Looking for a new place to dine out? I recommend Oriang by Cafe de Bonifacio where you’ll find Filipino dishes with a twist. Located at Fiesta Market in Taguig’s Market! Market!, the restaurant opened only last month. The team of restauranteurs led by Vic and Alfredo Wenceslao decided to put up a unique concept that still treads the path of Andres Bonifacio, naming it after the wife of the father of the Philippine Revolution – Gregoria de Jesus, also known as Aling Oriang.

I love the place. It’s huge an airy. Oriang is also well-lit because of the front glass panel that allows the natural light to come in. The design is modern, yet not the “in your face” kind of thing that other restaurants would want it. The ambiance lends a welcoming vibe, not the intimidating kind.

While we wait for other bloggers to arrive, we ordered some drinks. I had the Ripe Mango with Coconut Cream. The name alone is very Filipino, reminding me of the mangoes from Guimaras and Bicol’s dishes infused with Coconut Cream. A friend had his Watermelon with Basil, another had her Kalamansi with Chinese Dried Plum.

I made the right decision of ordering my drink. The fruity, sweet and rich flavor of mango complemented the thick and creamy coconut milk. I enjoyed every sip of it. The other bloggers attested to also how they liked their drinks – refreshing and unique. To while our time away, we were served a complimentary starter – Oriang Crispy Noodles in Pesto. WARNING: this appetizer is addicting to munch, you’ll end up full with it if you can’t control your appetite. Chili Garlic Butter Prawns was served, perfectly cooked with the chili flavor not overpowering the prawns.  Our dining experienced turned to full gear when the main dishes were served.

Oriang Super Fried Rice is rice sauteed in taba ng talangka, loads of garlic, with grilled liempo strips and Vigan longganisa. We referred to this dish as Kanin pa lang, ulam na, that’s because it is! With the meat, the rice and the entire ingredients so deliciously cooked, I can have this rice dish all by itself. But not until I tasted the rest of foods at Oriang Restaurant.

To be honest, my eyes went straight to this food item when I checked the menu. I love Sinigang, and Bulalo is always a must-try. The fusion of these delicious Filipino dish is a perfect blend. The dish comes in a very large bowl, big enough to serve four people more than once. I love the soup, but the real reason for rejoicing over Oriang’s Nilagang Bulalo is the tender beef that separate itself easily from the bones. Yummy!

If you’re not a big meat eater, Oriang’s Crispy Hito will surely meet your fish requirement. Filleted and served with Okra and Bitter Melon, I find the plating unique and very convenient. Hito is not one of those fish I often get to eat, so this is a very good opportunity to have one. It’s crispy on the outside, but when I took a bite into it, I can still enjoy the soft fish meat. Obviously, they know how to fry fish crispy without overcooking it.

For a balanced meal, we ordered a vegetable dish – Pinakbet with Liempo and Chicharon. I always order this dish when I visit restaurants serving Filipino cuisine. But what I liked with Oriang’s version is that the Okra is not slimy. I’m one of those not fond of eating this vegetable because of the feel in my mouth. Oriang successfully cooked Okra for people like me. I love! Make sure to leave room for desserts like we did.

We were already full at this point, having savored all the food. But we couldn’t resist the sight of mouth-watering desserts on the menu. The Coffee Leche Flan gave me a kick as the infused flavor is very evident. The Mango Roti Latik is like a mango crepe poured with thick latik. My recommended dessert is Turon de Gregoria, a fresh take on the Filipino snack, this time stacks of molo wrapper and sweetened banana slices with vanilla ice cream on the side. Unlike the other banana desserts that I tasted, this one is not heavy. The ice cream is also creamy.

I highly recommend Oriang by Cafe de Bonifacio whether dining with family and friends; even meeting with clients. They successfully fused modern taste with our favorite Filipino dishes, a revolution in Filipino cuisine. And to think that the restaurant is just getting started. Diners will definitely find value for money with the foods priced just right when I take into consideration the serving sizes, taste and quality. The restaurant is open from 11am to 12 midnight on Sundays to Thursdays and 11am to 1am every Fridays to Saturdays. Don’t forget to connect on Facebook where updates on promos are posted.