Attention foodies! The 2017 Filipino Restaurant Week is on and running from May 15 – May 22.  Inspired by NY Restaurant Week and now in its third year, eighteen Filipino restaurants from New York and New Jersey will be participating in serving three-course pre-fixe lunch and dinner menus ranging from $10-$35 per person.

The Filipino American community is the second largest Asian population in the United States and Jersey City is home to the second largest Filipino population in New Jersey. However, compared to other Asian cuisines, Filipino food has been in the backseat of the food scene in the United States. It’s been within the last few years that Filipino restaurants have started gaining recognition throughout the US and are now even making it to the top of food critic’s lists.

In Lower Manhattan, Filipina chef Nicole Ponesca’s restaurant, Maharlika, was recognized as one of the best restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, noting its menu as “one of the best outside of Manila.” In Washington DC, Filipino American chef Tom Cunanan’s restaurant Bad Saint was named the 2nd best new restaurant of 2016 by Bon Apetit Magazine. Also in Manhattan, Jeepney, Pig and Khao, Lumpia Shack, and Manila Social Club have all been recognized and received outstanding ratings from critics. This exciting time for Filipino cuisine has led to the growth of the Filipino Food Movement – established to develop awareness, appreciation, and enhanced investment in the Filipino Culinary Arts. 

Now is an amazing opportunity to experience, taste, and join the movement. From heritage dishes, fusion dishes, and urban street food, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy this Restaurant Week. In NYC, enjoy Filipino favorites like lumpia (egg rolls) from Lumpia Shack, pancit (noodles) from Jeepney, and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert) from Swell Dive. For a modern but still authentic spin, try the Fried Chicken and Ube Waffles being served at Maharlika, or Filipina chef Francesca Tariga-Weshnack’s sushilog – a unique version of tapsilog (a Filipino breakfast dish of cured meat, fried egg and garlic rice) developed into a sushi roll and being served at modern Japanese restaurant Megu located inside the Dream Downtown Hotel. 

In Jersey City, head over to Max’s Restaurant on Newark Ave to and try their famous fried chicken and also more traditional dishes such as chicken and pork sisig (diced and served with egg) and leche flan for dessert. Try the kare-kare (oxtail stew) at Calesa Restaurant in Union City and be sure to visit their bakeshop too! In Journal Square, Noodle Fan will be offering a special menu to celebrate Filipino Restaurant week.

The best part of living in Jersey City and being so close to Manhattan is that we are a part of a huge melting pot of culture and diversity.  What an exciting and delicious way to support our local community of chefs and business owners. Make your reservations today! You just might discover your new favorite comfort dish :)