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Philippine cuisine is a dynamic mix of Austronesian origins and other Asian flavors that is often overshadowed by its other Asian counterparts. But it is an exotic eat which shouldn’t be overlooked. In a food paradise such as Hong Kong, Filipino food is readily available to curious diners. Here’s where to find it.

Cinta-J Restaurant & Lounge

Live music while munching on that juicy favorite crispy pata (deep fried pork knuckle)? Look no further than Cinta-J. This restaurant and sometimes nightclub is one of the well-known spots in Wan Chai’s night scene, serving Filipino food ranging from classic favorites sinigang (meat or seafood in sour broth) and adobo (meat cooked in soy sauce). But dishes from across Southeast Asia are also available and they’re very affordable, if you’re looking for more variety. Cinta-J is a both a family-friendly and friend-friendly choice. Order the much loved Filipino dessert, Halo-halo (mixed together) for blends of shaved ice, sago and fruits among others. For some, Cinta-J also serves a lot of nostalgic memories.

Shop G4, Malaysia Building, 69-75 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, +852 25294183

DaBarkadz

Restaurant, Filipino

DaBarkaz
DaBarkadz (a play of the word ‘The Barkada’ means the group of friends) is an inexpensive hub located in the heart of Jordan. A favorite choice for birthday parties, it’s also a place not only to dine and enjoy Filipino food but also for karaoke, which is another Filipino party favorite. The owners love their customers so much that they even post and thank them on their Facebook page, making them part of the Barkada. The Kamayan(eating using your hands) experience is a must try! This practice of eating becomes more fun with the inclusion of the ‘Boodle fight’ concept that originated from the army. Banana leaves serve as plates as different dishes are spaced out together with portions of rice (must always have rice!). In a way, this practice allows for more bonding between family and friends.
DaBarkaz/Facebook

Foodtrip Bedana's Filipino Restaurant

Restaurant, Filipino

Foodtrip Bedanas Filipino Restaurant, Jordan
This casual sit-in restaurant has both indoor and outdoor areas in a simple dining set-up, wooden or plastic stools and folding tables, much like the usual Filipino family parties held at home. Sitting outdoors is an experience reminiscent of that inuman (drinking) session tucked in a corner alleyway in the middle of the night. Balut or the Filipino-delicacy-that-scares-all (bird fetus) is also available, if you’re up for it. For intimate dining, Foodtrip is the place to go.
Foodtrip Bedana/Facebook

Kawali Filipino Kamayan Cuisine

Restaurant, Thai

Kawali Filipino Kamayan Cuisine
Facebook
In Tagalog, Kawali is pan and Kamayan is the act of using your hands to eat (using the washed left hand for picking the food and the right hand for putting food to the mouth). This restaurant, located in a quieter part of Wan Chai, is one of the most recommended places for Filipino food and with good reason. They serve the much-loved flavors of home cooked classics like chicken inasal (grilled chicken), dinuguan(stew simmered in pig’s blood) and sisig(diced meat). To top that all off, they also serve unlimited rice.
Kawali Filipino Kamayan Cuisine/Facebook

Jollibee

Restaurant, Fast Food, Filipino, Chinese

Jollibee, Eurotrade Centre
Ming Hong/WikiCommons
Filipino dining isn’t complete without the typical Pinoy(slang for Filipino) fast food choice, Jollibee, dubbed as the Asian version of McDonalds. In the early days of its inception, Jollibee was on par with McDonalds primarily because the food catered to Filipino taste by including rice and more desserts in its menu. Jollibee’s dancing mascot has also become the country’s ‘national’ mascot and character, with the tagline, ‘Bida Ang Saya’ (‘happiness is the winner’). On Sundays, this branch of Jollibee in Central boasts long queues and blockbuster-like crowds. Signature dishes include chicken joy (fried chicken), Palabok(noodle dish with shrimp sauce, it also has a Chinese origin) and Jolly Hotdog.
Ming Hong/WikiCommons

Escape

Bar, Nightclub, Thai, Filipino

Escape, Jaffe Road
Escape to this spacious 7,050 square ft bar and disco in Wan Chai. But more than that, it also serves favorite Filipino dishes such as sinigang(meat or seafood in sour broth) and crispy pata (deep fried pork knuckle). The place boasts a 9-meter long island bar and purple walls emitting an exotic and seductive vibe. There are also 10 LED screens (it’s all about live entertainment while dining!) Jive to resident DJ Jessie’s vinyl mix of classics to Carnival Distraction (9pm & 1am), a band formed solely for Escape, playing a pool of choices from 70s disco to indie favorites.
Escape/Escape Website

About the author

Jianne is a 20-year-old Filipino writer based in Hong Kong. She is currently an international journalism major. She loves Asian films and literature and a big anime/manga geek. One day, she hopes to travel the world. And she's starting that dream now.

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