Kitchen of the north
I was once read a review that this specific branch of Cucina Norte is always packed with diners so many would just pass by to go to other restaurants. I guess I was lucky when I passed by as the place was totally free. The crew even seem to be taking the opportunity to take a break with a chit chat.
Cucina Norte is a fastfood restaurant that serves local dishes of the Ilocos Region which is in the northern part of the country. Some of the local dishes that they take pride of are bagnet which is the Ilocos version of bacon, empanada, and longanisa or local version of sausage.
I stood in front of the counter and the crew noticed me. One of them asked about my order and I just smiled while staring at the menu screen overhead. She smiled back and kept quiet. It was a mutual understanding that she waits for me to make up my mind.
They do not have more than 20 items in their menu but I feel like there are so many to choose from. Why? Because I know that all of their dishes are good. Then this screen came out with all the bagnet options they got. Yes, bagnet may be "just" a bacon but they can make a lot from it in Ilocos.
Since bagnet is their specialty, I ordered for the original bagnet with rice. While they have different dishes for cooking bagnet, I thought I would have the original since it is rare that I get the chance to pass by a restaurant like this.
This branch is of self-service style so when they called out that my order is ready, I went to get my plate on the counter. I smiled at the presentation. I thought it was something like a flower with different colors and arranged on the plate.
How's the bagnet? It was really good! I can not identify all the seasoning that were used to marinate it before it was fried but guess what? I ended up asking for extra cup of rice. Okay, don't look for the extra cup. And ssshhh... don't tell anyone.
The space is limited but the place is clean and organized. The crew was cheerful and attentive to their customers. The price? The range is a little higher than withregular quick service restaurants but I can say it is worth the price. If you want to try something Filipino, Cucina Norte is one of the places to be. A kitchen of the north that serves to everyone no matter which kingdom, I mean place, you come from.
May the force of the north be with you!
Cucina Norte
Food Court
Lower Ground Floor
SM Makati Mall
Palm Drive
1223 Makati City
Metro Manila
Philippines
Restaurant Information
Cucina Norte
SM Makati, Palm Dr, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines
This post participated in the Tasteem contest Local Dishes
The Bagnet Meal looks very good.
Thanks for sharing :)
It was good!
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