Aside from being a rainy-day favorite, goto also tops the average Filipino’s comfort food list when feeling under the weather.

But the bowls served at Goto Believe, described by the owner Sandra Santiago as “putok-batok,” are literally not for the faint-hearted.

“Instead of a meal eaten when you’re sick, you have to be careful when you eat our goto... ‘Pag tiningnan mo pa lang, magkaka-heart attack ka na,” Santiago jokingly said.

She continued: “Our specialties aren’t for those who have high-blood or heart problems. It isn’t the healthier alternative. It is meant to be epic and sinful.”

Their goto comes two variants: wet and dry. The wet goto is the classic porridge with beef tripe and fat, while dry goto is fried rice cooked with the stock of the former.

“Our dry variant is a little similar to Hainanese rice, but siyempre lasang goto,” Santiago said.

“Even though the goto fried rice doesn’t come with the tripe and innards, it tastes exactly the same. They really only differ in texture,” she added.

Santiago introduced the dry goto to their menu to accommodate those who aren’t fans of porridge.

“I was surprised when I found out my friends do not like goto. I couldn’t believe there were Pinoys who didn’t like goto. So, I wanted to think of a way for those who don’t appreciate the original wet goto to enjoy it as well,” she said.

CUSTOMIZABLE GOTO

Goto Believe offers a fully customizable dining experience.

The wet and dry goto can be ordered in the Heaven (classic) or Inferno (spicy) version, and have it topped with a variety of grilled and deep-fried food.

Choices include Pinoy favorites such as bagnet, chicharon bulaklak, grilled liempo, adidas, isaw, chicken liver, balun-balunan, tenga, and pork belly.

Tempura, creamy dory, and salted egg chicken skin are also served here.

Complete the goto bowl with an egg, which can be cooked in five ways: sunny-side up, scrambled, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, and poached. Other egg options include quail egg, century egg, and salted duck egg.

Customers can also opt to order the goto without toppings and pair them with side dishes such as tokwa’t baboy or sisig instead.

“Goto sisig, which is sisig made with the innards and ingredients used in goto, is best paired with the goto fried rice,” Santiago said.

She continued: “Tokwa’t baboy naman ay Japanese tofu – which is mas masarap sa typical tofu sa palengke – with chicharon bulaklak and grilled pork belly.”

Santiago admitted, however, that not everyone prefers a DIY menu so she came up with the Oh My Giant (OMG) goto bowl, which is good for sharing.

She said the OMG goto bowl comes with ten “putok-batok” toppings like “isaw, x-box – which is our version of Betamax – chicharon bulaklak, adidas, bituka, dilis, atay, tenga, wonton wrapper, and egg.”

Meanwhile, those who are looking for vegetarian-friendly and less sinful dishes can order the plain lugaw, tokwa, and spring rolls, among others.

Goto Believe has branches in Mandaluyong (640 San Rafael St., Brgy. Plainview) and Pasig (Unit B No. 51 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo).