Primero Casa Filipino: Affordable Filipino Buffet in Quezon City

After a month of blog post drought, let's get back to regular programming, shall we? Now, although I'm not the biggest fan of Filipino cuisine, I appreciate hearty Pinoy dishes both cooked traditionally and creatively. And this my friends is what I experienced and enjoyed at Primero Casa Filipino, an eat-all-you-can Filipino cuisine destination in Quezon City.
Primero Casa Filipino Facade

Located at Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Street, Primero Casa Filipino was once known as Chef Laudico's Casa Filipino. But with a new chef and management in the house, this literally house-turned-restaurant serves a new menu of a variety of Filipino dishes with great service, and a homey, classy and sophisticated ambiance to boot.

Primero Casa Filipino Buffet
Dining at Primero Casa Filipino Primero Casa Filipino Dining Tables

And while the place definitely looks like an expensive restaurant, the good news is, dining here is actually very affordable. For P398 on weekdays and P498 on weekends, even your average Juan can visit Primero Casa Filipino and indulge once in a while.

The Buffet Spread

We visited Primero Casa Filipino on a Friday night so we were lucky to catch their seafood weekend dinner buffet. But first, let me take you on a tour of their buffet spread.

Sisig Shooters

These treats are Sisig Shooters, a really creative take on our traditional sisig which doesn't only look good, but taste delish as well. The sinful pork meat sits atop a crispy wanton and you have to pour the sauce from the shot glass before savoring every bite.

Egg Salad

While I enjoyed the Sisig Shooters, these Egg Salad appetizers won my heart and palate even harder. I've always been a fan of the regular egg salad, but these deconstructed take on my favorite is even better! Infused with a rolled crispy wanton, these babies are such a tease that a piece will never be enough. Check my plates later!

Hawaiian Coleslaw

I personally don't like coleslaw nor pineapples that much, but I was amazed that I actually enjoyed these tropical-tasting and refreshing mini Hawaiian Coleslaw. Just who would have thought that putting two things I dislike together would create something I'd love?

Salad Station

For salad lovers, there's also a Pinoy Salad Station where you can create your own colorful ensemble. And while I'm a salad lover myself, I decided to skip this to give way for more of the meal starters. As you know, I try to pace myself when eating in buffets.

Stuffed Pandesal

If you want some light carbs to gear things up, a piece or two of Stuffed Pandesal can be the answer. Unlike ordinary pandesal, these treats are stuffed with creamy shiitake mushrooms which make every bite more enjoyable even if you eat them on their own.

Tomato Pizza

There's also the Tomato Pizza which can satisfy both the pizza lovers and the vegetarians. However, while I liked the blend of flavors, I think this would be loads better if they make it thin crust. By then, I feel like this can be a sure crowd pleaser.

Another set of interesting appetizers at Primero Casa Filipino are these hors d'oeuvre.

Baked Aubergine and Cumin
Baked Aubergine and Cumin
Mustasa Wrap
Mustasa Wrap
Steamed Tofu Cake
Steamed Tofu Cake
I was so curious when I saw these plates of bite-size meal starters as they weren't your usual appetizers in buffets. I got one of each, but it was the Mustasa Wrap with honey mustard sauce that reigned supreme. The savory meat filling enveloped in a bundle of mustard leaves was just something new yet still as enticing to my taste buds.

Fried Lumpiang Shanghai
Fried Lumpiang Shanghai
Baked Oyster in Bechamel Sauce
Baked Oyster in Bechamel Sauce
I'm not so sure if these Baked Oyster in Bechamel Sauce are only available during the weekends. But if you see them, make sure to get a piece or two. They were said to be baked, but they still tasted quite raw. Good thing I'm used to eating raw oysters.

Now, let's move on to the soups and main dishes of the night.

Beef Nilaga Seafood Chowder
Beef Nilaga and Seafood Chowder
And since it was seafood night, there were also these seafood-infused goodies.

Seafood Kare-Kare

Since I love both seafood and kare-kare, I liked this Seafood Kare-Kare rendition. The kare-kare itself was flavorful and peanuty, with or without the bagoong. The mussels, clams and vegetables were all cooked perfectly too.

Chili Crabs

While I am a sucker for crabs, I was quite disappointed with these Chili Crabs. Don't get me wrong, they're very tasty and will definitely make your P498 worthwhile. However, since I'm used to eating the freshest (live) crabs, I'm not that easy to please especially with frozen crabs which meat will tend to easily fall apart.

Buttered Shrimp
Seafood Paella Rice

The Buttered Shrimp was okay, while the Seafood Paella Rice may still need some improvement as it was a little too sticky and mushy for my liking. Props to the chef though for cooking the seafood pieces perfectly. Honestly, I indulged in the seafood pieces from this rice dish more than the other seafood-infused items.

Then there were also the regular offerings at Primero Casa Filipino. Note though that their buffet menu goes on a cycle so some might not be there if you visit on other days.

Vegetable Pritata Steamed Vegetables
Vegetable Pritata and Steamed Vegetables
Bicol Express Pasta

Another memorable dish of the night was the Bicol Express Pasta. I love creative dishes, and this just made use of both creativity and one my favorite Filipino dishes -- bicol express. Now, who would have thought that bicol express and pasta can be combined not just in one sentence, but even in one word? The harmony of that creamy coconuty note, chilies and nicely-cooked pasta will definitely be remembered.

Fish Fillet in Bell Pepper Adobado Braised Chicken BBQ
Fish Fillet in Bell Pepper Adobado and Braised Chicken BBQ
There were also entrées for both fish lovers and chicken lovers. However, I think the food warming system left the fish dry in the inside. As for the chicken, I wasn't able to try it out since I was on a chicken-eating hiatus. (Blame the home for feeding me chicken daily.)

Here's where you can choose to feast upon the healthiest or the deadliest among them.

Steamed Maya-Maya
Steamed Maya-Maya
Roasted Angus Beef
Roasted Angus Beef (My default choice!)
Zubuchon
Zubuchon
I've actually tried all these three and I rank the Roasted Angus Beef first, the Zubuchon second, and the Steamed Maya-Maya last. They were actually equally good, but in the end, it'll all come down to taste preference. And, I just love my beef. Yum!

As for desserts, here are the items I've spotted at Primero Casa Filipino.

Cherry Cake
Cherry Cake
Native Palitaw
Native Palitaw
Suman Panna Cotta
Suman Panna Cotta
Brownies
Brownies
Rhum Balls
Rhum Balls
Chocolate Fondue Watermelon Slices Pineapple Slices
Chocolate fondue and fruit slices
Tapioca with Langka Sauce
Tapioca with Langka Sauce
Halo-Halo Shooters
Halo-Halo Shooters
Cappuccino
Cappuccino
We've tried almost every dessert item, but the ones which made a huge impression were the Suman Panna Cotta, Rhum Balls, and Halo-Halo Shooter. Oh, and the small cup of Cappuccino deserves a mention too since I enjoyed it as well.

My Plates (What I Got)

I know this post is already very long. But let me just share with you some photos of my plates since I've taken and edited them. It would be a waste not to include them here.

Steamed Tofu Cake, Mustasa Wrap, Baked Aubergine and Cumin, and Fried Lumpiang Shanghai
Steamed Tofu Cake, Mustasa Wrap, Baked Aubergine and Cumin, and Fried Lumpiang Shanghai
Inside Stuffed Pandesal Egg Salad, Mustasa Wrap, Tomato Pizza, Stuffed Pandesal, and Hawaiian Coleslaw
Pandesal stuffing; Egg Salad, Mustasa Wrap, Tomato Pizza, Stuffed Pandesal, and Hawaiian Coleslaw
Bicol Express Pasta, Egg Salad, Baked Oyster with Bechamel Sauce, and Vegetable Pritata
Bicol Express Pasta, Egg Salad, Baked Oyster with Bechamel Sauce, and Vegetable Pritata
Seafood Kare-Kare, Seafood Paella Rice, Fish Fillet in Bell Pepper Adobado, Buttered Shrimp and Steamed Vegetables
Seafood Kare-Kare, Seafood Paella Rice, Fish Fillet in Bell Pepper Adobado, Buttered Shrimp and Steamed Vegetables
Egg Salad, Chili Crab, Zubuchon, and Roasted Angus Beef
Egg Salad, Chili Crab, Zubuchon, and Roasted Angus Beef
Brownie, Suman Panna Cotta, Rhum Ball and Cherry Cake
Brownie, Suman Panna Cotta, Rhum Ball and Cherry Cake
My Halo-Halo Shooter Chocolate and Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Halo-Halo Shooter, and Chocolate & Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
Tekali Tekali Coffee
Tekali Shot from the bar

THE VERDICT

While I don't usually enjoy dining in Filipino restaurants, let alone Filipino buffets, I was surprised that I found my palate enjoying at Primero Casa Filipino. Although they don't offer a buffet spread as extensive as those of hotels, or those luxury eat-all-you-can destinations, Primero Casa Filipino still carries a good variety of not just ordinary Filipino fare, but also of creative dishes. And with friendly servers, a nice and elegant ambiance, plus a buffet rate that won't leave a hole in your pocket, I definitely recommend Primero Casa Filipino to anyone looking for an affordable yet good quality Filipino buffet.

Taste - 3.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4.5/5
Price - 5/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Primero Casa Filipino, Quezon City
26 Scout Torillo cor. Scout Fernandez St.,
Sacred Heart, Quezon City
(02) 921-2448; 921-1850; (0917) 851-2272
Facebook Page

36 comments:

  1. Thank you Sumi for the very balanced review, great write up and amazing photos...
    Honestly , it's really hard to please people like us who grew up in Navotas/Malabon when it comes to seafood since we always get ours fresh... but super thanks for pointing that out and will definitely discuss it w/ the kitchen peeps....
    Btw, the steamed maya-maya is just for the holy week....

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    1. Thank you too for inviting us over sir Kim! :) We really enjoyed our visit. Anyway, I'll be sure to drop by Primero Casa Filipino again soon.. :) More power!

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  2. Welcome back Sumi! hehe

    That Roast Beef and Zubuchon looked amazing :)

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    1. Thank you sir Richie! :D Haha.. You noticed pala my month-long hiatus? XD

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  3. long post? di ko napansin.. Natakam kasi ako hihihi =D Hello Sumi

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    1. Hey Amberry~ Thank you so much :D Actually, worried ako baka masyado nang bombarded with photos 'tong post, but thank you! ^^

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  4. Sumi! Oh my! Ang sarap. Title pa lang, sold na ako. may word kasi na "affordable". hahaha I'm such a cheapskate.

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    1. Haha.. Don't worry Kat, kahit ako matunog saken ang "affordable" ^^ Basta ba affordable yet still good quality ;)

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  5. Amberry is right. This post is like a buffet too.
    Seriously, for less than 400 or 500, this is a great place to find value for your money.
    thanks for the breathtaking photos, as usual, Sumi!

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    1. Thank you, Jerome! Btw, you should definitely check out Primero Casa Filipino some time ;)

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  6. Nice post nanaman po. I really enjoy dropping by your blog. It is so helpful para sa mga food lovers na katulad ko. Thanks po. I'm gonna try it soon. More Power po!

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  7. wow!! This is one of the best affordable buffet restaurants that I've seen so far! By looking at the pictures, one would have mistaken the price range to be over 2k. I was surprised to know that a buffet dinner at Primero Casa Filipino only costs 398!♥

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  8. I am not a fan of Filipino dishes myself but these treats look really tasty! I must visit this restaurant soon (pero diet muna haha).

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  9. I have not eaten here for some time..It is a good thing they changed managements. I think it is for the better. The food looks great now compared to before.

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  10. Truly delectable filipino dish served with style.

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  11. I miss these kinds of goodies. I thought when I went to visit the Philippines for four months, I wouldn't crave for Filipino food anymore because I stuffed myself real good but nah! Here I am drooling while looking at the pictures above.

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  12. I sooo love my 1st visit here. And will definitely go back, Soon! haha!

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  13. wow, as in they have great food selection. I love sea food and will surely enjoy this restaurant.

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  14. i want the mustasa wrap so bad! gotta try this restaurant :)

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  15. The place looks elegant and the food oh so yummy! I wish I was living in Manila :S

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  16. Wow I would like to try once i come back in QC

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  17. Who can say no to filipino dishes. :P~ Definitely affordable

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  18. your so bad, its 8:08 in the morning, I just got out from the stressful morning rush, sweat still in my forehead, logging in to start my working Wednesday, tried checking out some buffets since the weekend is coming plus its my parents wedding anniversary, i stumbled here and oh la la, i can feel my stomach grumbling telling me "go grab some breakfast" but the heck, mini stop is the only store near the building and i want some of these featured foods.... you bad girl :)

    anyway, is the price same during weekends, weekdays, lunch and dinner?

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  19. Nakakasira ng diet to haha! :)

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  20. Seafoods! Seafoods! Seafoods! I love Seafoods! <3

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  21. Wanna try it someday!. Looks so delicious! :)

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  22. I'm a real fan of Filipino dishes and I would love to go to this resto if I have time! :)

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  23. My partner and I love buffets. I love this article Primero Casa Filipino: Affordable Filipino Buffet. I would definitely try there resto


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  24. P398 lang on weekdays? Affordable! My gang will invade the place one of these days!

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  25. Wow! For the price, it is worth it. will check this soon. :)

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  26. Hi sis. I'd love to visit this but I really have no idea how to get there. I don't have car so I had no choice but to commute. Maybe you could help me with the directions? :) Thanks!

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    1. Hi sis! I'm actually not sure too how to commute to the area. You can only commute lang ata to Tomas Morato which sadly I don't know how to access via public transport. :( Your best bet siguro is to go to MRT Quezon Ave. or GMA-Kamuning station then take a cab from there. :)

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  27. I love how they made twists on our traditional foods, yummmmm, i love buffets, a must try!

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  28. Wow! Finally, a Filipino buffet has a price range under Php500?! I'd love to try the Sisig Shooters, Baked Oyster with Bechamel Sauce, Bicol Express Pasta, and the Seafood Kare-Kare!! Thanks for this wonderful post and by the way the photos here look so amazing! :D

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