2 restaurants serving Mongo Beans
Salinas, CA
“Camalig Filipino Cuisine has been a proud family-owned gem serving authentic Filipino cuisine in Salinas, California for over 15 years. Named after the town of Camalig in the Bicol region of the Philippines, the restaurant brings time-honored Filipino dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes passed down through generations. Camalig specializes in homemade Filipino comfort food that treats every guest like family, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that evokes Filipino hospitality. The restaurant's menu showcases traditional favorites including multiple adobo preparations with perfectly balanced vinegar and soy sauce, crispy fresh-fried lumpia with savory fillings, and flavorful pancit noodles. Their lechon kawali delivers perfectly crispy pork belly, while the pork asado and BBQ pork demonstrate mastery of Filipino meat marinades. Camalig is particularly known for their mongo bean stew, sinigang sour soup, and kaldereta beef stew that provide comfort and nourishment. The restaurant also serves halo-halo, the famous Filipino shaved ice dessert, and fresh-baked pandesal. Camalig's commitment to authentic preparation has earned them strong reviews praising the food quality, generous portions, and friendly service. The restaurant offers both dine-in and catering services, making them a go-to choice for Filipino celebrations and events throughout Monterey County. Owner Lawrence and his team create a family atmosphere where customers feel welcomed and valued. For Salinas' agricultural community with its substantial Filipino population, Camalig provides essential connection to home through food, while introducing Monterey County residents to the vibrant flavors of the Philippines.”
Fremont, CA
“Maharlika Restaurant stands as a beloved institution in Fremont's Filipino community, operated by a sweet Filipino couple since the early 1990s and famous for their top-secret family recipe broasted chicken. Located at 3671 Thornton Ave, this cash-only, takeout-focused establishment has become legendary for their pressure-fried chicken served in family packs (10-30 pieces) and party packs (35-100 pieces) that have been the staple at Bay Area Filipino gatherings for over three decades. The restaurant also excels at traditional Filipino dishes like lumpia Shanghai (available in 100-piece trays for $45), pancit palabok, chicken adobo, and menudo, all prepared with authentic home-cooking methods. Operating limited hours (Thursday-Friday 3-7pm, Saturday 12-6pm, Sunday 12-5pm), Maharlika requires planning ahead, with customers often needing to visit in person to order as phone service can be challenging. Despite the modest setup, this hole-in-the-wall gem delivers exceptional quality at unbeatable prices, earning it deep respect and loyalty within the Fremont Filipino community.”
