One of the last things I thought I’d find in Austin was Filipino food, but alas, this incredible city proved me wrong.
On my next trip to Austin I definitely want to have the tasting menu at Qui, but for this first trip I HAD to have the Pulutan menu. It means “pick up” in Tagalog.
The menu had so many things I wanted to try from the lumpia tacos to the dinuguan (pork dish made with pork blood – it’s delicious if you don’t think about it).
The shrimp/pork lumpia taco was probably one of the best things I ate in the past year. I ordered seconds – something I never ever do.
The chicken kabobs remind me of birthday pool parties as a kid where these were overflowingly serviced. Nothing like a little kabob after a long swim in the sun!
The dinuguan – which is something I’ve never made so honestly all I know is that it’s this chocolatey color dish, which is how it was described to me as a kid until my brother told me the truth. It’s pork and pork blood and usually served with rice. A definite must-try.
The service was pretty incredible and we sat outside on the covered patio even though it was raining. The outdoor heaters and blankets kept us warm!
For dessert, the cheddar cheese ice cream sandwich was perfection. It wasn’t heavy or overly cheesy and made me think of the many times I had some sort of cheese/corn ice cream as a child.
If you love Filipino food, want to try it, or just feel adventurous, I highly recommend the bar menu at Qui. I will remember this meal for years to come.
T R O L L E Y W O R D S 