UPSIZE PH | Buen Comer: Getting that Mex-Fil Flavor On

I first heard of Buen Comer from an online friend, who told me about this amazing Kare Kare Burrito she loves from a food truck somewhere near the famous Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.

"Please don't tell anyone about it," said my friend.

*Buen Comer is not, at strictly speaking, a food truck because all the food is prepared in the house beside it.*

One evening, I went to Buen Comer by Poquellas, which is apparently open only at 4pm-11pm Wednesdays to Saturdays. It is located at Mahabagin corner Mapagkawangga Streets, Teachers Village outside what I surmise is the owner's house.

There is a food truck where the food is assembled but everything is cooked inside the house.

There is usually a rush of people, especially around 7pm, but thankfully, they are quite efficient. There is one guy who takes orders and coordinates between the house and the food truck.

Now on to the food. Is the Kare Kare Burrito as good as they say it it is? The dish is peanut-flavored rice wrapped in a tortilla with a slathering of bagoong (I suggest you tell them to put this on the side), lechon kawali and vegetables. The first time I had it, I was so overwhelmed with the flavors that I didn't really enjoy it. But the second time, I savored the dish and realized I would eat it even just for the delicious peanut-flavored rice and bagoong. Is it just me or is the rice more flavorful these days?

A must try is the Steak and Fries Wrap (which is in the specials menu). I have never ordered this but my friends love it even more than the Kare Kare Burrito. The fries and the Cajun-flavored steak are freshly-cooked (as with all the other dishes at Buen Comer).

The Nacho Potato Crisp is also part of the regular menu, which is small but solid. You must try this, even without the vegetables and cheese sauce that it comes with. I also love the Longganisa Soft Taco.

I want to try their other offerings but I'm a creature of habit, something which I am determined to change. So the next time, I will try the Peri Peri Chicken with Dirty Rice.

Oh, the specials are also, well, special. My daughter had the Chicken Ceasar Wrap minus the chicken and bacon bits because she doesn't eat meat. She loved it, along with the Cheese Quesadillas. There was a time when they had Pad Thai and my friend said it was good, too.

*It's not a complete experience without these three sauces*

Oh, I haven't even talked about the sauces yet. One is red so I assume it's chili sauce. I avoid anything with chili so I can't tell you about that. The white one is garlic and the green one (I'm guessing here) is guacamole. These two sauces make every dish taste even more special. They're generous with the sauces even if you're ordering for takeaway.

*This food is enough for two to three moderately hungry people.*

Although Buen Comer is mostly a takeaway eatery, there are several tables should you wish to have your burritos and tacos there. They're very service oriented so you'll have a good time even if there's no air-conditioning.

The prices are very reasonable. The Steak and Fries Wrap is P188 and it's good for two people. The Kare Kare Burrito is P138 while the Nacho Potato Crisp is P88. I wish they had more vegetarian options, though.