Latin-amercan food manila | 360vegas.com

Mexicali opened its doors in February 1993, the dream of three siblings, Gonzalo, Dennis and Francesca Mabanta, who over the years had enjoyed very much the Latino culture and cuisine of San Francisco&rsquo;s famous Mission District.

In 1993, there were quite a few naysayers who said that the concept wouldn&rsquo;t work, since Filipinos don&rsquo;t really like Mexican food (though they enjoy the margaritas). The siblings were young and inexperienced, and so did not listen to the pessimistic business advice. Throwing caution to the wind, they just went ahead with it.

Mexicali is now on its 20th year of existence, with thirteen branches around Metro Manila serving thousands of happy customers. It has become the biggest Mexican quick service Mexican restaurant chain in the country, and has even spawned a few imitators to boot. And the previously unheard of original California burrito is now a well known word amongst local foodies.

Mexicali showcases the&nbsp;best of Mexican/Latin-American food, offering a wide selection of savory dishes that you won&rsquo;t forget. They now offer&nbsp;plant-based products&nbsp;so that your vegan friends can join in on the fun!

Mexicali showcases the&nbsp;best of Mexican/Latin-American food, offering a wide selection of savory dishes that you won&rsquo;t forget. They now offer&nbsp;plant-based products&nbsp;so that your vegan friends can join in on the fun!

Mexicali

Sofrito the restaurant, which peddles exotic Puerto Rican fare, is rustic, but each forkful from whatever dish you get is immensely flavorful. Puerto Rican food takes inspiration from Europe, Africa, and the US, and these influences can be seen throughout the menu.&nbsp;

The mofongo was the&nbsp;flagship dish of Sofrito,&nbsp;Made of fried green plantains, mashed together with bits of crispy pork then formed into a ball, it is a mix of salty, sour and sweet all at once, with a pungent punch of garlic. Garlic features a lot in Sofrito&rsquo;s concise menu, punctuating other dishes which taste like home. There is a pastelon, with layers of sweet saba alternating with mince, which seems like a arroz ala cubana lasagna-style.

Sofrito has their Cuban sandwich and Asapao (chicken soup).&nbsp;Beef and chicken empanadas, arroz con salchicha, plantain chips, dmango and cheese empanadas that gives comfort and satisfaction.

Making a difference and keeping people safe.

Sofrito has their Cuban sandwich and Asapao (chicken soup).&nbsp;Beef and chicken empanadas, arroz con salchicha, plantain chips, dmango and cheese empanadas that gives comfort and satisfaction.

Sofrito

At Se&ntilde;or Pollo, their chicken roast or fried is best complemented by a few servings of their refreshing Latin coleslaw, soft and sweet Plantains, and vivid chimichurri sauce.

The Makati branch even introduced more than the usual tortillas and beans. They have this Pork Milanesa, essentially just pounded and battered pork (a dish that transcends geography), that&rsquo;s really popular in South America. The murals are a must-see: colorful artwork that represents aspects of South American culture.

Known for affordable food with Latin inspired murals and a laidback ambiance.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Making a difference and keeping people safe.

Known for affordable food with Latin inspired murals and a laidback ambiance.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Señor Pollo

Ready your senses for a gratifying meal by starting with&nbsp;anticuchos-tender morsels of skewered meats and innards, traditionally offered in the streets of Peru. Get the&nbsp;Piel de Pollo&nbsp;, chicken skin that balances chewy and crunchy textures, or the&nbsp;Chinchulines&nbsp;, so well prepared-and cleaned-you&#39;d forget that you&#39;re actually eating pork intestines. To amp up the flavors, these skewers are served with chimichurri,&nbsp;crema de ajo, salsa&nbsp;roja, and pico de gallo.&nbsp;

Barbacoa takes prominence in the list of dishes, too. Take for example the Pierna de Pollo , a quarter chicken leg with its beautifully charred skin enrobing soft, tender meat. There&#39;s also the Vientre de Cerdo , a generous slab of pork belly, which is best paired with the Maiz Asado , Frijoles Charros, and a glass of house-blend iced tea for a meal that&#39;ll transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Latin America.

Pu&ntilde;ta stands as the lone restaurant lounge in the area offering Latin American fare paired with a faultless experience.&nbsp;

Pu&ntilde;ta stands as the lone restaurant lounge in the area offering Latin American fare paired with a faultless experience.&nbsp;

latin-amercan food manila

Mexicali

Sofrito

Señor Pollo

Puñta Mandala