The scent of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness hangs in the air near Magnolia Avenue, a subtle invitation to explore a vibrant culinary scene often overlooked in the Inland Empire. Riverside, California, is home to a thriving Filipino community, and with that community comes a rich tapestry of flavors, traditions, and, most importantly, incredible Filipino food. For those craving authentic Filipino cuisine or simply looking to expand their palate, Riverside offers a delightful array of restaurants, bakeries, and markets ready to transport your taste buds straight to the Philippines. This guide will navigate you through Riverside’s culinary landscape, highlighting the must-try Filipino establishments and dishes that will leave you wanting more. Whether you are a long time Filipino food lover or just taking your first step this guide will help you find the best Filipino food Riverside has to offer.
Traditional Filipino Restaurants in Riverside
For many, the heart of Filipino food lies in the traditional recipes passed down through generations. Riverside boasts several restaurants dedicated to preserving these culinary treasures, offering comforting and familiar dishes that evoke a sense of home. These are some of the best places to sample the delightful Filipino food Riverside residents and visitors cherish.
Lola’s Kitchen: A Taste of Home
Lola’s Kitchen, nestled on Van Buren Boulevard, is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. This family-owned establishment has been serving the Riverside community for over a decade, earning a reputation for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality. The restaurant’s ambiance is casual and inviting, perfect for a family dinner or a relaxed meal with friends.
Among their must-try dishes, the adobo reigns supreme. Their version is a masterclass in slow cooking, resulting in tender pork simmered in a rich, savory sauce that perfectly balances the tang of vinegar, the saltiness of soy sauce, and the aromatic punch of garlic. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that lingers on the palate. Another favorite is their crispy pata, a deep-fried pork knuckle that is both indulgent and satisfying. The skin is shatteringly crisp, while the meat remains juicy and flavorful. Served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and onions, it’s a dish that’s meant to be shared and savored. Finally, don’t miss the chance to try their sinigang, a sour and savory soup that’s a staple in Filipino cuisine. Lola’s Kitchen’s sinigang is made with tamarind broth and loaded with vegetables and your choice of meat or seafood. The tangy broth is incredibly refreshing, and the hearty ingredients make it a complete and satisfying meal. Pricing at Lola’s Kitchen is mid-range, offering great value for the generous portions and authentic flavors. The service is always friendly and attentive, making you feel like part of the family.
Manam Comfort Filipino: Modern Flavors, Classic Roots
Located on La Sierra Avenue, Manam Comfort Filipino aims to provide an evolved take on Filipino favorites. Its hip and modern decor gives it a new feel while the flavors and family recipes passed down are still kept intact. They provide a blend of old and new that you won’t forget and provide a great Filipino food Riverside experience.
Their most popular dish is the House Crispy Sisig, a pork dish that is first boiled, then grilled and finally deep fried. Seasoned with onions and chili peppers it is typically served on a sizzling plate. This dish is what made Manam famous in the Philippines before opening a location in Riverside. Try this with their equally famous Milkfish belly in guava sinigang. It’s light, flavorful and refreshing especially on a hot Riverside day. Another popular favorite is the kare-kare, a traditional Filipino stew made with peanut sauce, oxtail, and vegetables. The peanut sauce is rich and creamy, while the oxtail is tender and flavorful. Manam’s kare-kare is served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side, which adds a salty and umami punch to the dish. Manam’s pricing is on the higher side but still affordable and a great value for what you get.
Nanay Gloria’s: A Culinary Legacy
A Riverside institution, Nanay Gloria’s on Arlington Avenue, is revered for its unwavering commitment to authentic Filipino flavors. The restaurant’s atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, focusing instead on the quality of the food. This hidden gem provides a home cooked style Filipino food Riverside residents have enjoyed for years.
The menu boasts a wide array of classic dishes, but the kaldereta is a standout. This hearty beef stew is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. The beef is incredibly tender, and the sauce is bursting with flavor. Another must-try is their pancit bihon, a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables, meat, and shrimp. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the dish is seasoned with a delicate balance of soy sauce and garlic. Their lechon kawali, crispy fried pork belly, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The skin is incredibly crispy, and the meat is succulent and flavorful. Nanay Gloria’s offers generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for families and budget-conscious diners. The service is warm and welcoming, reflecting the restaurant’s family-oriented ethos.
Modern Twists on Filipino Cuisine
While traditional Filipino restaurants hold a special place in many hearts, a new wave of chefs is pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine, creating innovative dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques and presentations. While finding a truly cutting-edge, modern Filipino restaurant might be a challenge in Riverside specifically, nearby cities sometimes have options that are worth the short drive.
Exploring Outside Riverside: LASA (Search for current location/pop-ups)
While not directly in Riverside, seeking out pop-up events or travelling a bit further afield can lead to finding more experimental takes on Filipino cuisine. Look for restaurants or chefs known for their innovative approaches.
LASA, previously located in Los Angeles, used Filipino flavors while incorporating modern takes and fine dining presentation. While their physical restaurant is now closed, the chefs still do occasional pop ups. They were known for dishes like kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) with a modern twist. Keep an eye out for any future pop-up events near Riverside, as they offer a unique opportunity to experience Filipino cuisine in a completely new light. Other examples of dishes they used to serve were chicken inasal with chicken skin chicharron and cured egg yolk.
Filipino Bakeries and Dessert Spots
No exploration of Filipino cuisine is complete without indulging in the delectable array of desserts and baked goods. Filipino bakeries are havens of sweet treats, offering everything from soft, pillowy bread to decadent cakes and pastries.
Red Ribbon Bakeshop: A Sweet Tradition
A popular chain with a location in Riverside, Red Ribbon is a go-to destination for Filipino baked goods and desserts. Their flagship product, the mango supreme cake, is a must-try. This light and fluffy chiffon cake is layered with ripe mangoes and a creamy frosting, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Another popular item is the ube overload cake, a purple yam cake that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Ube, a staple in Filipino desserts, has a unique flavor that’s often described as a cross between vanilla and pistachio. Red Ribbon also offers a variety of pastries, including ensaymada, a sweet bread topped with butter, sugar, and cheese. It’s best served warm, with the cheese melting into the bread. Red Ribbon’s pricing is moderate, making it an affordable option for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop: A Riverside Staple
Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop, with branches throughout Southern California, offers a wide array of Filipino breads, pastries, and cakes. Their pandesal, small, slightly sweet bread rolls, are a staple in Filipino households. They’re best enjoyed warm, with butter or dipped in coffee. Valerio’s also offers a variety of rice cakes, including puto, a steamed rice cake that’s often served with cheese or grated coconut. For something more indulgent, try their leche flan, a creamy custard dessert with a caramel topping. Valerio’s offers a wide variety of Filipino treats at affordable prices. They make a great spot to take some Filipino food Riverside home to your family to try.
Where to Find Filipino Ingredients (Grocery Stores)
For those inspired to try their hand at cooking Filipino food at home, Riverside offers several grocery stores that stock a wide range of Filipino ingredients.
Seafood Ranch Market: A Treasure Trove of Asian Delights
While not exclusively Filipino, Seafood Ranch Market on Magnolia Avenue offers a substantial selection of Filipino ingredients alongside other Asian staples. Here, you can find essentials like patis (fish sauce), bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), banana leaves for wrapping dishes, and a variety of Filipino spices and sauces.
Island Pacific Supermarket (Nearby Locations): Your Filipino Food One-Stop Shop
While you might need to venture slightly outside of Riverside, Island Pacific Supermarket is a dedicated Filipino supermarket chain that offers a comprehensive selection of Filipino groceries. They carry everything from fresh produce and meats to canned goods, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. This is the place to go if you’re looking for hard-to-find Filipino ingredients. Island Pacific’s locations in nearby cities like Moreno Valley make it a worth-while stop for any home cook.
Conclusion
Riverside’s Filipino food scene is a vibrant and diverse reflection of the city’s rich cultural tapestry. From the comforting flavors of traditional restaurants to the innovative creations of modern chefs and the sweet delights of Filipino bakeries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re craving a taste of the Philippines, Riverside is the place to be. This guide has provided you with a starting point, but the best way to truly discover the culinary gems that Riverside has to offer is to venture out and explore. Talk to the locals, try new dishes, and embrace the unique flavors of Filipino food Riverside. You won’t be disappointed. So go on and treat yourself to the delicious flavors of Filipino food. The exploration will surely be worth it.
