Wooden Spoon: The Crab Pancit Wonder and the Joy of its Fiesta Rice
Back in college, I recall how it was such a luxury to be able to grab a highly coveted spot in Wooden Spoon’s cramped space in Katipunan Avenue. One of the few non-franchised concepts in that stretch of restaurants back then; students and non-students would patiently queue up to sample its famed home-cooked Filipino specials.
It’s no surprise then that Mr. Daza envisioned bigger things for Wooden Spoon; evident in how the restaurant eventually got a prime spot in Powerplant’s row of restaurants.
Wooden Spoon serves up traditional and honest Filipino fare in small clean white plates; banking more on taste of its food rather than its presentation.
CRAB PANCIT (P185)
Who knew that the Crab Pancit, a dish that looks so effortlessly prepared would be a powerhouse in flavor? This crispy noodle dish may not look it, but it is a must-try! One order would not be enough to satisfy the entire table!
WOODEN SPOON CRISPY CHICKEN (P220)
We had high expectations for the Wooden Spoon Crispy Chicken, as it bore the restaurant’s name; and because we assumed that it was Mr. Daza’s answer to the General’s Chicken of Recipes by Café Metro. Sadly, the chicken pieces failed to deliver. These were lightly coated in batter; but weren’t as crispy as I wanted them to be. The glaze itself was pleasantly sweet; but lacked strength in the savory department; which made the dish palatably mediocre.
ADOBO FLAKES (P225)
On the other hand, the Adobo Flakes was expertly executed. The adobo flakes had nice crisp edges, but weren’t dry to taste unlike those served in other restaurants! Each strip boasts of the salty-sour sauce that’s unmistakably the Pinoy's adobo. Top each bite with a small dollop of its garlic mayo dip to complete the experience!
SQUID WITH CHILI AND MUSHROOM (P259)
The Squid with Chili and Mushroom featured tender slices of well-cooked squid tossed in a tasty oyster-based mixture of vegetables, and mushrooms. I wasn’t really jumping up and down for this dish; but if you’re into Chinese-style sautéed vegetables in oyster sauce; then this would be a welcome treat for you.
BISTEK TAGALOG (P275)
Wooden Spoon puts a twist on the classic Bistek Tagalog by serving this with creamy mashed potatoes. I’m a bit torn with this dish, because the steak sauce worked wonders with the potatoes; but the meat, though tender, was forgettable.
SIGARILYAS AT DAING (P170)
The Sigarilyas at Daing definitely livened up the meal by bringing color and flavor to the other dishes. The ratio of the sigarilyas and daing seemed to be the result of a careful thought process, making sure that the latter does not overwhelm the former. Both were enveloped in a semi-thick lovely gata broth which was simply enjoyable.
FIESTA RICE (P187)
The Fiesta Rice would be the most sulit dish I’ve tasted in Wooden Spoon. Good for 3-4 persons, this tasty fried rice does not skimp on its sahog. Served with thinly sliced chorizo, tinapa crumbles, fresh tomato chunks and salted egg quarters; this dish is a complete meal in itself. This is perfect for those looking for quality and filling dishes on a tight budget.
It’s no wonder that Wooden Spoon attracts a truckload of hungry diners in both of its branches, as it serves honest comfort Filipino dishes with price tags that go easy on one’s budget.
Droolworthy Dishes: Crab Pancit, Fiesta Rice, Sigarilyas at Daing, Adobo Flakes
Wooden Spoon
LGF Power Plant Mall, Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Date of Visit: January 16, 2015 (with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua, and Jem Chua)
