Jess Jr's Kitchenette in UP Diliman's Area 2 to close before returning in nearby bigger spot

Jess Jr's Kitchenette, a hawker-style food stall that serves Malaysian and Southeast Asian dishes in UP Diliman's famed Area 2, will temporarily close by February 28.

Its current address (6 J.P. Laurel Street) will no longer be available by the end of the month as the food stall is moving to a bigger spot only several meters away from its present location.

The new address will remain along J.P. Laurel Street, but this time at one end with the corner house and lot (number 101).

"Space is running out in our old place as more customers want to dine in, especially during lunch and dinner time. This new place should be able to house more dine-in customers, around 40 and above," the food stall posted on social media.

It added that customers will have more food to look forward to when it returns.

"Expect more dishes to be added like old classics such as beef rendang, chicken satay, lemon teh peng, butter prawn, etc. in making a comeback. And yes, there will be other items such as laksa, roti pratha, teh tarek, etc. Also, expect beverages such as a wide range of coffees, teas, juices, and shakes to be available within," Jess Jr's Kitchenette wrote.

Management appealed to customers to bear with them in light of the adjustments and setting up in the coming days. They likewise appealed to non-diners who used to sit in the restaurant bringing outside food to stop as it's bad for their business.

@bumaBAgyo 😀 pic.twitter.com/aqEz4yWf1G

— Danielle Marie Parreño, RPm (@dendenparreno) February 19, 2023

Jess Jr's Kitchenette has gained a reputation for its generous servings, "sulit" price ranges, and Southeast Asian-fusion comfort food.

UP Diliman student and Area 2 regular Josh Avengoza reminisced the flossy buttered chicken that he described as "ang sarap and sobrang sulit."

"Now, speaking of, when it comes sa portions and servings, sulit siya sa binabayad mo. Kahit' yung ibang food nila like mee goreng, nasi goreng, marami. Kinda expensive pero hindi naman siya lugi pagdating sa lasa," Avengoza told PhilSTAR L!fe.

He lamented the food joint's temporary closure but nonetheless looked forward to its comeback. "Well, it sucks na mawawala siya kasi less choices na kakainan sa Area 2. Pero okay lang kasi lalaki," Avengoza concluded.