Sumptuous Filipino Dishes At Kuya J Restaurant

Isn’t it weird that food cooked by a loved one seems more delicious than something that’s not? Take for instance an older brother cooking for his brother/sister, always keeping in mind that what’s important is to make his sibling happy by cooking not only his favorite dishes but making each and every food he cooks sumptuous.

This is the idea behind Kuya J Restaurant, a casual dining resto that serves all your favorite Filipino dishes in a setting that looks and feels homey. The place itself makes you want to eat more. The ambiance envelopes you with the warmth and care of a brother. I’m lucky to have eaten some of their specialties and I must say that I’m very satisfied.

I was invited last March 22 to the inauguration of their 9th branch at the ground floor of SM City Bacolod. This is actually their first branch outside of Metropolitan Manila and Cebu. Owned and operated by I-Kitchen, Kuya J is also opening two other branches in Western Visayas, specifically in Boracay Island and Iloilo. Their long-time goal is to open one hundred more branches by the end of 2015 and invade the Mindanao market as part of its expansion.

The food wasn’t the only one that got me excited. The presence of Kuya J’s brand ambassadors, Phil and James Younghusband, also did. Also present in the opening is Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella (second from left), Winglip Chang, Kuya J’s President (center), and Julia Javellana, SM City Bacolod Assistant Mall Manager (second from right).

Kuya J is great at adapting local cuisine and adding a different touch to each dish. Their signature dishes, which are a must-try, are Grilled Scallops, Crispy Pata, Crispy Catfish, Lumpia Presko, and Tablea Coffee Flan. I was so surprised with how yummy the Crispy Catfish was. It’s really highly recommended.

Grilled Scallops (Php 165) — Filled with cheesy butter toppings.

Kuya J’s Crispy Pata (Regular Php 380 / Family Php 600) — Perfectly deep-fried pork skin, with tender juicy pata meat.

Crispy Catfish (Php 325) — Battered deep-fried catfish seasoned wth spices, served with tuba-soy sauce and bagoong mayo.

Lumpia Presko (Php 75) — Sautéed crab meat and bamboo shoots stuffed in rolled malunggay-infused wrapper with sweet garlic sauce.

Tablea Coffee Flan (Php 65) — Batangas tablea flavored flan with coffee caramel topped with dried coconut meat and cream.

For vegetable lovers, they also have this killer pinakbet with chunks of bagnet. A Filipino restaurant wouldn’t be complete without Kare Kare or peanut butter stew. They also serve Humba Binagoongan Rice, Chorizo Dinamitas, Pochero Tagalog, Sinuglaw, Sizzling Sisig with Egg, Fish and Camote Fries. They also have Fried Halo-halo, Mango Pandan and Leche Flan for dessert. To quench your thirst, order their various shakes and smoothies. They’re really refreshing. The presentation or plating of each dish is also something to be admired.

Pinakbet (Php 155) — Kuya’s version of a Filipino favorite, cooked ideally para ma-achieve ang tamang lapot ng gulay, karne at maliliit na hipon.

Humba Binagoongan Rice (Php 195) — Sinangang with bagoong alamang. Topped with chopped binagoongang baboy, green mangoes, bell peppers and red onions.

Kare-kare (Php 260) — Kuya’s take on the traditional Kare-kare. Reinvented peanut sauce, perfect sa panlasa ng bawat Pinoy.

Dilis and Salted Egg Rice (Php 170) — Fried garlic rie with dilis, tomatoes, onions and salted egg.

Chorizo Dinamitas with Garlic Dip (Php 160) — Pastry wrapped deep-fried jalapeños with Cebu chorizo and cheddar cheese. The best with garlic mayo dip.

Danggit Rice (Php 170) — Sinangag na dinagdagan ng danggit bits, oil, chives at fried danggit.

Pochero Tagalog (P300) — Slow-cooked beef shank in a rich savory broth. With corn, saging na saba, kamote and Baguio beans.

Sinuglaw (Php 180) — Marinated grilled pork belly and fresh Tanigue fish soaked in vinegar para sweet, sour, spicy. Two in one sa sarap!

Sizzling Gambas (Php 205) — Flambéed shrimps cooked sweet and spicy and topped with egg.

Fish and Camote Fries (Php 125) — Fish and chips version ni Kuya J paired with his special dipping sauce.

Deep-Fried Chicken (Half Php 195 / Whole 390) — Katakam-takam na pritong manok! Mas pinasarap with Kuya’s dipping sauce.

Relyenong Talong (Php 95) — The Filipino-style omelette. Pan-fried inihaw na talong with pork giniling and egg.

Fried Halo-halo with Vanilla Ice Cream (Php 110) — Pinaghalu-halong sarap ng ube, white beans, corn, nata de coco, langka and brown beans. Sinamahan ng whipped cream and vanilla ice cream on top.

Mango Pandan (Php 55) — Ang classic panghimagas, creamy mango pandan. Ito ang favorite ni Kuya.

Leche Flan (Php 45) — Ang original sweetheart ni Kuya! Leche flan with classic caramel sauce.

Watermelon Shake (Php 85)

Cucumber Shake (Php 85)

Pineapple Shake (Php 85)

Kuya J’s relaxing, comfortable, and immaculately clean interiors is one of their selling points. They have modern dining furniture, padded chairs and private nooks, bookshelves filled with books in various topics, and warm lighting fixtures.

The Negrense Blogging Society Inc. (NBSI) with the Younghusbands and Kuya J’s President Mr. Chang.

Customers will likewise be surprised at how affordable their food are. You get a good value for your money. Kuya J Restaurant is indeed the perfect place for families to bond and have a great time. Head on to Kuya J with your loved ones for that unique dining experience.

For more information, check out Kuya J Restaurant’s website and social media outlets.

• Website: www.kuyaj.ph
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KuyaJResto
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/kuyajresto
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kuyajresto