A friend brought me to this little Filipino restaurant that just opened recently. It’s off the beaten track and along Industrial Road in Whalley/Surrey. Driving there, I was surprised to find a colorful and cozy looking restaurant after passing long blocks of bare properties and buildings.
As soon as we walked in, Grandt’s gracious staff welcomed us with a big smile. Now that was a good sign.
Feeling like a 5 year old kid looking up the board where the specials were boldly written, I was confused on what to order. Why? Because I was actually pretty full. But the words Halo-Halo suddenly jumped at me! Now that was easy. I had tried this popular dessert in many Filipino restaurants all over the world. Different presentations, different ingredients, different shaved ice. After being completely satisfied and happy with Grandt’s Kitchen Halo-Halo, I promised them that I would come back for hot food next time around.
It didn’t take long, yours truly went back to Grandt Kitchen with my family. This time for dinner.
On the way I was able to check their menu online. It literally took us 30 minutes to reach our destination all the way from Vancouver. The menu is simple but I couldn’t decide. I wanted to try everything!
There was a big table of customers when we got there and I tried not to stare at what they were eating. I could tell that they enjoyed every bite of it.
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- Binagoongang Spareribs
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- Chopsuey
We ordered the special Binagoongang Spareribs (shrimp paste sauce based with spices), my favorite Pancit Palabok, Lumpiang Shanghai (Spring Roll), Laing (Taro leaves and shrimp paste in coconut milk), Bangsilog (Marinated fish with fried rice, fried egg and pickled vegetable), Chopsuey (sautéed assortment of vegetable), Garlic Fried Rice, Sago at Gulaman drink and of course, Halo-Halo.
The fun part was each dish was served in the all too familiar Filipino pots and pans that brought back memories of our little kitchenware in Manila. And yes, I tried all the dishes we ordered. I took pictures of all except for Lumpiang Shanghai which was completely consumed in one minute and the Pancit Palabok, I was entirely hypnotized to devour. All tasted pretty authentic to me.
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- Bangsilog
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- Laing
My family and I were pleased with the good service by one of the owners Neil Molenderas who attended to our many requests, and even gave us samples of their delicious Fried Chicken to try. Worried that there would be no room for Halo-halo, I just ordered 2 to share, just enough for our sweet craving.
Although quite far from our home in Vancouver, I wouldn’t think twice going back there again to try Grandt Kitchen’s Kare-Kare Pork Hock and Tripe (Peanut sauce based with assortment of vegetables) and BBQ Platter (Assortment of Fish, Pork Skewers, Mussels, Chicken, Squid with Grilled Eggplant).
Great ambiance, good service and delicious food equals an exquisite casual dining experience.
