TITO BOY
Neighbourhood: St. Vital
Address: 730 St. Anne’s Road
Phone: 204-414-8486
Entrees: $8 – $26
Filipino cuisine, has been surging in popularity, capturing taste buds with its vibrant flavours. Renowned for blending influences from Spain, China, and Malaysia, it is dubbed one of the world’s great melting-pot cuisines blending sweet, sour, and salty flavours into robust recipes. Curious food lovers are discovering Tito Boy, a 2023 upstart, is delivering a delightful taste of the Philippines that deserves attention.
This hotspot oozes tradition and relies on age-old family recipes to impress. Step inside and patrons are embraced by the captivating ambiance. Bamboo accents, wall art in shades of tropical greens and touches of décor from the homeland (the bar stools were brought over by the owner herself) pay homage to the islands. Said proprietor, Jackie, exudes genuine hospitality, welcoming diners as warmly as one hosting company to their home.
Attentiveness continues as staff provide guidance and personalized recommendations. Traditional dishes including adobo (marinated meat), kare-kare (stew) and pancit are excellent go-to’s. Opt for ‘sweet barbeque’ pork skewers and enjoy grilled tender bites of pork spiced with piquant gochujang paste presented on a leaf topped wooden board. The delicious morsels blend sweet, sour and spice in tangy bites.
The wildly popular family staple, pancit, nods to Chinese cuisine. Ultra-thin rice noodles stir-fried with veggies subtly laced with garlic and soy sauce, make comforting combination for wide ranging tastes. Tito Boy offers vegan and chicken versions.
Pig parts are ingredients of distinction and are incorporated in a variety of dishes. Pork belly, ears, and crispy chicharron add umami-rich depth to soups, stews and stir-fries. Pork belly kare kare hits the mark with sweet and savoury peanut sauce flavouring crisp fried, pieces of juicy meat contrasted with bright string beans, bok choy and eggplant. The aromatic mixture is as visually alluring as it is delicious.
It is a treat from start to the ube infused brownie finish whether one is an adventurous food lover seeking a new cultural experience or a newcomer longing for a taste of home.