Try a Taco Burger with a side of Mexican Fries at Guisados

If you're not a fan of cilantro or if you're one of the (unlucky?) people born with a palate that interprets its flavor as "soapy," you have a great excuse to stay away from Guisados, a month-and-a-half-old Mexican place along Congressional Avenue Extension. It's hard to call it a restaurant, as even co-owner Chef Jellone Umali admits that the look they were going for is "garage."

It's nondescript—as simple as taquierías should be. Unpainted walls (for that "hip" industrial feel), wooden furniture, and an almost obligatory corrugated metal sheet (read: yero) on one side is what you get upon entering Guisados. The open kitchen is outside, but you can still spot the action from where you're seated and watch them prepare your order.

Service is quick and, especially if you order a heap of Mexican Fries (P150 for 300 grams), you'll smell the flavor as soon as the staff opens the door to bring it to your table. Yes, it has cilantro (as most things in Guisados does).

There's nothing particularly "Mexican" about these fries, save perhaps the festive colors. Chef Jellone shared that this was actually a trick to get his kid to eat vegetables. We all just get to benefit from this pickiness. 

This heap of hand-cut potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots with sour cream dip is a labor of love (of good food).  Each fry is thin enough for that crunchy texture and thick enough to be savory.

And what goes well with fries? Burgers, of course. This is still a Mexican joint though. Instead of a regular bun and patty combo, we get a "Taco Burger" (P280/quarter pound).

One order of a Taco Burger means that you get a half- or quarter-pound patty, a side of slaw (shredded cabbage with pickled chili and cilantro), and tortilla wraps (made fresh everyday) in a bowl. Wash your hands and commence construction.

Slice through the noticeably soft beef and you'll find that it's red inside—cooked just right, if you like your meat extra umami. Balance the cheese with the slaw and you'll find yourself biting into a "Mexican cheeseburger," even if that's not actually a thing.

Guisados isn't desperately trying to sell an "authentic" experience. The focus is on the process, or cooking local ingredients to match the Mexican counterpart. That's not to say that people who enjoy Mexican cuisine won't find what they want here. The taste of cilantro is strong and they know you love red beans.

More importantly, the food is quite obviously made with effort. Aside from the fries being hand-cut, the patty for the burger is shredded by Chef Jallone himself. You don't bite into awkward chunks, you get strands of beef.

You can try the more traditional Mexican dishes starting with the Five Taco Sampler (P239), a clever way to help eliminate the tricky decision of choosing what protein to enjoy between your tortilla wrap. "Everything" is an acceptable answer.

Whichever you choose to commit to as a full serving, you're guaranted to have a good bite. The tacos are mostly meat with a bit of onion, cilantro, and salsa. If you're averse to chilis, the pickled chili (labuyo) offers a crunchy texture more than a spicy kick. Don't be afraid to try it...if you can stop yourself from lathering everything with the salsa verde, that is.

Also on the menu are favorites that would likely keep fans of Mexican food coming back: half-pound pork or chicken burritos (P200), quesadillas (P220), and chimichangas (P330).

Diners also have the option of going for roasted or smoked chicken with a side of cilantro rice. The menu is still subject to change as Guisados is still on soft opening. Visit now while you don't have to wait for a seat. — BM, GMA News

Guisados is at No. 1 Salinglahi Homes, Congressional Extension, Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.