I did not know about this particular branch of Rufo's in Alabang until my colleagues mentioned about it. For some reasons, my initial impression is that their specialty is barbecue. That was until I myself visited the restaurant. They claim the phrase "famous tapa" on their name. Tapa means dried meat. Either way, I wanted something not fried or dried when I went there. I got excited when I saw sinigang on their menu. There is even an option between bangus (milkfish) or pork.
Some of my former Singaporean colleagues were saying that our Filipino sinigang is like Thailand's tom yam. Since they talked about similarity, I asked about differences. They were saying that tom yam is the same with our sinigang except that tom yam is spicy.
"Then they are not the same!"
So what is sinigang?
Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savoury taste most often associated with tamarind (Filipino: sampalok). It is one of the more popular dishes in Filipino cuisine.
While I was waiting in line to place my order, I noticed a guy in casual wear serving orders. That gave me the impression that he is the owner. I admire business owners who join their crew with the ground work. It is one thing to delegate. It is another to make your people feel that you are one of them.
I placed my order and the crew asked if that is all. I paused for a while and looked at the menu overhead then down in front of the registry and saw this table menu. I ordered for the creamy fruit fiesta but he said they are out of stock even the leche flan.
"So no dessert for now," I thought. On the positive side, that is lesser expenses.
I took my number and had a seat. There was not much diner in the place. It was past one in the afternoon afterall. Lunch time is over which is a perfect timing for me not to be competing with so many diners in queue.
Notice the stacks of beer cases on the side of the counter? That is because the place can turn into a bar at night.
It did not take long and the crew came to serve my glass of water. Shortly after that, he came back with my order.
At first I thought the sinigang has mostly veggies so I scooped and turned to see the content. So far, my first impression was not correct. The balance between the main ingredient, bangus, is just right with the veggie extenders.
If there is one thing that I love about this version of sinigang, it is the level of sourness. That is because I have experienced what they claim as sinigang but tasted like just boiled stew with salt and no savoring.
On the wall to my right at about 45° from my head is this promo poster. Typical Filipinos would love the unli (that is, unlimited) rice for just an additional cost of P15.00 (US $0.29). That is very cost friendly.
After I finished my meal, I stood up to go but paused for the posters on the wall. I called the crew's attention, who was sweeping the floor that time, and asked if I can take photos. He said yes.
The conception and birth of the restaurant business is humbling. To see the story on their wall is amusing.
Across to the other wall is this bigger poster boasting a typical breakfast set with the tapa. It occupied almost the whole wall. Below the poster is a list of their branches. Apparently, this branch is the newest.
I wonder how long they have been operating when I sae this opening poster to the left outside of the restaurant.
The interior area is already spacious and looked cozy but they still have more outside. While I know that outside tables are usually for smoking area, which I do not like smoking, I thought dining outside would be cooler specially at night. That is definitely worth witnessing and experiencing
Rufo's Famous Tapa
Ground Floor
Filinvest Axis Tower 1
Northgate Avenue
Alabang
Muntinlupa City
Metro Manilacross
Philippines
Restaurant Information
Rufo's Famous Tapa
filinvest axis tower one alabang, Northgate Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines
Sour and savory
This post participated in the Tasteem contest Local Dishes