It is such a fascinating phenomenon how food has the power to evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of belonging. Traditional Filipino dishes, like sinigang, adobo, and sisig, have that unique ability to feel like home, offering a comforting taste of familiarity. In the same way, pares, a dish that originated in the 1970s along the famed N.S. Amoranto Avenue (formerly Retiro) in Quezon City, has cemented its place as one of the country's most beloved comfort dishes.
Pares, which means "pairs," is a delightful combination of beef stew in a rich, slightly sweet sauce served with garlicky fried rice and a side of beef broth. It’s a meal that has transcended generations, offering an affordable yet flavorful experience perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a hearty family dinner, a quick lunch, or a comforting meal after a long night out. It has different ways of getting customers through their days.
The original recipe and concept continue to thrive and remain beloved by Filipinos, thanks to those who preserve the timeless taste and experience the classic dish brings while adapting to modern demands.
Today, D’Original Pares proudly continues this tradition, preserving the authentic flavors that first captured hearts while adapting to modern dining habits despite emerging interpretations of the dish.
Staying true to its roots
Under the management of Hans Guerrero, D’Original Pares continues to honor the classic dish by staying committed to the traditional cooking methods, flavors, and dining experience that made it a timeless Filipino favorite, while embracing modern touches. Its nostalgic menu and ambiance evoke fond memories of shared meals.
“Our customers have grown with us. Some started eating here as students, and now they’re bringing their families,” Hans said. “Staying true to the classics—the flavor, the pricing, and our mature target market, has been key to our 32-year success.”
The goal, according to Hans, is to offer hearty Filipino dishes at affordable prices while delivering an experience steeped in history. This has allowed D’Original Pares to remain a staple in the local dining scene.
While tradition remains at its core, the restaurant’s success is also driven by its ability to evolve with the times. As delivery now constitutes a significant part of its revenue, D’Original Pares has embraced modern ways of offering its products and services, allowing it to thrive in an ever-changing market while staying true to its heritage.
“We want Filipinos in every corner of the Philippines to experience something familiar, comforting, and undeniably Filipino,” Hans explains why D’Original Pares continues to bring its signature flavors to more communities by expanding its dine-in presence while leveraging modern delivery services.
A timeless recipe in modern hands
With its growing delivery network and locations, D’Original Pares ensures that every Filipino can enjoy the comforting taste of this beloved dish, no matter where they are.
“Many have reinvented pares. Some make it with more broth, others cook it sweeter or with fish sauce. But for us, the original beef stew remains unchanged. At the same time, we’ve adapted to keep up with today’s demands.” Hans said.
To meet modern standards, D’Original Pares invested in professional menu photography and digital marketing, showcasing dishes exactly as they’re served. Partnerships with platforms like GrabFood have expanded their reach, making it easier for both loyal patrons and new customers to enjoy their offerings. “With strong competition and new food concepts popping up left and right, it’s important to get new people to be curious with products that
stand out when they search, but also to stay true to the products our existing customer base has been accustomed to.” Hans stated. “Delivery has become a permanent habit. Many customers still prefer ordering from home because it’s convenient.”
For many customers, the convenience of ordering from home has become a way of life. “A lot of our previously dined in customers now prefer to simply order and enjoy at the comforts of their homes because they feel too lazy to cook or even to get dressed to go out but still crave our Filipino food,” shares Hans Guerrero. “GrabFood has also introduced us to a younger segment that uses the platform regularly, more often than our more mature segment. And we now see Grab as a solid sales channel that will always be part of our business,” he added.
He emphasized how GrabFood’s streamlined process outpaces their previous attempts at in-house delivery. “With GrabFood, we just prepare the food, they handle the rest. It's an unmatched convenience.”
“It allows us to focus on what we do best while they handle the rest.” The partnership has not only made operations more efficient but also paved the way for the restaurant’s expansion plans.
GrabFood has also contributed to strengthening the bond between D’Original Pares and its community by providing a clear channel for customer feedback. “Grab has a very detailed and convenient way for customers to express their feedback, and we consistently check that to ensure we know what customers are looking for and see what we can do to accommodate their sentiments.” This constant feedback loop has allowed the restaurant to fine-tune its offerings and ensure customer satisfaction, helping to build a more loyal and engaged community.
Hans remains confident that their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, alongside the convenience of modern platforms, will keep D’Original Pares a beloved staple for years to come.
D’Original Pares proudly shows the enduring appeal of classic Filipino comfort food, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist seamlessly. By honoring its roots while embracing modern conveniences like digital marketing and delivery partnerships, the restaurant ensures that its timeless flavors continue to reach and resonate with new generations.
D’Original Pares stays true to its core values while evolving with the times, ensuring that the beloved pares dish will continue to be a staple in Filipino homes for years to come.