Mangan Restaurant MOA Branch

Another eating bonding with the family. This time we tried the Mangan Restaurant Moa branch. It’s a Filipino inspired restaurant. The place is crowded since it’s Sunday. We need to wait like 15 minutes outside the Resto. I’m not sure if they accept reservation. I doubt because the store is located in MOA.

We ordered Pork Sisig, Kare-Kare, Turon for our dessert and of course Pinakbet. Waiting time is not that long. We’re able to sit on a couch which is comfy. They serve a variety of Filipino foods. Nothing special with their Kare-Kare and Pork Sisig, typical taste. But I have to compliment the Turon. From presentation to taste, I’ll give them two thumbs up.

The Restaurant Name Mangan

This is not an Ilocano inspired restaurant which people usually are mistaken because of the word “Mangan”. Mangan which means “Eat(to eat)” in Ilocano dialect is the same with Kapampangan’s term/word “eat”. Actually the restaurant is a Filipino, Kapampangan inspired cuisine.

Mangan as literally means eat is also used to several Filipino dialects. In Ilocano  as the phrase let’s eat, “Mangan tayon”. In Kapampangan, “Mangan tana” and in Pangasinense/ Zambaleno “Mangan tamoy na”.

At first I thought the restaurant is all about Ilocano dishes because of the name. But when the menu is serve, I learned that the “Mangan” refers to the Kapampangan dialect.

The Verdict

Pinakbet

The pinakbet is a little bit expensive for the small serving. It’s more Tagalog style Pinakbet. What I like is the toasted garlic toppings. No trace of salty bagoong taste. I recall asking for Patis (fish sauce). That means it’s not that salty for me. The way the vegetables were cut is not in the traditional way.

Nilagang Baka

Nothing special just the sweetcorn that looks appetizing. One order is around 400. Small serving for 4 pax. Vegetables were overcooked and lacking some saltiness.

Kare-kare

Not enough for 4 pax. There are more vegetables than meat. The bagoong alamang is not the cook I want. Looking for that garlicky sweet sautéed version.

Pansit Palabok

The only good thing for this dish is the presentation. I think it’s over sauced and I really don’t know why there are slice of kamias on the toppings. Maybe alternative for calamansi?

The taste is average. The presentation is good. Small serving though. Not that friendly budget meals. Overall experience is good.

The Menu: Mangan Restaurant

The restaurant menu is not just limited to Kapampangan dishes. Though I noticed that some of the dishes are Kapampangan inspired. A variety of Filipino dishes is also serve. We ordered the traditional Nilagang Baka, Pansit palabok, Kare-kare and of course Pinakbet.