Couple of weeks ago, I found myself in Hapag Heritage Cuisine in Maginhawa, trying out their new menu. Recently opened last September 28 2016, it is fairly new amongst the strip of restaurants in the infamous Maginhawa but because of my strong love (and craving) for traditional and authentic homemade Filipino food, I was really keen to try and taste what they are offering.
Interior-wise, I like how the restaurant feels very homey, almost as if I’m visiting my grandparents’ home. From the ornaments, wooden tables and chairs, even the displays of paintings of Cottolengo Filipino (a non-profit organization for the abandoned, neglected persons with disabilities), everything all goes together and gives a perfect ambiance to the restaurant.
I want to share my Hapag Heritage Cuisine experience as how I had it so this will be a photoblog (you know, the kind of posts that has more photos than texts). Guys, wait until you see the food!
The Power of Food is really Spiritual. It not only brings the whole family together on the same table but also brings the whole world together. – Chef Vikas Khanna
The food in the menu were first served by Chef Julio Lara’s grandmother to the family’s dining table. And now he is preparing these delicious homemade Filipino dishes and serving them all here in Hapag Heritage Cuisine. He and his staff cook and prepare everything from scratch, no MSG and food enhancement added, ensuring the authentic flavours are kept in each dishes.
We can’t deny the fact on how there are so many international and infused/modern Filipino dishes available in the country, but there’s only a handful that offers traditional homemade Filipino food. Hapag Heritage Cuisine aims to provide the missing piece.
Even if it says Soft Opening Menu, the selection is quite impressive!
My dad cooks really good so my standard for Filipino dishes is a bit higher and I’m happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed with Hapag Heritage Cuisine’s offering. If you have a balikbayan or foreigner friend coming over, you should take them here.
Ripe Mango Smoothie (P120)
Perfectly blended, very creamy and isn’t too sweet. Must try!
Kilawin na Hipon (P260)
Perfect appetizer! You’ll really want more after this.
Tinapa Rice (P240) and Sisiro Rice (P260)
Honestly, you don’t even need ulam (viand) for these! The platters are complete with tinapa flakes, salted egg, diced tomatoes, green mangoes, and more! A platter is good for 2-3 people.
Inihaw na Tuna Belly (P460.00)
Grilled to perfection and wasn’t surprisingly dry!
Beef Morcon (P520)
Not your everyday dish but this one is really special!
Manok ng Hapag (P470)
Hapag Heritage Cuisine’s signature dish. The whole chicken is very flavourful and tender. The kids will love this for sure!
Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas (P330.00)
Hapag Heritage Cuisine’s take on the traditional soup dish. The bayabas really gave extra flavour.
Kare-Kare (P530 – Family)
They use real peanuts so their Kare Kare is very creamy and yummy! The veggies are fresh as well!
Ginisang Hipon sa Taba ng Talangka (P480)
Topped with salted egg and with generous serving of shrimp, this is a must try. They say this isn’t good for people with high blood pressure though… Maybe just a little bit? 🙂
Binagoongang Baboy (P380)
Hands down. This was the first dish that was served and wow, I couldn’t stop raving about it! Super duper delicious!!!(!!!!!!!!!)
Pancit Cantion (P280.00)
Not your regular Pancit Cantion, that’s for sure. It is saucy and healthy (just look at the amount of vegetables!)
If I live close to Maginhawa, I’d be here everyday! Haha. Speaking of, Hapag Heritage Cuisine is open everyday (Monday to Sunday) from 11am to 10pm.
Pandan-Macapuno Cheesecake (P120)
First time to try Pandan Cheesecake and I love it! The texture is cheesecake-y yet the flavour is oozingly (I’m sure this word doesn’t exist but you get my point haha) Pandan!
Ensaymaditas with Choriza Bilbao and Ensaymaditas with Tinapa Flakes. Hapag Heritage Cuisine is expanding their menus and watch out for their merienda selection! These are their take on Ensaymadas topped with 3 kinds of cheese plus chorizo or Tinapa Flakes.
Ensaymaditas with Choriza Bilbao (P75.00)
Ensaymaditas with Tinapa Flakes (P75.00)
At first I was a bit hesitant but with all the good food I just had, I’m sure this wouldn’t be bad. I’m glad I tried it because wow, it tasted good as the flavours blended well together. I mean who would have thought that cheese and tinapa flakes will be a good match? They did!
I have nothing bad to say about the food because all the dishes that I tried were top notch. If you are looking for the best value for your money Filipino restaurant, you should consider Hapag Heritage Cuisine.
I almost forgot, the staff here is highly commendable, well trained and very professional. This may just be a causal dining experience but the service is impeccable!
Hapag Heritage Cuisine offers parking space in front of the restaurant. So there’s no need for you to worry about illegally parking along the streets.
I highly recommend Hapag Heritage Cuisine and I cannot wait to come back here! To see more of Hapag Heritage Cuisine menu, click here.
Hapag Heritage Cuisine
140 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village
Quezon City, Philippines
Call (02) 813 9672
www.facebook.com/HapagHeritageCuisine
Email: hapagheritagecuisine@gmail.com