After finding success as a popular food stall in Liberty Public Market food hall, White Rice has officially opened its first stand-alone concept, White Rice Bodega. The new spot brings a rich Filipino flavor to San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood, giving patrons a taste of Chef Phillip Esteban’s childhood home.
Before finding its home place in one of San Diego’s hottest neighborhoods, White Rice was a fan-favorite stall at the Liberty Public Market food hall. The spot was created by award-winning chef, Phillip Esteban, who focused on creating a menu highlighting his childhood favorites, including Filipino silogs and other traditional rice bowls.
The new bodega is a chic, fast-casual concept inspired by Filipino corner spots found in Chef’s hometown. The site features an adorable walk-up window, an outdoor patio and a 600-sq.-ft. kitchen. In addition to its authentic fare, the eatery also offers grab-and-go-style sips, like Calamansi iced tea and ube milk tea.
Loyal customers of White Rice will be happy to know the new bodega will still offer all of their favorite bites, including items like the Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly); Esteban’s Filipino take on ceviche (Kinilaw), with sweet pork sausage, atchara pickles, up egg and garlic rice with sawsaw; Ube Pandesal, a traditional sweet roll served with ube cultured butter; and Lumpia Shanghai. Be sure to save room for dessert and try the chewy ube cookies.
White Rice Bodega is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
To learn more about White Rice Bodega, visit ricebowlsforall.com.