Being Indonesian and married into a Filipino family, I think I know Filipino cuisine. Malaya is a great option if you want authentic dishes but don't want to wait for your Mom or your Auntie to cook for you.
Lechon, or roast pork, is defined by the balance of crispiness of the skin, the tenderness of the meat and just the right amount of fat. I must say the lechon at Malaya is one of the consistently great Lechons I have ever had. Top shelf.
Pork Adobo, a perrenial in any Filipino feast, requires a balance of flavor and tenderness. One without the other and the dish quickly becomes a "meh". For me, the pork Adobo at Malaya was a meh. The flavor was there but the meat could have been simmered longer to really pull out the tenderness. It wasn't terrible, it just wasn't great.
The Caldereta was quite good as well. The blend of flavors was on point. The potatoes and carrots were cooked perfectly and the beef was tender and rich with flavor. For my taste, I would preferred the "gravy" to be a bit thicker, but that is probably just a personal preference.
Set in Reno's Mid-Town, Malaya has a great location, with great indoor seating but a magical outdoor patio seating area. Can't wait to come back to enjoy the patio in Reno's warm summer evenings.
If you are looking for authentic Filipino dishes, Malaya is a solid option. read more