My journey into the vibrant world of Filipino cuisine began with a visit to Taglish, chef Michael Collantes’ fusion restaurant in Lotte Plaza Market. Since then, I’ve been eager to explore more Filipino culinary offerings. A former colleague introduced me to De Guzman Oriental Food Mart, a Filipino convenience store located on East Colonial Drive, and it quickly became a go-to spot for authentic flavors.
De Guzman Oriental Food Mart may appear unassuming, connected as it is to a Citgo gas station. However, beyond the typical convenience store fare, it boasts a delightful selection of Filipino groceries and, most importantly, a steam table filled with freshly prepared, hot Filipino dishes. On a recent chilly day, I decided to treat myself to an early lunch and sample a few of their offerings.
A Taste of the Philippines: My De Guzman Oriental Food Mart Experience
While the crispy fried milkfish looked tempting, I opted for dishes that were easier to manage at my desk. Next time, that milkfish is definitely on my list!
Satisfying Pancit
Craving pancit, I ordered a large serving ($10.00), which provided several satisfying meals. This classic Filipino dish features tender rice noodles stir-fried with chicken, eggs, onions, celery, carrots, and soy sauce. I was pleased to find that it wasn’t overly salty or greasy, and it perfectly satisfied my craving.
Rich and Flavorful Pork Adobo
Next up was a small container of pork adobo ($5.50). This stew consists of large, tender chunks of pork braised in a rich, thick gravy made from soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, with plenty of whole black peppercorns. The balance of sourness and sweetness from the vinegar and soy sauce is a hallmark of Filipino cuisine, and it’s quite distinct from Latin American adobo dishes.
Hearty Beef Caldereta
Since it was a rare cold day in Orlando, I couldn’t resist ordering a small container of beef caldereta ($7.50). This hearty, braised dish is a Filipino take on beef stew. While spicier than the pork adobo, it remains relatively mild. The tomatoey sauce, studded with chunks of potato, onion, red bell pepper, carrot, and even black olives, provides a tangy flavor. The meat was incredibly tender, and the broth was packed with flavor. I’m always drawn to braised meats, especially during the cooler months.
Experimenting with Flavors
The large portions allowed me to experiment with different flavor combinations. I tried spooning the pork adobo and beef caldereta sauces over the pancit, both separately and together, creating new and exciting taste sensations.
Embracing Filipino Flavors at Home
My exploration of Filipino cuisine has extended beyond De Guzman Oriental Food Mart. Inspired by the vinegar-centric flavors, I’ve acquired seasoned Filipino vinegars like Suka Pinakurat spicy coconut vinegar and Datu Puti spicy cane vinegar. I’ve even attempted to recreate adobong sitaw at home, substituting green beans for the traditional long beans. While I haven’t yet ventured into recreating other Filipino dishes, I’m more than happy to rely on the experts in the meantime.
De Guzman Oriental Food Mart: A Hidden Gem
Don’t let the location of De Guzman Oriental Food Mart, connected to a gas station, deter you. Some of the most memorable meals can be found in unexpected places, such as food trucks, food courts, and even convenience stores. In these challenging times, businesses like De Guzman are adapting by focusing on takeout and providing delicious, homemade food to the community. I’m incredibly grateful to have access to amazing, fresh, and authentic Filipino food so close to my workplace, easily accessible from most areas of Orlando thanks to De Guzman Oriental Food Mart.
