The problem with street foods is that they are being sold on the streets, meaning, they can be dirty because of the pollution, or you do not know where the ingredients come from. At Lola Ote, you can have a go on your favorite street foods without worry. The ambiance is also comforting and great for hang-outs.
Growing up in a conservative Chinese family, we were never allowed to eat street foods. But as kids, who hasn't tried the safer ones of fish balls, squid balls, and kikiam? But that's probably as far as I would go for street foods. So, having heard that I would be eating exotic street foods like isaw (chicken intestines), tito (pork intestines), and chicharon bulaklak, I got excited.
The "exotic" street foods were not bad. They have been marinated and have a sweet flavor. Everything is ready to eat, but if you want a more "cleansing" feel, dip them in the provided vinegar which actually has good taste as well. The isaw is chewy and stretchy. The tito is soft and spongy with a little taste of fat. The pork ears are also tender with an almost similar texture as a sea cucumber.
Aside from street foods, they also offer favorite Filipino classics like Kapampangan-style sisig, Sinigang na Hipon, and Seafood Bihon Guisado. The sisig is crunchy and has more meat than onions which is better. It also comes with no egg. I like their version of sinigang because it is not very sour but has a sweet aftertaste. The guisado was a little bland for me. It didn't absorb the flavor of the seafood toppings, would probably need more soy sauce or calamansi.
The main reason you would want to visit Lola Ote is their barbecue. It is the best as they claim and I completely agree with them. Their barbecue is very meaty yet very tender. Paired with rice, it is a complete meal and very addicting too. They are served creatively in a hanging skewer. Try their 18" version, you won't regret it. read more