Super Rapsa – Dandenong – Filipino cuisine hidden upstairs

Super Rapsa is a Filipino restaurant located on McCrae Street, a pedestrian walkway connecting Dandenong Market and Dandenong Square. While its pink sign with yellow lettering makes it stand out visually, it’s still easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The restaurant is situated upstairs, which means it isn’t accessible for prams or wheelchairs, a downside for families or those with mobility concerns. However, once inside, the space is surprisingly large, with numerous tables catering to both small and large groups. Despite this, I was surprised to find it almost empty when I visited on a Sunday afternoon—an unusual sight for a place that should have been lively during peak hours.

A Simple Yet Limited Dining Experience
Upon entering, I was hoping for warm service and helpful recommendations, but unfortunately, the server seemed unsure when I asked about specials or must-try dishes. Instead, I had to browse the menu myself, where I found their lunch specials, including their silog meals priced at $18. The “silog” dishes are a staple of Filipino cuisine, consisting of garlic fried rice, a fried egg, and a choice of meat. While the server wasn’t particularly informative, I eventually settled on the Tapsilog—an all-time favourite in Filipino cuisine featuring marinated beef slices, crispy garlic rice, and a perfectly cooked fried egg.

Delicious Food That’s Worth the Wait
Before the meal arrived, I helped myself to their in-house vinegar and poured myself some water from the station. Eventually, the server brought over a bottle of cold water, which was a nice touch. The food took a while to prepare, which was a little frustrating considering the restaurant wasn’t busy, but when my Tapsilog finally arrived, I was pleased with what I saw. The beef was tender, bursting with a balance of sweet, savoury, and peppery flavours that complemented the fragrant garlic rice. The fried egg, with its slightly runny yolk, tied everything together, making each bite satisfying and full of flavour.

Super Rapsa vs. other Filipino Restaurants
While I was content with my meal, I couldn’t help but notice that other groups opted for a different dining style, ordering rice and several dishes to share. This approach is quite common in Filipino restaurants, where communal dining is a big part of the experience. While I enjoyed my Tapsilog, I couldn’t help but compare it to the same dish at Beetle Café. While Super Rapsa’s version had better execution in terms of flavour and texture, Beetle Café remained a more budget-friendly choice, making it a strong contender for those looking for a more affordable meal.

Final Thoughts
Super Rapsa offers a solid taste of Filipino cuisine with its well-prepared silog dishes, but the overall experience felt a little underwhelming due to the slow service and lack of customer engagement. While the food itself was tasty, the prices are on the higher side compared to other Filipino eateries in the area. It’s a great spot for those craving classic Filipino comfort food, but if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or quicker service, you might want to explore other options. That said, if you’re in Dandenong and don’t mind a bit of a wait, Super Rapsa is still a worthy stop for a satisfying Filipino meal.

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