Ihawan: Authentic Filipino Food

Ihawan

4006 70th St

Woodside, NY

(New location in Long Island City)

http://www.ihawan2.com/

Should you try? Yes, head to Queens for an authentic and comforting experience.

Ihawan's BBQ Chicken and Pork

If you’ve never had Filipino food, I’d describe it as a mix of Spanish and Southeast Asian food. It has a ton of flavor, but definitely not healthy. There’s a lot of meat (both fried and grilled), and the few vegetables offered tend to be covered in sauce. I would say put that diet on hold to try Ihawan, but you’d get hooked and gain 50 lbs in a month.

Ihawan has a new location in Long Island City, but I’ve only been to the Woodside location. It’s actually kind of hard to find since it’s on a side street, and you’ll be confused when you walk in because the kitchen is on the first floor. The entrance is also where you can get takeout, but head upstairs for the main dining area. One thing I’ve noticed every time is the restaurant is filled with Filipino families, a sign you know the food is good.

I’m still somewhat new to Filipino food, so I’m not going to even try to pretend I’m an expert. I’ll just list several items I’ve tried and hit you with some pictures.

• BBQ Chicken and Pork: Definitely try. The marinade is loaded with flavor and I guarantee you’ll like it.
• Lechon Kawali: Also one you should try. The pork belly is cooked well and is nice and crispy.
• Beef Caldereta: Beef stew with tender meat.
• Kare Kare: Oxtail with peanut butter sauce and mixed vegetables. I like to think oxtail always makes stews better.
• Pinakbet: Traditional Filipino dish with fermented fish or shrimp paste, melons, string beans and chicken.
• Pancit Palabok: Rice noodles topped with shrimp, egg and shrimp sauce.
• 1/2 Fried Bangus: 1/2 Milkfish with 2 eggs. Dish was good, but would get the other dishes first.
• Sizzling Steak: There’s a picture of this one, but probably wouldn’t order again. I found the steak was a little chewy.
• Mango Shake: Definitely more of a dessert, but somehow the waitress gets us to start with one every time.

Ihawan's Lechon Kawali

Ihawan's Pinakbet

Ihawan's 1/2 Fried Bangus

Ihawan's Sizzling Steak