EMPINGAO! - Metro Manila

Sorry for the very late post as I have already forgotten what we had eaten in Empingao. Just rely on the photos please  :)  All I can say is that this is one of the better Latin American restaurants we have tried and will not hesitate to return (when they re-open after renovating the place). Two thumbs up!

Booked a table here via app and upon entering, it looks like there was no table reserved for us at all. Luckily, the place had two spots left for a sunday night. Ony two servers are available a girl who also do the drinks and a boy ergo, the service was not so good. The place was a bit small, with a hip and cool beer-night vibe. The serving size of the food tho was small for their prices (the churrascos particularly) considering the price. Their sauces and salsas however were really good and every food were very well presented. ????????

In an attempt to start my review with something informative, i found myself dumbfounded. Empingao doesnt have any pop culture reference nor literary influence. All i know is that it translates to f$&#ing awesome. One of those colloquial terms frequently used in conversation. The visit was ages ago and this review has been stuck in my backlogs for x number of months. The visit was a combination of recon work and dinner. Interior. Empingao is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall joint. The place is small and it is not as eye-catching from afar. There is an air-conditioned area that can probably accommodate 10 people. Grub. Salmon Tacos. Three bite-sized tacos with grilled salmon, mango mayonnaise, chimichuri and lettuce. Another taco that i liked. The mayo x chimichuri combination works well with the salmon. Now here's the fun part, despite my love for dem tacos, i think this a lil pricey for the size (bite-sized in the purest sense of the word). We got three pieces with small portions of salmon and paid for Php 260. Lomo Saltado. This is a very popular dish in Peru. A stir fry dish comprised of beef, onions, tomatoes, fries and other ingredients. This is served with some rice on the side. Empingao's version is deconstructed as the beef and fries is served separately, they served tortilla instead of rice. The beef is the star of the show, fall-off-the-bone tender and extremely flavorful. Elena Ruz. This is their version of a grilled cheese sandwich. Brioche x cheese x jam x turkey. This toasted to perfection then served with some banana chips on the side. There are highs and lows about Elena. Let us start with the highs: The cheese x jam combination is divine as it created a wonderful flavor, sweet x salty. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. Lows: Oily Pricey. I dont see myself coughing Php 420 for a sandwich anytime soon. I did have an Empingao Moment after our meal. Not the same thing with my wallet though. Peace Out! Reich

In an attempt to start my review with something informative, i found myself dumbfounded. Empingao doesnt have any pop culture reference nor literary influence. All i know is that it translates to f$&#ing awesome. One of those colloquial terms frequently used in conversation. The visit was ages ago and this review has been stuck in my backlogs for x number of months. The visit was a combination of recon work and dinner. Interior. Empingao is the quintessential hole-in-the-wall joint. The place is small and it is not as eye-catching from afar. There is an air-conditioned area that can probably accommodate 10 people. Grub. Salmon Tacos. Three bite-sized tacos with grilled salmon, mango mayonnaise, chimichuri and lettuce. Another taco that i liked. The mayo x chimichuri combination works well with the salmon. Now here's the fun part, despite my love for dem tacos, i think this a lil pricey for the size (bite-sized in the purest sense of the word). We... read more

The place is awesome! Their camarones, beef hanging tender churasco are my favorite. Oh also they have really cheap beers and liquors. My personal favorite is their sangria for only pesos. If youre looking for a chill hangout place with good quality food and drinks but on a budget, this is the place to be.