Tim Carman of The Washington Post recently released his list of “The 10 Best Breakfast Sandwiches in the D.C. Area,” featuring mostly sandwiches from within D.C. One standout, however, hails from Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood: the Bistek at Lapu Lapu, which ranked 9th on the list.
Lapu Lapu, located at 216 Market Street W., is the sister restaurant to Rockville’s popular Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly. Since opening in June 2022, Lapu Lapu has gained a local following with its array of delicious breakfast sandwiches, including chorizo, spam, corned beef, bacon egg & cheese, B.A.L.T., and the highly acclaimed Bistek. The Bistek features thinly sliced lemon soy ribeye, a fried egg, pickled onions, white American cheese sauce, lettuce, and garlic adobo mayo.
Carman writes, “This preparation — sliced rib-eye braised in soy sauce, beef bouillon and lemon juice, then tricked out with lettuce, pickled red onions, white American cheese sauce, garlic-adobo mayo and a sunny-side-up egg on a pandesal bun — is steak and eggs of the finest order.”
Per Lapu Lapu: “Chef Ja’s dream has always been to bring the Philippines to you, one dish at a time. He kicked off his first concept, Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly, in Rockville, Maryland which spotlights the famous Cebu-style Lechon belly. After receiving recognition and many accolades, he now wishes to help start your day off right with Filipino breakfast to go!
The question you should really be asking is WHO is Lapu Lapu? The name Lapu Lapu takes reference from a national hero of the Philippines. Lapu Lapu and his warriors famously defied and defeated the foreign invaders (such as Ferdinand Magellan) who were seeking to colonize the Philippines back in April of 1521. This was called the Battle of Mactan, which occured in the Visayas where our Chef/Owner Javier was born.
Inspired by Lapu Lapu’s great feat, Chef Javier set his heart on a mission to help everyone win their own battles each and every day – starting with breakfast, the most important meal of the day!”
Another sandwich that can be found in Maryland made the list, but this one can also be found at various Taco Bamba locations across the DMV– the breakfast sope. Taco Bamba has Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg and
Featured image courtesy of @lapulapubreakfast on Instagram
