Next on the list was the Tamales. Tamales is sort of a filling made with Masa and pork, which is then cooked wrapped in the corn husk. Ours was filled with Beef, with lots of cheese and cream. This was very good and as per the server, one of their best sellers.
Then we had to kinds of Tacos: Carnitas and Fish Tacos. I loved this ones, soft, Juicy, tasty and with a little crunch...this was delicioso! The carnitas, tiny bits of different cuts of Beef and the Fish, deep fried Sole with a very light batter.
Last, we had the Rolled Tacos (Chicken). They mentioned to us this was one of their best sellers also, these are crunchy rolled tacos with Chicken filling. I'm assuming they roll this first then deep fry them. Also very good and crunchy, a good break since all the tacos we had were soft ones.
I had the intention of doing a Mexican eating marathon by going to Ristras after to try their food, but I was just too full to eat anything else. Over all, I think this is quite good. Like I said, I'm no Mexican food expert, but this seemed pretty authentic to me. I will definitely come back here if I am by the area.
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12 comments:
Hermanos is as good as it can get for Mexican food in Manila. I wouldn't recommend Ristras.
Check out TJ's Mexican Grille also, Mig. They just opened a branch in Alabang and, like their sister resto Baja, they have my favorite Baja fish tacos. Let me know when you're going, Matt and I can meet you there. We're friends with some of the owners.:-)
Thanks Ifoodtrip....
@ Chinks - I'll try that soon...near my house lang
We will try this! Carlo is the Mexican food fan in our family and we used to drive all the way to Pampanga to eat in Zapatas so Greenhills shouldn't be that much of a stretch :)
Just have to chime in. I know this may already be an old review but wanted to share some insight based on the comments written. No offense to Chinkee but Baja in GB and TJ's in Alabang (along with Tia Maria's, Mexicali, Ristras, Jalapeno, Moon Cafe in Cebu, etc.) are all simply Pinoy Effort Mexican Restos. If you like any of the above restos mentioned, then you're not really into Mexican food. In my opinion they all lack that signature Mexican flavor so unique to Mexican cuisine. The balance of cumin, other assorted spices, aromatics and the actual cooking process and at times the cook ware make up that taste you only find in either Mexican owned eateries all over the US or within Mexico's territorial borders. It's a flavor you can't quite describe and unless you've lived, visited or at least eaten in passing at a quality resto in the US or Mexico, you've never tasted it and it will remain alien to you. Quite frankly there are only 2 restos in Manila and 1 I intend to try very soon as recommended by fellow former US residents, that serve real or close to authentic Mexican food. Orale in the Fort. Zapata's in Clark, Angeles Pampanga. And soon I will be trying Hermano's as I'm told it's the only place so far that "mole" on the menu and like Zapata's is owned by a Mexican. My opinion...don't waste your time, money or calories anywhere else. :-) Happy Eating!
Hi Raf,
The flavor you are talking about comes from dried chilies which is rarely available in the Philippines. The dried Ancho which is slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness (almost like cocoa) is a staple in Mexican food. Another is the chipotle (dried and smoked jalapeño). Without these, its hard to replicate authentic Mexican food.
I have heard good things about Zapata's and now I have to try Orale. There is a big Mexican behind the counter of Hermano's and that's a good sign. Their corn tortillas are homemade, that's why they taste so good. They import the masa harina themselves. There's a new one going to open soon at Makati Ave called chihuahua and its going to be run by someone who lived in Texas.
In defense to Baja and TJ's, these restos are owned and operated by friends who were chefs in California and Canada and have had extensive exposure to Mexican food. I will not pretend to be an expert on Mexican food since I have never been to Mexico so I cannot vouch for these restaurants' authenticity, but I DO know good food when I taste it. Not everything on their menu are exceptional, but their fish tacos are- in my opinion- the best ones I have tasted. And, yes, I do take offense in your comment, pointing out that people who like these restaurants "are not really into Mexican food". You don't know me, sir, and the extent of my knowledge and experience in gastronomy, so you shall not tell me what I am and am not "into".
i have to agree with raf. even zapata's i think is a bit overrated compared to a simple taqueria in LA. hermano's is a good effort but still pales to the real thing. either way at least we're setting the bar slightly higher for mexican food locally.
Orale is pretty good and the newly opened Chihuahua is better. Orale, Chihuahua and Hermanos stand out from all the others in the country but is still not as good as what I used to get in California, but the gap is closing. Orale will soon come out with lengua and tripe filling, that's something to look forward.
Anton of awesome planet thinks its kinda pricey and is comparing with ristras. I personally didnt enjoy the later. Will try hermanos, hope its worth the trip and the fats
I did not find it pricey at all. Let me know what you think of it when you go.
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