Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna: Unique Filipino Dinner (Makati)

There are only a handful moments in my life, other than my birthdays, that are worth celebrating with the family.  This gathering is to mark my milestone on earning my "Atty." (Yes, I' really claiming it!).  For such a unique occasion, it was only befitting that I also pick the most unique Filipino restaurant on my want to try list: Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna.

Little did I know that Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna has two branches (both within Makati) so there was some members of the family who got mixed up. 

My reservation was at the pioneer branch in HRC Centre in Rada Street but they also have one in 6060 Palma Street corner Osias Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati.  We all had a difficult time locating this along Rada Street because it was not visible from the street view.  Lucky for us, my cousin and little sister arrived early and located it for us.  They advised us to look for China Bank and 7-11 instead a this was located just beside 7-11.  Their signage is so small without any lights so its impossible to see at night.

Food

♥ Complimentary Bonete Bread

While waiting for our orders, we were served their Complimentary Bonete Bread.  It comes with three dips.  The family loved the one with kamias. 


Appetizer

♥ Ukoy (195 php)

The family grew up in Ilocos Sur when Ukoy is quite prominent so every one was curious to see Chef Justin Sarabia's version.  We initially just ordered for sharing.  But since we liked the Ukoy so much, we just had to order more.  It was not just crunchy but crisp to perfection with less grease.

♥ Chicken Lumpia (195 php)

Another interesting surprise though it looks ordinary is the Chicken Lumpia. 

♥ Shitake Bun (260 php)

Mushroom lovers like me will surely enjoy the Shitake Bun.  It was such a great discovery that queso de bola could go well with shitake.  The only drawback for this is the price.  For such a small bun, it already costs 130 php.

♥ Crispy Squid (285 php)

The Crispy Squid offers a great combination of crisp and chewiness that we loved to the point of slight addiction. 

Salad

♥ Pako Salad (180 php)

The oldies where quite excited to find the Pako Salad on the menu.  I didn't quite expect that it would impress both young and old. 


Beef

Beef in Coconut (480 php)

If there was one item that didn't impress us, it would be the Beef in Coconut.  We were expecting this to taste a bit sweet because of the coconut milk.  Yet, it tasted sour so we even doubted if  it was spoiled.  However, we didn't get a stomach ache the following day so I guess it was not.

Seafood

♥ Adobong Pusit (320 php)

The Adobong Pusit is deliciously tasty making it perfect with rice.  It was very tender that the oldies enjoyed munching on it too.

♥ Lapu Lapu with Mango (580 php)

If I could recommend one dish at Rural Kitchen that is a must order, it would be the Lapu Lapu with Mango.  Taste-wise, portion-wise and price-wise, I would say this has exceeded our expectations.

Other

Ox Tail Kare Kare (580 php)

Personally, I found their blend of Ox Tail Kare Kare to be a bit sweet but the family seemed to have enjoyed it.  We all just felt, there could have been more ox tail for its price.

We also ordered the Dinuguan (280 php) which was made from carabao's blood instead of pig's blood.  Unfortunately, we all (except my one cousin) failed to appreciate this dish because of the undeniably gamer and weird smell and flavor.  But, in fairness, my one cousin liked it and he finished the plateful all by himself.

Kalderetang Kambing (280 php)

The Kalderetang Kambing was really good.  It has a lot of bones but that's quite usual for such a dish. 

♥ Lamb Kaldereta (580 php)

We all liked the Lamb Kaldereta.  The lamb was so tender and clean tasting.  I highly recommend this as well!

Vegetables

♥ Kuwalong Talong (180 php)

This is our first time to try an eggplant dish cooked like the Kuwalong Talong.  It was amazingly awesome!  Do you know where this dish originated from?

Noodles

Pancit Lucban (190 php)

My aunt was missing pancit lucban so she ordered one.  She was surprised that the Pancit Lucban looked something like this.  Well, their twist was good especially with the sweet and savory pork sausages.    

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We Tsinoy Foodies recommend trying out Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna.  I don't think there is any other place in the Metro just like it.  Although the portion could be more generous, the elegant ambiance and unique menu with their own twist makes up for its higher than average pricing.