Picture provided by Filipino Asian Mart's Facebook page
Crazy desserts really catch my attention....well, honestly most desserts catch my attention. After scrolling through Yelp, like I sometimes do when bored, I get quite giddy when I see something new and exciting. This time, it was Halo Halo (pronounced Hahlo-Hahlo), a staple Filipino dessert.
In a small shopping strip hidden in south Austin, I found Filipino Asian Mart. Part Asian market, part catering, and part restaurant, this narrow little joint was filled with authenticity.
After stumbling in on a random Tuesday evening, I was greeted by the friendly owner, Marlon Alalay and his General Manager Jeric Agpawa. Originally from Houston, Alalay came to Austin to attend UT, and like most people here, never left. After a friend of his opened up a shop, he offered to help out. When his friend ended up moving away, Alalay was left with what has now been Filipino Asian Mart for the past 7 years.
As a side note, there's nothing more exciting for my little foodie soul than finding food I can neither pronounce nor identify. Therefore, looking at the daily menu of Filipino Asian Mart left me in blissful confusion and anticipation.
According to Alalay, they like to serve basic Filipino dishes during the week (they close at 7pm), and save specialties for the weekends when a lot of the Filipino community is able to make their way over. Luckily, you can find what they'll be serving most days through their Facebook.
Picture provided by Filipino Asian Mart's Facebook page
On the evening I was there, I tried their Adobo chicken, which was so tender it was falling off the bone, Pancit Bihon (the noodles), Fried Bangus (which is fried fish soaked in vinegar, very good), and some rice to accompany. With everything so full of flavor, I can't wait to head back on a weekend to try some of their specialties. They also have a variety of desserts, like Halo Halo (the most popular), Biko (sweet rice, coconut, milk and brown sugar), Suman (banana leaves wrapped around coconut milk and rice), Leche Flan, and many other tasty treats.
Alalay hinted at a possible food truck he'd like to expand to one day, but until then, you can visit him and some pretty unique dishes at 615 W Slaughter Ln, Ste 110 Austin, Texas, TX 78748, the only Filipino food you'll find in south Austin. With good smells, friendly faces and authentic flavors, places like these are what make the foodie journey so amazing.
What I was listening to today:
Meet Me in the City- The Black Keys
