Filipino flavors that you’ll adore

Seafood Binakol ($14.50)

Max’s of Manila’s scrumptious fare will make you fall madly in love in just a few bites.

The beloved restaurant is hailed for its mouth-wateringly famous Max’s Fried Chicken, Kare Kare (peanut-based oxtail stew), Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino egg roll) and many other delights.

Founded in the Philippines in 1945 by Maximo Gimenez, the eatery dishes up traditional Filipino meals.

Following World War II, Gimenez became friends with American troops stationed in the country, who enjoyed his food, prompting him to establish a cafe.

Gimenez received assistance in the cafe from family members, including his wife Mercedes, his sister-in-law Felipe and her niece Ruby. Soon, Ruby innovated her own tender, luscious chicken recipe that enthralled hungry customers. As the legend spread, Max’s restaurants gained loyal followers under the moniker, “The House That Fried Chicken Built.”

Honey Glazed Crispy Pata ($16.95 regular, $20.95 large)

Throughout the decades of its existence, Max’s has reached its arms across the world, including Hawaii.

To the delight of diners, Max’s of Manila opened its first Oahu location in Waipahu Shopping Plaza on Farrington Highway in March 2006. Then in 2010, the island’s second Max’s location opened on Dillingham Boulevard within the Costco Iwilei Complex.

Maly San Luis, general manager of Max’s of Manila in Hawaii, adds that patrons can be accommodated in private party rooms, and that delivery and online ordering are available.

San Luis also shares that the restaurant is still accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day.

ENJOY TASTE TO THE ‘MAX’
Current February branch specials offered at both Max’s of Manila locations until the end of the month include Honey Glazed Crispy Pata ($16.95 regular, $20.95 large). This exquisite dish consists of savory and sweet pata (premium crispy pork hock), which is stir-fried in garlic, coated in luscious, golden honey and finished with a bit of serrano chili peppers.

The other branch special is the new, must-try Seafood Binakol ($14.50), a delicious soup of scrumptious seafood simmered in coconut juice and fragrant lemon grass with assorted vegetables.

Therefore, the next time you are looking for a meal that’s totally masarap (Tagalog for delicious), treat yourself and your loved ones to what’s on the menu at Max’s of Manila.