Adela’s Carinderia London

Authentic Filipino Flavors Shine at Hidden Gem

You'd be forgiven for missing Adela's quaint, unapologetically humble Filipino eatery as you weave your way through Shepherd’s Bush Market. A little treasure that might seem hidden but is well worth the discovery, it offers what can only be described as a vivid escape to Manila without the need for airline tickets. Here, food meets its soulmate in simplicity; you sit down not so much to eat but to indulge – there's a noteworthy irony when a gastronomic undertaking this unpretentious leaves one utterly spellbound. My luncheon kicked off with the buffet, a charming tableau of ever-changing Filipino classics such as sisig, krosegadong pusit, and kare-kare, each dish a testament to the authenticity that's clearly adored by locals and twarfaring patrons alike. Ate Adela rolls her sleeves up to serve you herself, an ode to perseverance and that endearing Filipino hospitality which lends the proceedings a feel rapidly absent from gentrified London.

And yes, they sure know how to whip up galactic feasts that veer deliciously into linguistic obscenities for non-Filipino speakers: longsilog makes colonic joyrides through your belly with aplomb, and one exchanged glance with the crispy tranquility of lechon kawali seals your fate as another serial visitor. Then, there’s halo-halo, which I gathered isn’t included in its takeout variation, mercifully granting the experience of proper icy refreshment on premises. It’s a culinary orgy lightened by free pork soup and an optional fry-up upon request—because, frankly, who wouldn't slyly trade in their poached egg regime for fried monkfish liberation? Huwebes or Big Ben’s most riotous half-hour couldn’t disrupt the lingering temptation; just remember that authenticity lovingly calibrated has both flavor and an uncanny knack for making converts of complete neophytes. So should you find yourself distantly wandering near Adela’s latest contest with location permanence on Goldhawk Road, brace for wondrous delight—it’s an alluring tale woven into steaming rice, dizzyingly tender seafood, and palatable bonhomie. — Penelope Savory