There is no dearth of Asian food in Bangalore (or so one would think), but it was only till we discovered the kind graces of Cucina De Maria (literally translating to Kitchen of Maria) when we realised the sad underrepresentation of Filipino food. Maria, a resident of the Philippines missed the same after she married her Keralan husband and had to move cities. So in an effort to reach out to her community, she began cooking traditional Filipino food. Surprisingly, in doing what she set out to, she has also brought about a mad appreciation for the cuisine in her regular customers.
How has Cucina De Maria already turned into a favourite (the service began in September 2020)? Well for starters, Maria is no stranger to running a food business. She assisted her mum as a little girl at their very own eatery or Carinderia (known for amazing street food) in the Philippines. Secondly, she shares that Adobo her speciality and national food is very much like the Indian curry. Imagine rich flavours of garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, pepper and soy in chicken or pork.
Cucina De Maria has not just Adobo but over 30 Filipino dishes, faves being -- Pork Sisig, Lumpia (think spring rolls but with 10x flavour), Lechon Manok (roast chicken), Pork Chicharron (fried pork belly), Filipino Beef Steak and Fish Paksiw. Oh, yes Maria cooks with all meats and sells only by the kilo!
Prices for appetisers start at INR 550 while mains from INR 650 (excluding delivery). Place orders at least two days in advance via Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp.