Buboy specializes in authentic Filipino comfort food defined by deep, savory flavor profiles and traditional preparation techniques. The menu centers on heart-warming soups and slow-cooked classics that emphasize the rich heritage of the archipelago. Every dish showcases a deliberate balance of acidity, saltiness, and sweetness characteristic of the region. Patrons encounter a straightforward culinary environment focused entirely on the execution of these time-honored recipes. The kitchen maintains rigorous standards for quality, ensuring that every bowl of broth and portion of meat delivers a consistent experience. This establishment serves as a focused destination for those seeking genuine, unpretentious Filipino cooking served in a simple, practical setting. The culinary approach prioritizes depth of flavor over elaborate presentation, allowing the bold ingredients to define the character of every meal served within this space.
Buboy is widely regarded as a hidden gem in Montreal, offering authentic and comforting Filipino cuisine that leaves many visitors impressed by the bold flavors and creative twists on traditional dishes. While the atmosphere is often described as cozy and welcoming, with many guests praising the friendly and helpful service, the restaurant is located in a small, tucked-away space that can be tricky to find. Experiences regarding consistency are mixed, as some patrons find the portion sizes and food temperatures to be variable, and others have noted occasional challenges with service flow or order accuracy. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, the majority of diners are enthusiastic about their meals, frequently highlighting the crab rangoon, pancit, and lechon as standout items, and many express a strong desire to return to explore more of the menu.
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Food was so freaking good! It was very homey, I loved how cozy the kitchen & seating area felt. We got the pork sisig, tinapa rice, & the crab rangoons. Definitely recommend the crab rangoons!!!
Little counter restaurant serving hard to find filipino food. It's a small operation so service can be slow but the ambiance is nice. I had the bulalo, it was alright. I'll have to try more of the menu.
Went to Montreal for a few day & stumbled on this little hidden gem. Pretty random location inside a small building in Chinatown, but it was so good we came back for a second meal. Modern twists on Filipino classics. I was literally dreaming of their spicy beef short rib sinigang. The miki & pancit are a must with lechón. My only regret is not having enough days to come back & try the rest of the menu. We ate at Toque & Joe Beef & I think this was my favorite meal of the three. So good!
I am a Filipino & tried to help & support local business. I bought this as take home. I was disappointed the I only got 1/4 filled . This is only a small snack for a child. As you can see you can count the noodles you have served me.
The thought that the hype was good food is only ok. I tried to let you know on your Insta but got no response Sorry but not coming back to you.
I visited twice on the same Montreal trip, which I think says something. Either about Buboy's potential, or my own optimism. Possibly both.
First visit, I ordered the bulalo. At Buboy they serve it with noodles, which is their prerogative. I asked for rice on the side because I'm Filipino, & also the grandchild of a rice farmer, so this is something I take personally. The rice was dry enough that not even the bulalo broth could rescue it, which is a sentence I genuinely did not expect to write about a Filipino restaurant. The beef in the bulalo was also quite lean, which made me reconsider whether the noodles would have even helped. The broth itself was decent. I could see the vision. I just couldn't fully live in it.
The music situation: the staff were changing songs constantly, which is a pet peeve of mine both as a customer & as someone who has worked in food service.'Folded' by Kehlani came on. They changed it immediately. I am not over this.
Second visit, different friend, different order. I got the tinapa fried rice, which was genuinely good. I also paid extra for an additional egg, somewhere in the $2-3 range, & received half an egg. So I paid to complete the egg that came with the dish.
Buboy has real ideas. The menu has personality. Our friends who live in Montreal love it, & I wanted to love it too. I just think the execution stumbles on the things that should be the easiest to get right. Rice. Beef. The egg math (I know there's eggflation, but still.)
I'll probably try the ube crinkle cookie next time I'm in town. There will probably be a next time.
I finally visited Buboy, a Filipino restaurant that gives a twist to classic Filipino dishes. I ordered the crispy kare-kare & crab rangoon. The presentation was not as appetizing as what I saw on their IG, but the taste made up for it. It was really good. When they say crispy, it is truly crispy. The crab rangoon was a standout & something I would order again.
Also, shoutout to the staff who served my food. She was very nice & welcoming. I felt a bit guilty for not smiling back when she smiled at me. Great service overall.
Very disappointing & frustrating if you're trying to plan an order in advance… phone numbers don't work & if you try to reach out on social media they expect you to place an advance order over DMs.
My mom is almost 80, isn't in the best of health, doesn't drive & doesn't have social media. She used to go to Buboy a lot when it was in Monkland. Over Instagram I tried getting their new phone number but they wouldn't give one (who knows why). & then all they replied to me was that they couldn't accommodate an order 2 days in advance…
Unprofessional &, frankly, a bit rude. Super disappointing. Don't recommend for those who live far from the new location. If you like to plan things in advance & get information on what can be ordered in advance, don't bother trying to contact this restaurant…
