Compañeros Taqueria x Carinderia: A New Fil-Mex Taco Spot in Poblacion (Makati City)

If you’ve been following my blog, you will know that I love Mexican food, especially tacos. My love for it started when I first ate at the Mexican chef-led Lo de Alberto, which boasted as the only authentic taqueria in the Philippines when it first opened (unfortunately, it closed down years ago). Since then, I’ve been wanting to visit Mexico to do a massive taco crawl. For the meantime, I have to settle for the taquerias here in the Philippines (my favorites are Cochi Loco and Pineapple Coast).

So when I got invited to a Fil-Mex spot, I didn’t hesitate. While it doesn’t serve purely Mexican food, I was open to trying it (and I’m glad I did because the food was awesome). The food spot is Compañeros Taqueria x Carinderia in Poblacion, Makati City.

Compañeros is a Fil-Mex taqueria that blends Mexican tacos with Filipino street food. It is led by husband and wife Philip and Regine Estillore-Gonda, who are full-time lawyers (hence the taqueria’s name) and restaurateurs by night.

Owners Philip and Regine Gonda explaining the story behind their tacos

Because Philip and Regine have no culinary background, they engaged the expertise of Chef Kevin David, who previously worked for MICHELIN Guide restaurants in the U.S. and the man behind Idalia Manila, a private fine-dining concept.

Compañeros is housed in a two-floored, compact space. So when the tacos are being prepared, the aroma easily fills the space. It’s hard not to drool!

Let’s now talk about the food, starting with their entradas or appetizers. The first one is the Chicharron Bulaklak & Guacamole. The chicharron bulaklak (deep-fried pig mesentery or ruffled fat) is crisp, juicy, and fatty. The guacamole gives a refreshing taste, cutting through the fattiness. This is easily one of my favorites in Compañeros!

*Chicharron* *Bulaklak* & Guacamole (PHP200)

The second appetizer is the Chilaquiles con Longgarizo, which is composed of fried tortillas, Compañeros spicy garlic longganisa (Filipino sausage), mozzarella cheese, sunny side-up egg, and salsa verde.

In true chilaquiles fashion, its fried tortilla chips are crisp and soggy at the same time. They’re also smoky. The longganisa is tasty and the egg yolks are creamy and runny (this is perfect for breakfast!).

Let’s move on to the tacos, starting with the Compañeros Quesabirria. It also has tender beef and stretchy mozzarella, place into a cheese-crusted corn tortilla.

Compañeros *Quesabirria* (2pcs.: PHP460; 3pcs.: PHP660)

The taco is already good by itself. But it won’t be a birria without a consommé. It’s so flavorful and stay-in-the-mouth spicy. This is my favorite taco in Compañeros!

The next taco is the Al Pastor Filipino Pork BBQ, which has slow roasted pork cooked al pastor style (in a vertical rotisserie and with grilled pineapple). The pork has a sweet Pinoy barbecue flavor, complemented well with a tart pineapple and spiced vinegar aioli.

*Al Pastor* Filipino Pork BBQ (2pcs.: PHP275; 3pcs.: PHP395)

The third taco is the Crispy Fish, which is composed of Filipino beer-battered seasonal local fish (catfish during my visit), mangga (mango) ensalada-pico de gallo, and Compañeros Asian tartar sauce. The battered fish is light, crisp, and tasty (I’m glad it’s not dory), blending well with creamy tartar, sweet mangoes, and crisp onions.

Crispy Fish (2pcs.: PHP440; 3pcs.: PHP625)

The fourth taco is the OG Pork Sisig (think of sisig as a Filipino pork hash made with pig cheeks and ears). The sisig is crunchy, fatty, and chewy (I wished it’s smokier, though). It’s dressed in Compañeros soy sauce crema, which has a nice hint of sweetness.

OG Pork *Sisig* (2pcs.: PHP250; 3pcs.: PHP360)

The final taco is the Tapa Carne Asada (Grilled Steak), which has premium Australian ribeye and tapa-galbi marinade (that explains why it’s sweet). The steak is tasty but I wished it is more tender.

*Tapa Carne Asada* (2pcs.: PHP590; 3pcs.: PHP845)

If you want to sample all tacos, you can get the Taco Flight for only P980. You can also try the taco flavors in rice bowl form.

To wash down all the tacos, I had the Watermelon Dayap (Philippine Lime or Key Lime) Agua Fresca, which is refreshing and has a nice basil flavor.

And for “dessert”, I tried the Melon Horchata, which combines classic horchata and melon samalamig (chilled beverage). I love this drink!

Chef EJ Preparing Melon Horchata (PHP140)

Compañeros Taqueria x Carinderia successfully blends Mexican tacos and Filipino street food. They have good food and an amazing concept. I asked the owners if they’re looking to expand their menu and accommodate more regional flavors (I suggested Cebu lechon and Bacolod’s inasal), to which they said yes to the idea so I’m excited!

So if you’re in Poblacion (Makati City) or just looking for good food, visit Compañeros. I highly recommend it to you!

Thank you, Philip, Regine, and the Compañeros Team, for the invitation and hospitality!

Thank you, Compañeros, for the food and the goodies!

Disclosure: While I was invited by Compañeros to their official press launch, my review of their food is entirely my own opinion.

Address: Unit 6, G/F & Mezzanine, Matheus Building, Gen. Luna St., Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5PM-12AM; Friday & Saturday, 5PM-2AM | Facebook | Instagram