Sa Kanto by Il Ponticello at The Podium

Maybe I didn't walk around outside too much as a child or teen, but whatever the case, with the exception of fishball, I've never really eaten Filipino street food. So when we were invited to Sa Kanto by Il Ponticello, I said yes without second thought. After all, Sa Kanto is from the same group who has brought us Borough, a restaurant which I really like. Sa Kanto literally translates to "At the corner" which usually refers to a street corner.

Sa Kanto reminds me of a gated house from a time gone by. It's got kind of a nostalgic vibe going.

Anyhow we kicked the evening off with a welcome drink called Tumbang Preso (P120 per serving, pictured above). White Rum, Triple Sec, Ginger Liquer, Sour Mix, and Sprite make it a mild and refreshing cocktail.

Then we had a slew of street food which served as our appetizers starting with Crablets (P260, pictured above). Crunchy and meant to be eaten whole in one bite, they come topped with crispy potato strings and vinegar for dipping.

There was also Chicharon Bulaklak (P220, pictured above), which is basically crispy fried intestines. I don't eat animal innards and so I gave it a miss. My companions told me it was pretty good though.

That night was the first time I've ever encountered Kwek Kwek (P110, pictured above), which are quail eggs covered in crisp fluffy batter. I found it very interesting and I think I had two. :)

Dynamite (P250, pictured above) was another unique offering. Chili fingers are stuffed with ground beef and cheese then breaded and deep fried. I liked it a lot, but most of my companions found it too spicy.

Of course there were Fishballs (P80, pictured above), perhaps the most popular Filipino street food of all. They came with three sauces -- spicy, sweet, and salty. :D

After the street food we also had a lot of main dishes, but I only chose to highlight those I liked best starting with Pork Binagoongan (P325, pictured above). Pork belly is sauteed in Filipino shrimp paste (bagoong) and served with crispy breaded eggplant. I savored the tasty pork with some steamed pandan rice.

Then there was Laing (P200, pictured above) which are spicy taro leaves stewed in coconut cream. It goes very well with rice.

Then we had Ensaladang Filipino (P150, pictured above), a trio comprised of salted egg and tomatoes, smokey eggplant and onions, and mangoes with fermented shrimp.

For dessert, we had Turon with Langka Sauce (P120, pictured above). I normally don't like Langka (jackfruit) but the sauce was pretty nice.

Leche Flan (P150, pictured above) was served too. It's a creamy custard made of milk and egg yolks.

Sa Kanto has a bar area which is accessible from the street level. It remains open until the wee hours for people who want to chill with some drinks.

There's also a spacious second level wherein you can hold small functions.

Sa Kanto by Il Ponticello brings us street food that dreams are made of without any of the accompanying flies, dust, and dirty utensils haha! I find the place rather nostalgic as I've mentioned earlier, reminiscent of my childhood days when I'd go out of school, walk around and buy fishball before going home.

Sa Kanto by Il Ponticello

G/F The Podium

ADB Ave., Mandaluyong City

477-9045

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