Spice level warning — Kare-Kare is not what I expected

I underestimated Kare-Kare. The deeply umami description didn't prepare me for the reality. patis fish sauce brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

kamayan feasts eaten with hands from banana leaves are experiencing a cultural revival. The a turo-turo cafeteria setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. San Miguel beer cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.