Mexico and the Philippines have often been compared due to their shared histories. Both our nations faced colonization under the Spaniards. For the longest time, the Spaniards used Manila as the stepping stone to bring goods from various parts of Asia to Mexico before making it back to Spain. Although the Manila Galleon trade stopped back in 1815, there are still parts of Mexican culture that are commonly appreciated here like some of its heritage dishes.
Mexican food is widely considered a go-to comfort food due to its savory flavors. It’s hard not to think about Mexican tacos without drooling. If you’re starting to crave some tacos, head on over to Compañeros in Poblacion, a new taqueria started by husband-wife duo Philip Gonda and Regine Estillore-Gonda. It aims to bring the authentic Mexican taqueria concept and merge it with an elevated concept of Filipino street food and carinderias. Its menu, carefully crafted by chef Kevin David, offers a good mix of Mexican favorites with a Filipino twist. Here’s a look at some of the tasty dishes on the menu.
A look into the list of entradas (appetizers) on the menu is enough to give a glimpse of how filling your dining experience will be. Before diving right in, a serving of the Salsa & Chips dish should give you a preview of the restaurant’s three staple salsas, the salsa roja (spicy), salsa verde (mild spice), and the lacto-fermented fruit salsa (pulpy and spicy). Then there’s the Filipino staple, Chicharron Bulaklak, served alongside a generous amount of guacamole. Acting as a perfect wakeup call or hangover fix, the Chilaquiles con Longgarizo consists of fried tortillas topped with the signature Compañeros spicy garlic longganiza, mozzarella cheese, eggs done sunny side up, and salsa verde.
For the main draw, Compañeros’ extensive taco menu has five different variants to choose from. Each is served on a soft corn tortilla and with your salsa of choice. If you’re a fan of the sweet Filipino pork BBQ served fresh from the grill on the streets, look no further than the Al Pastor Filipino Pork BBQ, slow-roasted pork placed on a trampo (vertical grill) and slathered with sweet Compañeros BBQ sauce. Grilled pineapple and spicy vinegar aioli add a zesty kick to the dish. Meat lovers are also sure to enjoy the Tapa Carne Asada (Grilled Steak), which uses premium Australian ribeye, and the OG Pork Sisig, your classic sisig in a tasty taco form. For those who prefer the taste of the seas, the Crispy Fish taco is not to miss. Finally, the fan-favored offering is the Compañeros Quesabirria, pure beefy goodness, topped with mozzarella cheese, delicately wrapped in a cheesecrusted corn tortilla, and paired with a rich consommé to dip it in. Finding it difficult to pick? Just order the Taco Flight bundle. It offers all five tacos in one platter along with all three signature salsas. Of course, those who can’t go without rice can enjoy these dishes with cilantro-lime garlic rice instead.
Compañeros is located at Unit 6, Matheus Building in Poblacion, Makati.