A Taste of the Philippines Comes to Campbell

(Editor's Note: Phillipa Smith is a San Jose State Journalism student who wrote this piece for Patch as part of a class assignment.)

When it comes to food, Tapsilog Bistro’s owner Ed Sanchez believes that simple, tasty, good food is best.

With nothing quite like it in the area, the busy Filipino restaurant has only been open for about eight weeks and has already attracted quite a following with customers from all over wanting to sample the cuisine.

Sanchez and his family have lived in the Campbell area for the last 25 years. His children attended school at St. Lucy's and the family also came here for church. Tapsilog is his first restaurant.

The businessman currently employs a staff of 12, himself and his son included. Doing all the restaurant's marketing himself, Sanchez believes that it is word of mouth and recommendation that has attracted so many to Tapsilog already.

Classic dishes include Silog, garlic fried rice with eggs and meat such as Tapa, seasoned, flat –ironed steak or Hashislog, a Filipino classic of corned beef hash sautéed in garlic, onions, tomatoes and potatoes. The simple menu offers reasonably priced, traditional island eating from Tuesday through Sunday.

Wine is local from the Guiglielmo Winery, Morgan Hill, CA and selected to compliment the dishes and for something a bit different customers can try a “Chavela,” Modelo with lime juice infused with Soju.

When asked to sum up the restaurants aim, Sanchez said the following:

"I want to keep it small and make a lot of friends,”

Tapsilog Bistro is located at 819 W Hamilton Ave.

Hours of operations:

Mondays: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Friday & Saturdays: 8 AM – 9 PM
Sundays: 8 AM – 5 PM

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