Island Flavors

We met up with my mom on a rainy day. We walked in kind of cold and pretty wet. My husband wanted to go because it’s close to us and since he is half Japanese, he grew up on a lot of the stuff on the shelves. We were stocking up on nori, Mochi, pocky and other treats to satisfy his need, when my mom walks in. Sweet lady, not sure when to hush.
A few days go by, we come back, the woman says «Hello neighbor, welcome back.» Once again we stock up on goodies. I was very happy the woman had remembered us but not got upset with my moms prying questions.
We go here Also to introduce our son and nephews to the snacks. They love them, and we will be back every week to get our lovely treats and delicious breads for my husband and the kids.

This is for a brief visit on 10÷18÷14 around 12 noon, but very memorable specifically for the warm, customer service and absolutely delicious Lechon Kawali.
I accompanied my mom and her cousin to Perry Avenue Mall. Talk about memory lane since I grew up in Bremerton in the early 1970s –1980s before I left for Seattle to attend college. Of course, there are a whole host of different businesses now, but Island Flavors is a worthy destination for Filipino cuisine.
My mom picked up three portions of Lechon Kawali (under $ 50) which was perfectly chopped and arranged for a family gathering to celebrate two birthdays and an anniversary. The owner, Belen, kindly added a bottle of Mang Tomas lechon sauce and two packages of her signature, homemade, brightly individually wrapped macaroons.
The store has the usual goods, fresh produce, movie rentals, regional tschotskes/​knick knacks, and the weeklies to keep up on the local Filipino community news. But the best part for me was oogling the glass case of the steam table with several entrée choices. If we weren’t having a mega family feast, I would have gladly ordered a plate lunch and ate there. The food looked amazing and judging from the people seated already and eating — convinced me to note this for a future visit next time I’m in Bremerton.
Belen said she just finished a special catering order of over a thousand lumpia and have had folks drive in from Tacoma and Gig Harbor to dine at Island Flavors. This is definitely on my hole-​in-​the-​wall culinary radar screen.
BTW — the Lechon Kawali was one of the best I’ve ever had. I snagged a piece holding the tray in the back seat on the way back. Ate my quota during the celebration meal — tender, perfectly seasoned, and that crispy top portion. Didn’t need any dipping sauce, sorry Mang Tomas.

Coming from cali, this restaurant is amazing! I recommend the lechon kawali and halo halo

I will never return to Island Flavor! From the moment I entered the store, I was given a killer mean look from the unwelcoming bird-​eyed lady behind the counter. She did not even say hello when we were ready to order. She just stood there and looked with those small piercing eyes. This was totally the most unwelcoming experience I ever seen or witness! It is no excuse for a restaurant to treat potential customers this way. Never again will I return to this run-​down, dirty, crappy looking store! So I walked a few steps and doors down then went to Larsons and it was awesome.

The best Filipino food in Bremerton by far. Belen and Jess put together a nice cafeteria style selection of Filipino food, call ahead and they’ll have lumpia hot and ready for you. Always hot and fresh. They are great friendly people, I love going here for lunch, but a great place for a casual dinner too. A grocery store and restaurant, lots of fresh groceries, quite the selection too! I had them make lumpia for a family reunion, it was a hit! Give them a try!