Pakibalot Panciteria‘s pancit canton was recently ranked #2 by Spot.ph so I knew it was a place I wanted to visit the next time I was in Manila. Of course the pancit never made it to my photos because I got too excited again, but I did manage to capture some of their other specialties.
Tokwa’t Baboy (Fried Tofu and Fried Pork Belly)
I always enjoy a good Tokwa’t Baboy. To me the quality of fried tofu is a testament to the skill of the chef as it’s very easy to over- and undercook firm tofu and end up with either a soggy mess that could use a little more browning, or tough squares that have long lost their touch. Pakibalot hit the spot right here with a perfect crunch while remaining tender inside to soak in the delicious sauce.
Chop suey with lechon
They do offer vegetables on the menu but with a Filipino touch of fatty meat stirred along with it. Of course!
Fish in Tausi Sauce
Fish with tausi is a signature “Chinoy” (Chinese-Pinoy) dish that I haven’t had in over a decade, and this was a welcome reminder of its unique flavor.
Lumpiang Shanghai
Their lumpiang shanghai was tasty, generously filled, and crispy in a way that only a wok of hot oil can do. The restaurant’s tagline “Binondo cooking” describes its aim to replicate the culinary styles of Filipino-Chinese cooking in Manila’s Chinatown, and large cauldrons and woks are the trademark of this cuisine.
Shanghai Fried Rice – a meal on its own.
Torta – how do they make it so fluffy?
This torta is not the typical Filipino torta (meat-stuffed grilled eggplant), but is the Chinese torta (more commonly known as Egg Foo Young) similar to a fluffy omelet with meat and potatoes. I should have watched this being made as its fluffiness was quite impressive.
Beef and broccoli – a more familiar Chinese-American dish.
Pakibalot Panciteria is the product of the young entrepreneur Sharon Nina Salazar, an idea that followed a failed joint venture of an internet cafe. I sat with Sharon over lunch one day and listened to her story. It’s always good to see a dream come to fruition. I might even like it over being fed good food. I’m looking forward to many more stories as a business owner, especially as she hones her skills in her new mission of business school.
Pakibalot Panciteria
Suite 122 Bldg., 122 Maginhawa St.,
Teachers Village East,
Quezon City, Philippines
383-9625, 0949-6100332
