It’s not every day you stumble upon Filipino food in Surabaya. When I first heard about La Casa Filipino, I was curious would it feel like an authentic taste of the Philippines, or more of a fusion adjusted to local flavor? Either way, I knew I had to try it.
An authentic Filipino flavors
Walking into the place, the vibe immediately gave me that casual, cozy eatery atmosphere. Nothing overly fancy, but welcoming — the kind of place where you just know the food is going to do all the talking. I grabbed a seat, glanced at the menu, and instantly felt excited. They had all the Filipino favorites, but also some twists with a Chinese-Filipino (Cinoy/Sinoy) touch. That already made me smile because it felt like the perfect blend of cultures.
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What I Ordered Here
Alright Buf, here’s where it gets delicious. I tried a 3 of their signature cuisines that they recommend.
Here’s what I went for:
1. Pork Adobo: A Familiar Dish with a Twist
Pork Adobo, the dish almost everyone thinks of when they hear “Filipino food.” But when it arrived, it wasn’t the usual dark, thick, slightly sweet adobo I imagined. Instead, the sauce leaned more towards savory and umami, with less sweetness. The pork belly was tender, juicy, and flavorful — each bite rich but not overwhelming. It was different from the adobo I expected, but in a refreshing way. Like meeting an old friend who shows you a new side of themselves.
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2. Crispy Pork Rice: My Personal Favorite
Next came the Crispy Pork Rice, and honestly, this dish stole my heart. The pork was golden brown, super crispy on the outside yet still soft and juicy inside. Paired with fried rice, eggs, and simple garnishes, it hit all the right notes — crunchy, savory, and satisfying. Sometimes the best dishes don’t need to be complicated, and this was proof. If I had to recommend just one dish from La Casa Filipino, it would be this.
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3. Nasi Pinoy Babi Kecap: A Beautiful Blend of Cultures
Then there was the Nasi Pinoy Babi Kecap. This dish felt like a love letter to both Filipino and Indonesian flavors. The braised pork belly, boiled egg, and mixed vegetables gave it that comforting Filipino vibe, while the kecap (sweet soy sauce) brought in a familiar Indonesian touch. Eating it felt like crossing a bridge between two cultures on one plate familiar yet new at the same time.
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How to Find La Casa Filipino
You’ll find La Casa Filipino at:
- Address: Pakuwon Trade Centre lt. UG, Surabaya, Jawa Timur
- Opening Hours: Open Everyday, from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
- Payment: Cash, Credit/Debit, QRIS
Final Thoughts: A Filipino Touch in Surabaya
By the end of my meal, I couldn’t help but feel happy that places like La Casa Filipino exist in Surabaya. It’s not just about serving food, but about sharing a culture. The dishes stay true to their Filipino roots while also nodding to local flavors, making it approachable for anyone curious enough to give it a try.
For me, the highlight was discovering how comforting and bold Filipino food can be, even outside of its home country. If you’re in Surabaya and want to step outside the usual choices, La Casa Filipino is definitely worth a visit. You might come in curious, but you’ll leave full, satisfied, and maybe even hooked on Filipino flavors.
