For the first time in a long time, I had the moment. That moment. Where you’re lying in bed hours after eating and still thinking to yourself: “Damn, that was a good meal.”
Josephine’s is a little Filipino gem that lies in the middle of Fitzrovia at 4 Charlotte Street. It has the cozy atmosphere of a family-run joint but has seen famous people like Manny Pacquiao grace their restaurant. This isn’t your typical London restaurant, but then again, this isn’t your typical London food.
The one dish I beg you to try, the dish that gave me ‘the moment’ was the Kare-kareng Manok (£11.50), which is chicken stew with peanut sauce and banana blossoms. To describe it would be like something of a cross between the base flavour of a satay peanut sauce and depth and texture of a warm stew. There is no way I can do the dish justice with words, it is simply unique and a must-try.
Another traditional favourite is the Pork Adobo (£8.95), which is pork stir-fried in a tangy Filipino sauce. There is a strong sharp taste of vinegar that is calmed by the bay leaves in the dish. It is definitely worth ordering to test the unique flavours. All these dishes are of course served with a healthy serving of jasmine rice that acts as your solace as the chef tries to overload your tongue with a sensory bonanza. The serving sizes are generous where 2 dishes and rice could fill 3 people up if you’re not hungry. But trust me, this place will make you want to keep eating.
To finish, the dessert. If you truly want to have the experience of someone straight from the streets of Manila, you’re going to want to finish with the Halo-Halo. This is a smorgasbord of different jellies, sweet beans and fruit, milk and ice-cream. The words that the late Anthony Bourdain used to describe Halo-Halo were, “It’s delicious, but I don’t even know what’s in it.” That sums it up better than I ever could.
I know that most people would be dismissive of Filipino food, and especially of Filipino food in London, but take it from me, I took a leap of faith going to Josephine’s and I landed in gastronomic heaven. I strongly recommend you do the same.
