During our visit to the Philippines in November, 2024, Tito Ric took us to dinner at Abé Restaurant at Serendra Mall on the 19th.
Abé is a reputable pinoy restaurant, dedicated to the memory of beloved Filipino painter, artist, writer, gourmet and bon vivant Emilio "Abé" Aguilar Cruz, father of the LJC Group who opened the restaurant, the same company behind well-known eateries such as Lorenzo's Way, Bistro Remedios, Fely J's Kitchen, and of course, Café Adriatico.
Located at the ground floor of Serendra, the venue is an eye-catching round shape with tables for al fresco dining. Inside, the brightly lit place showcases portraits of Abé and his family that give an ambiance of homeyness and comfort.
Abé's cuisine is heavily influenced by the rich culinary traditions of the Pampanga region, which is often considered the gastronomic capital of the Philippines. Abé offers an extensive program of flavourful, well-prepared dishes and beverages of authentic Filipino cuisine that stand out among local options and are generous in portions suitable for sharing, enhancing an overall dining value.
Below are some of what we ordered:
Pinakbet Wen Manong (₱370) - A mix of fresh, steamed vegetables (bitter melon, eggplant, okra, squash) seasoned with bagoong (fermented fish pase) for a savoury kick. This was Mom's pick and the complex explosion of flavours was well received.
Klassic Kare Kare (₱785) - Traditional style hearty stew made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables like eggplant in a rich & creamy peanut-base sauce. Abé's version of this all-time pinoy favourite is a delectable harmony of textures and flavours that dance on your tastebuds.
Dilis-cious Rice - A signature Kapangpangan-inspired dish featuring steamed rice topped with crispy, deep-fried anchovies (dilis) and savory black beans. Appropriately and cleverly named, the fried, salty fish combined with umami-rich beans are a delicious and crunchy addition to the soft white rice. This is a must-try - I LOVED it!
Binukadkad na Pla Pla (₱565) - A trip to Abé is not complete without this overgrown tilapia butterflied and fried to a delightful crispiness, served with balo balo relish and fresh mustasa leaves. Presented with opening its flaps as crispy wings, what a splendid showstopping dish this is!
Bistek Filipino (₱645) - Tender steak cooked with soy sauce and garlic, and a splash of calamansi, all topped with sautéed shallots. This classic dish is a heavenly medley of salty, tangy and savoury flavours.
Klassik Tortang Talong (₱330) - This traditional eggplant omelette with minced pork takes your tastebuds on a flavourful journey.
Lechon Cubano (₱625) - Crispy-skinned roasted pig with juicy, tender and flavourful meat. The crispy skin with a cracking texture and tender fatty meat was enjoyed by most of us (I had to cut off the fat).
Mungo Bean Soup (₱195) - This is one of my favourite soups, definitely comfort food for me. Abé' serves this as more of a hearty green bean bisque with fish tinapa flakes and chicharon. While it still embodies the heartwarming flavours that I expect, the texture is too thick and creamy than what I am accustomed to.
Sikreto ni Maria Clara (₱325) - Creamylicious unique twist to an old classic made of suman latik (steamed sticky rice) and sweet ripe mango topped with melted vanilla or macapuno ice cream. Whoops, I just spilled the beans on this dessert - SHHH!
Yummy and refreshing drinks - Mom ordered the Sago't Gulaman (₱165) and Uncle Danny got the Green Mango Fruit Shake (₱205) - perfectly complemented our feast of a meal.
The friendly staff provided attentive service and maintained a welcoming atmosphere.
The evening wasn't just about the food - it was also about the warmth of the place, the kindness of the servers and the company. Everything came together beautifully to create a lasting memory of one of the best dinners in the Philippines that we had during our November, 2024 visit.
Balancing the key elements for a remarkable restaurant - ambiance, great service and affordable and delicious food - Abé is a true hit for those seeking genuine Filipino flavours in a casual setting. read more