KUSINA A Pinoy Turo Turo Restaurant

KUSINA A Pinoy Turo Turo Restaurant has become the Twin Cities' premier authentic Filipino dining destination since opening in August 2022 in Mounds View, Minnesota. The restaurant name translates perfectly to its concept: 'Kusina' means 'kitchen' in Cebuano, 'Pinoy' is short for Filipino, and 'Turo Turo' means 'point point'-describing the walk-up quick-serve cafeteria style where customers point to selections for dine-in or takeout. Led by Executive Chef Jailin Tabares who grew up in Bato, Toledo City, Cebu, the restaurant showcases authentic family recipes passed down through generations, prepared with love as Tabares learned cooking from her parents in rural Philippines where they picked vegetables from their backyard and filleted fish fresh from the ocean. The restaurant operates next door to Filipino Village Grocery Store, creating a Filipino food destination in Mounds View. With exceptional 4.9 rating from nearly 600 reviews, KUSINA has earned reputation for generous portions, incredibly fresh food, and warm Filipino hospitality where owners Scott and Jailin treat customers like family. The menu features comprehensive Cebuano-Filipino offerings including the famous Halo Halo Party ($48), crispy pata in multiple sizes, freshly made lumpia, traditional Filipino desserts (turon, kutsinta, palitaw, leche flan, ube cassava), and savory dishes like chicken adobo, bicol express, pinakbet, humba, and halang halang manok. Customers consistently praise the authentic flavors that remind Filipino-Americans of home cooking-'tanan perting lamia jud' (all the food is delicious). The restaurant's atmosphere feels homey and welcoming, with unique decor making diners feel transported to the Philippines. KUSINA demonstrates strong community commitment by donating 50% of tips and percentage of sales to Tumbler of Hope in the Philippines and supporting Foundation for Philippine Medical Missions (FPMM), providing medical care to communities in need. Operating Wednesday through Sunday 11am-7pm, KUSINA has quickly become essential infrastructure for Minnesota's Filipino community while introducing authentic Cebuano cuisine to curious diners seeking genuine Filipino flavors.