When it comes to Filipino cuisine, many food enthusiasts would agree that it’s one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. However, those who are lucky enough to have tasted authentic Filipino dishes would know that it’s a cuisine that’s bursting with flavor, complexity, and history. If you are ever in National City CA and craving for Filipino food, Lisa’s Filipino Cuisine
Located in the heart of National City, Lisa’s Filipino Cuisine is a small but bustling restaurant that’s become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Lisa’s Filipino cuisine is what we could equate as the US version of a carinderia or “turo-turo” in the Philippines. Dishes are displayed and all you need is to say the name of the dish or point to the dish if you do not know the name, hence “turo-turo” since “turo” means “point”.
As soon as you step into Lisa’s Filipino Cuisine, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of sizzling meats, tangy sauces, and fragrant spices, reminiscent of a Filipino kitchen. The restaurant is simple and unassuming, with a grill and display cases of dishes in the middle. Surrounding the display cases are tables and cozy booths for those who intend to dine at the restaurant.
The freshly cooked pork “steak” immediately caught our attention. The serving pan was filled to the brim with the pork steak dish topped with white onions. Pork steak is a filipino dish where cuts of pork are sauteed in garlic, soy sauce, a touch of vinegar and a heaping amount of onions.
It may not be pleasing to the eyes but this pork steak really hits the spot.
May not be the best looking dish, but it is among the best tasting egg dish, just ask taste atlas
A Filipino breakfast wouldn’t be complete without an egg dish, so we ordered the eggplant omelet or popularly known as “tortang talong”. The eggplant was roasted and peeled before lightly frying it with the egg turning it to an omelet. The dish might not be elegant-looking but it really tastes good. In fact Tortang Talong is among the best rated egg dishes according to taste atlas.
Always leave room for dessert
If you have migrated from the Philippines to the United States, you would definitely miss Filipino desserts, but not to worry, many Filipino stores sell ingredients if not the dessert dish itself. At Lisa’s we tried their “ginataang bilo-bilo”. Ginataang bilo-bilo is a traditional Filipino dessert that consists of small balls made of glutinous rice flour called “bilo-bilo” cooked in a sweet coconut milk soup. The soup is typically made with coconut milk, water, sugar, and sliced pieces of ripe jackfruit, and sometimes includes other ingredients such as sweet potato, taro, and sago pearls.
The bilo-bilo balls are chewy and soft, and they absorb the flavors of the sweet coconut milk soup. This dessert is often served warm, and is enjoyed throughout the year but is especially popular during the cold rainy season. It is a comforting and satisfying dessert that is enjoyed by many Filipinos as a delicious and filling treat.
In addition to these dishes, Lisa’s Filipino Cuisine also offers a variety of other Filipino favorites, such as pancit (stir-fried noodles), lumpia (Filipino-style spring rolls), and kare-kare (a peanut-based stew). And if you’re not sure what to order, Lisa and her staff are always happy to make recommendations and guide you through the menu.
All in all, Lisa’s Filipino Cuisine is a hidden gem in National City that’s well worth seeking out. With its authentic and delicious Filipino dishes, warm and friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, it’s a restaurant that’s sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. So if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Lisa’s and experience the flavors of the Philippines for yourself.
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