Bringing their own flair to traditional Filipino food, owners Bayani and Lorena Alcantara have been married for 31 years and running Panciteria de Manila together for the past six.
Both the menu and the friendly atmosphere epitomize the Filipino family-style culture. With a variety of stir-fries, fresh seafood and creative desserts, it’s best to come with a few friends — and a hearty appetite.
Salty, sweet, and spicy all at once, the Pork Sisig is rich in flavour. Diced onions, green peppers and chopped pork come searing-hot on a sizzling cast-iron plate. Mix in the egg yolk and special secret sauce, and dig in. Also great for sharing are the Crispy Fried Milkfish and the Pancit Bihon con Lechon. A high pile of rice noodles is topped with pan-fried vegetables and cubes of crispy yet tender pork belly.
For more adventurous eaters, there is the Tokwa’t Baboy, a dish made with tofu, red onions, bell peppers and pork ears.
Consistent with the Filipino entertainment culture, come the weekend the tables are pushed together and local performers take the Panciteria stage, giving a festive feel to the dining experience.
12832 137 Ave. NW, 780-425-5757, panciteriademanila.com
This article appears in the August 2019 issue of Avenue Edmonton
