Note: As I'm about to post this review, I'm noticing that things may have changed since I last came here based on what other Yelp reviewers are writing - the difference in quality sounds possibly mainly due to Covid. I had a good experience here when I came to eat in (before the pandemic) and have eaten catering/to-go from here. My friend took me to Five Chris Catering for lunch. Her mom recommended it, and her family has ordered food for parties from here a number of times. It's a small eatery in Nutley, one floor. I remember liking the kare kare there (one of my favorite dishes - oxtail). The flavors are legit. I noticed that they also serve filipino breakfast there - combinations of fried egg, rice, and meat (like longanisa, hotsilog, etc). There's a few parking spots on the small lot where the building is, but most likely you're getting street parking if driving over. read more

The worst buffet foood i ever tasted in my entire life! Kare kare was discusting! All the food salty! Worts place to eat! I dont know how they manage to open read more

We arrived on Sunday around 6pm. They did not have enough rice for 5 people. Although some of the food were ok, the others were very cold. The taste of food was below average. In addition they had no bathroom facilities for dine in customers. Not sure if I'll give them another chance! read more

I have eaten at Five Chris a couple times, usually take out and at Nutley street fairs. It has always been just okay. I like the idea of supporting their business. Unfortunately, the quality has gone down rather significantly. My Mother's reaction to their "fresh" lumpia was, "They should be ashamed of themselves for selling that." My mother called them right away and questioned their fresheness. Their reply was, "That is how we sell it". I have eaten many fresh lumpias in my life and I have never seen it served this way (pic included). The shell was hard, stale and crunchy. It resembled a soft taco shell bought at supermarket that has been sitting out for awhile. Fresh is not what it was, at all. The ginataang was all starch and barely a hint of coconut. Too bad because there were a whole lot of chunks that I could have enjoyed. Turon was sweet and shell was ok but the banana was undercooked and dry. I really wanted to like it. A really good and flavorful kare kare will not require bagoong, I needed to add plenty of bagoong. The meat was hearty and tender, egglpant fresh and string beans were nice and crispy. It just needed more sauce and flavoring. The bbq sticks are usually very delicious but this time they were smothered in some sort of duck(?) sauce that I have never seen before. I thought the sauce for the lumpia accidentally broke in the bag all over the bbq sticks. The meat was tender. I could not tell if it tasted good because the sauce was just too overwhelming (see pic). With so many Filipino restaurants another visit is highly unlikely. read more

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If u value hospitality & welcoming friendly host, I'd suggest u look elsewhere. Had buffet & mentioned to the server the chicken has feathers & she commented "that's normal" rather than being apologetic or trying to serve chicken with no feathers or offering another option. read more

Five Chris Catering - Buffet curry chicken - Filipino Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

my favorite go to filipinofood restaurant! yummy food! affordable price! the best bicol express.

This place serves a a large variety of entrees I can not name but either has pork or beef. I usually have to taste the soup before i serve myself a portion. i hate the vinegar in soups. I've come here for a quick large bite on a weekday after work. I will come back to get my protein overload fix because its under $10. Decor is eh and I don't think I saw a bathroom to use. Might be in the back. read more

Five Chris Catering - I can't name the items. - Filipino Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

10/12/2021 5:30 pm: Thinking of having a good meal at this place thinking that they still got good food. When I walked in, they require you to wear a mask. If you are going for a $10, you have to wear this plastic gloves when you get food. Here's what's so funny. The person/cashier who is in charge that time does not wear gloves when picking up food for those who walked in for to-go. Most of all she is not wearing mask. What's worst is she was coughing without covering her mouth. I am not talking about the owner Vicky. She was not there. Food in the afternoon/evening are left overs for the day so don't expect to get a fresh meal from this place. read more

This place gives Filipinos and Philippine culture a bad name. Filipinos are known to be the kindest, friendliest, most caring people in the world but these guys are just down right rude. They've hurried my mom to order by yelling at her and they've forced my mother in law to only buy the large pints for food. These are on two separate occasions. They also over charge. We're never going back there. I'm only writing this review to warn others. You're better off buying food from other Filipino food establishments near the area. You'll be happier with the food quality at those places compared to here. Avoid Five Chris at all cost!! read more

One of the worst filipino restaurant. Food are old! Think about it. Its a buffet right! They are just re-heating and re-heating the food. 20$ min. If you pay credit card. Place are small and people are rude Food is not good. Im a 100% filipino and i know how pinoy food taste like. How can you cook an authentic filipino dishes when your cook is not pinoy. read more

Mmm, Five Chris. We stopped by here to try out their buffet, which was $6 per person(lunchtime). Eating here really feels like eating at someone's house in the Philippines. We chose one of the most humid days of spring to come, and really felt it while we were sitting at the table with our mismatched plates and flatware, sipping on lukewarm soda with only the front door open for ventilation (i.e., no air conditioning--make that air-con for my Pinoys) and The Filipino Channel playing in the background. The food's pretty decent, but nothing to write home about. However, Filipino food is a unique find for this area, so if you've never tried it and don't have a Filipino household to mooch off of, Five Chris is as good as any. When we went, they had a decent selection, including kare-kare, lumpia (pork and banana), sinigang, pancit, and fried fish. Some of the food had clearly been sitting out for a while, but that's a buffet for you. A lot of the food is oily and fatty, which is typical of Filipino dishes. However, the complexity and variety of flavors wasn't as strong as I'd have liked--not to the point of blandness, just toned down. Apparently they do breakfast; I'd love to come back to satiate my tapa and bistek cravings. read more

Five Chris Catering - $6 serve-yourself buffet comes with a variety of traditional Filipino food. - Filipino Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

Might not be for everyone due to their variety of peculiar meats but if you like Filipino food this place is the spot for you.. They have a daily all you can eat that you can take advantage of their or to go. Its absurdly cheap and the variety is astonishing. The owner is the sweetest lady you will ever meet. I used to go in whem I live around the corner just to talk with her.. Im sad I dont live closer becasue I would be in atleast once a week if I were.. read more

I do not normally voluntarily post anything negative about an establishment unless someone asks me about a place I've been, and I give some honest feedback or make an alternate recommendation to benefit family, friends, or an acquaintance. I warn you that this situation made me a bit annoyed and as I'm writing about it my blood is boiling. My father was recently in the hospital needing IV antibiotic treatments. It was his second day admitted to the hospital as the doctors knew there was some sort of an infection that he had in his body. We learned later that day that it was sepsis. For this, we were told that he would be in the hospital for several more days at the least. It was last Friday, and that day happened to be my parents' wedding anniversary. I took a half day from work to pick up my mom and visit my dad. On my way to pick up mom, I called her to see if it was ok if I ordered some Cuban food from a place close to the hospital. I had been there once before, and I assured her it was great. My mom in a somewhat mad and annoyed tone said "yes, please order - your dad wanted palabok, but Vicky couldn't do it". For those that don't know, palabok is a Filipino noodle dish. I hung up the phone somewhat confused as to why we couldn't get palabok. We ended up ordering the Cuban food and it was great. On the way to the hospital, I had to ask about the palabok situation. Earlier that day, my dad made a request for palabok, so she called this lady Vicky who owns this Filipino restaurant (Five Chris) in Belleville to place the order. 'Mind you, my parents often go to this place since it's conveniently located close to their home. My mom doesn't drive too often so being close, this was the best option for her to meet my dad's request (she had taken an Uber ride to visit my dad the following day). She shows up to the restaurant at 12 for her order that she asked to "please have ready before 12" and learn that the order was not ready, and she was told that she had ordered it for 12:30. Vicky shows her the ticket order for 12:30, and it's a bigger order of palabok for someone else. Vicky didn't even write down the order! So my mom patiently asks what they could do. The response she got which I translate because it was in taglish (half Tagalog half English), "why would I stress over your little $5 order of palabok?" My mom exchanged a few words and left. I would like to help answer that somewhat rhetorical get out of my restaurant question. You should at least TRY to make it RIGHT ... WHY?! .. Because you're running a BUSINESS and a business typically strives on CUSTOMERS, customers that return and spread the good word because they are HAPPY, happy because you're providing a great service to the COMMUNITY. Everybody has a bad day and everyone makes mistakes. It's what you do about those mistakes that differentiates us. This is poor judgement and no effort in making a situation right. Easy to say that she's lost some loyal customers. read more

Since I can't cook Filipino food, I have to say that I am a fan of Five Chris because I just keep coming back. I get disappointed when they run out of kare kare, but will always find something else if it is not there. They are inexpensive with their 2 choice plate being less than $5 and their in-dining buffet for $6. Funny thing about the buffet dining though, you straight up feel like you are in someone's house as you reach for the non-matching plates and silverware and walk behind the counter to pick food to your palette's content. A few things though that I am not necessarily a fan of.....they are pretty stingy with their lumpia. 4 for a $1? Come on now. And their catering...yeah, not a fan of paying $160 for catering when half the dishes are cold and some of the other few just looks like they were cooked the night before. Sigh. So if anything....dine-in or get take-out. And if you really like lumpia...I guess you will still pay the 4 for a $1 portion. I know I still do. ;-) read more

If you can't cook Filipino food that must also mean you haven't had better food served to you because 5 chris is ok. It sucks being Filipino and thinking that most of the food taste the same but it really doesn't. In the area there are the competitors such as Pan Dan, East West, Blue Ribbon, Fiesta Grill, Masagana, my parents house (it's true nothing beats the homemade stuff) But I can definitely say that I wouldn't stay clear of this place! The Breakfast is always good and the warm welcome is enough for me to stop by every now and then. read more

Our guests really enjoyed the food from Five Chris' during our recent baby shower! We ordered 14 different dishes and desserts, and were pleased with each one. Even our non-Filipino guests who normally don't eat ethnic foods took some home! Delivery was prompt and Tita Vicky was very accommodating considering we had to reschedule our party the following weekend due to Snow Storm Nemo. Pricing and portions are also good. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a Filipino caterer for their next occasion. Salamat! read more

Great buffet at this place. I'm new to filipino food. Just started eating it about a year ago so trying it at a buffet setting is my favorite to try about different dishes. This is a no frills, barely any AC type of place. You can choose from using disposable plates and bowls or use their real plates and bowls. For $6, you can eat so many different dishes including oxtail, soups, and dessert. We recently went on a hot day and it was very hot inside. We'll probably come back when it's a little cooler out. read more

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An open sign was still hanging and a light up open sign was still on but the business was close. It's the only pilipino restaurant around which is why I even bother going. But, very unreliable. read more

every time i go here i get a different experience some good some bad, not only the food is usually cold that i had to heat up in microwave when i get home which is close to this place, the price changes without proper signage, combo meal that was $6 became $7 within days of me coming here. i should've walked out and not pay and take food since i noticed she didn't even give me a decent size of fried chicken which she carefully went through the batch that was on display. i rather go to a different place and get more for my money. notice the 2 small chicken pieces...smh read more

Five Chris Catering - Filipino Near Me - Nutley, New Jersey

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Not the best Filipino food I've tasted. I'm Filipino btw. An organization of mine hired this company to cater our event with desserts with another company to cater hot food. What ended up happening was Five Chris brought ZERO desserts and ONLY hot food, and were extremely rude to the other caterer. They tried to take up the entire catering space to take all of the business even though they were not supposed to cater hot food. This place is careless, disrespectful, and simply mean. Would not eat here. read more

This is a hole in the wall gem. I found this place about 5 years ago. I wandered in thanks to a recommendation from a good friend of mine. Amazing the 6 bucks for buffet is crazy. You get to try all of there amazing food and actually see what you like. Crazy delicious and takeout is only 4 dollars. I don't know why the rating is low. I have ordered a tray of lumpia and received it on time. Don't skip such a friendly staff and they are super good cooks. read more

Such a shame and I typically have patience. Went to order trays of food but the person on the phone could not hear and kept talking to everyone in the store when I was having a conversation. I was also asking prices of different trays when she switches me over to someone else because she was complaining that I was changing my orders too many times and saying she had too many customers. Wrong move since word travels fast in the filipino and American community. I only was going to their business because it was closer to my location. But I am more than willing to drive to other Filipino stores (a lot now in the area) than to give my business to this location. Shame because there are plenty of parties they could have catered. Want your eggrolls or Turon take your business to Masagana, pandan even Max before going here read more

Our go to place when we don't feel like cooking and wanted something quick and affordable. Come early and get fresh cooked food otherwise the food taste like it's been reheated. Staff are here are friendly and accommodating. They do cater for very reasonable price! read more

Bought fish here and they were horrible! Must be sitting there for weeks and yet they still sell them. They're giving Filipino restaurants a bad name. It's a disgrace! read more

Walked in on a Sunday morning for a combo meal of 2 sides with rice. There was no one there to ask for help so we grabbed plates and grabbed our two sides and rice. When it was time to check out, they said if they didn't scoop it for you then I have to pay the buffet price. Like what the others have said before, you don't get what you pay for with this place. The food was barely decent. The host/owner/waitress was also very rude when I paid with a card. I definitely do not recommend this place to anyone...unless you have an appetite for disappointment and subpar customer service. read more

Great buffet and good selection. It beats out my normal selection of Filipino buffets in San Diego. Come check them out, they are even playing the Filipino channel! read more

6$ buffett!! Were Stuffed!! I-love Everything! Food are Delicious!! Must try this Place!!

Five Chris. I went to a birthday party. A small one. All trays were ordered from here. 24 hours later of consuming the food, all 8 people had diarrhea. Not me of which I barely ate.. Will be reporting this. read more

Hole in the wall restaurant with good food at a great price. Very affordable lunch buffet with decent choice. If you aren't familiar with the cuisine, just ask. Friendly staff and it's a small place read more

Everything is greasy, and it looks like their food are all a few days old. But the dinuguan is okay. Their turon is also okay. Tastes good, but only half of the wrap is filled with banana, and the other end is just air. read more

Unhappy. Do not do business with this people. They won't cancel your tray order no matter what the weather condition a day before the actual pick up date because "it's too late to cancel since they already bought the ingredients, currently being chopped and being prepared and the oxtail is being cook already!" Ok. We are only talking about 4 trays of food here so use those 'prepared food' in your restaurant. Nothing will go to waste. Smh. The woman said "I still have to pay for the orders!" Yeah ok. Btw, I apologize to the woman profusely for inconvenience and what did I get? I was scolded like a little child that this is the reason why she doesn't accept order via phone and normally would ask people for down payment. I can't... read more

This is the spot I hit after work when I want something home cooked, but don't have time or energy or ideas to cook for my family. The food here is Filipino thru and thru, which means it is inherently stewed, fatty, and can be greasy. If you understand that then you wont be disappointed and will actually appreciate that it is well made for what they charge. Speaking of what they charge, I could not make it cheaper if I tried! So with the convenience of walking in and selecting about 6 different options out of usually 12 offered, it is a real blessing to have so close by. Not sure what to recommend here, the selections vary day to day, but try what looks good to you or a little this and that. They have pride in their cooking and will often let you sample a little first if they see you are unsure. The man and woman who run it and cook everything themselves are typical Filipino happy and friendly and generous. Like I said, Philippine food can be comforting, but heavy, so I can't eat here very often, but when I do am always satisfied because it's a reasonable choice to present a hearty meal to an appreciative family. read more

I think this place deserves at least four stars. Nice, cozy reztaurant. Staff is friendly, and the buffet is a great deal. I'm particularly fond of their kare-kare, dinuguan, and variations of afritada. read more

First time here. Very small place, few tables. Nothing fancy at all. Many to choose from at the buffet, say a (+) dozen dishes. Some dishes were good, some were fair and not Fresh. read more

.. i ordered pork sinigang earlier for take-out. by the time i took it home it was spoiled already. it had bubbles & i know that it's spoiled. i go there every so often for take out when i am in the area bcoz my aunt lives nearby. count me as one customer less. from my cooking experience this was reheated from a day or 2 b4 & was sitting on the tray. read more

Inconsistent and gross. We ordered 3 trays of bbq chicken for a specific date. All three trays were UNDERCOOKED. We had to stand outside, IN THE RAIN AND THUNDER, to finish THEIR JOB. And the fact that we usually give some food out to neighbors, we had no idea that the meat was undercooked until our guests came and told us. We notified them of their raw meat, and they told us to bring it back..... No restaurant with decent manners, would ask their customers to come back to the restaurant and finish cooking their food. They are not competent in the food industry. EXTREMELY inconsistent, because we have ordered from them before, but every other time, they somehow forget how to cook by overcooking and undercooking there dishes. Please do not eat from this restaurant. They CANNOT run a restaurant. They have been in business for many years and still manage to mess up more than correcting their mistakes. Now the restaurant inside.... GROSSS. I don't believe they are inspected. I see the mold all around their restaurant. I notice that the moisture from the food and cooking collects around the restaurant, on the walls and on the ceiling. It is a terrible place to eat. I would advise you not to eat there or ever order food from them. You will be thoroughly disappointed. This is a terrible option for Filipino cuisine. read more

They recycle food from the previous days and the food is SOOOOOO oily, greasy and idisgusting. You get what you paid for.

I have to agree with Royce S. You don't always get what you pay for but that's definitely true with this place. We stopped in on a Tuesday night. No one else was there and with good reason. The food looked liked it had not been moved or replaced for hours if not all day. Everything was lukewarm and greasy. The host/owner/waitress heated our food in the microwave but that couldn't overcome the unappetizing presentation. read more

I will never order from this place again. I tried to order breakfast platters for pick up on 3 different occasions and each time the lady who answered the call tells me that they won't be able to fill my orders because they are too busy preparing food. I placed the order in the morning around 8:30. They should have a sign saying "SERVING BREAKFAST ONLY WHEN WE ARE NOT CATERING." read more