Baby’s Eatery and Palabok: A Filipino Culinary Gem in San Francisco

BEST DINUGUAN IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Real talk, I've eaten in hella Filipino restaurants. From fancy fusion to classic family-owned eateries, and this spot has the best dinuguan I've ever tasted. Even my lola (grandma) loves this spot--I buy some take-out for her whenever I drive down to LA. This is a super small spot. Definition of hole-in-the-wall. Flavor for their munggo is also solid. If you "dine-in" here, they also give you a little cup of soup along with hella rice. Folks who are highly critical probably don't know the carinderia style of Filipino restaurants where the food is displayed in the front for you to see and point to, thus also called "turo-turo" which literally translates into "point-point" Come here, be humble, and taste hella good food. Forr bougie hipsters, go somewhere else lol.

Definitely the best hole in the wall for some authentic Philippino Food... I love every selection of food they have to offer. The beef soup on a cold day is so yummy... the Shanghai Lumpia is the best, the chicken Adobe is the bomb, the sweet sausages, fried plantains, Pancit... omgeee I love it all....

This is one of those deceivingly small places, but it packs a lot of big bold flavors and hearty meals. It is a highly efficient mom-n-pop restaurant, with an open kitchen and a food-prep operation in plain sight. Often you'd see fresh dishes poured right into the food warmers directly from the stoves. And with everything out in the open, you have the sense that everything is honest, as simple as a home kitchen. And in spite of their tiny operation, the selection is ample on any given day in this turo-turo style, so much to pick from, and it seems as if point at anything, even from their shelves, everything is for sale. These folks are hard working, kind people who try to send you off with as much food they can pack into to-go overflowing plastic containers. They are earnest at what they do. This is a fine example of a small business with big dreams.

A very excellent Mom & Pop Filipino place. The food is delicious. This was my Mother's favorite place for Filipino food. They knew her very well, & still ask about her. Every time I invite family/friends here, I always remember all the times we ate here. My Mother had a funny Filipino accent, which I still use. Sometimes I hear her Humor in my Head. I would recommend this place. The tables are meant for 2. Salamat. Rest In Peace Mom, Victoria Martha Orea.

Best Filipino food in the Bay Area. My grandkids got free lumpias. The staff is extremely friendly. The food portions are big, enough food in one serving to save for the next day.

I really like this place! It's actually a tasty turo-turo place. I actually came here with low expectations the first time, just because I have been disappointed by a few turo-turo spots in the city. But this place is good! There isn't a menu, so it might be difficult if you have no idea about Filipino food. But the gals here speak English, so don't be afraid. Have only tried a few dishes such as the adobo, palabok, and the crispy binagoongan. All of them were very good. Although binagoonan is usually very salty, as it is made with shrimp paste, so if you aren't use to it, it might be too strong for you. They do have okoy (shrimp fritters) here, which I get really excited about it, because I usually only get it in Antioch, when I'm visiting my auntie who lives there. Highly recommend that. And for you bold risk-takers, they have balut! You know... that partially developed baby chick? You know it was on that Joe Rogan show... What is it? Oh yes.. Fear Factor. Balut is really a delicacy in many Asian countries like Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It's not just a novelty snack. People really enjoy eating it, so don't snub it, and say that's it gross. Respect other people's cultures and food traditions.

Incredibly authentic Filipino hole-in-the-wall doling out a wide variety of ready-to-go stews and crispy fried specialties (e.g whole fish) Very reasonably priced, generously portioned lunch platters with choice of carbohydrate and two entrees. Highlights include: (i) chicken or pork adobo, (ii) ginataang kalabasa (pumpkin coconut milk curry with fresh veg and seafood), and (iii) lumpia rolled fresh by the house matriarch on-site. Glass-noodle pancit, while tasty, is more of a personal preference choice. An excellent option for Filipino in the Outer Mission/Excelsior — with a very strong, no-frills, friendly vibe from the islands.

I have to say this is one of my favorite places to grab food they are always so nice I will be in soon to grab me a plate