Discover this favorite eatery that’s been around since 2002 and why it has a staying power that appeals to everyone.

food photography PABLO S. QUIZA

IT WAS A SMALL AIR-CONDITIONED KARENDERYA right across a big university in Talamban, frequented by college students and young professionals who enjoyed the flavors of Asian Soul Food, an expression of South East Asian cuisine by the chef and owner whose nickname happens to be “Puti”, or white as a reference to his complexion.

What started out as a karenderya serving home cooked Filipino fare and a couple of specials grew to a full menu of Asian Soul Food which includes the crowd favorite fares like Saigon Adobo, Nonihm Thai, Butayaki, and The Strgoanov among the classics, aptly named “Puti’s Platos”, and new additions such as Kimchiwa, Bibimbap, Chikita Katsu, and Dragon Chop. The restaurant interiors are influenced by the chef’s fondness for Japanese architecture and design, in its simplicity, using form and function, complimentary to the cuisine.