Porridge + Puffs

Tucked away in Historic Filipinotown, Porridge + Puffs occupies a charming space with an endearingly unfinished aesthetic. Dried flowers adorn one wall while polaroids of friends cover another, and the communal seating arrangements create an atmosphere that’s minimal yet inviting. This is the kind of place where you’ll feel completely comfortable dining on your own, often finding yourself seated near another solo adventurer at the shared table.

The menu here focuses on what it does best: beautifully crafted rice porridge that defies the simplicity of its concept. Each bowl arrives as a complex, layered composition. The Poultry + Mushroom version features turkey and chicken nestled in creamy porridge, crowned with pickled celery and crispy shallots. Seasonal specials like The Velvet take things in an unexpected direction, combining butternut squash and brown butter with duck for something that straddles the line between savory main and dessert.

Beyond the porridges, don’t overlook the namesake puffs—airy, beignet-like creations that come in both savory and sweet varieties. The savory version works perfectly for scooping up the last bits of porridge, while the sweet iteration makes for an ideal finish. The Brown Butter Mochi is another must-try, delivering an experience that’s been described as french toast dialed up to its maximum potential.

Porridge + Puffs operates on a schedule that makes it ideal for weekday lunches and weekend brunch, with dinner service on select evenings. The friendly staff, approachable prices, and portions sized just right for one person make this an excellent gateway into the world of solo dining. It’s the kind of neighborhood gem where ordering a porridge, a plate of puffs, and dessert never feels like too much.