Hampton now has what people believe to be the only Filipino restaurant in the city.
Mabuhay Filipino & Soul Kitchen opened in January in a white standalone building on South Armistead Avenue, near Settlers Landing Road downtown. The cafeteria-style takeout spot has two tables with chairs, so make plans to get your food to-go if you can’t score a seat.
Dante Golpeo, the chef and a native Filipino, worked as an executive chef at Sentara Careplex Hospital and Hampton University and as an executive sous chef for Norwegian Cruise Line. His menu includes traditional fare — chicken adobo, sisig (chopped pig’s head) and garlic fried rice — and soulful sides such as collard greens and macaroni and cheese.
I tried eight items, and the flavors of four replayed in my mind all the way home.
Customers can order traditional pork-filled lumpia as an add-on. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
The tightly rolled lumpia, a fried spring roll, was crispier than a pressed shirt from the cleaners — a good thing. The classic pork filling and sweet chili dip made me forget I was dining on the Peninsula. My only regret was not getting more.
The kaldereta (tomato-based stew) provided comfort I didn’t realize I needed. Tender beef chunks and hearty vegetables (carrots and potatoes) smothered in a thick gravy with notes of umami had me nodding in approval. A side of pancit (stir fried rice noodle) added a light freshness to the entree.
Mabuhay Filipino & Soul Kitchen’s Combo 2 plate, which includes beef stew, crispy pork belly and pancit. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
The crispy pork belly also proved worthy of praise. A combination of crunchy, meaty and fatty pieces became more addictive after each bite. I could’ve snacked on them all day. I saved a few for later instead.
I left Hampton happy.
Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com
If you go
Where: 124 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday
Prices: $1.10 lumpia (one), entrees start at $8.99
Details: mabuhayeats.com, 757-765-0717
Dining and Cooking