Karinderya

Karinderya — Flavorful classics. Party trays that impress. Price/value debate.

Restaurant Category: Casual Filipino turo-turo/canteen with dine-in, takeout, and party trays; $9–$20 per plate typical.

Menu Highlights:
– Beef kaldereta (often praised as a standout)
– Pork BBQ (juicy, “to-die-for”)
– Palabok (family-size version with generous toppings)
– Bulalo and sisig (favorites for some diners)
– Pancit canton, sweet & sour fish, chop suey
– Dinuguan (rich and authentic-tasting)
– Fried pork belly (crispy, with sweet vinegar)

Service Highlights:
– Friendly, welcoming staff who explain dishes to first-timers
– Easy ordering via Facebook; party orders ready on time
– Hot, filling lunch combos available (often under $15)
– Flavors hold up well even as leftovers
– Newly renovated space for dine-in

Notes:
– Several customers mention noticeable price hikes and smaller portions; some feel overall spend is high (e.g., around $40 for two orders)
– Dessert-on-a-stick (kariocha/carioca) called pricey by some
– Chicken curry didn’t wow a few diners
– One diner found stewed pork belly tougher than expected
– Dishes on the steam table aren’t always labeled, which can make ordering confusing
– Phone-order frustrations (long holds, dropped calls); a few mention curt or defensive online responses

Customers come for the comforting, home-style flavors—especially the beef kaldereta, pork BBQ, and palabok. Party trays for events get a lot of love, with folks calling them generous, well-sauced, and a hit with guests. Diners enjoy bulalo and sisig too, plus crispy fried pork belly that stays hot and crunchy. Many mention friendly, welcoming staff who help explain dishes, and some appreciate the budget-friendly lunch combos that can come in under $15. There’s also a newly refreshed dine-in space, and people say leftovers reheat beautifully.

Diners enjoy the food overall, although a number of customers mention price increases and smaller portions. Some people love the desserts, while others feel items like the kariocha/carioca skewers are too expensive now. A few dishes are more hit-or-miss—chicken curry didn’t land for some, and one person found the stewed pork belly a bit tough. Some customers claim the lack of labels on the steam table makes ordering tricky if you don’t speak Tagalog, and there are reports of phone orders stuck on hold or dropped. A few folks mention tense exchanges online that left a bad impression. Meanwhile, others refer to it as Karinderya by Seb and Nik and rave about bulalo and sisig, underscoring how strongly fans feel about the flavors when everything clicks.