Article by Christian Chagas / Graphics by Sheena Dy
As a Filipino, there are foods that are considered as kinagawian. Whether it be your lola’s sinigang or your mom’s sisig, there are foods that uphold the core values of a Filipino household. With that being said, a Mexican family also contains items that are staple in every Mexican household, foods we know such as burritos, tacos, nachos, and such. Gordito’s Fil-Mex Cocina offers a harmonious marriage between the two cuisines, and our team had the privilege to try out what the cocina has to offer.
The place provides an interior encapsulating the Mexican culture. Colors yellow and green are prominent, reminiscent to lemon and lime. They also have artsy canvases of Mexican food displayed on one side of their wall, and the wood furniture provides a rustic charm that appeals to any person of any age. A perfect place for families, kids, and barkadas.
The Spanish word gordito translates to ‘chubby child’. Initially, I walked inside the place feeling famished; but after savoring the meal, I had a more-than-happy chubby tummy.
Marlyn Jose, a co-owner of Gordito’s alongside her spouse, Martin Jose, spent months creating recipes for the food they serve. Since they are absolute foodies, they are inspired to capture the Mexican culture in their food. Furthermore, they wanted to bring the Mexican heart in Aguirre St., in order to cater to each Filipino taste bud who find themselves in awe of this cuisine.
Now for the best part, let’s take a look at all the hearty choices of food served:
A favorite (we had A LOT of favorites) of ours. These Jalapeño Cheese Poppers are a stand out because of how perfect the mix of cheese and jalapeños inside the crispy golden brown wrap. Highly recommended for those who have a spice tooth.
Elote Nachos stands for ‘corn cob’ nachos. Generous is an understatement for the serving of corn on the scrumptious bed of nachos, I mean look at that! According to owner Martin Jose, the nachos are made to look like a Mexican hat. Delicious and creative for only P230.
Another favorite of ours. Their quesadilla: Chicken loaded with cheese and veggies is seasoned with Mexican spices and mixed with veggies, and is dressed with cheese. Lots of ‘em.
The Al Pastor Taco is another stunner. The pork is marinated in ancho and chipotle for spice. The pineapple bits on top come as a great pair for a sweet & spicy taco. A great deal for P195.
Gordito’s elevates the Filipino staple by constructing a taco of sisig. The Crispy Sisig Taco is seasoned with spices such as cilantro and cumin with a pretty little quail egg on top. For P185? Kumpletong–kumpleto!
The restaurant makes their own chorizo – and they do not disappoint. The Loaded Chorizo Taco is both sweet & spicy, pan-fried to perfection. The P185 breakfast taco is even topped with scrambled eggs. ¡Híjole!
¿Qué dijiste? Yes. Their Diabla Shrimp Taco comes with tomatillo hot sauce and bell peppers for only P220.
The cocina offers 5 variants of burritos from shrimp, fish, chicken, to beef. You also get to choose between Mexican yellow rice and Cilantro white rice (we recommend the Cilantro white rice, though both are yummy) and either red or black beans. We tasted their Shredded Brisket/Ground Beef Burrito. The serving is incredibly huge for P280!
We cannot stress how AMAZED we were when we saw Gordito’s Chimichanga being served in our table. The huge serving of the fried burrito was still steaming in the middle; it was super fresh.
The taste? One of the best burritos we have ever tasted. The Chimichanga is worth P350.
Have you ever had double-layered 10” tortilla with jack and cheddar cheese, tomatoes, olives, guacamole, sour cream, and meat STUFFED in your mouth? Well, me neither, but Gordito’s Mexican Pizza made it possible. ¡Delicioso! These freshly-made melt-in-your-mouth pizza slices will for surely satisfy your family or barkada. Get it for only P350!
{Special mention: Gordito’s Fil-Mex Cocina’s SALSA!!! Unlike the cold and lifeless salsa being served in Mexican restaurants, Gordito’s makes their salsa fresh. Their salsa pairs with literally anything served. It is the perfect add-on for a Mexican dish.}
Gordito’s Fil-Mex Cocina is no doubt a great restaurant, but what makes it stand out is how the whole place makes you feel like you are in Mexico. From their food, to their walls, and even their music. A highly-recommended place perfect for kids, families, and friends!
Gordito’s Fil-Mex Cocina
Unit A, 186 Aguirre St., BF Homes, Parañaque
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gorditosfilmexcocina
Instagram: @gorditosfilmexcocina
