I just started to not eat meat a week ago and thought I would try this place and I was really impressed how the "meat and egg" tasted. I ordered the tocilog, lumpia, chick'n sandwich and impossible burger and it was so GOOD! Anybody who is trying to change to a plant base diet should eat here! The food is DELICIOUS!!!
Erin P.
The place is really a quick pick up order place. Love Chef Reina (also famous for her cameo on the recent Netflix series, "You Are What You Eat," so I couldn't wait to try. The Service It was wait was not too long, I went to the local liquor store to grab a drink since this place doesn't have drinks. The Taste This place has great vegan Filipino food , which is ultra rare. I had the tocilog, which was yummy. I would have wanted more sweetness, maybe achara on the size or more of a sauce to flavor, it did have green onion and tomato which helped give the meat acidity though (it's the Kapampangan in me that loves achara) and it definitely was not too oily unlike most tocilog, which I thought was a lot healthier than most traditional Filipino food. They also had scrambled eggs which I believed were vegan as well and it wad a nice surprise with good texture comparable to what you'd fine in a red egg. the garlic rice was yummy and well seasoned, very heavy flavors. I also had the mac salad which was good, which I craved and sweet with chopped pineapple. Verdict I def recommend as a must-have and there were so many other menu items I didn't get to try. I think the only thing I would have liked more was drink options and achara.
Kendra G.
My guy and I ordered brunch from here and while I wanted to love it (I'm always in search of great vegan/vegetarian eateries), it fell short. We ordered the ube pancakes and the birria burrito. My ube pancakes were uber gummy/sticky and tasted like a big ball of flour... otherwise, there was no "ube" (or any other) flavor to speak. Also, I thought there would be 3 pancakes, but there were only two. It was $16+ not well spent. The birria burrito was lacking in flavor, BUT was a good size and while he didn't enjoy the lack of flavor, he appreciated that it was filling given its $19 price tag. When we initially looked at the menu we thought we'd want to try so many things, but after being disappointed by our first go at the place, we likely will not go back.... Also, we went fairly early in the day and we asked about the cupcakes (because I read in another review that the cupcakes were good), but they said the cupcakes were "sold out" for the day. I found that language odd because they hadn't been open long enough to be "sold out" of anything yet, but maybe they just meant they weren't selling any that day. Overall, I'm going to give the food TWO stars, but I'll add a third star for customer service because the young lady at the register (Cat) was super friendly!!
Eden Harris
Vegetarian options: Everything is vegan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sabrina M.
Amazing food!!! I'm Filipino and vegan so knowing this place exists makes my heart so happy, but I've also brought multiple non vegans here who love it as well! The food is excellent and the service is great. The worst part is that I can't order the whole menu at once . My friend and I shared the Birria tacos, sisig silog, and tocilog. Everything was amazing but the tocilog was my favorite! It was so much food I had leftovers the next day and it was still so good! I also got the ube flan but forgot to take a picture of it. I can't wait to come back next time I'm in town!
Katie Blankenburg
Came here because I had some time to kill before picking up my mom at SFO. Also, I've been following Chef Reina on Instagram for years!I'm so happy I stopped by and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. I had a bit of a food tour before coming here so I really wasn't that hungry at all but I ended up getting the crunch wrap. Kay, who was working there was so incredibly nice, walked me through the menu, and we gushed about NYC's vegan food scene.The crunch shop was incredible. It was packed to the rim with all the right flavors and textures. If you can't decide what to get in you're hungry this is definitely going to fill you up - I wasn't able to finish at all.There isn't anywhere to eat inside, but it's an order at the window situation and then there's a table outside to eat at. Also, if you need a restroom, you can use the gorgeous public library, which is just a block or two up.I'm dying to come back with a big appetite and try the birria as well as some other items!Vegetarian options: It's vegan and therefore 100% vegetarianDietary restrictions: It's 100% vegan so vegetarian and pescatarian, by default
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen O.
Amazing vegan filipino food. The vegan spam is oh so special. Only takeout, but there is a small cafe table option just outside.
Peter W.
Vegan filipino food is a rare find. Nestled in lil' downtown Brisbane Chef Reina is a small and humble spot with two outdoor tables and chairs. The staff greets you with a lot of warmth and energy asking if you've been here before and is eager to tell you about the cuisine and what's good. We tried the sisiglog and the tocilog and they were delish! They really captured the savory element of these dishes and fills you up. Honestly, I did not miss the meat at all. Would of been 5 stars but they ran out of so many items on the menu. Highly recommend
Phil J.
We live in Brisbane but only now just discovered Chef Reina. It was incredible - flavors were amazing. Don't think vegan - think great food (whatever your diet) - you will not be disappointed. We had the adobo, sisig and carñitas crunch wrap. Looking forward to trying other items next time. Very happy to now add Chef Reina to our list of regulars. Would suggest ordering online. There's not really any seating but just a few steps away is Brisbane Community Park. On a nice day take a blanket, enjoy the views of San Bruno Mountain, and have some amazing food!
Jacqueline Medrano
AMAZING PLANT BASED FILIPINO FOOD. we got the longsilog, chick’n katsu and ube pancakes for sunday brunch. so so delicious! beautiful view of the mountains, amazing service and delectable food :-) highly recommend !!
Overpriced, underwhelming vegan dishes that disappointed on the highest level. Its when small businesses like this one get too comfortable that the initial dishes that brought them customers no longer looks or tastes like they care. Maybe it was because there was just way too many offerings and they were minimizing? Whatever the case maybe I found the juxtaposition between the flexing of celebrities and the old menus crossed out on the window with white out alarming. I should have taken this as a prelude for what was to come. The menu was confusing and deceiving. When I received my food I was extremely disappointed with how it looked, tasted, and the overall quality of the adobo. From growing up in Hawaii and living in the Bay Area with their limitless Filipino food offerings, I have had my fill of top notch adobo before becoming vegan. I was highly anticipating the all-too familiar taste (and maybe texture) of this comfort food. Quickly after my first bite, that anticipation turned to disappointment. The chicken adobo broth was too thick, too salty, and had more potato (huge chunks) and soy sauce than the protein that was supposed to be the center of this chicken adobo dish. The pancit barely had any flavor. I used 'barely' because the vegetable that overfilled it was the only thing you tasted. The celery stuck out like a sore thumb. I missed the flavors of the pancit I tasted at other Filipino mom and pop restaurants nearby. Therefore although I went with high expectations, I left none too pleased and for that I cannot recommend this place.
Victoria B.
My bf wanted to try this place as we are vegan so so we did the drive from SJ and we were not disappointed! Cat was very warm and welcoming. She explained the menu and gave us pointers since it was our first time there. We were able to try a few items by ordering by the piece which was awesome. The lumpia was delicious, crispy and had fresh veg. My bf inhaled his Crunchwrap! The Ube pancake was not too sweet which was a nice dessert. I've never heard of Tocilog before but Cat recommended it and it was great late breakfast meal. Everything was perfectly cooked and you can tell that they make it with love. To the multiple people who walked away after finding out it was all vegan - you missed out! Cat you handled them like a pro. We will definitely be coming back! Note - it is just takeout BUT there was a table right on the sidewalk where you order and plenty of benches and a park nearby.
Jami A.
Both the vegan sisig and tocino tasted truly like a lighter version of the pork dish. My boyfriend and I slightly liked the tocino more. The marinade on the jackfruit is not too sweet or salty but just perfect. The only downside to this place is that they do not provide dine in so be prepared to eat your meal at home, car, or down the street at the local park. On a Friday afternoon they were out of many of their menu items. I would love to try more dishes from chef Reina if I was ever in the area again.
Katie B.
Came here because I had some time to kill before picking up my mom at SFO. Also, I've been following Chef Reina on Instagram for years! I'm so happy I stopped by and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. I had a bit of a food tour before coming here so I really wasn't that hungry at all but I ended up getting the crunch wrap. Kay, who was working there was so incredibly nice, walked me through the menu, and we gushed about NYC's vegan food scene. The crunch shop was incredible. It was packed to the rim with all the right flavors and textures. If you can't decide what to get in you're hungry this is definitely going to fill you up - I wasn't able to finish at all. There isn't anywhere to eat inside, but it's an order at the window situation and then there's a table outside to eat at. Also, if you need a restroom, you can use the gorgeous public library, which is just a block or two up. I'm dying to come back with a big appetite and try the birria as well as some other items!
Nikhil M.
This place is AMAZING. As a takeout only vegan hole in the wall, I wasn't sure what to expect. The Tocilog is my personal favorite and full of flavor. We also tried the Birria Quesadilla which was also really good but was a little heavy. Overall would definitely recommend and I will be going back to try even more.
I just started to not eat meat a week ago and thought I would try this place and I was really impressed how the "meat and egg" tasted. I ordered the tocilog, lumpia, chick'n sandwich and impossible burger and it was so GOOD! Anybody who is trying to change to a plant base diet should eat here! The food is DELICIOUS!!!
The place is really a quick pick up order place. Love Chef Reina (also famous for her cameo on the recent Netflix series, "You Are What You Eat," so I couldn't wait to try. The Service It was wait was not too long, I went to the local liquor store to grab a drink since this place doesn't have drinks. The Taste This place has great vegan Filipino food , which is ultra rare. I had the tocilog, which was yummy. I would have wanted more sweetness, maybe achara on the size or more of a sauce to flavor, it did have green onion and tomato which helped give the meat acidity though (it's the Kapampangan in me that loves achara) and it definitely was not too oily unlike most tocilog, which I thought was a lot healthier than most traditional Filipino food. They also had scrambled eggs which I believed were vegan as well and it wad a nice surprise with good texture comparable to what you'd fine in a red egg. the garlic rice was yummy and well seasoned, very heavy flavors. I also had the mac salad which was good, which I craved and sweet with chopped pineapple. Verdict I def recommend as a must-have and there were so many other menu items I didn't get to try. I think the only thing I would have liked more was drink options and achara.
My guy and I ordered brunch from here and while I wanted to love it (I'm always in search of great vegan/vegetarian eateries), it fell short. We ordered the ube pancakes and the birria burrito. My ube pancakes were uber gummy/sticky and tasted like a big ball of flour... otherwise, there was no "ube" (or any other) flavor to speak. Also, I thought there would be 3 pancakes, but there were only two. It was $16+ not well spent. The birria burrito was lacking in flavor, BUT was a good size and while he didn't enjoy the lack of flavor, he appreciated that it was filling given its $19 price tag. When we initially looked at the menu we thought we'd want to try so many things, but after being disappointed by our first go at the place, we likely will not go back.... Also, we went fairly early in the day and we asked about the cupcakes (because I read in another review that the cupcakes were good), but they said the cupcakes were "sold out" for the day. I found that language odd because they hadn't been open long enough to be "sold out" of anything yet, but maybe they just meant they weren't selling any that day. Overall, I'm going to give the food TWO stars, but I'll add a third star for customer service because the young lady at the register (Cat) was super friendly!!
Vegetarian options: Everything is vegan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food!!! I'm Filipino and vegan so knowing this place exists makes my heart so happy, but I've also brought multiple non vegans here who love it as well! The food is excellent and the service is great. The worst part is that I can't order the whole menu at once . My friend and I shared the Birria tacos, sisig silog, and tocilog. Everything was amazing but the tocilog was my favorite! It was so much food I had leftovers the next day and it was still so good! I also got the ube flan but forgot to take a picture of it. I can't wait to come back next time I'm in town!
Came here because I had some time to kill before picking up my mom at SFO. Also, I've been following Chef Reina on Instagram for years!I'm so happy I stopped by and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. I had a bit of a food tour before coming here so I really wasn't that hungry at all but I ended up getting the crunch wrap. Kay, who was working there was so incredibly nice, walked me through the menu, and we gushed about NYC's vegan food scene.The crunch shop was incredible. It was packed to the rim with all the right flavors and textures. If you can't decide what to get in you're hungry this is definitely going to fill you up - I wasn't able to finish at all.There isn't anywhere to eat inside, but it's an order at the window situation and then there's a table outside to eat at. Also, if you need a restroom, you can use the gorgeous public library, which is just a block or two up.I'm dying to come back with a big appetite and try the birria as well as some other items!Vegetarian options: It's vegan and therefore 100% vegetarianDietary restrictions: It's 100% vegan so vegetarian and pescatarian, by default
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing vegan filipino food. The vegan spam is oh so special. Only takeout, but there is a small cafe table option just outside.
Vegan filipino food is a rare find. Nestled in lil' downtown Brisbane Chef Reina is a small and humble spot with two outdoor tables and chairs. The staff greets you with a lot of warmth and energy asking if you've been here before and is eager to tell you about the cuisine and what's good. We tried the sisiglog and the tocilog and they were delish! They really captured the savory element of these dishes and fills you up. Honestly, I did not miss the meat at all. Would of been 5 stars but they ran out of so many items on the menu. Highly recommend
We live in Brisbane but only now just discovered Chef Reina. It was incredible - flavors were amazing. Don't think vegan - think great food (whatever your diet) - you will not be disappointed. We had the adobo, sisig and carñitas crunch wrap. Looking forward to trying other items next time. Very happy to now add Chef Reina to our list of regulars. Would suggest ordering online. There's not really any seating but just a few steps away is Brisbane Community Park. On a nice day take a blanket, enjoy the views of San Bruno Mountain, and have some amazing food!
AMAZING PLANT BASED FILIPINO FOOD. we got the longsilog, chick’n katsu and ube pancakes for sunday brunch. so so delicious! beautiful view of the mountains, amazing service and delectable food :-) highly recommend !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Overpriced, underwhelming vegan dishes that disappointed on the highest level. Its when small businesses like this one get too comfortable that the initial dishes that brought them customers no longer looks or tastes like they care. Maybe it was because there was just way too many offerings and they were minimizing? Whatever the case maybe I found the juxtaposition between the flexing of celebrities and the old menus crossed out on the window with white out alarming. I should have taken this as a prelude for what was to come. The menu was confusing and deceiving. When I received my food I was extremely disappointed with how it looked, tasted, and the overall quality of the adobo. From growing up in Hawaii and living in the Bay Area with their limitless Filipino food offerings, I have had my fill of top notch adobo before becoming vegan. I was highly anticipating the all-too familiar taste (and maybe texture) of this comfort food. Quickly after my first bite, that anticipation turned to disappointment. The chicken adobo broth was too thick, too salty, and had more potato (huge chunks) and soy sauce than the protein that was supposed to be the center of this chicken adobo dish. The pancit barely had any flavor. I used 'barely' because the vegetable that overfilled it was the only thing you tasted. The celery stuck out like a sore thumb. I missed the flavors of the pancit I tasted at other Filipino mom and pop restaurants nearby. Therefore although I went with high expectations, I left none too pleased and for that I cannot recommend this place.
My bf wanted to try this place as we are vegan so so we did the drive from SJ and we were not disappointed! Cat was very warm and welcoming. She explained the menu and gave us pointers since it was our first time there. We were able to try a few items by ordering by the piece which was awesome. The lumpia was delicious, crispy and had fresh veg. My bf inhaled his Crunchwrap! The Ube pancake was not too sweet which was a nice dessert. I've never heard of Tocilog before but Cat recommended it and it was great late breakfast meal. Everything was perfectly cooked and you can tell that they make it with love. To the multiple people who walked away after finding out it was all vegan - you missed out! Cat you handled them like a pro. We will definitely be coming back! Note - it is just takeout BUT there was a table right on the sidewalk where you order and plenty of benches and a park nearby.
Both the vegan sisig and tocino tasted truly like a lighter version of the pork dish. My boyfriend and I slightly liked the tocino more. The marinade on the jackfruit is not too sweet or salty but just perfect. The only downside to this place is that they do not provide dine in so be prepared to eat your meal at home, car, or down the street at the local park. On a Friday afternoon they were out of many of their menu items. I would love to try more dishes from chef Reina if I was ever in the area again.
Came here because I had some time to kill before picking up my mom at SFO. Also, I've been following Chef Reina on Instagram for years! I'm so happy I stopped by and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. I had a bit of a food tour before coming here so I really wasn't that hungry at all but I ended up getting the crunch wrap. Kay, who was working there was so incredibly nice, walked me through the menu, and we gushed about NYC's vegan food scene. The crunch shop was incredible. It was packed to the rim with all the right flavors and textures. If you can't decide what to get in you're hungry this is definitely going to fill you up - I wasn't able to finish at all. There isn't anywhere to eat inside, but it's an order at the window situation and then there's a table outside to eat at. Also, if you need a restroom, you can use the gorgeous public library, which is just a block or two up. I'm dying to come back with a big appetite and try the birria as well as some other items!
This place is AMAZING. As a takeout only vegan hole in the wall, I wasn't sure what to expect. The Tocilog is my personal favorite and full of flavor. We also tried the Birria Quesadilla which was also really good but was a little heavy. Overall would definitely recommend and I will be going back to try even more.