Why Filipino Food is Worth Exploring
The aroma of garlic sizzling in oil, the tangy scent of vinegar and soy sauce simmering, the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread – these are just glimpses into the vibrant world of Filipino cuisine. A delightful fusion of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, Filipino food offers a unique and deeply satisfying culinary experience. If you’re seeking a taste of the Philippines right here in the Bay Area, look no further than Concord, California. With a significant and established Filipino community, Concord boasts a surprisingly rich and diverse selection of Filipino restaurants and markets, ready to tantalize your taste buds. This guide will lead you to some of the best spots to explore authentic Filipino food in Concord, CA, and discover the flavors that make this cuisine so beloved.
Filipino food is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience a culture steeped in history and hospitality. The cuisine is characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. While it may not be as widely recognized as other Asian cuisines, Filipino food is rapidly gaining popularity, and for good reason. Its dishes are incredibly flavorful, comforting, and often feature ingredients that are both familiar and exotic.
Think tender chicken or pork adobo, marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns, a dish that perfectly exemplifies the Filipino love for balancing contrasting tastes. Picture crispy lumpia, delicate spring rolls filled with savory ground meat and vegetables, a crowd-pleasing appetizer at any gathering. Imagine slurping up a bowl of pancit, flavorful noodles tossed with meat, vegetables, and a vibrant sauce, a symbol of long life and good fortune. And consider the comforting sourness of sinigang, a tamarind-based soup brimming with meat or seafood and a medley of vegetables, a quintessential Filipino comfort food.
Sometimes, Filipino food might be perceived as being overly rich or unfamiliar. However, there’s a wide spectrum of dishes to discover, ranging from hearty stews to lighter, vegetable-based options. Don’t let any initial hesitations hold you back from exploring the culinary treasures that Filipino food has to offer.
Concord’s Filipino Dining Gems: A Culinary Journey
Concord holds a number of restaurants that really capture the flavors of the Philippines. Here are some places to get you started.
Lutong Bahay: A Taste of Home
Lutong Bahay, which translates to “home-cooked food,” lives up to its name. This restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a traditional Filipino home. The aroma of simmering stews and freshly grilled meats fills the air, instantly making you feel welcome. Their specialty is, of course, lutong bahay — home style cuisine.
Their kare-kare is a standout dish, a rich and savory stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and a thick peanut sauce. The oxtail is incredibly tender, and the peanut sauce is perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. Another must-try is their crispy pata, a deep-fried pork knuckle that is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The dish is served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped onions, adding a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the pork. Prices are moderate, making it a great option for a family meal. As one Yelp reviewer put it, “This place is like eating at my Lola’s house! The food is authentic and delicious.” If you’re looking for a truly comforting and authentic Filipino dining experience, Lutong Bahay is a must-visit. They even offer kamayan feasts!
Pinoy Fiesta: Modern Filipino Flavors
Pinoy Fiesta offers a more modern take on Filipino cuisine. While they still serve classic dishes, they also experiment with new flavors and presentation styles. The restaurant has a sleek and contemporary design, creating a more upscale dining experience. Pinoy Fiesta strives to capture the flavors of a Filipino festival, or fiesta.
Their adobo is a prime example of their innovative approach. While they still use the traditional ingredients of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns, they add a touch of sweetness with honey and a hint of spice with chili flakes. The result is a complex and flavorful dish that is both familiar and surprising. Another popular dish is their sinigang na hipon, a sour shrimp soup that is both refreshing and flavorful. They use fresh, high-quality shrimp and a carefully balanced tamarind broth. The restaurant is a bit pricier than other Filipino restaurants in Concord, but the quality of the food and the ambiance make it worth the splurge. They serve their dishes with modern plating.
Tindahan ni Nanay: A Hidden Gem
For a more casual and budget-friendly option, check out Tindahan ni Nanay. This small, family-run eatery is a local favorite, known for its delicious and affordable food. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, but the food speaks for itself. Nanay means mother in Tagalog.
Their pancit bihon is a standout dish, a flavorful noodle dish that is packed with vegetables and meat. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the sauce is savory and slightly sweet. Another popular item is their turon, a deep-fried banana spring roll that is sweet, crispy, and utterly irresistible. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal. This is a true hidden gem that offers a taste of authentic Filipino home cooking. Many of the regulars recommend the barbecue as well.
Beyond Restaurants: Exploring Other Filipino Delights
The Filipino culinary experience extends beyond restaurants. Concord also offers several places to find Filipino breads, pastries, and ingredients for cooking at home.
Pan de Manila Bakery
This bakery is a must-visit for anyone craving Filipino breads and pastries. Their pandesal, soft and slightly sweet bread rolls, are a staple in every Filipino household. They also offer ensaymada, a sweet bread topped with butter, sugar, and cheese, and ube treats, made with purple yam, a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts. The bakery also has other Filipino goods like *kakanin*.
Island Pacific Supermarket
This supermarket is a one-stop shop for all your Filipino grocery needs. You can find everything from fresh produce and meats to canned goods and sauces. They also carry a wide selection of Filipino snacks, drinks, and ingredients for making traditional dishes. If you need longganisa or tocino, look no further.
Tips for Ordering and Enjoying Filipino Food
Navigating a Filipino menu can be a bit daunting for first-timers. Here are a few tips to help you order and enjoy your meal:
Carinderia: This term refers to a small, casual eatery that serves home-style Filipino dishes.
Silog: This is a popular breakfast combination that typically includes fried rice (sinangag), eggs (itlog), and a meat of your choice (e.g., tapsilog with beef tapa, longsilog with longganisa sausage).
Start with the classics: If you’re new to Filipino food, start with familiar dishes like adobo, lumpia, or pancit.
Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try dishes that you’ve never heard of before. Ask the staff for recommendations.
Embrace the condiments: Filipino meals are often served with a variety of condiments, such as patis (fish sauce), toyomansi (soy sauce with calamansi), and banana ketchup. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.
Eat with your hands: For certain dishes, such as kamayan, it’s perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged) to eat with your hands.
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about the dish. The Filipino community loves sharing their culture through food, so most likely they will explain everything to you!
A Culinary Invitation to Concord
Concord, California, offers a vibrant and authentic taste of the Philippines. From cozy restaurants serving traditional home-style dishes to modern eateries pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned Filipino food aficionado or a curious newcomer, Concord’s Filipino culinary scene is waiting to be explored. So, gather your friends and family, and embark on a delicious journey to discover the flavors of the Philippines right here in Concord.
What are your favorite Filipino restaurants in Concord? Share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag your photos with #FilipinoFoodConcord and #ConcordEats.
