Through the years, Filipino food has remained a staple on campus. Whether it be through traditional styles or unique takes, stalls that offer this cuisine serve a sliver of home to customers. This year, Kusina attempts to do the same with its classic Filipino dishes.  

Taste

When it comes to taste, the Pork Sisig reigns supreme. Each bite of crunchy pork slathered in a thin film of creamy sauce is an explosion of flavor—the layers of ingredients blend smoothly together in a perfect balance of sweet and salty. 

The Tofu Sisig, a new take on the traditional recipe, follows a similar pattern of a crispy exterior coated in a slightly creamy sauce, but lacks the zesty aftertaste that the Pork Sisig is able to leave behind.                                                                                                    

Though it may not appeal to all because of its fatty bits, the Pork Liempo starts off with a savory kick that transitions into a mild sweetness—yet the meat fails to be as juicy as it could be. 

On the other hand, the Beef Tapa delivers the perfect chewy texture, but might come off as bland unless seasoned with vinegar.                                                                

Concept

Inspired by Filipino cuisine even in name, Kusina chooses to serve meals familiar to students. Its branding does try to give the classic fare a modern look, with bright colors on the menu accompanying a traditionally deep brown logo. The offerings themselves may fail to distinguish themselves from Filipino-themed JSEC stalls of the past and present, but these still succeed in satisfying one’s cravings for local food. 

Quality is also key with this stall, as each type of meat takes several hours to prepare. No shortcuts are made until the meals are chopped, marinated, and cooked to perfection.

Value for money

Kusina’s offerings are all relatively filling. The meals, which start at Php 100, come with a generous heap of rice and just enough meat. Servings aside, Kusina is a good bet for anyone seeking a tasty Filipino lunch on a budget—one can definitely taste the effort put into each dish, as well as the quality of the ingredients.

Final verdict

Kusina brings Filipino comfort food to JSEC, providing scrumptious options for anyone missing that taste of home. The meals are appetizing and filling, but some fall short in the flavor department. Nonetheless, there’s something about the simplicity and affordability of the menu that makes this stall worth a try. 

Rating: 4/5

Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.

Photos by Kelly Veneracion