Kuya Ja's Lechon Belly 5268-H Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895

"I was craving Filipino food since Kasama and did this place meet those expectations! Loved the lechon belly, sausage, and garlic fried rice. My partner got the slow cooked short ribs. If you're here, definitely get a calamansi to start and one to go. I seriously don't know how Filipino food isn't more prevalent in the US. I loved their dishes."

"My first time trying filapino food and I have nothing to compare to but I can tell you it’s great food! The Hilang chicken sandwich was delicious! I didn’t realize the chicken was crispy so that’s a plus and the breading they used was very unique in a good way. Different from any crispy chicken sandwich I’ve had in the past. My brother ordered the Chori-burger and was disappointed after he took a bite out of my sandwich. Garlic fried rice is a must! Will come back"

"Sometimes the swine isn't fine but this pork belly is simply divine. It felt like I was tasting pork for the first time. The suckulate taste of the meat with the Crispy pork skin send my mouth into complete bless. The only bad thing wrong about this dish is it wasent enough lol if you want the taste the heart and soul of the Philippines then look no farther from this restaurant. Come for the tasty food, polite servers, and unique desserts. I highly recommend the experience."

"The empanada - the flaky pastry outer shell encompasses the meaty curry based filling. Upon the fist bite, you’ll feel and taste the buttery, soft outer layer, followed by a hint of curry flavor meaty filling. The aroma quickly occupies the mouth and you will then nod your head in pleasure while you enjoy this. KJT’s Signature Pancit. This is not a soupy bowl of noodles. There is really no sauce that sits at the bottom or need you to mix. This is more of a stirred fried rice noodle dish. The shrimp is nicely cooked, bouncy and bity. The sausage gives it a sweet flavor which sits very nicely. The splash of lime cuts the grease and gives it a refreshing taste. PaPa B’s Fried Rice is also a staff’s favorite. There is a lot going on in that fried rice dish. You first smell the cilantro, followed by a hint of spicy, the natural sweetness of the cabbage and finally, the cumin rounds everything up. This is all happening in your mouth! Of course, you have to get the Lechon Belly. You can purchase the belly by itself, half pound increment at market price. As a sign in the restaurant suggested, Lechon Belly = Pork Belly; Pork Belly = Fat; Fat = Flavor. Highlight number one is the crispness of the skin. It’s like a crisp cookie, so crunchy and fun to chew and eat. The more you chew, the more of the porky flavor comes out. Highlight number two is the meat portion. The meat is juicy, tender and flavorful. JoKoy visited this restaurant! you can see their presence (Mike Chen from Strictly Dumpling etc) on the wall. Cute and a great little restaurant!"