My late stepdad loves this place for one reason only: their halo-halo. (He is very persnickety about his food, and if he found something he repeatedly asked for, it must be good eats!)
My curiosity got the best of me, so when the opportunity came up, I forced my party of five to make a stop here for early dinner. (I was also the one behind the wheel, so I didn't really give them a choice. Heh...)
But they're all fans of this place, so win-win!
I guess none of them (even being local and all) haven't been here awhile since they noted a significant change: it's bigger, roomier, main seating areas are now cemented and newly added restrooms. I'm told this place come from humble beginnings - nothing was cemented back then - so it tells me all this improvement means they're doing something right.
We were seated immediately. Went for the halo-halo, then the rest everyone else ordered. I got to try the crispy fried smelt which I felt wasn't fried to order, undercooked and under seasoned. Also got to try the pares which was mostly broth, although the flavor was poppin'. Sizzling pork sisig was off the hook, though! This was done right - a bit on the salty level but nothing the mayo couldn't mellow out. This was served as a meal with the crispy garlic topped rice. Pinapaitan is not as gamey as I expected which is a good thing. Like the pares, it was mostly broth, but flavor was pretty good.
But the winning pick here is, indeed, the halo-halo. Given this place only has outdoor seating, I got to it before it melted. My taste buds were happy - they didn't skimp on the fillings. I don't remember the last time I truly enjoyed a halo-halo! It was a great way to finish off the meal.
FOOD: 4.
SERVICE: 4. Staff was friendly and accommodating.
VALUE: 4.
PARKING: Plenty of spots on a private lot. Shouldn't be an issue.
OVERALL: 4.
They have unlimited soup at the self service area where you can also find condiments, water, utensils and clean saucers and bowls.
I get it now. I now understand why stepdad (RIP) loved this place.
Will return, for sure, if only for the halo-halo. read more