Discover San Francisco’s Vibrant Filipino Culinary Scene
The culinary landscape in San Francisco is experiencing a revival, characterized by a diverse wave of innovative businesses committed to celebrating Filipino heritage. Among the standout newcomers is The Sarap Shop, which opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2024 on Stillman Street. This food truck-turned-franchise, led by culinary entrepreneurs Kristen Brillantes and JP Reyes, in collaboration with Kultivate Labs, is quickly making a mark.
Highlights of The Sarap Shop’s Offerings
The Sarap Shop showcases a unique culinary fusion with dishes that pay homage to traditional Filipino flavors. Notable items on their menu include:
- Halo Halo Milk Tea: A refreshing plant-based drink inspired by the classic Filipino dessert featuring ingredients like ice cream, ube jam, and sweet beans.
- Lechon Sisig Carbonara Mac: A creative blend of tamarind-infused pork belly, longanisa bacon bits, and creamy carbonara sauce over elbow macaroni.
- Adobo Pita Sandwich: Slow-braised pork, fried okra, pickled vegetables, French fries, and garlic sauce wrapped in pita.
Nearby Culinary Destinations
In close proximity to The Sarap Shop is Mestiza, a Mexican-Filipino restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and large shareable dishes, including:
- Vegan Lumpia: Over-sized spring rolls that cater to plant-based diets.
- Kamayan Feasts: A communal dining experience served on banana leaves, perfect for groups.
For a more upscale dining experience, Ox & Tiger offers a unique Filipino-Japanese fusion in an intimate, hidden setting. Open only on weekends, reservations are required for their four-course prix fixe menu which includes:
- Cured Salmon Dish: Topped with pickled ampalaya, sitaw, and salmon skin chicharon.
- Sake Pairing: Complement your meal with a curated selection of sake for a complete experience.
The Appeal of Abacá and Señor Sisig
Abacá, located at Fisherman’s Wharf, adds to the diverse Filipino offerings with its renowned meaty skewers and chorizo-stuffed squid relleno, appealing to seafood lovers and meat enthusiasts alike.
Adding historical context, Señor Sisig has been a pivotal player in defining Filipino fusion street food in the Bay Area since its inception in 2010. It has expanded to multiple locations, delighting customers with Mission-style burritos filled with options like pork or tocino, alongside their famous sweet and sour sinigang wings.
Conclusion
As San Francisco continues to embrace its Filipino roots through these emerging culinary ventures, food enthusiasts can look forward to an evolving gastronomic landscape that celebrates tradition while pushing innovative boundaries.
