Magna Kusina: Portland’s Premier Filipino Restaurant Experience
Magna Kusina is more than just a Filipino restaurant nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon. It’s a vibrant hub where friends and families converge, a comforting haven for Filipino-Americans seeking a taste of home, and a delightful introduction to the rich tapestry of Filipino cuisine for everyone else.
Filipino food is undeniably experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States, and it’s a well-deserved moment in the spotlight!
Here in Portland, Oregon, the appreciation for Filipino cuisine is blossoming, with an increasing number of Filipino restaurants gracing the city’s culinary landscape.
At the forefront of this culinary renaissance stands Magna Kusina, a restaurant that I consider to be Portland’s quintessential Filipino dining destination.
Discover the Authentic Flavors of the Philippines at Magna Kusina
Chef and Owner Carlo Lamagna realized his vision by opening Magna Kusina in 2019, following several years of successful dinner pop-up events. Before embarking on this venture, he honed his culinary skills as the head chef at the now-closed Clyde Common, where I first had the pleasure of experiencing his exceptional cooking.
Lamagna’s culinary prowess has garnered widespread recognition, including being named one of the Best New Chefs of 2021 by Food and Wine magazine. Furthermore, Magna Kusina was honored as the Restaurant of the Year by The Oregonian, solidifying its position as a culinary gem in Portland.
Magna Kusina transcends its physical boundaries. It exudes a unique spirit, a palpable energy, and a vibrant atmosphere that permeates from the kitchen to the front of the house and into the hearts of its patrons.
The ambiance is infectious, drawing you in and making you feel like part of the Magna Kusina family.
And, most importantly, the food is absolutely delicious, a testament to the culinary expertise and passion that Chef Lamagna and his team pour into every dish.
Chef Lamagna and his dedicated team excel at showcasing classic Filipino dishes, providing a delightful introduction to the diverse and flavorful world of Filipino cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere evokes the warmth and conviviality of a traditional Filipino family gathering.
Here, you’re treated as one of their own. You’ll leave with a smile on your face, a happy heart, and a satisfied belly, eager to return for another taste of Filipino hospitality and culinary excellence.
Immerse Yourself in the Restaurant’s Vibrant Vibe
Located at the intersection of Southeast 26th and Clinton Streets, across from the historic Clinton Street Theater, Magna Kusina beckons with its colorful tiled awning and charming brick exterior.
The interior of the restaurant is compact yet bursting with energy, a lively hub of kitchen activity and animated conversations among diners.
In addition to covered outdoor tables that line the restaurant’s perimeter, Magna Kusina also offers expanded outdoor seating along a section of Clinton Street that has been temporarily closed off to vehicular traffic. The covered patio seating is equipped with individual table heaters and cozy fire pits strategically placed between the tables, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience regardless of the weather.
On any given evening, you’ll find a diverse mix of diners at Magna Kusina. Couples enjoying a romantic date night, groups of friends in their twenties and thirties catching up after work, and Filipino families with children of all ages, all sharing in the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, engaging in lively conversations with the friendly waitstaff, and savoring some of the best Filipino food that Portland has to offer.
Let’s take a closer look at the culinary delights we sampled during our most recent dinner at Magna Kusina.
A Culinary Exploration of Magna Kusina’s Dinner Menu
Pancit Bihon: A Filipino Noodle Staple
No Filipino meal is truly complete without pancit. This versatile noodle dish comes in various forms, from Pancit Canton to Pancit Bihon, and several variations in between. The different types are named after the specific type of noodle used in the dish.
Magna Kusina’s Pancit Bihon features a delightful combination of thin rice noodles and homemade egg noodles, tossed with a medley of carrots, cabbage, and topped with fragrant fried garlic. It’s a truly delicious and satisfying dish!
Sisig: A Crispy and Savory Filipino Delight
In the Philippines, resourcefulness is key, and no part of any animal goes to waste. Sisig is a popular and authentic Filipino recipe that traditionally consists of pig face, snout, ears, and brains, often incorporating chicken liver as well.
At Magna Kusina, crispy pork bits (the specific cuts remain a delightful mystery) are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce and calamansi, a Filipino citrus fruit similar to lime. The dish is then topped with a perfectly fried egg, vibrant green onions, and fiery chilies. It delivers a satisfying kick and an explosion of flavors that are absolutely delicious. This is truly crispy and comforting food at its finest!
Tuhog (Skewers): A Taste of Filipino BBQ
For those familiar with my culinary adventures, you know how much I adore Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers. At Magna Kusina, you have the pleasure of choosing from an assortment of skewers, including chicken, pork, seafood, and even vegetable options.
During our recent visit, we indulged in the Baboy (Pork Skewers) and the Scallop Skewers. The scallops were expertly seasoned with a spicy blend and cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite. The pork skewers were coated in an incredible soy vinegar marinade, complemented by the freshness of green onions and the heat of chilies.
Both were exceptionally delicious, and we immediately regretted not ordering more. I highly recommend ordering more than you initially think you’ll need, to avoid the playful squabbles that ensued as we fought for the last piece of each skewer.
Lumpia: A Filipino Egg Roll Tradition
The art of making lumpia is a diverse one, with countless variations and passionate debates online about the “correct” way to prepare authentic Filipino lumpia. The lumpia served at Magna Kusina is based on Chef Carlo’s mother’s cherished recipe, so be sure to offer only compliments!
These delectable egg rolls are filled with a savory mixture of pork, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic, and served with Magna Kusina’s signature sinamak, a spiced vinegar. Vinegar plays a significant role in Filipino cuisine, and I would gladly purchase a bottle of this sinamak to enjoy at home. It’s truly fantastic!
Each order consists of six lumpia. I suggest one order for every two people, so consider ordering two for a party of four, and three (or even four) for a group of six.
Tamales: A Filipino Twist on a Classic
“I didn’t realize Filipinos also made tamales.” This remark came from one of my children, and it’s a valid point. Much of Filipino food is influenced by the country’s history under Spanish and Chinese rule, resulting in a delightful blend of culinary traditions. You’ll notice a significant overlap with Chinese and Mexican cuisine, all infused with unique Filipino ingredients and flavor profiles.
Tamales are a prime example of this cultural fusion, and we were pleasantly surprised by Magna Kusina’s rendition. Their Filipino tamales are made with a rice flour masa, combined with peppers, onions, sweet potato tops, green garlic, and mustard greens, all wrapped in a fragrant banana leaf.
Sinangag: A Classic Done Right
A classic done well. Order one side per 2 people in your party.
Indulge in Magna Kusina’s Irresistible Desserts
Under no circumstances should you skip dessert at Magna Kusina! The sweet endings here are the perfect exclamation point to a wonderful meal.
The dessert menu typically features two options, often influenced by seasonal ingredients and availability.
Biko: A Taste of Nostalgia
Have you ever taken a bite of a dish and immediately all of your senses rush back to your childhood? That’s what happened to me when I took my first bite of the Biko at Magna. Oh my word, it’s so tasty.
I haven’t had Biko in several years, and this coconut sticky rice topped with polvoron (a Filipino shortbread) brought the flavors of my childhood snack times all back.
Seasonal mango pie: a tropical delight
Mango is a favorite fruit in Filipino cuisine. This dessert has mango compote in a crisp puff pastry shell, topped with housemade ice cream and condensed milk. It tasted divine on a chilly winter day, so I imagine it is even more magical on a warm summer day.
And if you’re like my parents who wanted to let our waiter and even Carlo himself know how much they would LOVE to see halo-halo (arguably the most popular Filipino dessert) on the menu, know that it’s not a year-round dessert here.
Check back in the summer, when they may or may not have it. That said, I’m giving fair warning to y’all at Magna now: my parents will be checking to see if you have halo-halo in the summer 😉
Frequently Asked Questions About Dining at Magna Kusina
What is the dress code for this restaurant?
The vibe is casual and fun, so jeans or shorts are totally acceptable. If you want to dress up, that’s cool too!
Is Magna restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes! There is no separate kids menu, but most kids would probably at least enjoy the rice, lumpia, chicken or pork skewers, pancit and, of course, any of their dessert options. If you have kids, I suggest booking an outdoor patio table, as there’s more room around the tables and it’s noise-friendly.
Are there vegan options at this Portland restaurant?
Yes! The menu changes, but currently vegan options include Tokwa’t Kabute, Tamales, Kanin, and Gulay – the vegetables of the day.
Final Thoughts on Magna Kusina
We have a deep affection for Magna Kusina. I’m incredibly grateful that we had the opportunity to introduce it to my parents during our most recent visit.
Both of my parents are full-blooded Filipinos, and they both gave Magna their unwavering seal of approval. Considering my mother’s discerning taste when it comes to Filipino cooking, this is truly high praise from demanding critics!
Come for the Filipino food, stay for the people. The team at Magna Kusina welcomes you as if you were family, and dining here feels like you’re enjoying a meal at Lola’s (grandmother’s house), surrounded by your Titas and Titos (aunts and uncles). The food is prepared with genuine love, and I have no doubt that you’ll love Magna Kusina as much as we do.
2525 Southeast Clinton Street
Portland, Oregon 97202
(503)-395-8542
HOURS: Thursday – Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more information or to make reservations, visit the Magna Kusina website.
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