Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mexican…

But, not once have I heard Filipino food as a plausible suggestion whenever it’s “let’s mix it up and not have pizza tonight” night.

Adobo, Filipino food, Photo: scaredy_kat, Flickr

So tonight, venture off the beaten path and head into unfamiliar land. Yes, Filipino food can be a bit heavy on the vinegar, soy sauce, oil and seasoning — or maybe that’s just how my mother likes to cook her cuisine — but, it works.

My personal favorite? Adobo. The version I grew up devouring is comprised of meat (my mother uses pork; I use chicken) that has been browned in oil, garlic and soy sauce then marinated and left to boil in a mixture of water, vinegar, and alongside potatoes, red bell peppers and onions.Lumpia, Filipino food, Photo: Sung Sook, Flickr

Then there’s lumpia; my own jaw dropped just thinking about it. I haven’t met one person who dislikes this delicacy.
In short, it looks like an egg roll, and stuffed inside is ground beef (again, the way I was taught), carrots, green onions, water chestnuts and egg. Roll it, fry it, dip it in sweet ‘n sour sauce, and eat it.

Have I made you salivate yet? Then peruse over the list of Filipino restaurants considered favorites in the Phoenix area. Google the directions or punch it into your smartphone’s navigation, and go!

1.

Eggroll Lumpia Factory

2986 N. Alma School Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 722-9095

2.

Halo Halo Kitchen

3553 W. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85051
(602) 324-9670

3.

Casa Filipina Bakeshop and Restaurant

3531 W. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85053
(602) 942-1258

4.

Wholly Grill

66 S. Dobson Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 567-4992

5.

Hey Joe Filipino Street Food

14 E. Pierce St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(The location changes; check their calendar.)
(602) 410-8115