6 restaurants serving Ginataang
East Brunswick, NJ
“Maricel's Kitchen stands as New Jersey's premier Filipino culinary experience destination in East Brunswick, founded in 2017 by acclaimed Chef Maricel Gentile who learned cooking from her lola (grandmother) in Manila and built a distinguished 30+ year culinary career in New York City's finest five-star establishments. This unique establishment operates simultaneously as a Filipino restaurant featuring Friday Night Kamayan Tower Feasts and weekend Filipino brunch, a hands-on cooking school teaching Filipino and Pan-Asian cuisines, and a bespoke catering service for private events and corporate gatherings. Featured on Food Network, PBS's A Table for All with Buki, Hulu, and author of Maricel's Simply Asian Cookbook, Chef Gentile created a culinary experience destination at 111 Main Street that welcomes thousands annually to discover authentic Filipino and Asian flavors through interactive cooking classes, exclusive Chef's Table dinners with guest chefs, and intimate dining experiences including the signature Kamayan Tower-a stunning tiered display of scratch-made Filipino dishes served exclusively for each party. The menu showcases Chef Gentile's lola's recipes including chicken adobo, beef caldereta, tinola, sinigang, and specialty items like crispy shrimp balls and grilled pompano, many adaptable for gluten-free diets upon request. With weekend Filipino brunch featuring three-tier Brunch Towers ($59.95 for two people) and lighter platos, plus the traditional Kamayan Feast served on banana leaves for hands-on communal dining, Maricel's Kitchen fulfills Chef Gentile's mission to make Filipino cuisine part of everyday dining conversations alongside Italian, Mexican, and Thai, while honoring her lola's legacy by sharing authentic family recipes with new generations.”
Naperville, IL
“Bistro Manila of Naperville has earned exceptional recognition in the Chicago suburbs for authentic Filipino cuisine served turo-turo style with daily rotating menus. The cozy, rustic-chic bistro prepares traditional Filipino and Asian-fusion dishes fresh daily, posting menus on social media so customers can see what's available each day. Bistro Manila's rotating menu ensures variety and freshness while maintaining authentic Tagalog-style cooking that has earned passionate praise from Filipino customers who say the food reminds them of home. The family-owned restaurant has become a favorite in Naperville for its authentic flavors, generous portions, reasonable prices, and warm Filipino hospitality from owners Tess and Tonni and Chef Lei. With Google ratings of 4.8 and consistently positive reviews, Bistro Manila stands out among Chicago-area Filipino restaurants for its commitment to quality home-style cooking, earning recognition as one of the best Filipino dining experiences in the Chicagoland suburbs.”
Philadelphia, PA
“Perla specializes in traditional Filipino kamayan dining, where guests eat with their hands in authentic Filipino style. They offer curated kamayan feasts featuring grilled specialties like chicken inasal with lemongrass and annatto marinade, and pork liempo with soy-calamansi. Their communal dining experience celebrates Filipino culture through hands-on eating traditions passed down through generations.”
Nyack, NY
“Karenderya has earned national acclaim since opening in Nyack in 2017, named among Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America 2018 and earning Chef Paolo Garcia Mendoza a James Beard Foundation Semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: New York State in 2023. This casual, family-owned restaurant draws inspiration from carinderias-the affordable roadside eateries found throughout the Philippines-while incorporating modern interpretations of Southeast Asian flavor profiles. Chef Paolo grew up in Pasay City before moving to Brooklyn at age 15, training at the Institute of Culinary Education and working under renowned chefs including Floyd Cardoz and Geoffrey Zakarian before establishing his own kitchen. Co-owner Cheryl Baun, a Rockland County native with deep Filipino community involvement, partnered with Paolo to raise awareness about Filipino culture through food. The restaurant operates from modest quarters on Main Street that feel like an old dining room with secondhand furniture, creating unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere. Karenderya's menu offers both traditional Filipino dishes and contemporary creations available as rice bowls or sandwiches, making Filipino cuisine accessible to new diners. Signature items include the exceptional tamarind chicken wings, perfectly executed pork belly, garlic rice bowls with choice of proteins, beef tapa with soy-lime-ginger marinade, and ginataang vegetables in coconut milk. The restaurant offers special mini kamayan feasts for two on select nights, serving food communally without plates or utensils in traditional Filipino style. With consistent quality, fresh ingredients, and Paulo's skilled execution, Karenderya has become essential dining in Nyack while elevating Filipino cuisine's profile in the broader American restaurant landscape.”
Royal Palm Beach, FL
“Kabayan Restaurant stands as a cherished mom-and-pop establishment celebrating authentic Filipino cuisine in South Florida. The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring traditional Filipino favorites from savory Kare-kare to crispy pata, with each dish reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a focus on freshness and homemade quality, Kabayan showcases generous portions of dishes like ginataang langka and lechon kawali, complemented by a small grocery section where customers can purchase Filipino snacks and ingredients. The restaurant has earned praise for its friendly service and community feel, with many customers noting it feels like dining at home. Kabayan offers multiple dining options including dine-in, delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, and catering services, making it convenient for families and group gatherings.”
Fairfield, CA
“Bicol Express takes its name from the famous spicy Filipino dish originating from the Bicol region, known for its fiery chilies and coconut milk-based dishes. The restaurant specializes in traditional Filipino cuisine with emphasis on the bold, spicy flavors characteristic of Bicol region cooking. Bicol Express serves the Solano County Filipino community with authentic Filipino dishes prepared using traditional methods and seasonings. The restaurant's name signals its commitment to authentic Filipino flavors, particularly the spicier dishes that food enthusiasts seek. Located in Fairfield near Travis Air Force Base and amid growing Filipino population, Bicol Express provides Filipino comfort food with the authentic heat and flavor that defines Bicolano cuisine.”
