When I first walked into Lola’s by MFK, I was greeted by the warm aroma of garlic and fried rice wafting from the kitchen and the sound of quiet chatter over soft background music. To preface, I’ve never had Filipino food so I was excited to order new foods I’ve never seen before. The restaurant is a Filipino restaurant chain that recently opened, located at 1017 S Glendora Ave, West Covina, offering a casual brunch vibe. The staff welcomed me with friendly smiles, instantly making the place feel inviting and homey. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I left with a full stomach and a new appreciation for Filipino food.
Filipino cuisine is known for its bold flavors and comforting balance of sweet, salty and tangy tastes. Many dishes center around rice, soy sauce, vinegar and garlic, creating a distinct flavor profile that’s both hearty and homey. At Lola’s by MFK, the menu brings these traditional Filipino flavors into a brunch setting, combining familiar ingredients with a modern presentation. Signature dishes like adobo and lumpia showcase the restaurant’s goal of making Filipino food accessible while still honoring its roots.
One of Lola’s by MFK’s signature dishes is the Adobo Rice Omelette ($14.95), which I decided to try first. Adobo is one of the most well-known Filipino dishes and often considered the country’s unofficial national dish. It traditionally features meat, usually pork or chicken, marinated and simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Pork, in particular, is a staple protein in Filipino cooking because it is versatile and absorbs these rich, tangy flavors so well. In this dish, the pork was tender and shredded, mixed with rice and topped with a soft omelette that added a light, fluffy texture. The rice was similar to other Asian rice dishes I’ve had, but the adobo sauce infused it with a deeper, more savory flavor. The dish was finished with a thick brown gravy that tasted strongly of soy sauce and garlic, giving it a salty, umami-rich kick. While the presentation looked appealing and the textures worked well together, the gravy’s saltiness was a bit overwhelming for my taste.
I also tried Lumpiang Shanghai ($10), which are Filipino egg rolls.The inside was filled with pork as well as minced vegetables that gave it a nice savory flavor. Crispy on the outside and perfectly savory on the inside, the Lumpiang Shanghai had just the right amount of seasoning. The sweet and sour sauce that came alongside it was also good, adding a nice balance so the salt did not overwhelm my palate.
The final item that I ordered to complement my dish was the Filipino Mango Juice ($4). It had a rich mango flavor, which I enjoyed because it tasted like real mangoes. The drink was definitely sweet, but it did not overpower the authentic mango taste.
What stood out most to me at this restaurant was the friendly staff. When we went in, the staff greeted us with genuine smiles when we walked in and made small talk that felt natural rather than forced. Throughout the meal, they were also attentive, checking in just enough to make sure everything was going well without hovering.
Overall, Lola’s by MFK offers a variety of Filipino dishes, which I wanted to try more of, but the seasoning was a little strong for me. Still, I enjoyed the food and the inviting atmosphere and would definitely recommend checking it out. The restaurant is open for brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since this was my first time trying Filipino food, my rating should be taken with a grain of salt, but I give it a 3.5/5.
