We started with the Pinakbet Salad (PHP 245). I don't eat Pinakbet but I have to admit this was good. It was a deconstructed pinakbet with shredded green mango and shrimp paste dressing. This was a hit with my mom.
Being sick that day, I had a bowl of Molo Soup (PHP 110). I have very high standards for Pancit Molo in Manila as I feel that this has always been misinterpreted here as Wanton/Siomai soup. This one had all the elements I liked about pancit molo--flavorful broth, toasted garlic and a proper molo wrapping. The meat filling was a bit sweet for my taste but I would say this is the best Pancit Molo I've had in Manila so far.
The Pasta Filipina (PHP 230) was also good with angel hair pasta cooked al dente and crab fat sauce.
The two-way Adobo (PHP 435) came next. This was just ok for us. We were expecting for it to be more on the garlicky side.
The Vietnamese Spring rolls (PHP 267) were alright as well. I think they should've served more lettuce with the spring rolls though.
Of course our meal will not be complete without Kare-Kare (PHP 495). I loved the rich peanut flavor of the sauce enhanced with a side of bagoong. The veggies and the meat were tender. This is still a must-try at Cafe Juanita.
For dessert we opted to share the Sans Rival (PHP 95), Sticky Toffee Pudding (PHP 89) and Caramel Flan (PHP 85). We liked the Sans Rival which has a creamy butter frosting topped with cashews. The Caramel Flan was creamy and tender also. Our favorite though was the Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was buttery all over swimming in toffee and topped with vanilla ice cream.
We had a good dinning experience except for the flu which was bothering me all throughout. Good thing they had calamansi juice in their menu. Since we were on the 2nd floor, service seemed a little bit slower there. It might be better to be able to reserve the seats downstairs.
Cafe Juanita is located at Brgy Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
