The Ultimate 2025 Guide To The Pork And Spoon Menu: 10 Must-Try Filipino Dishes From Two Culinary Hotspots

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The "Pork and Spoon menu" is not just one menu, but a tale of two distinct, highly-rated Filipino restaurants, each offering a unique and compelling culinary journey. As of December 2025, the name refers to both the critically acclaimed, modern Filipino comfort food experience in Los Angeles and the beloved, authentic Filipino kitchen operating out of Burlington, North Carolina.

Navigating the menu of either establishment is an adventure into the rich, bold, and comforting flavors of the Philippines. Whether you are looking for a Michelin-recognized twist on a classic or a heaping plate of traditional comfort, this guide breaks down the signature dishes, pricing, and overall concepts to help you plan your next Filipino feast.

The Michelin-Recognized Menu: Spoon & Pork (Los Angeles)

Spoon & Pork, primarily located in Los Angeles, has garnered significant attention for elevating classic Filipino comfort food with a modern, chef-driven approach. The restaurant, which began as a food truck in 2017, is now recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, a testament to its quality and innovative spirit.

The concept here is a celebration of Filipino heritage reimagined, focusing heavily on high-quality pork dishes. The menu is designed to showcase the versatility of pork in Filipino cuisine, moving beyond the standard fare to introduce new, exciting textures and presentations.

Spoon & Pork Signature Dishes: Modern Filipino Comfort Food

The Los Angeles menu is famous for its creative culinary entities that fuse traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary plating and techniques. These are the must-try dishes that have put Spoon & Pork on the national map:

  • Patita (Crispy Pata): Often hailed as one of the best pork dishes in Los Angeles, the Patita is a deep-fried pig trotter (pork leg) that is crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside. It's a showstopper and a traditional Filipino feast centerpiece.
  • Pork Belly Adobo: A modern take on the national dish of the Philippines, Adobo. This version features succulent pork belly braised in the classic mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns, resulting in a rich, tangy, and savory experience.
  • Adobo Pork Belly Nigiri: A perfect example of the restaurant's modern fusion. This dish takes the traditional Adobo pork belly and serves it atop seasoned rice, presented in the style of Japanese nigiri sushi.
  • Lechon Kawali: Crispy, deep-fried pork belly that is a staple of Filipino celebrations. It’s known for its incredibly crunchy skin and tender, juicy meat underneath.
  • Chorizo Burger: A more casual but equally flavorful offering, the Chorizo Burger blends Filipino-style sausage flavors into a comforting, contemporary sandwich.
  • Lumpia: The quintessential Filipino spring roll. While many restaurants offer this, Spoon & Pork’s version is known for its fresh, flavorful filling and perfectly crisp wrapper.

Authentic Filipino Comfort: Pork and Spoon (Burlington, NC)

In contrast to the modern, elevated fare of its West Coast counterpart, Pork and Spoon in Burlington, North Carolina, focuses on serving authentic, traditional Filipino cuisine, honoring the rich flavors and heritage of the Philippines.

This establishment prides itself on bringing the taste of the Filipino kitchen to the community, with a menu that is deeply rooted in classic, beloved recipes. The atmosphere is centered around the idea of Filipino food as ultimate comfort food, meant to be shared with family and friends.

Pork and Spoon Classics: Must-Try Traditional Dishes

The Burlington menu is a treasure trove of Filipino classics, perfect for those seeking the genuine, home-style taste of the islands. The focus is on hearty, flavorful meals that satisfy a craving for true comfort food.

  • Sisig (Crunchy Pork Belly): Highly recommended by patrons, the Sisig is a sizzling dish of chopped pork (often including pork belly) seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. The crunchy pork belly variation is a particular favorite.
  • Lumpia (Pork Spring Rolls): Dubbed "the world famous pork spring rolls," these appetizers are a massive draw. They are typically served in a set of six with a side of sweet chili sauce and are priced around $14.99.
  • Chicken Inasal: A grilled dish featuring a quarter chicken leg marinated in a vibrant mixture that often includes soy sauce, ginger, and lemon. This popular regional specialty from the Western Visayas is a must-try for non-pork enthusiasts.
  • Lumpiang Shanghai: A specific, smaller, and more savory variety of lumpia, often made with ground pork and vegetables, confirming the restaurant's commitment to classic Filipino appetizers.
  • Beef Short Ribs: Marinated beef short ribs grilled to perfection, offering a flavorful alternative to the primary pork dishes.

Navigating the World of Filipino Cuisine: Key Entities and Must-Know Dishes

To truly appreciate the "Pork and Spoon menu," whether in LA or NC, it helps to understand the broader context of Filipino cuisine. It is a rich tapestry of flavors, a fusion of Asian and Latin American influences, and is fundamentally about shared, comforting meals.

The following entities represent the core of Filipino food, many of which appear in some form on both menus, demonstrating the topical authority of these restaurants in the culinary landscape:

Essential Filipino Culinary Entities

Understanding these dishes will unlock the full experience of a Filipino restaurant menu:

  • Adobo: Often considered the national dish, Adobo is a cooking process where meat (pork, chicken, or both) is stewed in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. It varies widely by region.
  • Lechon: A whole roasted pig, typically reserved for major celebrations, known for its incredibly crispy skin and tender meat. *Lechon Kawali* (deep-fried pork belly) is the everyday version.
  • Sisig: A sizzling appetizer or main dish made from parts of the pig's head and liver, seasoned with calamansi and chili. Modern versions, like those at Pork and Spoon, often use crispy pork belly.
  • Sinigang: A sour and savory soup or stew characterized by its distinct souring agent, often tamarind. It can be made with various meats and vegetables.
  • Pancit: The term for various Filipino noodle dishes. *Pancit Canton* (egg noodles) and *Pancit Bihon* (rice vermicelli) are common, often mixed with pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
  • Kare-Kare: A rich, savory stew made with a thick peanut sauce, usually containing oxtail, tripe, and various vegetables, served with a side of fermented shrimp paste (*Bagoong*).
  • Torta: A type of omelet or savory fritter, often made with ground meat or vegetables.
  • Kaldereta: A meat stew, typically of goat or beef, simmered in a tomato sauce with vegetables and liver paste.
  • Silog Meals: A popular breakfast or all-day meal combining a protein (e.g., *Tocino* - cured pork, *Longganisa* - Filipino sausage) with *Sinangag* (garlic fried rice) and a fried egg (*Itlog*).
  • Sorbetes: The traditional Filipino ice cream, often sold from carts and featuring unique flavors like ube (purple yam) or cheese.

Whether you find yourself ordering the innovative *Adobo Nigiri* in Los Angeles or a heaping plate of *Sisig* in North Carolina, the "Pork and Spoon menu" in its dual form represents the exciting and diverse world of Filipino dining. From street food classics to fine dining interpretations, both restaurants deliver on the promise of Filipino comfort food.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide to the Pork and Spoon Menu: 10 Must-Try Filipino Dishes from Two Culinary Hotspots
pork and spoon menu
pork and spoon menu

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