Words by Patricia “Patilou” Yap
Photos by Krizia Joy Rivera
There’s a new addition to the array of restaurant choices in Ortigas — Saludos Fil+Mex Grillery!
Saludos is a fusion restaurant that combines classic Filipino comfort food with classic Mexican favorites. And if that sounds good, we can tell you that it really is.
What we loved: their Tinapa Pasta, Liempo Chips, Three Cheese Flautas, and Chorizo Garlic Cheese Quesadilla.
Take a look at these dishes here:
Saludos’ Creamy and Zesty Bangus Tinapa Pasta
Tinapa Pasta
At first glance, this pasta dish might look like bright yellow Palabok made with fettuccine noodles — but it’s not! Here, the sauce of the tinapa pasta (Php 290) resembles a classic creamy carbonara; while the flavor profile is made unique with the addition of lemons and bangus tinapa flakes! The lemons give the pasta a hint of zest that helps cut down the oiliness that would otherwise come from the fishy tinapa. Surprisingly though, since Saludos incorporates flakes into their dish, there is little to no oiliness or “lansa” at all — yet the fish flavor does not fade into the back.
Saludos’ cripsy and meaty Liempo Chips served with their signature “gravy”
Liempo Chips
Liempo Chips“Unusual yet familiar” — this is what came to mind when we tasted Saludos’ liempo chips (Php 260). And who doesn’t love liempo?
So, Saludos took on a classic Filipino favorite and came out with an even better version! These liempo chips are thin and crunchy—it makes ordinary fried liempo ashamed of itself. The familiar taste of liempo combined with an amazingly light texture that almost melts in your mouth gives you a “light” snack that’s hard to resist. Try these with Saludos signature “gravy” for an added sweetness.
Saludos’ cheesy and mildy spicy Three Cheese Flautas (left )and savory Chorizo Cheese Garlic Quesadilla (right)
Three Cheese Flautas
Have you ever seen those giant lumpia looking snacks that hold green full-sized chili peppers (siling haba) inside lumpia wrappers? Well, this one’s kind of like it’s more forgiving cousin. The Three Cheese Flautas (Php 245) probably is one of the most delicious food items on this review, and is a fantastic mix of a Filipino and Mexican classic!
Flautas are a Mexican staple. These little guys are commonly filled with shredded meat, cheese, onions, potatoes, and is usually spiced with a bit of—well, spice! In Saludos’ case, their flautas removes the classic meat and replaces it with three-kinds of savory cheese— mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan—adapting the classic to modern taste. The spice factor is also replaced with a bit of sliced Mexican jalapeños. The spice is just right; not too overpowering yet still very much present in taste.
The spice not enough for you? Dip these babies in Saludos’ sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy Ranchero sauce.
Chorizo Garlic Cheese Quesadilla
Keeping up with the rest of their Fil+Mex menu, Saludos has another flavor-packed food item that’s perfect as finger food. Try their Chorizo Garlic Cheese Quesadilla (Php 270)—warm quesadillas filled with creamy cheese, sweet and savory tomatoes, and meaty chorizo. These quesadillas may be thin, but Saludos does not skimp on the filling and flavor.
The overall skin of the quesadilla and the meat blend well together, creating an easy-to-chew go to snack. Its meaty and cheesy inside is then given more flavor depth due to the generous parmesan on top. Try these with their Ranchero sauce as well for a more interesting flavor combination!
SEE ALSO: 13 Must-Visit Mexican Restaurants in Metro Manila
Saludos caters to home delivery, in-house private dining, and table booking. We recommend getting delivery as the place can get real packed during peak hours. No reservation or can’t deliver? Don’t worry, Saludos also serve walk-ins for all those late night cravings. Saludos is open until 4:00 a.m.
Will you bring any Saludos dish to your next group gathering? Let us know!
Saludos Fil+Mex Grillery
Unit G02, Ground Flr., Ortigas Technopoint One Bldg., Ortigas Home Depot, J. Vargas Ave., Pasig City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saludosph/
Instagram: @saludosph
Phone: 09284670071
Email: saludosph@gmail.com
