Got a craving for good ol’ grilled nosh? Perhaps you’re hankering for something more exotic. If so, order up some authentic Filipino food from this family-friendly restaurant on Cuppage Road that won’t disappoint — there’s Sisig, Inihaw na Pusit, ‘Dynamite’, Lomi, Kare-kare and more!
When I think about the Philippines, a bunch of things come to mind — their 7000 tropical islands with white sandy beaches, volcanoes with crystal clear lagoons, pristine diving spots, and of course, their thriving food scene. Known far and wide for their generous hospitality and happy-go-lucky attitude, Filipinos are all about fun, family and community. These values are, naturally, translated into the kind of food served at Gerry’s — think portion-heavy dishes with a ton of personality. Coupled together with an exotic flavour palette that draws inspiration from their Spanish roots and Asian background, diners can expect nothing less than a flavour-packed Filipino food affair that you can pack with you to the beach!
So, whether you’re new or old to the cuisine, an adventurous eater or a stick-in-the-mud, you’re in for a treat!
What Filipino Food To Order At Gerry’s Restaurant & Bar:
1. Sizzling Pork Sisig
2. Inihaw na Pusit
3. Chicken Pork Adobo
4. Pork Barbecue
5. Chilli Cheese Stick
6. Lomi
7. Beef Kare-kare
8. Sinigang na Hipon
9. Leche Flan
1. Sizzling Pork Sisig
Birthed near the railway tracks of Pampanga, this crispy-yet-chewy appetiser that The New York Times has deemed ‘arguably the best pork dish on earth’ is a bar grub staple amongst Filipinos. All parts of the pig can be used here — we’re talking ears, snout, cheeks and belly, made extra crunchy through a methodical process of boiling, grilling and sauteing. It’s usually presented on a sizzling hot stone plate, fragrant from the use of garlic, onion, green chillies, and vinegar.
There are a bunch of ways chefs can make this dish extra creamy. While some stick to mayo or a raw egg, most go for a much more foolproof lubricant — pig’s brain. Yep, brain juice.
For extra oompf, season it to taste with hot sauce and be sure to pair the dish with a bottle or two of icy cold San Miguel Pale Pilsen (S$10)!
Price: From S$18.19
2. Inihaw na Pusit
One of my personal favourites from the spread, Gerry’s Inihaw na Pusit is a masterpiece that sees tender, succulent grilled squid soaked to the nines in a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. To achieve that quintessential char, the squid is first marinated in a scallion and onion mixture before getting grilled to perfection on a bed of coal.
While this dish is great on its own, it’s even better when eaten with steamed white rice (from S$4) that you can slather in their scrumptious lime-garnished glaze. Yum.
Price: From S$21.94
3. Chicken Pork Adobo
A recipe that can be easily replicated in almost every Filippino household but special enough to be served in many Filippino restaurants, Abodo is a meat dish that needs no introduction. The origins of this stew date back to the Spanish invasion when people started dressing their meats in vinegar or spices for preservation.
As such, you can expect that time is a major component in ensuring the success of this stew. The chicken and pork are soaked in a potent vinegary concoction and left to marinate for hours — sweetened before serving. The result is an incredibly fork-tender plate of meat, balanced in flavour yet intensely rich with spices.
Price: From S$18.73
4. Pork Barbecue
China’s got their meat skewers and we’ve got our charcoal-smoked satays — but have you tried Philippines’ Pork Barbecue? Street food at its gritty finest, Pork Barbecue is essentially a chunky cut of meat put through the fire. Yet, what sets it apart is the marinade that’s a delightful combination of sweet and salty. Think of this Gerry creation as vendor-authentic but elevated.
Price: From S$14.45
5. Chilli Cheese Stick
Also known as dynamite in the Philippines, the simple yet flavourful Chilli Cheese Stick does its due diligence by packing a punch with each bite. Yet, these spring roll-like treats aren’t what you’d expect them to be. What I had anticipated to be spicy turned out to be savoury and actually, pretty dang yummy.
It’s made by wrapping a finger chilli, or Siling Haba, in strips of cheddar, before enveloping it all in lumpia wrappers. The stick is then doused into oil and deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown till it comes to a crisp.
Price: From S$12.31
6. Lomi
In the spread of loud and dynamic dishes, this bowl of thick egg noodles balanced it all out with its quiet comforting essence. Yet don’t mistake all that for blandness, because it’s anything but. Its rich broth had a syrupy texture to it that enabled it to adhere itself securely onto the firm yet chewy noodles. Topped with plenty of other ingredients like meat and veggies, this dish is good on its own or ordered as an accompaniment to the other plates.
Price: From S$12.84
7. Beef Kare-kare
Adventurous eaters, this one’s for you. Despite what it might sound like, Kare-Kare is not quite a curry. Instead, it’s a luscious blend of toasted rice and crushed peanuts that gives it a combined texture of what you might expect if you’d blended pumpkin soup and satay sauce. Of course, there are cuts of oxtail in this, cooked with bok choy, eggplants, string beans and annatto seeds for that gorgeous sunset shade.
Many advise eating this dish with rice to prevent any cloying. Therefore, we got some savoury Garlic Rice (S$6) to juxtapose that nutty-sweet gravy.
Pro-tip: If you can get your hands on any, we suggest eating this like the locals do — with a serving of bagoong (fermented seafood paste) on the side for maximum pleasure.
Price: From S$22.20
8. Sinigang na Hipon
There’s Salted Vegetable Duck Soup, Tom Yum Goong — and then there’s this. Sinigang na Hipon is a hearty shrimp-centred soup that’s made deliciously appetizing thanks to the use of tamarinds. Use this as a starter or order it midway to keep the feast going, either way, the stew is the perfect way to work up an appetite. It’s made somewhat healthy by the amount of veggies usually present in the dish. In this one, there was kangkong, string beans, and eggplants to name a few! Now all you need is some more of that steamed white rice and you’re good to go.
Price: From S$18.19
9. Leche Flan
End it all on a sweet note with their version of the creme brulee. This popular dessert features an egg and milk-based custard doused in caramelized sugar. It may not look like much, but it was a very much welcomed palette cleanser after that savoury feast!
Price: From S$6
Kain na — Let’s Eat!
Gather your loved ones (within the approved regulations of course) and indulge in the spirit of community with the help of a fantastic Filipino feast, courtesy of Gerry’s Restaurant & Bar.
When you order in, or have the meal to-go, don’t forget to check out with your YouTrip Card. If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card, use our special promo code <BLOG5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account!
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