Max’s Restaurant

In addition to Jollibee, this Quezon City-based international chain with locations in Glendale and Santa Clarita is a go-to spot among first-generation Filipino Americans looking for a taste of the motherland. Known as “the house that fried chicken built,” Max’s has been a household name in the Philippines for its succulent whole fried birds since World War II. For Angelenos, however, Max’s is also a great way to experience traditional Filipino cuisine—the menu offers chicken adobo, sinigang, multiple types of sisig (a sizzling, allium-rice plate) and iconic desserts like buko pandan, halo-halo and leche flan. I also like Max’s version of pancit palabok, which consists of plain rice garnished with shrimp paste and pork, plus garlic, pork cracklings, green onions and sliced egg.