Review of 'Abe Restaurant'

I wouldn't know what I was doing in a Filipino restaurant so I had my friends from work take me to this restaurant in the heart of BGC. It specialises in very good but honest Filipino food in simple surroundings. The restaurant is located just off of the High Street, in “Serendra” near to “Market, Market” on the ground level and is an eye-catching round shape with table outside as well. They offer a takeaway service but really you want to eat in if you can to enjoy the quite friendly and homey atmosphere.

I let my colleagues order for me and they most certainly did, haggling over the rather modest menu. They eventually decided on:

• Bicol Express (PHP 275; far right of picture below) - Stew with pork, vegetables and chillis in a coconut sauce.
• Chicken Adobado (PHP 390; top right of picture below) - A dark dish consisting of pieces of chicken with bones in a soy sauce-based sauce.
• Chicharones (PHP 520; left side of picture below on two separate portions as we certainly wanted more of these) - Fried pork rinds much like “pork scratchings” in the UK but these are prepared leaving a good part of fat attached to the fried pork skin so are not only crunchy but soft as well with the firm layer of fat. Very crunchy (a bit hard the teeth) and deliciously sinful which was served with a perfect tangy light vingrette dip.
• Lechon Cubano (PHP 450; middle of picture below) - Tender and juicy roast pork belly with the skin still attached served with a light dipping sauce and a small cucumber salad.

This was served with a light Garlic Rice (PHP 260) which was largely forgettable but useful as a base for the dishes.

The meal was extremely meat heavy but delicious all-round accompanied by some wonderful fruit juices they have on offer including the traditional “Sago Gulaman” (PHP 85) - a light drink with tapiocca pearls - and a “Kamias Crush” (PHP 105) - another light drink but featuring “Kamias”, a local fruit (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averrhoa_bilimbi) which I have been enjoying when I can.

There are other non-Filipino dishes on the menu but I would encourage anyone visiting to give these a go as this is what Abe is best known for. Service is helpful and very prompt. Yes, it is not the cheapest meal (by Philippine standards) but simple, well prepared, nicely presented and delicious food.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2017-03-15

Cuisine: Filipino

Address: Mcarthur Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines

Location: Manila (Philippines) - Bonifacio Global City

Map:

Telephone: +632 856 0526

URL: http://ljcrestaurants.com.ph/abe/