch of fish sauce and heat from chillies. Ahhh this was delish!! It was creamy, earthy, and full of depth – a clever adaptation that still felt true to its roots.

To wash it all down, I had the Coconut Pandan Drink, which was refreshing and sweet with that fragrant pandan note that instantly transported me back to summer afternoons in the Philippines. It was the perfect finish to a hearty, flavourful meal. My daughter loved every sip she had.