1. Ems Kusina

1. Ems Kusina

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Hayward, CA

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Ems Kusina

4.2 (60 reviews)
Closed Closed
Updated 2 months ago

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Louise P.

They're located at the old Toto's grill. This would've been the 6th change of ownership since then. I came here to check it out and have been craving for chicken isaw. I think it's their soft opening, they don't have their logo outside the building. It's still a little chaotic. Comparing from Toto's Grill , their food wasn't as precooked . You have to take a long time making sure the skewers are cooked. The grills were dirty and the flames are low. Took so long to cook the 4 isaw I bought. Prices varied depending on what you have. Chicken isaw was $4.25 each . Vinegar and sweet sauce was good. They provide basting sauce for the BBq's which is good. Will definitely come back to try other things.

Generous sisig rice plate + street bbqs + iscrambol
Shiena Mae M.

As soon as you enter their restaurant, you feel the good vibes from the staff and that inviting smell! I must say i've never had sisig as good as Em's Kusina's sisig! Last time I had their food was 3 years ago before I moved to LA, now Im back..that first bite brought me back to that taste I fell inlove with! The street bbqs are always on point! Saucy, generous and clean! Im so happy theyre in Hayward now! Make sure you also try their iskrambol and creamy buko juice! So refreshing! Cant wait to try other things on the menu next time I visit!

I've been coming to Ems for a long time ever since they had their food truck. Hands down the most delicious Filipino street food ever and the employees are so nice and welcoming. My absolute favorites are the kwek kwek and sisig silog

Siomai
Dan Angelo E.

If you've been craving that authentic, straight-from-the-street food stall vibe from the Philippines, EMS Kusina delivers it in spades. I've been to their San Jose location before, but when I heard they had a pop-up at the Safeway on Gellert Ave in South San Francisco, I had to drop by. The quality? Still top-notch. I came for the shawarma, siomai, BBQ, and tokwat baboy, and every bite felt like home. This is comfort food at its finest, mouth-watering, freshly made, and seasoned with the kind of care you can taste. The Sago't Gulaman was perfectly refreshing, balancing out all the savory goodness. What made it even better was Ate Ems herself greeting us. It felt like visiting your neighborhood street vendor back in the Philippines, where the food is made with love and everyone's treated like family. The crew here is warm, friendly, and makes you feel right at home from the first "hello." I just hope EMS Kusina can find a permanent spot here in South San Francisco soon, because the city deserves this level of Filipino comfort food on the regular. Pro tip: Come hungry, leave happy!

Siomai
John M.

Friendly owner! Great food with savory flavor! I got the grilled liempo and siomai. Hella good! *chef's kiss*

Pinoy hot dog sticks
Tom U.

If you're looking for good food & a place that makes you feel like family. This is the place. Ordering their food, was fast & easy. I a bit of a mix up with my order, for 2 for $5 weekend Pinoy Hotdog deal. I got two hotdogs on a stick. Then they forgot my bread for it, which came out on a Pita bread. The weekend hotdogs came out in a sweet, warm & a bit salty glaze sauce. They cut it up across as well, making it easier to eat on a stick. It comes out in a dark red & a bit charcoal in a small kitchen. Cook all the way through & two really are a lot? The ambiance is really good though, with a tent on this cold day, lights & another stand if you looking to get other food. The Owner wasn't doing the orders & cooking, so I understand the confusion. The owner is really nice & made me feel like family. Would go again! But prop order something else!? TLDR; Order weekend hotdogs, order messed up, good flavors, bright ambiance, friendly owners, & should have order something else.

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Business owner information

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Emily B.

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4 years ago

We love the sisig here! Some great Filipino cooking going on over here. Love the karaoke as well.

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3 years ago

It's alright. My BBQ pork chop is burned and it's hard to eat. Plus so pricey siomai is too big I didn't really enjoy it.

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4 years ago

The boneless chicken BBQ is AMAZING! Comes with a delicious serving of white rice that is cooked softly to perfection.

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3 years ago

Food is bomb specially their sisig. Would recommend. 10/10. Hotcakes brings me back to when I was still in the Philippines.

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4 years ago

Best Filipino food truck ever!!.. food are taste so great and place is good to hang out.

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4 years ago

The best filipino food truck ever!!!!! The owner is very nice and approachable. They also sell food trays for handaan.

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4 years ago

Best siomai and food pares...always the best. Always come here all the time. Always remember taho back in the Philippines.

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Ems Kusina Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ems Kusina

Do they have a table and chairs?

Yes! They host Watch party for Basketball games too.

Where are you guys normally located?

1948 alum rock ave. thursday to sunday 1pm-8pm. please follow us on instagram for updates ems_kusina

View All 3 Questions

Review Highlights - Ems Kusina

i wasnt able to take a picture of the sisig with rice and egg that i just ate today even the siomai...

Mentioned in 17 reviews

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