The next time I’m in the Philippines, I really need to explore more of Brgy. Kapitolyo in Pasig City. Café Juanita has been around for more than two decades, but it’s a recent discovery. Good thing my friend brought me there. We only ordered three items: Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Fresh Lumpia), Burong Filipino and Three-way Pork Adobo Ribs.
We got our meal under way with these Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Fresh Lumpia). I’m sure you’re familiar with this.
Here’s a very traditional Filipino food – Burong Filipino. It has fried tilapia fillet with blanched ampalaya, okra, string beans, fried eggplant and mustard leaves paired with buro dipping sauce.
Adobo is one of my all-time favorite dishes, but Café Juanita’s take on it was new to me. Here’s their Three-way Pork Adobo Ribs – Tagalog adobo, adobo flakes and adobong Bisaya.
Verdict: Café Juanita doesn’t serve Filipino cuisine exclusively, but a variety of dishes from Southeast Asia and even the Mediterranean. Walk-ins are welcome, but they also take reservations. It’s perfectly suited for groups because the food servings are great for sharing. Thankfully, they have a parking lot – not a lot of spaces but enough.
Café Juanita is one heck of a colorful restaurant. There is nothing drab or dreary about the place. I wanted to check every nook and cranny, but seeing as the restaurant was full, there was no way to do that. With its pretty intense colors and bohemian chic vibe, every space seems filled with something. They know how to make it work. Just for the ambiance alone, Café Juanita is worth a visit. Luckily, their food tastes great too.
Address:
Cafe Juanita
19 West Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo
Pasig, Philippines