Here’s one of those R(evisits to) P(laces) I(‘ve) N(ever) P(osted) On. I’d actually visited back at the end of 2023 and had the Kare Kare, which I thought was pretty good. But then we were off on a bunch of trips and the place just kinda slipped my mind. Then “FOY” ChrisR mentioned Tamabayan to me in an email…which flipped the “switch”, but we were just getting started in the Galapagos at that time and by the time we returned….heck; I must be getting old, huh?
Turn the calendar to 2026 and I’m updating my “list”…which is actually a Google Map, and looknig at Spring Valley I notice I have something listed….well, you figured it out right? It’s Tamabayan!
I decided to head on over before the place slips my mind again.
The strip mall looks a lot different than I remembered. Several empty businesses; looks like one of the buildings has been damaged by fire!
I’d arrived just at 11 an the place was just opening up.
The menu has changed since that visit several years back.
I decided to start off where I left off; with the Kare Kare….strangely, they didn’t have the smoked brisket for the bowl available; but the nice fellow asked if I’d like to have it with fried pork belly. You know that answer to that, right? I also though it would give me insight to the other menu item I was looking at; the Sisig Bowl as well. As for the menu, well, it’s quite different from what I recall, I kind of remember the place having Filipino BBQ and more Silog style dishes.
I placed my order for the Kare Kare Bowl. And since it was already $18, I decided not to add a fried egg which was an additional $3 (!!) or Garlic Rice (additional $2.50). Could you imagine $23.50 for a bowl?
I had arrived at a good time as once I had a seat, the place filled quickly.
Soon enough my number was called and I picked up my bowl and had a seat.
I did like the texture of the kare kare, just thick and creamy enough; and something a bit different this time around was the nice addition of what was like a chili crunch. It added a nice dimension. Good nutty-earthy tones, perhaps edging on a bit sweet, but a nice version overall. And of course the bagoong, which is my “insurance” to counteract the sweetness. As a whole, pretty good.
I’ve always enjoyed the eggplant here which I believe is deep fried.
As for the pork….well, it seemed to have been cooked twice? It was super hard and tough and just not right for this dish…..or maybe any dish.
There was some major gnawing going on to be able to swallow this.
Overall, while I liked the flavor; that pork is a no-go. Not having the brisket was a blessing in disguise as I was told this is the pork they use for the sisig! So, personally I don’t think I need to make another 50 mile round trip for the sisig….though if you have a recommendation, I’d appreciate it!
For now, if I’m ever in the area again, I’ll probably hit up Kababayan.
Tambayan Filipino BBQ & Grill
8300 Paradise Valley Rd.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
Current Hours:
Wed – Thurs 11am – 7pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday