Meryendang Pinoy

Meryendang Pinoy in Downtown Jersey City Temporarily Closes After Fire, Community Mobilizes to Rebuild a Filipino Culinary Landmark

Downtown Jersey City has long been one of New Jersey’s most dynamic food corridors, a place where global cuisines intersect with neighborhood pride and independently owned restaurants define the cultural landscape. Among those establishments, Meryendang Pinoy at 283 Newark Avenue has stood out as a deeply personal, community-driven celebration of Filipino street food and traditional meryenda culture.

As of February 2026, Meryendang Pinoy is temporarily closed following an overnight fire on February 9th that caused significant structural and interior damage. The closure has been felt across Hudson County’s Filipino community and among loyal patrons throughout Jersey City. In response, supporters have organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist owners Jhonacel and Josan Candelaria as they work toward rebuilding and reopening.

At Explore New Jersey, our restaurants coverage highlights the establishments that shape neighborhoods and preserve culinary heritage. Meryendang Pinoy is not simply another dining option in Jersey City. It is a cultural touchstone, a family-run institution, and one of the most recognizable Filipino food destinations in New Jersey.

A Cornerstone of Filipino Cuisine in Jersey City

Located along the vibrant Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza, Meryendang Pinoy quickly became synonymous with authentic Filipino meryenda—an afternoon snack tradition deeply embedded in Filipino daily life. In the Philippines, meryenda is more than a light meal; it is a ritual of gathering, conversation, and comfort.

In Jersey City, Meryendang Pinoy translated that tradition into a restaurant experience that felt both nostalgic and accessible. The focus was not on fusion or reinterpretation. Instead, the Candelarias built their menu around the flavors and formats that define Filipino street culture.

Operating Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM prior to the fire, the restaurant drew steady foot traffic from locals, commuters, and families who sought out food that felt authentic, unfiltered, and rooted in heritage.

Filipino Street Food That Defined Newark Avenue

One of the restaurant’s strongest draws was its dedication to Filipino street food staples rarely found elsewhere in New Jersey with the same level of authenticity.

Fish balls—crispy on the outside and tender inside—were served with a choice of sweet sauce or ang hang, the signature spicy vinegar-based dip that adds bold heat and complexity. These skewered favorites replicated the experience of Filipino street vendors, where dipping sauces and quick bites fuel daily life.

Kikiam, fried fish cakes with a savory interior and satisfying crunch, and squid balls rounded out the street food lineup. These items were more than menu entries; they were culinary memories brought to life in Downtown Jersey City.

For diners searching online for Filipino street food in Jersey City or authentic Filipino snacks in NJ, Meryendang Pinoy consistently delivered dishes that honored tradition without compromise.

Silog Bowls: All-Day Filipino Breakfast Classics

Beyond street food, the restaurant’s silog bowls cemented its reputation as a must-visit Filipino restaurant in Jersey City. The silog format—sinangag (garlic fried rice), itlog (fried egg), and a protein—forms the backbone of Filipino breakfast culture.

Tosilog featured sweet cured pork with caramelized edges and savory depth. Tapsilog showcased marinated beef packed with umami and tenderness. Longsilog offered garlicky sausage that balanced sweetness and spice.

Each plate was hearty, balanced, and comforting. The garlic fried rice provided a fragrant foundation, while the egg added richness that tied the dish together.

Serving these breakfast classics all day broadened the restaurant’s appeal. Whether guests arrived for lunch, early dinner, or a weekend craving, silog bowls remained a consistent favorite.

Iconic Filipino Desserts and Drinks

Meryendang Pinoy’s dessert offerings elevated its status from neighborhood favorite to cultural ambassador.

Halo-halo, the iconic Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweet beans, fruit, jellies, leche flan, and ube ice cream, became one of the restaurant’s most recognizable dishes. Colorful, textural, and indulgent, it captured the celebratory spirit of Filipino cuisine.

Ube Taho combined silken tofu with purple yam syrup, delivering warmth and sweetness in equal measure. Ice Scramble, the playful pink frozen treat topped with powdered milk, added a nostalgic element that resonated with diners of all ages.

For many in Jersey City’s Filipino community, these desserts were reminders of childhood and home. For newcomers, they offered an introduction to flavors not widely represented elsewhere in Hudson County.

A Family-Owned Restaurant Built on Community

Described by regulars as a cozy, homey “mom and pop” shop, Meryendang Pinoy cultivated an atmosphere that felt personal and welcoming. The dining room was intimate, encouraging conversation and shared plates.

Owners Jhonacel and Josan Candelaria infused the space with warmth that extended beyond hospitality. Guests were greeted with familiarity. Conversations extended beyond transactions. The restaurant functioned as a gathering space as much as a business.

Unlimited karaoke nights added a distinctly Filipino cultural layer. Karaoke is central to many Filipino celebrations and gatherings, and its presence inside the restaurant transformed meals into communal experiences.

The BYOB policy further enhanced accessibility, allowing guests to bring wine or beverages without added fees. In a city where dining costs can escalate quickly, this model provided high-quality food in an affordable, welcoming environment.

Private Events and Cultural Celebrations

Before the February 9th fire, Meryendang Pinoy was available for private event rentals accommodating 25 to 35 guests. Birthdays, family reunions, and small celebrations found a natural home within its walls.

In Downtown Jersey City, where event spaces can feel impersonal or expensive, this capacity reinforced the restaurant’s role as a community anchor. It was not uncommon to see tables filled with extended families sharing dishes and singing karaoke late into the evening.

The February 9th Fire and Community Response

The overnight fire that led to the restaurant’s temporary closure caused significant damage, halting operations indefinitely. For independent, family-run establishments, such incidents represent both financial and emotional challenges.

The swift launch of a GoFundMe campaign underscores the deep connection between Meryendang Pinoy and its patrons. Community members, regular customers, and supporters across New Jersey have stepped forward to help the Candelarias rebuild.

This response speaks to something larger than a single restaurant. It reflects the resilience of Jersey City’s small business ecosystem and the cultural importance of preserving diverse culinary voices within New Jersey’s restaurant scene.

Why Meryendang Pinoy Matters to New Jersey’s Restaurant Landscape

New Jersey’s food culture thrives because of its authenticity and diversity. From Italian institutions in Hoboken to emerging global dining concepts throughout Hudson County, the state’s strength lies in family-owned establishments that bring lived culinary traditions to the table.

Meryendang Pinoy represents Filipino cuisine with specificity and pride. It offers dishes that are not diluted for trend cycles or aesthetic reinterpretation. It preserves the everyday flavors of the Philippines and presents them faithfully in Downtown Jersey City.

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This restaurant has consistently ranked among the top destinations.

Looking Ahead to Reopening

While there is no confirmed reopening date yet, the determination to rebuild is clear. The Candelarias have established a foundation of loyalty and support that extends well beyond Newark Avenue.

When Meryendang Pinoy reopens, it will mark more than the return of fish balls, silog bowls, and halo-halo. It will symbolize the endurance of Filipino culinary culture in Jersey City and the power of community solidarity in New Jersey’s independent restaurant sector.

At Explore New Jersey, we will continue monitoring updates as rebuilding progresses. Restaurants like Meryendang Pinoy define what makes the Garden State’s dining scene exceptional: authenticity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to heritage.