Filipino food gets the Taco treatment in this new Poblacion taqueria-carinderia

MANILA, Philippines — Poblacion has a new resident tempting taste buds with a unique concept: Filipino street food reimagined in Tacos. 

Compañeros Taqueria x Carinderia, the brainchild of lawyer-foodie duo Philip Gonda and Regine Estillore-Gonda, marries Filipino classics into Taco creations inspired by Mexican street food.

This hole-in-wall dining spot is a fusion concept, blending the vibrancy of a Mexican taqueria specializing in Tacos with the comforting staples of a Filipino carinderia, known for its locally-inspired dishes. The name "Compañeros," meaning "companions" in Spanish, is an ode to the term often used among lawyers, which is the owners’ day jobs. 

The restaurant aims to showcase Filipino cuisine through this concept. According to the owners, they believe Filipino food deserves more recognition. They see Mexican cuisine, which shares cultural similarities with Filipino cuisine, as a perfect way to challenge the misconception that Filipino food is "basic." Using the versatile canvas of Tacos and Tortillas, they hope to "elevate" and put the spotlight on Filipino flavors. 

The menu, crafted with the palate of Chef Kevin David, a young Filipino chef with a passion for Mexican cuisine, features appetizers, specialty Tacos with signature Salsas, rice bowls, house-made juices and alcoholic drinks. David previously worked in Michelin Guide restaurants in the United States.

True to their idea of using Tacos and Tortillas as blank canvases, Compañeros’ selection of Tacos features different Filipino food that could go well with its signature Salsas: flavorful tomato-based Salsa Roja, spicy chili-based Salsa Verde and Lacto-fermented Fruit Salsa.

For entradasor appetizers, they have Compañeros Spicy Garlic Longganisa, Mozzarella Cheese, Sunny Side-up Eggs and Salsa Verde, and Chilaquiles con Longgarizo, which is made with fried tortillas.

Those who love to start their evening with “putok-batok” might love the Chicharon Bulaklak matched with Guacamole, a unique, refreshing twist to the classic deep-fried pork snack Filipinos love to eat. 

Leading their Taco line-up is the Al Pastor Filipino Pork BBQ, a treat of tender, slow-roasted pork carved straight from