Saturday, November 7, 2015

Kuya J at SM San Mateo ~ Exceptional Filipino Dishes

 Good food, classy ambiance and good old friends spells the difference between fine dining and a memorable one.

After attending a Rizal Blogger and Media event at SM San Mateo, my hubby met with a dear friend, who lives just across SM San Mateo. 

I have read a lot about "Kuya J" a restaurant originating from Cebu.  Kuya J serves native Filipino dishes. I love Filipino cooking, so decided to meet here.

I was initially taken aback, the restaurant looked rather costly.  I was surprise to see that menu options are actually quiet affordable.

 
(Kuya J's SM San Mateo has elegant and well lighted interiors)

Grilled scallop with cheesy butter topping (P230)


Fritos Dinamitas (P170)

It is a pastry wrap, deep fried jalapeno with Cebu chorizo with cheddar cheese, dipped in garlic mayo.





 Lumpia Presko (P95)

Made of sauteed crabmeat and bamboo shoots using malungay infused lumpia wrapper. Something healthy before the sinfully delicious  crispy pata.



The famous Kuya J's Crispy Pata (Regular P490 / Family P695)

This is by far one of the best Crispy Pata, I have tasted, real tender and juicy.   The meat literally fall off from the bone ~ perfect dipped in vinegar and soy sauce.



Relyenong Talong (P120)
It is a pan-fried talong omelet with ground pork. I am not a real fan of this one, its a little too much pork "giniling" for me. I prefer my torta ~ plain.
  
Tablea coffee flan (P85) a Batangas tablea flavored flan, topped with coconut sprinkles.


Creamy Mango Pandan (P80)


Look at that wonderful sugar art. Ingenious way to add sugar to a creamy mango pandan.


VERDICT
  • Kuya Jay's offers a complete dining experience. I think it is perfect for celebrating special family occasions and welcoming Balikbayans.
  • Though they serve known Filipino dishes, Kuya J's version is special and nowhere near ordinary. And food presentation was fancy served on fine plates with heavy utensils.
  • Price is  reasonable with servings enough for 2-3 hungry pax.
  • Service is fast and efficient;  Staff are very personable and amiable.  

Thumbs Up for Kuya J! 
For additional information check their facebook page: Kuya J (SM San Mateo)

15 comments:

  1. I have been meaning to try Kuya J if only my health conscious husband will give in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Renz, Kuya J has healthy food options too. The Lumpiang Ubod for one was both healthy and delicious. You should give it a try.

      Delete
  2. My husband is assigned in Montalban so we pass by SM San Mateo when we go with him to his station. I didn't know there's a Kuya J resto here! I've been wanting to try them out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is great. You can visit anytime you want. Montalban is a bit far from where I live. I hope they open a branch near our place soon.

      Delete
  3. Tried Kuya J's at SM NOvaliches months ago and we enjoyed our stay there. Good food. Approachable staff. Reasonably priced. Definitely will recommend to family and friends.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi,
    Curious lang, is this the same resto na owned by a famous local actor?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No I don't think Jericho Rosales is the owner. The man behind Kuya J is actually Mr. Winglip Chang. I sort of read it in an article by Manila Times.

      http://www.manilatimes.net/the-business-of-kuya-j/209730/

      Delete
  5. Yummeh! :) From the looks of it, I think Kuya J has perfected the Filipino dishes.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The food looks appetizing! I wonder if they have a branch in the north.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The food looks insanely delicious. Looking forward to try at Kuya J in the near future. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. There's a branch nearest to our place! Hope we could try it soon!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ive been seeing commercials for Kuya J's - grilled scallop w cheesy butter topping!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm right beside a Kuya J restau now and I want to go in after reading your post! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kuya J just opened a branch here in Davao and I'm so excited to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. The Grilled scallop with cheesy butter topping looks divine! Would definitely check Kuya J out soon with my hubby. :)

    ReplyDelete

Passionate Eaters? I love to hear your thoughts!