Food
HOLA, FOODIES of Ateneo! In this part of the John Gokongwei Student Enterprise Center (JSEC) Challenge Roundup, Vantage Magazine indulges in the savory and protein-rich delights from the other side of the world. Whether classic birrias or innovative fusion bowls, these unique spins on beloved Western dishes might just be your next favorite meal along Red Brick Road.
La Tortilla
La Tortilla leans into familiar Mexican-inspired comfort food, offering a lineup of staples that feel right at home in the fast-paced environment of the JSEC Challenge. It’s the kind of stall that doesn’t try to reinvent its cuisine, instead it banks on flavors students already know and enjoy.
Across the menu, the use of cheese stands out. In their Esquites (Php 65), the sweet, juicy corn kernels pair well with the melted cheese, creating a balanced and comforting bite. With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, La Tortilla’s Esquites could be the perfect appetizer or quick snack—if only the portion were a bit more generous.
The soft, richly melted cheese filling stands out in the Quesadillas (Php 100), bringing a cohesive and flavorful bite. Paired with a side of ranch dip, the quesadilla gains a creamy and tangy contrast, though the tortilla itself leans slightly rubbery, which takes away from its otherwise soft bite.
The Beef Fajita Wrap (Php 100), however, shows less of this strength, as the cheese fails to be the saving grace. The cheesy base offers a strong, savory start, while the addition of lettuce, onions, and jalapeños brings a welcome freshness and a very slight heat. Still, the beef is slightly dry and unevenly distributed, resulting in inconsistent bites that lack the moisture and richness found in the rest of the wrap.
Despite these inconsistencies, La Tortilla stands as a reliable and budget-friendly option. It provides an accessible, no-frills experience that caters well to those looking for a quick grub, delivering familiar flavors with ease.
3/5 🌮🌮🌮/🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮
Bueno
Across its menu, Bueno brings their own take on Mexican flavors with a special focus on nutritional value! The stall offers two bases: a burrito and a bowl, which you can customize with different carbohydrate options, vegetables, protein sources, and sauces. Customers are recommended to try either the Fajita Beef Bueno Bowl with Creamy Sriracha Sauce (Php 155) or Herbed Chicken Burrito with Garlic Aioli Sauce (Php 155)—and for good reason.
Neither dish compromises flavor for nutrition. The Fajita Beef Bueno Bowl builds a well-seasoned, tastefully indulgent meal with black rice—a healthier alternative to your usual white variant—and nutritional vegetables such as lettuce, corn, and onion. The beef, drizzled with jalapeño sriracha, offers a rustic smokiness to each mouthful. However, spice lovers may find themselves wanting an extra kick in the sauce.
The beef bowl is only slightly surpassed by the Herbed Chicken Burrito. Its garlic aioli sauce deepens the taste profile, while the marinated chicken spruces up the dish with light Cajun seasoning. The burrito is also slightly more filling, justifying the additional Php 15 you pay to upgrade your base from its chicken bowl counterpart.
Perhaps, the only lackluster element is the Bueno Bowl’s kamote (sweet potato), which sticks out like a sore thumb. It is slightly dry, awkwardly earthy, and a minor hassle to bite in between each spoonful. This is where Bueno’s customizability comes in handy: customers can opt to either exclude the kamote and just stick with rice, or include it for the additional calorie bulk.
However, the sweet potato is well-utilized in Bueno’s Loaded Kamote Crisps (Php 95). Its combination of both sriracha and garlic aioli sauces packs the snack with creamy savor, yet avoids palate fatigue through its careful balance of flavor. The kamote’s subtle sweetness elevates these crisps beyond your usual finger food.
Overall, Bueno makes good on its promise to deliver meals that satisfy both your taste buds and diet requirements. The stall would definitely be a hit for Atenean health buffs and foodies alike!
4.5/5 🌯🌯🌯🌯/🌯🌯🌯🌯🌯
Breadwinner
Breadwinner’s concept is anchored on filling, easy-to-grab food suitable for busy students with just three sandwich options. Contrary to the promise of “on-the-go” sandwich packaging, the food was served on open paper tubs, undermining its portability.
Despite this lapse in presentation, the richness of their sandwiches stands out. The ciabatta had a satisfying crunch for both the Birria Carnitas (Php 210) and Chicken Pesto (Php 200), owing to their garlic butter and handy panini press. While there was space for more filling, their Birria sandwich’s slow-cooked carnitas was delightfully tender with a deep savory stew flavor.
Meanwhile, the Chicken Pesto had a good chicken-to-bread ratio, and the basil added a vibrant, herbal flavor. What stood out in both sandwiches was the generous amount of thick, salty cheese, creating the perfect complement for each sandwich’s sauce.
To finish the meal, their Potato Wedges (Php 70 if bought with a sandwich or Php 120 à la carte), seasoned with paprika and parsley, are as satisfying as they look. With a golden brown exterior, their wedges are the ideal combination of a crispy chip crunch and the fluffiness of a baked potato.
With a quick turnaround and scrumptious portions that justify the price, it would be no surprise if they hold not just the “Breadwinner” title, but one of the top prizes at JSEC Challenge!
4.5/5 🥪🥪🥪🥪/ 🥪🥪🥪🥪🥪
