Edmond’s newest Asian-inspired restaurant

When a new island-themed bar and restaurant pops up in the area, you can count on me being there.

Barkada opened it’s doors to the city of Edmonds in December of 2017. I usually like to give a new restaurant some breathing room in order to work out the kinks in their food and service. I have found that any period from 6-12 months seems to be a good amount of time. In this instance, I gave Barkada a good 9 months before heading in.

Head chef, Brian Madayag wears his Filipino heritage proudly, by way of his food. As a local to the Edmonds area, he grew his roots here in the Pacific Northwest. While his cultural roots stem from The Phillipines. Throughout his career, he has worked in many Tom Douglas restaurants here in Seattle gaining the experience he needed and he now stands as the chef of his own restaurant.

Barkada loosely translates to friends.

Barkada as a restaurant is:

• Fast-Casual Food
• A Laid-Back Atmosphere
• Asian Inspired
• A bar serving up awesome Tiki Cocktails

I love happy hour. So, I went to Barkada for Happy Hour. And I happily sat outside. 

To Drink

• Moscow Mule Slushy. Vodka, lime, ginger beer, brain freeze
• Kada Kolada slushy. gold rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, brain freeze

To Eat

• Spicy Tuna Roll. Tuna, togarashi, cucumber, sesame, spicy mayo

• Adobo Tacos. Braised pork, fresh pineapple, spicy mayo, red onion, cilantro

• Spam Musubi. garlic fried rice, banana ketchup, microplaned cured egg yolk, pickled green papaya, nori

I can promise you that I will order the spam musubi again. It was the best spam musubi I have ever had. The Kada Kolada was also quite delicious. Such a smooth, icy drink that is perfect on a hot day. 

I do wish they served their food on real plates with real cutlery. They currently use all paper products, which I am not a fan of. A legit restaurant deserves legit plates and utensils.

I look forward to going back for dinner and trying out more of their menu.