Señor Sisig: From Street-Food Pioneers to Culinary Icons

Say hello to Evan Kidera, a dedicated board member of the Mission Merchants Association, and Gil Payumo—the dynamic duo who, in 2010, took the first flavorful steps that would redefine San Francisco's street-food scene. Fueled by passion and a shared vision, Evan, armed with an MBA from San Francisco State, and Gil, an experienced chef, embarked on a culinary adventure that would birth the phenomenon known as Señor Sisig.

Inspired by the triumph of Roy Choi's Kogi Korean taco truck in Los Angeles, these high school friends recognized the potential for Filipino cuisine to make a splash in the Bay Area. With determination and a refurbished Chinese food truck from Modesto (courtesy of Evan's savvy Craigslist find), they embraced the format of tacos and burritos.

To craft the mouthwatering fillings, they delved into Gil's family history, uncovering a dish his dad was celebrated for at parties: sisig. Originating from the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, sisig traditionally featured a highly seasoned mix of chopped meat from a pig's head and snout. Gil's adaptation, using pork shoulder, proved more accessible and just as rich and juicy as the traditional version. The recipe involved infusing the pork with a highly seasoned, slightly spicy marinade for 24 hours before grilling and chopping. Gil even extended the method to include chicken and tofu.

Rolling out sisig-packed burritos, taco delights, and nacho toppings, Señor Sisig quickly became a local sensation. Fueled by word of mouth on social media and the popularity of San Francisco's Off the Grid street-food events, the venture mirrored the city's growing love for street food—a cherished form of grassroots culture and entrepreneurial spirit.

From those humble beginnings, Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo's brainchild, Señor Sisig, has evolved into a culinary force with a fleet of four food trucks and three brick-and-mortar establishments, including their inaugural location right here in the heart of the Mission District. Fast, fun, and flavorful, Señor Sisig's unique take on a traditional Filipino delicacy has become synonymous with the spirit of San Francisco.

Photos by @danielbeckphoto