Kusina ni Mika

Not really a place to ‘tambay’ or find privacy, Kusina ni Micah was once a garage that was turned by the family as a fully operational karinderya for – years and counting.

Kusina ni Mika Paniqui, Tarlac – Kusina ni Mika is a small, humble, hole-in-the-wall eatery along a residential area on Palarca Street in Paniqui, Tarlac. Like any other karinderya or turo-turo, their kitchen serves classic Filipino dishes cooked Ilocano style. It has been there for years. Many locals appreciate its affordable home-cooked meals that will always be familiar to our taste buds.

Meat viands like this Sweet and Sour meatball (on right) is for Php 35 while Veggie viands (Pinakbet on left) starts at Php 20. Everyday, they prepare about 10 different dishes to choose from. Pretty good deal.

Kusina ni Mika is literally Mika’s Kitchen in English. I know the question on everyone’s mind. Who is Mika? Why name an eatery after her? The family named the business after her because Mika is public figure in our area. She was once our barangay’s Sanggunian ng Kabataan (Youth Council) chairman. You won’t see Mika here, though but her family will serve and cook for you.

Busy. Busy. Busy. The kitchen offers simple Filipino food cooked the Ilocano way. It is a hit to hardworking tricycle drivers, market vendors and nearby residents because of its affordable price.