La Union's Beloved Taqueria Gains Loyal Following in Poblacion
From a humble shack in La Union to branches in Makati, Quezon City, and Alabang, and now pop-ups across Asia, Onlypans has grown from modest beginnings into a thriving taqueria. Originally envisioned as an after-drinks meetup spot where patrons could enjoy great food, rehydrate, and unwind before heading home, Onlypans has become a go-to recommendation for anyone exploring the vibrant Poblacion food scene.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges, Audrey Cruz, the owner of Onlypans, tells Esquire Philippines. In April 2022, the young entrepreneur faced a classic case of impostor syndrome as she prepared to establish her small business in an area dominated by big-name players. To promote their offerings, Cruz turned to TikTok, sharing engaging content that showcased their food offerings. To her surprise, thousands of notifications flooded in, and the lines outside their store stretched down both ends of the street. Customers came from as far as Batangas, marking one of the most unforgettable days in their history.
Olypans' holiday offerings marry staple Mexican foods with Filipino influences.
However, their meteoric rise subsequently hit a snag when a fire on May 2, 2024 forced the store to shut down temporarily. During this challenging period, the Poblacion community showed its unwavering support, rallying behind the restaurant to help them stage a successful reopening. This incident solidified the strong bond between Onlypans and its community—a relationship built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and love for good food.
“Poblacion is home to us,” says Cruz. As a community-driven business that stands up for the right reasons, Onlypans decided to give back this holiday season with a special menu. Inspired by the warmth and togetherness of Filipino Christmas traditions, the menu blends Mexican and Filipino cuisines to create dishes that feel like home.
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The menu features savory delights like Pilipinong Elotes, a grilled corn dish infused with cheese, cilantro, and spices, and Burrito sa Paresan, a burrito paired with a pares-inspired soup for dipping or pouring. These dishes combine classic Mexican ingredients with Filipino twists to satisfy your craving for bold flavors.
Tsokolateng Horchata and Dulce De Lecheng Horchata are enhanced with classic Filipino sweets like tsokolate and dulce de leche, offering a richer sweetness beyond the usual milky cinnamon flavor of classic horchata.
“We wanted our holiday menu to remind people of home, just like how Filipinos celebrate Christmas surrounded by family," says Cruz. The new offerings are a heartfelt gift to their patrons, embodying the spirit of togetherness and the enduring support of the Poblacion community.
As Onlypans continues to grow, its roots remain firmly planted in the values of connection, resilience, and great food—a combination that has won the hearts of many and promises to keep them coming back for more.
