Turo Turo Thursday: Betchay's Pancit Lumpia & Grill

**** Betchay's has closed

It's Thursday, which means it is time for another installment of "Turo-Turo" (point-point) Thursday. In these posts, I'm checking out these little mom-and-pop shops serving what I call "Filipino soul food". You can almost always count on generous portions, and most of the dishes served will without a doubt stick to your ribs. Taking a different approach, I'm just trying out places outside the National City-Chula Vista area. And Betchay's in Rancho Penasquitos is about as far away from there as you can imagine. Located in the huge shopping complex off Black Mountain Road, Betchay's can be kind of difficult to find.

 

Whenever I visit, I always chuckle. One of the signs for Betchay's overlaps the front of the pet store next door. I'm sure this must cause some customers(and employess) a bit of consternation????

Still, the folks here, are very, very, nice. One young man in particular, is so friendly, polite, and helpful, that I just think he's amazing. In fact, he always asks me if I want some Sinigang with my plates, something that is a request item at most turo-turo joints.

 

If you asked me if free Sinigang tastes better, I'd say yes without hesitation!

So here's a summary of a couple of items I've had over the last couple months (years?).

There's no way I'd pass up Sisig at anywhere if I hadn't sampled it before. And Betchay's is no exception. In fact fellow pork lovers, I've just created a category for Sisig, for your heart-stopping, artery clogging, enjoyment.

  

The version here has a good texture, the lechon kawale is still crisp, and it's not drowned in "juice". It does a lack the nice sour punch, and for my tastes is a bit low on the heat scale. It is decent overall.

The Pork Adobo.....

 

The texture was good, the meat tender. It had enough salt, but was lacking in all the other categories. It was also super oily, and not in the "fei ur bu ni"(rich without greasy way). If you're a frequent reader of my posts, I don't think I'm a shrinking violet when it comes to oil, but man this was just too much........

There are also Chicken Wings, 3 pieces for $2.25:

 

This should probably not sit under a heat lamp, as they were soggy and greasy. Also short on the flavor scale as well.

On one of my visits I got my combo-plate with pancit instead of rice, and enjoyed it. More "al dente" than most places, and mostly just noodles, but served as a starch, it does just fine.

 

As you notice above, I ordered Tocino. And on this day, the Tocino was excellent. Tocino originally is a cured pork dish, so it should be a bit chewy. This version had the perfect amount of chew for me. It was not overly dry, and had a perfect ratio of salty to sweet for my taste.

 

If you've been to Betchay's, you know that I've only scratched the surface. With the nice service I've had, it's really easy to like the place. On one visit, which was in the morning, I was filling up my soda, when one of the young ladies in the back, leaned out the service window. Not knowing I was there, she started singing in a very sweet voice. When she saw me, she immediately stopped, and gave me an embarassed look. I turned, and gave her a thumbs up, and she gave me the brightest smile.

It's easy to like places like that.....

Betchay's Pancit Lumpia & Grill
13223 Black Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA 92129

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Comments

[Janfrederick]

That's funny. When I came to San Diego 10 years ago, we used to Frequent a Pho joint in the same mall as Silver Ark. It was next door to an animal hospital, which incidentally, caused a bit of consternation. :)

[MrM]

Oh goodie! This is one of my Go-To places while at work away from my home in South Bay (my daily commute is so much fun).

Even though Tita's is within easy reach for me while in South Bay, I tend to save up and come here when i need my Filipino Fix. This and Amerasian in Poway are tasty and I don't have the parking troubles or 'tude problems I get at Titas. Both places have the nicest folks running things!

I like their Talapia and Sisig here. They also do good Lechon Kawali (if its early and not been sitting too long) I tend to brighten the Sisig with some kalamansi juice that you can ask for. It brings up the flavors well.

I am working up to trying their seafood 'Kare Kare' and their Adobo Pusit because they look very tasty!

[kat]

too funny about that sign!

[Carol]

Hooray, another place close to me to try!

[caninecologne]

hi kirk - i've heard of amerasian but not betchay's. i'm hardly ever up there but my bro works there so i'll have to ask him to check this place out (as well as your post). the service sounds pretty good there, unlike at some places...!

[nhbilly]

All the meat in Tx and there ain't a place that servers up roasted pig with crunchy skin. :-(
Geesh right next to the pet store.

[Kirk]

Hi Jan - he-he-he.... I thought the signage combined with the Pet Shop storefront was a bit strange.

Hi MrM - I heard the pusit is quite good at Betchay's. The young man who works there is really nice.

Hi Kat - The placement of that sign is odd, isn't it?

Hi Carol - I can't bellieve you haven't checked this place out yet.

Hi CC - I've always gotten really nice service here.

Hi Billy - There's got to be a coupla these places around in Tx.....

[Judy Lee]

They have good LECHON!!!! *drooooool*

[Kirk]

Hi Judy - I'll have to check it ot next time.