Spotlight: Makulit
It took the genius of Mike and Xrysto at Makulit to bring Filipino cooking and fast food into harmony. Makulit’s menu pops with the kind of food that makes you feel like you're walking into your favorite fast food place and your mom’s kitchen at once. Unapologetically full of flavor and fun, eating at Maklulit will have you scrolling through your music to find the perfect playlist to go with the goodness on your plate. Below is a short conversation between Portland Office of Small Business, Mike and Xrysto, the owners of Makulit.
How did the concept of Makulit come about?
Mike and Xrysto: We worked together at a Chinese restaurant called XLB, and the owners were really supportive of us launching a food cart. They helped us with our menu, and we already had a burger we were really proud of. They really helped refine the other menu options and the business side of Makulit.
Even though Filipino food is kind of blowing up these days, it can still feel a bit confined by tradition. We decided to take that energy, find a middle ground, and make Filipino food because we are Filipinos making it. But we wanted the food to reflect our own ideas and the dishes we wish we had when we were growing up.
People often come up and share that the food not only makes them reminisce about their childhood, but also brings back deep feelings and memories. The feedback has been really wonderful and helps drive us forward.
Community is such an integral part of being Filipino. Could you share a bit about how it nourishes you and vice versa?
Mike and Xrysto: The community has been so reassuring and committed to us. Customers really want to follow us wherever we go, and we want to be vibrant and present for them. We feel we can be part of the past, present, and future as Filipino entrepreneurs and instill a sense of ownership and pride.
Our love letter to our community is our food. Feeding our community feeds us as well. At its core, a fast-food restaurant is a community hub, and you can’t show that through social medi. You just need to experience it.
If you met you back in the kitchen at XLB, what little piece of advice would you share?
Mike and Xrysto: Show up for your people. Show up for your community. That’s been our saving grace. Cooking is an act of love. Do it for the love of food and the people.
