Ninak: Asian Comfort Food at Kapitolyo in Pasig

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Angus Beef Nilaga in the picture above is a lot more delicious in real life, and so are the other dishes served at Ninak, one of the newest restaurant sprouting at Kapitolyo in Pasig. It's very near the main road and the traffic enforcers know exactly where it is even though its new in the neighborhood.

Ninak is actually "kanin" spelled backwards. Kanin is the tagalog for rice - the staple food of Filipinos. Many would say they won't feel filled if they are not served rice along with their viand. Bread, pasta or mashed potatoes are no equal replacement for rice.

All the great dishes goes well with rice, and we seem to can't live conveniently or fulfilled without it. "Hindi ako nabubusog kapag hindi ako kumakain ng kanin" says many. It will always be a part of the Filipino meal.

Ninak is located at Unit 101 Seven East Capitol Building East Capitol Dr. cor. Sta. Rosa St., Kapitolyo Pasig City.  It is brought to us by the same people who gave us Brothers Burger - The Jose Brothers composed of DJ, Martin and Quito. I think Chef Quito is the man behind and responsible for the concoction of the different dishes while his two brothers are more into the management of the restaurant. But DJ told us Martin also self-taught himself to become another contributor in the kitchen. This leaves DJ as the man focused on the management of their restaurants.



Their signage location makes it look like they own the entire building or at least make people think the whole building is Ninak restaurant.

The place is bright and cozy but not so extravagant - It is actually so simple that it is not that intimidating to step in and order with just your pajamas or shorts on. It has a second floor containing additional tables and some rooms that can be used for special functions or private occasions.

 

The Grape Shake (Php 120) tasted almost similar to what I had at a restaurant in BGC, but this one at Ninak had more kick in it.

 

The Tinapa Rice (Php 135) was not new for me. I had the luxury of trying out a similar dish at a  certain Filipino restaurant located inside a mall. However, both offered the same exciting taste of tinapa - that dried fish that goes very well with "sinangag" or fried rice next to the "tuyo" which I also like to put in my champorado.

 
The Laksa (Php 280) offers a spicy dish that hits right into the heart. I sort of enjoy spicy foods when its tolerable and not that too spicy.  A perfect balance to go well with our fried rice.

 
The Crispy Angus Beef Belly (Php 320) wowed me so much I would have wanted more if not for the fact that there will be more dishes coming in soon. I need to make room for more so I would be able to justifiably rate it based on its taste and presentation.

The Lamb Massaman Curry (Php 320)makes me wanna drink more juice so I ordered a glass of Grape Shake this time. But don't get me wrong, the spiciness of the dish was very tolerable and tasty.

Green Curry Mussels (Php 290) are imported ones since the local "tahong" simply will be very risky. I deeply enjoyed these mussels except for those that seem to not open from its shell.

Beansprout with salted Fish (Php 160) was nothing special for me since I often eat "togue" at home mixed with deep fried tofu, but this one at Ninak has fish to taste. Not really easily distinguishable in taste but good nonetheless.

Bagoong Rice (Php 149) has always been a favorite when its served at every restaurant haing a similar dish. This one was not as good as the one I tasted at a resto in Ortigas and the serving was smaller but must be because of the more affordable price.

 

The Angus Beef Nilaga contained yellow corn that was cooked just right because it comes off from its cob so easily. I also enjoyed sipping the broth which was not so salty.

This must be the Ninak House Rice (Php 149), but since I didn't indulged on any of the rice, I set it aside for the rest of my companions.

The Thai Halo-Halo (Php 120) would have been more special if we got to taste an entire order since we all know halo-halo is a mixture of ingredients. We were not able to taste it fairly since we were only able to taste just a little bit from all 6 of us sharing one order.

The Red Ruby (Php 120) could have been better if Ninak would invest more of a better ice shaver, The ice was all "rugged and rough" to the mouth.

The Turon Halo-Halo (Php 120) - Now I remember this was were I first tasted  this dessert named after the halo-halo. So we have several ingredients now similar to what we find in our Halo-Halo but this time its enclosed in "turon" wrapper and deep fried.

Thank you, Ninak for the fabulous lunch. Here's hoping we get to visit you again for more of the sumptuous Asian cuisines.


Find out more about Ninak from their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/OfficialNinakRestauranthttps://www.facebook.com/OfficialNinakRestaurant