Photo caption: Tastes of the Philippines serves up fast, fresh, authentic street food. Photo by Alex Alfaro.

Behind the counter at Tastes of the Philippines, the staff works in all black and in full view, sporting flags of their homeland as bandanas. Owner Patrick Takano and his crew cook to order, from scratch, no servers required. “Our concept is quick, really high-heat, yakitori-style cooking,” Takano says, with “a modern flair to it.”

The fast-casual menu centers on a $20 box, with a choice of protein, garlic fried rice, two lumpia as an appetizer and two turon for dessert. “The main idea is to introduce people to Filipino cuisine, especially those who may have never tried it before,” Takano says. “And share Filipino culture through the food.”

Chicken adobo, the cuisine’s top seller, braises seared thigh in soy and vinegar for a salty, sour bite. Lechon kawali leaves the fryer with blistered, crunchy skin and succulent pork belly. Takano shares his skewer glaze: “Basically just brown sugar, Sprite and banana ketchup; it’s kind of sweet.” Stubby longanisa sausage plays sweet into smoke while pungent adobo-seasoned tofu offers a vegetarian option.

Rolled as slim as cigarillos, the lumpia come packed with pork and vegetables, with chili sauce. Turon brings saba banana wrapped in crispy, caramelized pastry. Sides include pancit bihon, rice noodles stir-fried with chicken and vegetables in garlic-soy sauce, and an Ilocos empanada wearing a vivid orange crust.

Plates, plus a beer and wine list, accommodate dine-in customers. Black tables and booths against green walls and wood flooring give the room a lounge feel. For downtown lunch crowds, speed and online ordering remain the appeal. “It takes three minutes to get your order,” he says.

Backed by partners Conor Doherty and Conor McHugh, Takano hopes to franchise the concept. But he closes on Sundays so his staff, all parents, can stay home. “It’s about their kids, seeing how much their parents love them, and making the next generation kind-hearted,” he says.

Tastes of the Philippines, 1987 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Mon- Sat 11 am—9 pm, 941-906-1634, tastesofthephilippines.com.

Photo caption: Tastes of the Philippines serves up fast, fresh, authentic street food. Photo by Alex Alfaro.