But when it comes to OG food trucks in San Francisco, the best of the best, the one we regularly track down, there's one name at the tip of our watering tongues: Señor Sisig. Now, the brand's cult offering of Filipino fusion eats is available at their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Mission.
Señor Sisig first rolled out back in June 2010, just a month after the first-ever Off the Grid event. In recent years, the brand's popularity has allowed it to expand to two trucks, then three, then four...until finally six Señor Sisig trucks could be found serving up grub around the Bay Area.
What's the secret sauce? Well for starters, they offer a rare taste of Filipino fare, especially in their signature sisig pork, which they work into various traditionally Mexican-style dishes; and then there's the eye-catching, fiery pig logo that has helped lodge the brand into our collective memories. It also doesn't hurt that the founders, high school buddies Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo, are easy to root for—nice guys and genuine friends, they just wanted to introduce amazing Filipino food to the masses.
Nine years into their game, Kidera and Payumo thought it was time to open a legitimate restaurant, and the right space popped up on the southern stretch of Valencia Street.
While the first thing you may notice is the line around the corner, that familiar primary-hued logo announces the blue-and-white painted storefront. Inside, white walls and a vibrant porky mural lend a fun, playful vibe—same for the patio out back, where another mural, by artist Aaron Kai, depicts the founders with their food truck against a colorful city scene.
When you arrive at the counter, you may be tempted to order your usual because you think you know just what to expect—and yes, you'll find Señor Sisig's classic burritos, tacos, nachos, and fries, all with your choice of pork, chicken, or tofu sisig or tocino (bacon). But keep an open mind because there are additions to the menu in honor of this new space: Try the Sisig Cali-Changa burrito, nacho-rrones, crunchy tostadas, and even sisig crunch-a-dillas. They're also serving Filipino beers, wine, and a Filipino lemonade called a "freckled calamansi" with strawberries.
Cap your visit with something sweet: The Ube-horchata soft serve is made with buffalo milk and, with its impossibly pretty purple hue, seems readymade for Instagram.
(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Señor Sisig's new Mission restaurant comes with fresh menu items, including the Sisig Crunch-a-dilla, a Filipino-Mexican spin on Taco Bell's cult-loved item. Here a flour tortilla is layered with monterey jack cheese, sisig pork, lettuce, guacamole, and a thin crunchy tostada, before being wrapped up and grilled. Served with a side of nacho cheese for dipping, this dish is a must-order.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Speaking of crunchy, the salty-spicy housemade chicharrones, with a light seasoning of chili and lime, are the perfect accompaniment.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
The Sisig Cali-Changa can also only be had here. It's a take on a traditional chimichanga (aka fried burrito) with the a few Señor Sisig twists—think french fries, nacho cheese, and sisig pork stuffed inside.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
If you're here for the Señor Sisig classics, you'll find them too, like this sisig with steamed rice, onions, and jalapeños with an optional fried egg.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
The ube-horchata soft serve is as delicious as it is photogenic, laced with a light cinnamon flavor and offering a rich, creamy texture due in part to the buffalo milk.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Once you make it through the line (because, trust us, there will be a line), order at the counter and take in the massive mural that takes over the entire south wall.
▲(Photography by Sarah Chorey)
Eating outside is part of the encouraged experience at Señor Sisig. Choose from seats at the parklet out front, or make your way to the back patio space, made bright with another hand-drawn mural by artist Aaron Kai.
▲// Señor Sisig, 990 Valencia St. (Mission), senorsisig.com
