Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico: A Filipino Food Treat

Eyeing it for a couple of months already, I decided to celebrate my fourth year work anniversary at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico. Since it was also Independence Day, I thought of giving a salute to our very own Filipino food.

So we tried to reserve for an Independence Day lunch at Guevarra’s. Unfortunately, all seats were reserved already and no walk-ins can be accommodated. We were told that if there will be reservation cancellation or customers who will leave earlier, then we can be accommodated. At first, we thought of taking these small chances but later on, we just decided to reserve a dinner the day after which we successfully did.

Chef Rolando Laudico, populary known as Chef Lau, is one of the hosts of PinoyMasterChef. Guevarra’s is one of his many food ventures together with his wife, Chef Jackie.

Since it was an old house converted into a restaurant, I expected Guevarra’s to be in a private location away from commercial buildings. After 30 minutes, we found ourselves in a quiet neighborhood in San Juan as if we’re visiting a good friend.

Entering the gate, we saw a well-lit, white house that looks very much inviting. As we went inside it, I felt like I was in the early 1900s. The entire house is made of wood and is elegantly preserved.

I really like the simple interiors and the high ceiling which gave a greater breathing space. Aside from paintings, I was fascinated by the old portraits hanging on the walls. I also noticed white plates decorated on the walls as well signed by guests.

The entire house is huge with partitions on the dining area. The buffet area, however, is a narrow section that can be crowded easily.

Starting the buffet night, I first had Callos and Dinuguan together with HalabosnaHipon and Sea Food AlaPobre (Yes, I love sea food). Their Dinuguan (stewed cubed pork in pig’s blood with vinegar and chili pepper) tastes good with just the right combination of chili and sour flavor in rich texture. I’m not a fan of Dinuguan with an overly sour taste. I just hope there was Puto (steamed Filipino rice cake) in the buffet table which is also a favorite partner to Dinuguan.

BetweenHalabosnaHipon (stir cooked shrimp) and Sea Food AlaPobre, I like more their HalabosnaHipon. Though I preferred HalabosnaHipon cooked stir fried which I usually dip in a spicy vinegar, I appreciate the slightly sweet sauce which they added to it. I enjoyed eating the Hipon (shrimps) because they are quite big. Their Chicken Pastel is also definitely worth a try.

A famous Filipino food, I will not leave the place without trying their Chicken Adobo (marinated chicken in soy sauce and vinegar). I like more our Adobo at home because the one they served is too sour for me.

They also served a variety of grilled and fried dishes. Liempo (grilled pork belly), is just too thinly cut and a bit oily. Their other fried dishes are a little oily as well. I like their Angus Beef Tapa with meat that is really tender.

There’s not much variety in their desserts but we found authentic Filipino favorites like Maja Blanca (coconut-flavored pudding), Cassava Cake, Suman(steamed and sweet sticky rice) Roll, Palitaw (sweet rice cake) and Turon (thinly sliced banana in spring roll wrapper). Cassava Cake and Suman Roll stood best among the selections.

For a cup of brewed coffee and tea, we have to pay additional PHP60 each.

Overall, Guevarra’s might satisfy your Filipino food cravings and you might probably want to bring foreign guests in the house. The setting very much complements the food they serve. The buffet is just a little pricey for me considering the assortment of food they offer.

Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico
Buffet Rates: Lunch-PHP399, Dinner-PHP499 (Mon-Thurs), Lunch and Dinner-PHP599 (Fri-Sun)
Address: 387 P. Guevarra St. cor. Argonne St. Addition Hills, San Juan
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-2PM, 7:30PM-10:30PM
Contact Nos.: (02) 705-1811, (02) 705-1874, (02) 502-5006
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ChefLaudicoGuevarras