Adobo Connection: Affordable Adobo Variants and More

Monday, August 20, 2012
Although I easily get tired of the same old home-cooked Filipino dishes, there are a few items I surprisingly can't live without. Yes, you've guessed it right, one of which is adobo which easily defines Pinoys and our homeland. And recently, my adobo craving has led me to Adobo Connection where they serve not just one, but several adobo variants.
Adobo Connection One Archer's Place

About a year ago, I got a taste of Adobo Connection in Eastwood's food junction where I was impressed with not just how their adobo offerings fare taste-wise, but also with their selection of adobo variants. But although it took me a while to revisit the adobo chain, I'm glad that this time I headed to their Taft Avenue branch located in One Archer's Place.

Adobo Connection Adobo Connection Taft

Being located beside a university, this branch's simple yet homey dining space is usually flocked by groups of college students, so expect a bit of noise especially if you dine for lunch. However, the laid-back ambiance of the restaurant with calming wooden interiors can definitely make up for the amount of chattering. And with exceptionally affordable yet great-tasting food, I bet you won't even notice the amount of people around anymore.

All-Day Meryenda Specials

I know Adobo Connection specializes in adobo, but they also offer a selection of cheap eats perfect for a quick snack. So before I share with you the chain's adobo offerings, here are four items under their all-day Meryenda Specials promo which you can easily grab at any of their 28 (and counting) branches, for a ridiculously low price of P48 each!

Fried Adobo Paos P49

First among the meryenda items is this trio of Fried Adobo Paos (P49) which I swear is just so sulit for the price. The photo isn't fooling you, you really get 3 pieces! And although I haven't tried a lot of fried siopao, I definitely loved this item as the dough is quite crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. Its adobo filling is also very tasty, making this ensemble the perfect meryenda item -- filling, flavorful, and convenient to eat.

Arroz Caldo P49

Another item is Arroz Caldo (P49) which is a hearty porridge perfect for the rainy season. Every spoonful reminded me of home. And with a tasty porridge broth and fried garlic toppings, this serving successfully warmed not just my tummy, but also my soul.

Adobo Spaghetti P49

There's also a unique meryenda dish which caught my attention. It's the first time I've seen and tasted an Adobo Spaghetti (P49), a platter of pasta with a special adobo sauce and adobo flakes topping. As expected, this Pinoy pasta dish is sweet on the palate with a hint of savory flavors. And although I'm not much of a sweet pasta fan, I'm amazed at how truly Pinoy this dish tasted. I'm sure kids will love this to bits too!

Pork Adobo Rice P49

Last among the Meryenda Specials is this double serving of Pork Adobo Rice (P49) with strips of scrambled eggs and some adobo flakes on top. For the price, this is definitely a good deal since you already get two cups! This adobo-mixed fried rice dish also fares well taste-wise, perfect for breakfast on its own or to pair with a fried viand.

The Adobo Connection Bestsellers

Of course, we wouldn't leave the adobo chain just yet without trying their specialties, their adobo offerings. Upon checking the menu, I also found out that Adobo Connection didn't have just adobo dishes to offer. They got more Pinoy goodies in store!

Mama's Traditional Chicken Adobo P169

We first had the Mama's Traditional Chicken Adobo (P169), the restaurant's traditional take on our classic Pinoy dish. Although some may argue that traditional adobo is more tangy, Adobo Connection's version is more on the sweet and savory side, like how most Filipino families like their home-cooked adobo. Another thing I love about the adobo dishes at the food chain is their use of only dark chicken meat. No breasts here!

Kuya's Fried Mixed Adobo P179

Another adobo variant we got to try is Kuya's Fried Mixed Adobo (P179) which didn't have sauce, and a version topped with loads of fried garlic slices. Dubbed as the preferred take on adobo of most manongs and kuyas who frequent the adobo chain, this dish is a bit saltier than the traditional adobo. Although I dig a sweeter and saucier version, the story behind this item's name is probably true as the beau loved this to bits!

Adobo Flakes Kanin-all-you-can Meal P99

I personally prefer chicken pieces for my adobo. However, I just can't say no to the Adobo Flakes Meal (P99) which is a platter of pork adobo flakes, sunny side up egg and unlimited rice. And if the no-sauce adobo is the choice of most kuyas, this one on the other hand, is the bet of most youngsters. I understand them though as the fried egg goes really well with the tasty and crunchy adobo flakes making it perfect for breakfast.

Chicken Adobo sa Gata P169

Saving the best variant for last, here's the Chicken Adobo sa Gata (P169) which is my favorite among the adobo items. Unlike the usual adobo in soy sauce, this one is infused with coconut milk and chili making it a creamy and savory adobo dish with a kick. And to vouch for my approval, this adobo variant from Adobo Connection bagged first place in a blind taste test conducted by GMA News TV in search for the best adobo in the Metro.

Gising-Gising P89

Aside from adobo dishes, the restaurant also offers other Filipino food items like this serving of Gising-Gising (P89), an ensemble of green beans, ground pork and chili in coconut milk. This savory, spicy and crunchy dish is not only healthy, but also very tasty. Even non-vegetable lovers like the beau will dig this, especially when paired with rice, and even with either Kuya's Fried Mixed Adobo or Chicken Adobo sa Gata.

Beef Kare-Kare P189

We also got to sample a serving of Beef Kare-Kare (P189), the adobo chain's version of another one of my favorite Filipino dishes. For a very low price, I was quite surprised that this kare-kare had a lot of beef pieces and veggies in its rich and thick peanut sauce. And of course, how can I forget Adobo Connection's very own bagoong which tasted salty and savory with a little hint of sweetness and spice -- my kind of a perfect bagoong!

The Desserts and Beverage

Aside from the adobo dishes, the hearty Filipino viands and the filling snack items, Adobo Connection also has some of the most affordable yet most satisfying dessert items I've ever had -- simple but definitely the perfect sweet enders to a great meal.

Leche Flan P39

First among the sweet treats we got to try is this Leche Flan (P39). For such an affordable price, I can't believe that I've found the perfect leche flan in town. This dessert item is soft, smooth, silky and even a little jiggly. With these basic leche flan requirements checked, it was time to take the taste test. And upon first bite, I can't believe of how solid yet creamy and melt-in-your-mouth this leche flan was. It wasn't overly nor lacking in sweetness too making it just right for the palate, and simply perfect.

Red Berry Iced Tea P39 Flan Turon P29

We also sampled the Flan Turon (P29) which makes use of leche flan sandwiched in a crispy triangular pastry dusted with some icing sugar. Although I generally got tired of the banana and langka turon, being a lover of sweets and unique food items, I definitely fell in love with this Adobo Connection original even upon first bite. Even the beau dig it! As for our beverage, we had the Red Berry Iced Tea (P39) which is a light and refreshing concoction perfect to wash off even strongest flavors from our palates.

THE VERDICT

This trip to Adobo Connection has fully established me as an adobo lover. With great-tasting adobo creations, Adobo Connection has definitely brought out the Pinoy in my palate. Aside from the flavorful adobo dishes, this adobo chain also serves a variety of viands, snack items and even desserts worthy of trying out. And with fast service, engaging atmosphere, affordable prices, and accessibility of the continuously growing number of branches to connect us all, Adobo Connection has officially gained a new fan.

Taste - 4.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 5/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Adobo Connection, One Archer's Place
2/F One Archer's Place, Taft Ave., Malate
Manila, Philippines
(0917) 512-1212
Official Website
Facebook Page

48 comments:

  1. My daughter loves adobo! I'm sure she'll go crazy over those adobo flakes. I'm curious about the adobo pao. I like that's it's crispy on the outside yet chewy on the inside.

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    1. Try Adobo Connection with your daughter, sis! :D I'm curious if kids will love this chain as much as I did.

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  2. Aga kong nagutom hahaha!

    I love the resto's concept!

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  3. My goodness! I'm looking at these photos while I'm having a measly breakfast of high-fiber cereal. I want to cry! (lol)

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  4. The Arroz Caldo looks heavenly. I like it that everything's so affordable.

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  5. wow!!! gusto ko yung adobo spaghetti sis!!! :D and hanggang rice may adobo rin ha... amaziiinnnggg :D

    xoxo
    Rhea Bue (Styles & Writes)
    http://bebe-doll.net/

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    1. Haha.. They really lived up to their theme of adobo, kaya most of their items have adobo sauce, flakes and whatnot.. :)

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  6. I like their adobo flakes, leche flan and gising gising! :) Agree! Affordable and value for your money! :)

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  7. Interesting! I'm most likely to visit this place soon, I'm a fan of Adobo. Is there any store within Pasig Area?

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    1. They currently have a branch in Pearl Drive and are opening another in Robinsons Pioneer.. :) You can check their website sis for a complete list of their branches.. ^^

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  8. I love the ambiance...Their foods looks sooo yummy! I love adobo but I want to try the kare kare in that picture...yum yum!

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  9. this is interesting :D adobo is such a comfort food (but sinigang remains my ultimate fave pinoy ulam) :D

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  10. Grabe! Foodie talaga! I will be posting about Adobo Connection too! I like the Fried Adobo Pao sulit for merienda!

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

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    1. True! :D A piece of their fried adobo pao is already filling, no?

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  11. The fried Adobo paos! I can't remember since I last had one. :)

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  12. OMG! This is crazy!! Super delish selections they have there! And it's super affordable pa ha :)))

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  13. My wife will go crazy if she know about this but the only thing is that, it's way to far from where we are.

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    1. Aww.. When you visit the Philippines for a vacation, I'm sure you can get a taste of adobo again.. :)

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  14. my comfort food! i love adobo flakes. that adobo spaghetti really looks yummy! malayo lang from our place..

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    1. Adobo Connection has a lot of branches sis! :) You can check their website to see the complete list. I'm sure there's one near your place.. ^^

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  15. I like the arroz! Not too excited about the abodo pasta, though. :D

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  16. I hope to try this next time. Parang I have yet to taste an adobo that beats my mom's eh

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    1. Each of our mom's adobo is of course, very special in its own right.. :) Not sure if Adobo Connection can rival it, but their adobos, especially the one with gata tastes good! ;)

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  17. everything looks delicious. You take good photos of food. :)I will definitely try this restaurant.

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    1. Thanks for the compliment sis! :) Do try Adobo Connection when you get the chance. It's really bang for the buck.. ^^

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  18. ADOBO! Pinoy's Trademark and we love it!

    Truly recommended sis! Can I grab your badge?

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  19. I want to try their Gising-gising and Kare-kare. and the adobo spaghetti too!

    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

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  20. Adobo galore!! I want the adobo spaghetti!! :) prices are affordble ha! :)

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    1. Super affordable, no? :D Btw, I'm not sure if you'll dig the adobo spaghetti. But if you like sweet and savory pasta dishes, then you might just like it nga.. ^^

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  21. Wow, this is so cool! I love adobo and I can cook it in various ways and styles. This food junction deserves a visit. And what made smile even wider is the sight of the "Gising-Gising". I have cooked this once and my wife and friends just loved it. Many even asked for my version recipe. :))

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  22. You had an awesome experience but my Ma and I never had the same great dining review as yours. I actually did not blog it yet. But since I saw your post I think we still need another round just to give them ADOBO CONNECTION another opportunity to prove themselves.

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    1. Aww.. I hope your next Adobo Connection trip will be a lot better! :)

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  23. i would like to try and know the recipe of chicken adobo sa gata, surely it is delicious :)

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  24. Wow the place looks nice and affordable! I love to try it too.

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  25. I'm interested in the Adobo Flakes and the affordable merienda fare! :)

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  26. I am not good in making adobo , glad that evry variety of adobo was here

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  27. its so near in my work area but never tried it! :) should head out and try! the adobo flakes seems so intriguing

    Rovie, The Bargain Doll

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  28. The price is so affordable, perfect for students. I would like to try the chicken adobo sa gata and all their menu.

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  29. My sons love adobo and my latest find which makes them hungry for more is the adobong chicken feet. I'd love to try this Adobo Connection. i just hope they open a branch here in Subic.

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  30. I love the restaurant's name, I'm sure I'll love the dishes here too, especially because I fail cooking adobo :(

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  31. Fan of adobo here! All their variants are delicious and affordable! :))

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  32. i love adobo. this blog makes me crave for it. nice one. pwede pala yung iba ibang dish for adobo. yummy. i want to try adobo connection. layo lng sa malate pa. gusto ko yung chicken adobo sa gata. creamy! hehe makapag adobo nga mamaya. hehe

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  33. Looks good! I want to try the adobo spaghetti :)

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  34. I've eaten in the Adobo Connection branch in Ali Mall, Cubao and I have to say that I was satisfied with the Adobo sa Gata and the Fried Adobo Paos. If only I had more money then, I would have eaten more of the paos. Haha.

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  35. Looks so good. I never tried it because I though it is just another home-cooked adobo chicken or pork. They have so many varieties pala.

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  36. i been in this place,i love the kare kare and the adobo flakes

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