Taste Of Kawayan

Name: Taste Of Kawayan
Address: 4859 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, Chicago, IL, 60630.0, US
Telephone: +1 773-993-0360

Recommended

Filipino·Seafood

🐟 Pescatarian

Chicago, IL·Uptown & North Side

Open·11AM-8PM

Call (773) 993-0360 Visit Website

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About

Taste Of Kawayan — reliable filipino in Jefferson Park. Traditional preparation with honest flavors. Service that's warm without being over the top. Owner-operated, cash only. Gerald Red Amlih: "The pork was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, complemented by the rich, savory sauce"

Experience Breakdown

🍴Food

5.0

👥Service

5.0

✨Ambiance

4.5

💬Sentiment

4.7

Phyllis Felts

210 reviews

Highlights

CozyFamily FriendlyQuick BiteCash OnlyNeighborhood InstitutionFamily Run

What Diners Are Saying

Diners loved

Warm, welcoming staffKnowledgeable staffAuthentic flavorsOwner on site

Some noted

Cash only

Read all + reviews on Google

Location

4859 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

What 40+ diners say about Taste Of Kawayan

“Very good authentic La Paz Bachoy.”

Very good authentic La Paz Bachoy. Serving size are big. Serving time is reasonable and the staff were friendly.

Charlotte Holland

Jan 2026

“First time at the restaurant and the server gave us complete details of the menu and ofc the origin of the food.”

First time at the restaurant and the server gave us complete details of the menu and ofc the origin of the food. It was really great, tho the sisig had an aftertaste and was kinda different from others, tho still ate it. Kare and Kawali was good tho! 🔥. Also the ambiance was pretty cool inside too. This was back in August 2025.

Joshua B (Joshehboii)

Oct 2025

“Ambience and atmosphere was very welcoming.”

Ambience and atmosphere was very welcoming. The server was very knowledgeable and courteous, presented top items and knew the menu like the back of his hand. I admit the food did take some time to come out, but considering the fact that they have the owner himself as the sole cook for everyone, it was presented in timely manner. I ordered the beef kare-kare, the top 5 best seller, but it is one of my favorite filipino dishes, so I wanted to taste it for myself. A large order of garlic rice, and their bihon combo. The kare-kare came with tender veggies, and melt in your mouth pieces of beef, it was truly sublime. The peanut butter taste was epic, and paired with the shrimp paste (bago-ong) raised the flavor another tier. The garlic rice was littered with friend garlic, and it was insanely addicting and delicious. This paired with the kare-kare had me salivating, and to finally taste it was a good ending for the night, from my trip in Edmonton, Alberta. The bihon combo was also very flavorful, filled with crunchy veggies, and large pieces of shrimp and pork, spritzed with a lemon slice and it was quite epic. The overall experience was great, from the servers, the service and the food. Definitely will recommend, and will keep coming back for more. Next up will be their breakfast menu.

Mike Parreno

Aug 2025

“Cloud 9 Filipino Comfort Food at Kawayan We came in as a group of 6 hungry people… and left in a food coma of pure joy.”

Cloud 9 Filipino Comfort Food at Kawayan We came in as a group of 6 hungry people… and left in a food coma of pure joy. We ordered 3 batchoys, kare-kare, lumpia shanghai, bicol express, and not one—but TWO crispy patas. And let me tell you—everything was delicious. The staff? Super friendly, warm, and they speak Ilonggo too—felt like home! 🇵🇭 Now let’s talk about the Bicol Express. Their version? OH. MY. CLOUD. 9. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth soft, but the sauce—my goodness—the texture was so light, I swear they might’ve whipped it. It had this almost airy bite, like a coconut dream with a touch of spice. Absolute heaven. Honestly, I could handle it even spicier (labuyo-level pls 👀), but it was already perfection. Filipinos, you gotta go. Filipinos married to Americans? Bring ’em. Americans married to Filipinos? Don’t walk—run. Just go. Kawayan is the real deal. 🫶

John-Carlo (Carlo)

Jul 2025

“New management, new restaurant.”

New management, new restaurant. I love it ! I been craving some sisig, and i must say if you know how and what REAL filipino sisig supposed to taste like and look like, Kawayan’s sisig is on point!!! I recommend u guys checking them out here in chicago! Sago’t gulaman with shaved ice? Cant complain!! Literally brings me back the days being in the street of manila! Their tocino is fire, perfectly marinated! Please dont hesitate to try their pork sisig with egg!! Oh, dont forget some soy sauce and chili oil for your sisig!!

Marri J

Jun 2025

“Every single dish was fantastic, and the service was excellent.”

Every single dish was fantastic, and the service was excellent. They made us feel like we were part of the family. My favorites were the lumpia, Crispy Pata and the Caldareta, but how can you choose when every single dish was a standout! Michelin star type food. Yum!

MindfulBeing

Jun 2025

“We were in the area to see Yves on tour at the Copernicus Center, and we’re so glad to have found...”

We were in the area to see Yves on tour at the Copernicus Center, and we’re so glad to have found this spot to energize us before the show! The atmosphere was nice and charming, and the lady who greeted and sat us was super accommodating. We were also served by the owner’s son who sold us on some pretty tasty-sounding dishes we’ll have to try next time, as well as the place being BYOB and them having future karaoke nights. As for the food, we were very impressed! Every bite was a flavor-bomb that kept on giving. We LOVED the lumpia shanghai with a garlic-y twist, and the sisig paired with garlic rice were my personal favorites. If we had more time and a bigger stomach, we would’ve ordered the whole menu, so major kudos to the owner/chef! Overall, the new management did a stellar job in making our experience one to remember! Thank you for the excellent service, and we’re excited to come back and try some of the other dishes, especially the breakfast and soup offerings.

John Calaunan

Jan 2025

“Excellent food we got a big order being out of town and near Indy we don’t have very many Filipino restaurants.”

Excellent food we got a big order being out of town and near Indy we don’t have very many Filipino restaurants. We got several dishes to try and we were not disappointed they all were great! Kare Kare, pancit, crispy pata, garlic rice, pork sinigan. Service was amazing and food is yummy! If you’re in the area try this place out you will be happy you did! Thank you Kawayan if we are in the area we will MOST DEFINITELY BE BACK. (Greenwood, IN)

Marcia DeCastro

Jan 2025

“Under new management, the owner and chef, more than warrants your attention.”

Under new management, the owner and chef, more than warrants your attention. You owe it to your palate to reward it with delightful dishes that feed not just the body but also the soul. They cure tocino in house using a family recipe that goes back decades. You can be sure that the meat are cooked to perfection. Crispy and cruchy according to dish parameters. Tender and juicy to the bite. Even the vegetables are prepared at the right temperature so it's not soggy or overcooked which often happens at asian shops. The seasoning is carefully considered, holding the balance between salt and sweet or have ample kick (bicol express) when needed. I haven't had all of the dishes but have sampled many and they are all very enjoyable. Service is quick and staff are very attentive. They said they will be making sausages soon too. I can't wait. You shouldn’t either.

chintot

Dec 2024

“We had been to this restaurant in the past, but it's now under new ownership.”

We had been to this restaurant in the past, but it's now under new ownership. The father owns the restaurant and is also the chef because he really wants the food to taste like it should. His son takes the orders and serves the food and is so nice and patient! He went through the menu and explained each dish as we were deciding. We chose pancit bihon combo and batchoy. I doubt you could find either dish made better anywhere else. Each dish had a rich complex taste that was so enjoyable. The batchoy meats are cooked over 24 hours to create an amazing flavor. Pancit bihon had its own wonderful tastes. Both dishes were of generous portions. The decor is inviting and joyful. The place is immaculate. It gets quite busy on the weekends, so you might find it easier to enjoy a great meal sometime during the week. Enjoy! We sure did.