Hello, everyone!
Guess what? I went on another little adventure with our Filipino staff member, Ann!
Well… technically, it was a business trip around town. We were out meeting people and exploring new opportunities related to the Philippines.
But here’s something I’ve noticed.
Whenever I go out on sales visits with Ann, we somehow end up at a Filipino restaurant for lunch.
And I mean… EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. 😂
Coincidence? I think not!
I guess there’s just something special about the taste of home.
And honestly, I totally get it!
Whenever I’ve spent a long time overseas, I’ve found myself desperately craving Japanese food.
So who am I to stand between Ann and her beloved Filipino cuisine?
Besides, I’m certainly not complaining. Good food is good food, right? 😆
A Little Piece of the Philippines in Kitanagoya!
This time, our lunchtime adventure took us to Alisha’s Grill, a Filipino restaurant in Kitanagoya, Aichi Prefecture!
From the outside, it looks like a cozy little neighborhood restaurant.
But step inside, and you’ll find Filipino snacks, drinks, and all sorts of goodies that make you feel like you’ve taken a quick trip to the Philippines!
We arrived well past the usual lunch rush, so the restaurant was nice and quiet.
Perfect!
Plenty of time to relax, enjoy our food, and recharge before heading back to work.
Speaking of food…
Enough about business!
Let’s get to the REAL reason you’re reading this blog! 😂
🍝 Sweet Spaghetti!? Oh Yes, We’re Going Full Filipino!
With so many delicious-looking dishes on the menu, choosing what to eat wasn’t easy.
But eventually, I made my decision!
Filipino-style spaghetti, two pieces of fried chicken, and French fries!
Just look at that plate!
Now THAT’S what I call a proper lunch!
First up, the spaghetti.
One bite and…
WAIT A MINUTE!
I KNOW THIS TASTE!!
It tasted just like the spaghetti I had at Jollibee in Manila! 🇵🇭
If you’ve never tried Filipino-style spaghetti before, here’s a little surprise.
It’s SWEET!
Yes, you read that correctly.
Sweet spaghetti!
Unlike the more savory tomato-based spaghetti we’re used to in Japan, Filipino spaghetti has a distinctly sweet, rich sauce.
It might catch you off guard at first, but trust me, there’s something strangely addictive about it.
And suddenly, I was having flashbacks to my trip to Manila!
As for the fried chicken and French fries?
Crispy, golden, delicious.
No complicated explanation needed.
Just pure happiness on a plate! 😋
🥘 Kare-Kare: The Curry That Isn’t Curry!
Meanwhile, Ann went for something a little more traditional.
Beef Kare-Kare!
Now, here’s a question.
When you hear the name “Kare-Kare,” what comes to mind?
Curry, right?
Well…
WRONG!! 😂
Despite the name, Kare-Kare has absolutely nothing to do with the Japanese curry you might be imagining!
No familiar curry spices.
No typical curry flavor.
Instead, this traditional Filipino dish features tender meat and vegetables in a rich, creamy peanut-based sauce.
It’s a completely different experience!
And definitely not something you come across every day in Japan.
I have to admit, the first time I heard the name, I was expecting curry.
What I got was a delicious reminder that there’s still so much Filipino food I haven’t discovered!
And Ann?
Of course she knew exactly what she was ordering.
She’s the Filipino food expert here, after all!
Me? I’m still a student in the wonderful world of Pinoy cuisine! 😂
📖 So Many Filipino Dishes… So Little Stomach Space!
Of course, the adventure didn’t end with our main dishes.
There were plenty of other things on the menu that caught my attention!
Beef Nilaga, Pork Sinigang…
So many dishes I still want to try!
And then came the desserts.
Leche Flan, Kutsinta, Palitaw…
Wait, wait, wait!
What are all these delicious-looking things!?
For anyone unfamiliar with Filipino desserts, these names might sound like a whole new language.
Well, technically, they are! 😂
But that’s part of the fun.
Discovering unfamiliar food is one of my favorite things about exploring other cultures.
Unfortunately, there was just one tiny problem.
MY STOMACH WAS ALREADY FULL!!
I may love Filipino food, but even I have my limits.
So, dear desserts…
It’s not goodbye.
It’s just “See you next time!” 😂
And another nice surprise?
The prices were quite reasonable!
Delicious food, generous portions, and a relaxed atmosphere.
What more could you ask for?
😊 Filipino Hospitality at Its Best!
One of the highlights of our visit wasn’t just the food.
It was the people!
The staff member who welcomed us was also from the Philippines, and she was incredibly friendly, cheerful, and attentive.
There’s something about Filipino hospitality that always makes you feel welcome.
Warm smiles, friendly conversation, and a genuine sense of kindness.
It’s one of the things I really love about the Philippines!
Before leaving, we took a little commemorative photo together.
Smile! 📸
And here’s a little bit of ACT YOU TRAVEL news!
We were also kindly allowed to leave Ann’s business cards at the restaurant.
Thank you so much! Salamat po!!
So, if you happen to spot one of our cards while enjoying your next Filipino meal, that’s us!
And if you’re thinking about traveling to Japan or the Philippines, we’d love to help you plan your next adventure!
✈️ Your Next Trip to the Philippines Might Start with Lunch!
So, what did we learn from today’s little food adventure?
First, Filipino spaghetti is sweet.
Second, Kare-Kare is NOT curry.
Third, never underestimate how much food you can eat when everything looks delicious!
And finally…
You don’t have to fly all the way to Manila to enjoy a little taste of the Philippines!
Sometimes, an amazing cultural experience is waiting right around the corner.
For those of you who have never tried Filipino cuisine, why not give it a shot?
You might discover your new favorite dish!
And to our Filipino friends living in Japan…
If you’re missing the flavors of home, this might just be the place to satisfy those cravings.
As for me?
I’m already looking forward to my next Filipino food adventure with Ann!
Although, at this rate, I might need to start calling our sales visits…
“Business Trips Sponsored by Filipino Food!” 😂
Just kidding, boss! We’re working hard, I promise!
Maraming salamat, Alisha’s Grill!
Sarap! Busog na busog!
(Delicious! I’m absolutely stuffed!)
See you on our next adventure!
From Japan to the Philippines, let’s keep connecting people, cultures, and unforgettable experiences! 🌏✈️
— ACT YOU TRAVEL