Sari Sari Store

Over the last year or so Filipino food has finally begun making its way into the spotlight of LA’s mainstream food media. It’s about time, given that city has the largest Filipino American population in the country. At popular restaurants like Lasa and Ma’am Sir, young restaurateurs are finding ways to showcase their Filipino heritage while embracing the seasonal sensibilities of California. At Sari Sari Store, Margarita Manzke (wife of Republique‘s Walter Manzke) has taken a slightly more traditional route, offering savory snacks, rice bowls, and fantastic desserts that all reflect her Pinoy heritage. Our personal favorite from the limited menu is the sisig fried rice, an utterly delicious combination of crispy pork head, garlic rice, onions, chilis, and ginger. While the fried rice is more than satisfying, we could never condone leaving without trying one of Margarita’s desserts. The tropical halo-halo and young coconut buko pie truly reflect the work of a James Beard nominated pastry chef and you should honestly just order both.