Sing along to Sinigang
Mr Fav Roll sits on the intersection of New and Old Canterbury Road, a long-standing McDonalds stronghold. Their signage is busy but it is honestly hard to work out what’s going on from the outside. For months we had driven past, each time picking up new leads on what food they might be serving. It is certainly Asian, but the “roll” part is confusing as there is a picture of sushi and some nods to Viet food. Then a sign with ube and milkfish was spotted, so Filo was the last best guess.
With The Who playing in the background, a primed appetite and some cash, it was time to investigate.
The inside is immediately eclectic. The blue checkered tablecloths and timber finishing give off a country ranch vibe. Then there are the artificial flowers and tissue boxes on the tables - more Asian than fried rice. Mr Fav Rolls is indeed a Filipino food spot, and like other new Pinoy joints around town, they have applied the old 2-in-1. Unlike the more common grocery store/eatery model, they have gone the eatery/karaoke bar combo.
There is a decent sized menu, plus a bain marie selection covering Filo essentials. Think lechon, spaghetti, menudo. Spring rolls seem to be the source of their inspiration, also evidenced by the Gumby look-a-like mascot.
After an age of browsing the binder folder menu, it was back to the display. The prawns in oyster sauce are garlicky, peppery and dark-sweet. The plump meat is cooked just right. The sinigang was recommended with the prawn, as its flavours and texture provide a welcome contrast - clear soup characterised by the sour tamarind, pork bones, okra and other veggies. Both dishes definitely stirred feelings of eating at a friend’s house. The halo halo was the chosen finisher and passed the “not too sweet test” in flying colours.
Mr Fav Rolls is peculiar to say the least but the karaoke set up looks legit (no surprises there) and the food is good. Local enterprise at its best. We love to see it!
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