490 years ago, according to history, Philippines was discovered by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, it was March 16, 1521. Then Lapu-Lapu, one of our native heroes fought for the freedom of our motherland and then as they say, the rest was history. Today, as a proud Filipino Foodies, let us rediscover the wonders of some Filipino Cuisines through a patriotic restaurant which regard food as the highest salute to all the unsung heroes in the kitchen. Allow your resident foodie to give you a glimpse of what 1521 Restaurant has to offer.
First time I heard about 1521 Restaurant from a friend who constantly raves about their Grilled Kare-Kare, I have already set my mind to visit the place as soon as possible. But due to busy schedule, I was only reminded of that plan when a dear cousin, Ate Len recommends the resto as well. After spending couple of sleepless night to finish a writing gig a day before its rather impossible deadline, I immediately invited my friend Glenn to have a dinner at 1521. Believe me, it was worth those sleepless nights.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were enthusiastically greeted by their friendly staff. As we were seated, we were handed one of the most interesting menus I’ve checked so far. No food was served yet, but we were already delightfully entertained with the well thought out written words on the menu such as Suaheng Suwabe, Ka-Musta-Cat, Hip Na Hipon, and Talong Mo Kay Tulfo, to name a few. I knew right there that it is going to be a pleasant dinner.
While we were happily perusing the content of their menu, a charming food attendant was there to offer us their best dishes. We originally plan to order the Grilled Kare-Kare, but when we learned that their bestseller is Potchero Ni Tankeko, we immediately placed the order along with other dishes that captured our attention.
Potchero Ni Tankeko
This dish I must say was the highlight of our dinner. It wasn’t tagged as their bestseller for nothing. Slow-stewed beef in a mush of yam, plantains, tomato sauce, and vegetables. Since it was slow cooked, expect a heavenly soft and tender beef screaming of flavors in every shred there is. I love how thick and savory the sauce was. When I poured it over to my hot steamed rice and mixed it with some shred of those sinfully tender beef, I was lost for words. It was so good It could be a sin not to order it when you visit the resto.
Potchero Ni Tankeko (365php)Bonggang-Bonggang Binagoongan
True to its name, this dish was so fabulous compared to the usual fare of Pork Binagoongan. Crunchy pork on a bed of local shrimp paste, generously accompanied with manibalang mango. I enjoyed the crunchy skin and soft meat of the pork while the explosion of taste brought by the shrimp paste combined with the manibalang mango tickled my palate.
Bonggang-Bonggang Binagoongan (260php)
Dinamitang Keso
Their own version of cheese stick with green de-seeded chili. I’ve tasted similar delectable appetizer like this but what raised their version a notch higher was the mango wasabi dip that comes with it. If you’re the type of person who does not enjoy wasabi, worry not because this dip does not have the feisty taste of the usual wasabi. The taste of mango was dominant while the wasabi just gives it a certain kick that makes you crave for more.
Dinamitang Keso (160php)
Dinamitang Keso with Mango Wasabi SauceMy, My, My, Mais
Sounds like your usual corn soup, eh? It’s actually not. The sweetness of the corn was not there but its distinct savory taste was present since they used white corn. Personally, it tasted like a childhood memory. The soup has its nostalgic effect on me, reminding me of my childhood days when my mother would cook a hearty soup for me and my siblings during rainy season. I was told that it has the same effect on my friend but his was a different story. The common ground was that it both reminds us of our childhood day’s comfort food.
My, My, My, Mais (105php solo / 295php family)1521 Leche Flan
I am a big fan of Leche Flan, and 1521’s version was definitely one of the best I ever had. Rich and velvety smooth, it was not too sweet and the lemon rind shavings were not just there for decoration but it adds spunk to the creaminess of this dessert.
1521 Leche Flan (75php solo / 140php to share)Kamias Shake
I was a little apprehensive about it at first since I am not really into sour type of drinks. I was surprised when a taste of refreshingly fruity flavor which strikes a balance between sweet and sour taste enveloped my palate.
Kamias Shake1521 Ays Ti
At first I thought that it was just the usual Iced Tea but when I tasted it, it screams of sweet raspberry juice with ice shavings. It was so good and perfect for those who enjoy fruity sweet type of drinks.
1521 Ays TiThe place is fairly small but its cozy Filipino ambiance makes it charming. Owners Tanke Tankeko and Nica Miranda really knows how to captures not just Filipino palates with their variety of dishes, but Filipino hearts as well with their shared Filipino heirloom recipes.
All in all, it was a very pleasant experience having dined at this restaurant. They entertained us through their witty menu, warmed our heart with their comforting food, and made us proud to be Filipino with their hospitality and patriotic concept. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy affordable Filipino cuisine with a twist and other harmonious fusion dishes in the comfort of a very cozy place. Perfect for a date night, get together with friends, corporate lunch out, and family food trips. I would definitely go back to try some of their interesting dishes.
1521 Restaurant
547 Shaw Blvd., Barangay Wack-Wack,
Mandaluyong City Philippines 1550
Phone Nos.: 02.794.0433 • 02.216.4532 • 0917.803.1521
Website: http://1521resto.com
Email: fifteentwentyonerestaurant@yahoo.com
Services: Reservations, Take Out, Delivery, Catering
Mon - Thurs: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 10:00 am - 1:00 am
Sun: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
