This Filipino Pop-Up Restaurant In Calgary Is Serving A Unique Spin On Classic Dishes

It might have been a hot minute since any of us have been able to travel thanks to the pandemic, but thankfully a brand new pop-up restaurant will be bringing a taste of the Philippines to Calgary.

The pop-up, called Kafé Kusina, has been pioneered by chefs Kelsey Claro and Manny Amoranto of A1 Cafe and will be in the city from November 17 until December 5.

The cuisine connoisseurs are trading in the cafe’s usual fare of pizzas and pasta for flavours more commonly found a mere 11,000 kilometres away.

The à la carte menu devised by the duo will include a range of family-style dishes and bar snacks based on Filipino classics. Pork belly Lechon, Kare-kare (a Filipino peanut stew), and fried pinakbet (tempura vegetables) should be enough to tickle your tastebuds.

A selection of specially-curated cocktails have been developed to complement the new menu, and Filipino export Red Horse beer will also be flowing.

A playlist showcasing the very best of Filipino music will soundtrack the immersive experience, which could almost fool you into believing you’re in a far warmer climate.

Amoranto said he and Claro want the pop-up to feel like “going to a family member’s house for dinner”.

“Kafé Kusina will embody that feeling of acceptance; a space where everyone is welcome to kick back and relax over a meal with friends and family,” he said.

Claro added the biggest inspiration for Kafé Kusina is the representation of Filipino culture in Calgary’s culinary scene.

“There’s a huge population of Filipinos in this city, and we want to create a hip, fun spot for people to connect over incredible food,” Claro said.

So if you’re looking to be transported halfway around the world, grab your friends and get your reservations in early. Reservations can be made here.