AsiaLIFE

Located in the heart of BKK1, this little Filipino eatery, which opened last December, is a very welcome addition to the food scene in the expat-dominated area.

With only six tables, the place is often crowded at lunchtime, so it’s best to arrive early. Owner and chef Ofelia Genodepanon started the business, essentially out of boredom. She describes how she used to sit in the car for long periods of time waiting for her children to leave their school at lunchtime. She wished she had somewhere to spend that time, so she created her Filipino Kitchen.

Open from 7am, the real action starts around 11am. From then onwards, eight different dishes – four of which are vegetarian – are served by the staff from a lunch buffet. Filipino specialties like adobo, a marinated dish, and kare karee, a meat dish with peanut sauce, are mainstays, though what’s on offer changes daily.  Most dishes are served with rice, and like food in Ofelia’s hometown Manila, mild flavours are preferred over excessive spice. The ingredients are fresh, and the vegetables are not overcooked, retaining their taste and crunch. Ofelia is keen to point out that she doesn’t use any MSG. “My family eats here too,” she comments. Prices range from US$1.50 for rice with one main, to US$3 for several mains and unlimited rice. Water is free of charge while sweet apple, peach or lime-flavoured ice tea costs 75 cents. Essentially, this is a sub-US$5 lunch bargain. Cucina Filipina also serves Bon Café coffee. Perfect for breakfast, a cup of black coffee goes for a mere 75 cents, while a single espresso is US$1. Combine with a USA Donut (2,500 riel) or Filipino favourite pandesal (5,000 riel for a set), which Ofelia describes as similar to English muffins. Essentially, pandesal is a rather bland tasting yeast-raised bread, probably best enjoyed with spreads and other condiments. Alternatively, try the carrot or banana cake, which is also 5,000 riel.

A steady, and sometimes overwhelming, lunchtime crowd of Filipinos and other expats frequents Ofelia’s establishment. No wonder, as Cucina Filipina despite its basic décor, offers really, tasty and filling food at great value for money in a homely and cheerful atmosphere. After lunchtime, the place reverts to a café and stays open until 7pm, though if there is any food left over from lunch this can be reheated to demand. Take-aways are available, and Ofelia also caters for offices and businesses, including two international schools – ISPP and the British International School.

217 Street 302, Tel: 099 860 775. Open from 7.30am to 7pm (Mon. – Fri.) and 7.30am to 1pm (Sat.), closed Sunday.