Kanin + Ulam

Kanin + Ulam — Flavorful ulam. Big portions. Warm, family-run service.

Restaurant Category: Casual, family-run Filipino restaurant; mid-range, many plates under $25; group combo platters available.

Menu Highlights:
– Crispy pata — super crispy skin, juicy inside
– Lechon kawali with house-made suka/lechon gravy
– Sisig (plus fun twist: sisig fries)
– Kare-kare
– Caldereta/kaldareta
– Bulalo
– Bicol express (authentic and spicy)
– Sinigang (delightfully maasim)
– Pancit (bihon/sotanghon-style) and chopsuey
– Garlic rice, lumpia
– Halo-halo (generous mix-ins, creamy custard)
– Leche flan (not too sweet)
– Fried chicken (mixed feedback)

Service Highlights:
– Quick ticket times even for big orders
– Friendly, attentive hospitality that feels like family
– Proactive staff with helpful suggestions
– Thoughtful touches (checking on food, offering extra rice)
– Clean, spacious dining room with cozy seating
– Background music/videos; relaxed, not loud
– Karaoke machine on site for a fun vibe

Notes:
– One diner found fried chicken slightly overcooked
– Delivery adobo via Uber Eats felt pricey for the portion ($24) and light on chicken
– Bicol express runs spicy (a plus for many, but a heads-up)
– A few small inconsistencies (pancit noodle type confusion)

Logistics:
– Located in Surrey; available on Uber Eats for delivery
– Can host private events and celebrations (decor, music/host support)
– Comfortable for large groups

Diners describe Kanin + Ulam as a true hidden gem in Surrey—clean, spacious, and relaxed with background music and even a karaoke machine for a bit of fun. Folks come for the classics done right: crackly lechon kawali with a tangy house vinegar dip, ultra-crispy yet juicy crispy pata, and deeply savory stews like kare-kare, caldereta, and sinigang. Customers also call out the bulalo for tender meat and full beefy flavor, while the Bicol express wins fans for its authentic, spicy kick. Even the sides get love: garlicky rice, tasty pancit, fresh chopsuey, and lumpia. For dessert, the halo-halo gets standout praise—loaded, balanced, and creamy enough to convert non-believers.

Service consistently reads warm and personal. Many mention how the team anticipates needs—checking on orders, offering extra rice, and helping with suggestions when you can’t decide. Several groups say their large orders still arrived quickly. The place feels family-run in the best way, with Ate Marissa’s hospitality highlighted repeatedly and shout-outs to her chef husband in the kitchen. One family even hosted a 65th birthday here and raved about the decorations, cozy setting, and the fun energy with a host/DJ.

There are a few caveats. A diner noted the fried chicken came out a bit overcooked, while an Uber Eats order of chicken adobo felt overpriced for the portion and light on meat compared to potatoes. Some folks mention the Bicol express is on the spicy side, which many love but not everyone expects. Overall, though, customers come for the comforting flavors, big servings, and that welcoming, “parang pamilya” vibe that keeps people planning their next visit.