By: Marjorie Zamora
Its deep understanding of Filipinos’ cravings for local foods has enabled Chef Akang, a not-so-ordinary carinderia in Teresa to successfully find its way into the hearts of most PUPians.
Given Teresa as one of the busiest University Street in front of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, most passers are students, if not, are usual Pinoys long came from different provinces and opted to study, work, or merely stay in the city. Despite the variety of food stalls Teresa offers, there is one taste those what we call “dormers” long for – “lutong-bahay”.
Carinderias are close to our hearts for it teaches you practicality and brings you the taste of home.
Province in the City
Located on a shaded side of the street, Chef Akang offers affordable home-cooked specialties together with a glimpse into the Filipino culture. The store opens at 10am and closes until they sold out their products, which is usually around 10 in the evening.
“Parang nasa probinsya lang ako…”, said Reyson Banuelos from PUP, also a constant Akangista (Chef Akang Customers).
Chef Akang is unlikely those typical carinderias in the Philippines. It gives you a province vibe through its interior; walls are made of buli weaves to imitate common kubos in the province. Chef Akang also uses palayok instead of those normal stainless pots as their unique way of presenting dishes to their customers. Akangistas say it is the charm of the carinderia itself aside from its sumptuous foods, “Ang cute ‘nung mga palayok, feeling ko special ako dahil sa ulam ko.”, Reyson chuckled.
According to Mr. Christian Carlo “Caloy” Magtoti, owner of Chef Akang, aside from giving a province and Filipino-ish vibe in their carinderia, they also make sure that Akangistas feel like home from their friendly approach and accommodating service whenever they dine in there.
Not your ordinary Carinderia
In some instances, carinderias are commmonly perceived as the best place to eat when you’re on a tight budget, however, at Chef Akang, you may also consider giving a taste again to those Filipino dishes you’ve tried long ago; the tastes that you’ve missed, the dishes you find so hard to cook specially when you’re living alone, trying to be independent.
Under 50php, you are able to enjoy a full meal like Dinuguan, Giniling, Bicol Express, Adobo, Adobong Atay, Humba, Chicken Skin, Chicken Fillet, Pakbet, Sisig, Pork Caldereta, Bagnet, Kare-Kare, etc. On the other hand, dishes that range under 70php are their Spare Ribs ala Diablo, Nilasing na Hipon, Liempo, Ginataang Alimango, Tahong, and Bulalo; these are in fact their special offers because it does not come on a daily basis except for the Bulalo for it is one of their best-seller and a constant free sabaw for all.
Quality and (not over) quantity
In Chef Akang’s concept as carinderia, you may enjoy your meal after the short waits since it is ready to serve straight out of palayoks. Dishes are served on generous portions and affordable prices regardless of the common rates in Metro Manila. “Quality and quantity ang binibigay namin sa lahat ng customers namin sa murang halaga.”, said Mr. Caloy for he opted to not suffer any of those Q in their carinderia.
Pricing can’t be considered bad. As people often say, “Hindi ka na lugi!”. In fact, dishes are usually good for two people because of the fair serving/portion size.
“Sulit naman ‘yung 50 php mo dahil masarap at marami ang serving ng ulam. Pwede kayong maghati nang kasama mo if tag-tipid talaga.”, said Johanna Mae Bolanos, a PUPian and also a contant Akangista.
Definitely, a must try!
Because of these, Chef Akang has become PUPian’s most preferred carinderia in Teresa and also even by customers from faraway places. According to Mr. Kaloy, Chef Akang have done orders from events, weddings, parties, etc.
“Sa Teresa [namin piniling itayo ang Chef Akang] dahil ang target [market] namin is students ng mga PUP, luckily pati mga residents ng Teresa [at yung ibang nanggagaling] pa sa malalayo eh tinatangkilik din kami.”, Mr. Kaloy added.
Chef Akang might have been creative and accessible, instead of going back in your province, this carinderia will instead bring your province to you.
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