Asia - Best Food in Manila?

I've spent enough time here in Manila to try all the famous places and find my own favorite establishments. I'm just wondering if anyone can recommend some "hidden gems" in Makati, Paranaque or the Fort area. I actually prefer smaller venues like locally owned tuna restaurants, buffets, etc. I'm not all that impressed with the typical expat haunts like Outback, Hard Rock, etc. They are alright but I like to truly enjoy the local cuisine. Any suggestions?

bump

I've never ventured away from The Greenbelts or The Fort but would love to hear some recommendations on great local places to eat.

There's a great place not terribly far from Greenbelt, amazing local Philippine food (chicken, pork, BBQ). Balutin is the joint (I hope I'm right)....or translated "Wrapped" in English. All the meals are wrapped in a banana leaf and are simply amazing! I've only had take-out from there, and do know they're open 24 hours a day, ask a local for directions!:)

bump

I've never ventured away from The Greenbelts or The Fort but would love to hear some recommendations on great local places to eat.


Ahhhh, you don't know what you're missing. I can understand your situation though. Going out in Manila can be a hassle when you are busy, but it is usually worth it if you can find the time. I have recently become addicted to the lobster balls (fried clumps of meat, not the testes :D) from a small food stand located in the food court of Alabang Town Center. They are to die for and very cheap at only 29 PHP per stick containing three balls. I am also partial to some of the Mongolian style food joints that can be found in most any mall in Manila.

Hi viking407rob!

Have you tried the food stalls at the Salcedo Market (7AM-2PM, Saturdays only)? It's probably not a "hidden" gem anymore, but nevertheless it's still a gem.

Salcedo Market (near Makati Sports Club)
Salcedo Village
Makati

Hi viking407rob!

Have you tried the food stalls at the Salcedo Market (7AM-2PM, Saturdays only)? It's probably not a "hidden" gem anymore, but nevertheless it's still a gem.

Salcedo Market (near Makati Sports Club)
Salcedo Village
Makati

I'll certainly look into that. Thanks for the tip! ^

I'll certainly look into that. Thanks for the tip! ^You're welcome! Walang anuman!(sp?) Here's more information on the location:

Salcedo Market
Jaime Velasquez Park
Tordesillas & Leviste (formerly Alfaro) Streets
Salcedo Village, MAKATI

I also found some photos on the web: LINK (http://www.pbase.com/rvicencio/salcedo&page=all)

Another gem you might want to try is Café Juanita, which is more of a proper dining experience. It's just north of the Fort (just across the river), in a residential area, in between Ortigas & the Fort, but closer to the latter. The restaurant used to be a house, don't let outside looks deceive you. It's like eating at grandma's house, it's even furnished that way, (naturally I'm referring to a Filipina grandmother!) They have a Sunday lunch buffet which was priced at PHP375.00++ last year. The only thing I would caution you about is that it can get rather crowded on Sundays with families. Their regular menu (non-buffet) offers food from the Philippines as well as from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Mediterranean.

Café Juanita
21 United St (corner West Capitol Dr.)
Barrio Kapitolyo
PASIG
Open daily, 11am to 2pm; 5.30pm to 10pm. (Fridays until 12 midnight)
Credit Cards accepted.
Tel: +02 6320357 (good idea to write this down and call for reservations & directions, I had my mobile phone in the car and had them speak with the driver)

Please report back if you get to try any of these two venues and let us know if you discover any other places.

Addendum: Next door to Café Juanita is another place called Kainan au Gusto, which is more downscale and cheaper, but definitely just as tasty! The good thing is the two places are owned by the same person.

BTW, I saw your other post about the Holiday Inn in Ortigas, that's where I was last month! I usually stay at the Renaissance in Makati, but their rates were about double and they had some construction in the lobby area at the time. My only complaint about the Ortigas area is the traffic getting there from Makati, 30-40 minutes for a distance of only 7 kms. However, I did get to the Holiday Inn in 18 minutes from MNL airport (15 kms) when I arrived, naturally it was after midnight on a Sunday night (Monday early morning). And another minor complaint, if you want broadband access in your room (not free), someone has to come to your room to get you connected. Anyway, the hotel is connected to a shopping centre (Robinsons Galleria) which has free wi-fi. So for the price of a soft drink I sat at the Burger King for 2 hours and checked my e-mails and surfed the web (it was kind of noisy though).

Café Juanita

I'll be back in Manila next month and will plan to check this place out.

I also usually stay at the Renaissance - rates were regularly under $100 with a corporate discount. I was seeing rates for $125 and $150 for my stay next month and decided to give the CP Galleria a try instead.

I also usually stay at the Renaissance - rates were regularly under $100 with a corporate discount. I was seeing rates for $125 and $150 for my stay next month and decided to give the CP Galleria a try instead.

Crown Plaza Galleria is nice. I love that area. If you're staying there I'd recommend checking out Side Bar @ St. Francis Square. It's about 3-5 minutes away by car or cab and easy to find. They have tasy snacks, inexpensive beer (3 San Migs for 90 PHP) and buy one get one cocktails. The atmosphere is laid back with no excessively loud music and a nice mix of people.

Oh btw, We will be going to Salcedo Market this coming Saturday. Thanks Mr. Roboto for the link with the pics. Can't wait to try the variety if foods!

Crown Plaza Galleria is nice. I love that area. If you're staying there I'd recommend checking out Side Bar @ St. Francis Square. It's about 3-5 minutes away by car or cab and easy to find. They have tasy snacks, inexpensive beer (3 San Migs for 90 PHP) and buy one get one cocktails. The atmosphere is laid back with no excessively loud music and a nice mix of people.

Oh btw, We will be going to Salcedo Market this coming Saturday. Thanks Mr. Roboto for the link with the pics. Can't wait to try the variety if foods!I think the SideBar is at El Pueblo Real (a block from St Francis Square). I used to like the San Mig Pub at El Pueblo, this was several years ago and has closed. Is the SideBar on the 2nd floor, I think in the corner? Maybe it's in the old San Mig Pub locale.

I think the SideBar is at El Pueblo Real (a block from St Francis Square). I used to like the San Mig Pub at El Pueblo, this was several years ago and has closed. Is the SideBar on the 2nd floor, I think in the corner? Maybe it's in the old San Mig Pub locale.


Yes, you are correct. It is in that location. If it makes you feel better there is a nice San Mig Pub in Alabang Town Center on the 2nd Floor. It's a great place to unwind or to have a casual business meeting. The SMP in ATC is very convenient for me, maybe 5 minutes from my place and not too far from Makati either. Just take South Super Highway to Alabang Exit and then take Alabang Zapote Road and you can't miss it. It's a nice mall (Ayala) with a TGIF's, Cable Car and lots of other decent places to eat and/or drink. ^

Yes, you are correct. It is in that location. If it makes you feel better there is a nice San Mig Pub in Alabang Town Center on the 2nd Floor. It's a great place to unwind or to have a casual business meeting. The SMP in ATC is very convenient for me, maybe 5 minutes from my place and not too far from Makati either. Just take South Super Highway to Alabang Exit and then take Alabang Zapote Road and you can't miss it. It's a nice mall (Ayala) with a TGIF's, Cable Car and lots of other decent places to eat and/or drink. ^Actually, my first visit to a San Mig Pub was the one in Alabang, this was back in 1996. My friends who live in Ayala Alabang brought me there for a quick drink, which naturally turned into a 4 hour session. My 2nd visit was to the one in Ortigas back in Sept. 2001. There used to be another one in Makati, near Greenbelt 1, but that closed years ago.

BTW, did you make it to Salcedo Market this past weekend?

Actually, my first visit to a San Mig Pub was the one in Alabang, this was back in 1996. My friends who live in Ayala Alabang brought me there for a quick drink, which naturally turned into a 4 hour session. My 2nd visit was to the one in Ortigas back in Sept. 2001. There used to be another one in Makati, near Greenbelt 1, but that closed years ago.

BTW, did you make it to Salcedo Market this past weekend?

Kuya Mr. Roboto, I am quite familiar with those four hour sessions. In fact, thats why we didn't make it to Salcedo this past Saturday. We went out to see a local band at Blue Wave and ended up staying out past midnight. Come Saturday I didn't feel up to going out and facing the Manila Summer heat with a slight hangover in tow.

We will be attending the wedding of a former officemate on Saturday evening and am trying to work it into our schedule to go beforehand. The wedding is later and also in Makati. We will just have to change because I doubt a barong and formal dress will fit in at Salcedo. :D I'll be sure to post my thoughts and impressions if we make it this weekend.

I have been traveling to Manila every 90 days and my current favorite restaurant for Filipino cuisine is a restaurant in Greenbelt called Centro. Their Corned beef sinigang and boneless crispy pata are pretty awesome. :)

I have been traveling to Manila every 90 days and my current favorite restaurant for Filipino cuisine is a restaurant in Greenbelt called Centro. Their Corned beef sinigang and boneless crispy pata are pretty awesome. :)I had dinner there back in 2006. The correct spelling is SENTRO and the full name is SENTRO 1771.

I had dinner there back in 2006. The correct spelling is SENTRO and the full name is SENTRO 1771.

That's near Cafe Havana...right? I haven't tried it yet but I've heard it's very good.

That's near Cafe Havana...right? I haven't tried it yet but I've heard it's very good.Yes, it's in the same complex (Greenbelt 3), but on the 2nd level, next to Bubba Gump if I remember correctly.

Here's their website:

SENTRO 1771 (http://www.3mddigitalsolutions.com/chateau/sentromain.html)

They also have a more upscale place in Greenbelt 5 called CHATEAU 1771, which was formerly in El Pueblo Real in the Ortigas area (Pasig). It's more gourmet international cuisine.

I've tried Cafe Havana in Malate, the original. The Rabo Encendido (Oxtail) is to die for. Word is that the Greenbelt (Makati) location is where the hookers go to pick up foreigners.

Yes, it's in the same complex (Greenbelt 3), but on the 2nd level, next to Bubba Gump if I remember correctly.

Here's their website:

SENTRO 1771 (http://www.3mddigitalsolutions.com/chateau/sentromain.html)

They also have a more upscale place in Greenbelt 5 called CHATEAU 1771, which was formerly in El Pueblo Real in the Ortigas area (Pasig). It's more gourmet international cuisine.

I've tried Cafe Havana in Malate, the original. The Rabo Encendido (Oxtail) is to die for. Word is that the Greenbelt (Makati) location is where the hookers go to pick up foreigners.

Ok, I have a pretty good idea where it is. I'll add that to my list of places to dine. ^

I've also heard that about the Cafe Havana in Greenbelt. I haven't been there since about January 2007. At that time I can attest to the presence of what appeared to be hookers. The first time I went there a few years ago my friends pointed out all the hookers. I wasn't shopping for that kind of thing so I was pretty unaware until it was brought up. I was also advised to be careful about making "friends" with any of them, as many are scammers, thieves or transgendered (ladyboys). :rolleyes:

In the last couple of years the Hard Rock seems to have become popular for that too. The ones I've seen in HR seem to be more of the upscale call girl variety. This is the type who have professional jobs during the day and moonlight as escorts at night. They can make as much in one nights of "work" as they would for the entire pay period at the office.

Also in Greenbelt 3 is Thousand Cranes Shabu Shabu. Pretty good food and not too expensive.

I'll never forget my fiancee's reaction when I told her we were going out for shabu :D

In the last couple of years the Hard Rock seems to have become popular for that too. The ones I've seen in HR seem to be more of the upscale call girl variety. This is the type who have professional jobs during the day and moonlight as escorts at night. They can make as much in one nights of "work" as they would for the entire pay period at the office.They're also known to frequent Conway's in the Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

if you like thai food, you can try som's noodle house. it's a really humbe hole in the wall place that serves really authentic thai food. the chef used to be the cook at one of the thai restaurants in manila. their main restaurant is at rockwell. it is on the other side of the grills fence as you pass by the ateneo professional schools.

Som's Noodle House
5921 A. Alger St. Poblacion, Makati
757-8079, 0917-9227648
This is the street where Grilla is located along kalayaan ave corner Alger St. This is at the back of Rockwell.
==========

also, here's a cool web site for places to visit and eat at in the phils: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/

they even have a review about som's noodle house, although i do not agree with it: http://anton.blogs.com/awesome/2005/10/soms_noodle_hou.html

Thanks hikouki for the cool links. ^

I finally made it to Salcedo on Saturday. It was hot and crowded, but the food was delicious! Pretty much everything I was hoping for. There was so much to choose from. I had some sushi and lumpia gulay. I made it a point to buy some other non-perishable foods to take home.

Overall I was very pleased with the experience. This was my first time but my wife has been there a many times. Her office is only a couple of blocks away. I was a little disappointed she had never thought to take me there before now. :p

I'm not all that impressed with the typical expat haunts like Outback, Hard Rock, etc. .... I like to truly enjoy the local cuisine.

AGREED !!^

I'm curious are most of the places mentioned in this thread serving Filipino food or another cuisine? (I'd also be curious what dishes in particular at these places stood out)

In another thread an FT'er recommended: www.lolodadsbrasserie.com
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AGREED !!^

I'm curious are most of the places mentioned in this thread serving Filipino food or another cuisine? (I'd also be curious what dishes in particular at these places stood out)

In another thread an FT'er recommended: www.lolodadsbrasserie.com
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I saw a program that Anthony Bourdain did on the Philippines (episode guide can be found here (http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/Episode_Philippines) and his related blog can be found here (http://anthony-bourdain-blog.travelchannel.com/read/hierarchy-of-pork)) and he says at the end of the show that the whole roasted pig (lechon) that was served in Cebu is the absolute best he's ever had, beating out Bali and Puerto Rico. So you might want to try that. You have to specifically ask for Cebu-style lechon because there are other cooking styles that may not be as good.

I saw a program that Anthony Bourdain did on the Philippines ... and he says at the end of the show that the whole roasted pig (lechon) that was served in Cebu is the absolute best he's ever had, beating out Bali and Puerto Rico. too funny you mention Bourdain, I went to see him speak at the Chicago Theater last night (quite a fun time) & he said the same thing. We are not going to get to Cebu so I'm hoping someone might have had it or has a lechon/roast pig suggestion for Manila, as well as other Filipino food.^ On a side note I did go to his pig place of choice in Bali, Ibu Oka (it was our first food stop after we landed).

I remember the Phillipines show he did, one of the dishes he enjoyed was sisig ( http://www.tsibog.com/filipino-food-recipes/sisig-sizzles-the-pinoy-appetite-2007-05-10.php ). Anyone have a good sisig place in Manila they like?

Anyone have a good sisig place in Manila they like?

Read about a place in Manila called Nanay Q which serves sisig (locations at Robinsons Pioneer and Edsa Central), anyone been to Nanay Q or other sisig place in Manila?
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Sisig is pretty much a fixture in Manila bars. They're best enjoyed crispy, usually served on a sizzling plate at chain bars like Gerry's and Dencio's.

There's a surprisingly fine restaurant near the Hyatt Hotel and Casino called Chef's Quarter, its near the Robinson's mall entrance and serves mid priced western dishes. Food is good. What really made it stand out in my experience though was the top notch service and "intuitive" waiters

I agree with milefan, Sisig is available in most bars that serve snacks/food with their drinks. As I understand it, Sisig traditionally is made from the parts of the pig not used elsewhere (ears, etc). Different stalls sell different types of Lechon. I have always understood that the Filipinos believe that Cebuano Lechon is the best.

I think Bourdain also tried Balut (the fertilised duck egg), which is actually sweet-tasting, but crunchy. Not recommended.

I will be in MNL again in mid-May and will try to get a list of places to dine, as I have been to lots over the years, but never needed to know their name!

I've not spent any time in Manila recently, but this food blogger (http://www.jinlovestoeat.com/search/label/manila) has a dozen or so reviews of fairly upmarket places there, with photos.

'Fraid most of my dining experiences in Manila have been at the high-end. I ate at Lolo Dad's once though that was a couple of years back and thought the food and service were both very good. Also ate at Red in the Shangri-La on the last visit which had an interesting mix of some modern up-scale spins on local dishes. Good, but obviously expensive by Philippine standards.

Magandang Umaga!!

Salamat to Sweet Willie for bringing this thread to my attention...

I've been to the Phil 20+ times over the last ten years working in the call center business.

This is my list of fun, local places:

1. Singing Waiters & Cooks - Filipino food with constant entertainment from the staff. Filipinos, Japanese, Korean, Brits, Aussies and Americans frequent this place so you'll hear songs from around the world. The Asian tourists will typically join the staff and sing their hearts out. A really, really interesting and fun place for dinner. I remember this being fairly cheap, 500Php a person. This is near Star City by Manila Bay.

2. The Library - A Filipino comedy club that serves Filipino cuisine in Malate area. As an American, you will likely become part of the show. You will be on the receiving end of some good natured ribbing by the stand up comedians so don't get upset with the laughter at your expense. A good fun night out with comedy and comedic music; the show ends up around 0400AM or later each morning.

3. Hobbitt House - A JRR Tolkien theme pub with decent bar food. The claim to fame here is that HH is staffed by Filipino little people/dwarfs (my apologies if I used the incorrect term). There is little employment opportunity for these folks so the HH is a great option. Also, 70's Rocker Freddie Aguilar shows up on a regular basis to augment the already great live music show.

4. Caffe Caruso - A really good Italian spot in Makati off the beaten path. It is a quiet, small establishment with a nice ambience that you won't often find in Makati. I always start with an appetizer for the table of wood fired pizza and follow that up with a tasty pasta.

5. Sugi - A great sushi place in Greenbelt, this is not off the beaten path but everyone that I bring here raves about the Kobe Sashimi and Yellowtail Sashimi. Very modern, very clean, very good!

6. Kamayan - I know the original Kamayan in Makati under the Skyway closed a few years ago but I keep hearing rumours that a full service Kamayan is re-opening. No, the buffet in the malls do not count. I loved the old Kamayan with Lechon, Spicy Crabs and roving bands who would sing Filipino Folk songs, American Love Songs and everything in between! If anyone spots a full service Kamayan around Manila; I'd be interested in reading a review of the place.

I'll post more places as I have time....

Ingat Ka

J_Hawk

Originally Posted by Sweet Willie

Hello bmttokyo,
I'm heading to Manila later this year and have posted to a thread that reports various FT'ers Manila dining experiences. I believe I read that you have spent some time in Manila. If you could post some of your restaurant experiences/suggestions I (& I'm sure anyone interested in Manila dining) would very much appreciate it. Here is the thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/asia/asia/asia/...od-manila.html

THANKS & happy Flyertalking

Willie

Hi SW,
Yes we frequent Manila & enjoy eating out a lot. The great thing about Manila is that you can satisfy your yen for any kind of cuisine for an unbelievably reasonable price. We normally stay in the Greenhills (HI Galleria, CP Galleria) & Makati areas (Intercon)

Here are some places that we love-
Greenhills area

1) Savory Chicken now known as Classic Savory (http://www.shootfirsteatlater.com/2009/04/classic-savory-chicken.html) at the Greenhills (GH) Theatre Mall
My favorite chicken in Manila which started as a Chinese noodle shop in the '50s. As a little girl, we enjoyed Sunday dinner at the Escolta branch. They went underground & started closing shop for the past 20+ years but was delighted when I saw it newly reopened at the GH Mall last summer. The chicken is tender & tasty, their gravy so delish- just like I remember it. I think it's the gravy I keep coming back for.

2) Kimpura (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/4683.aspx) at GH shopping complex
We live in Tokyo so we normally don't bother eating at Japanese restaurants in Manila but Kimpura always beckons. A long time favorite of our family since the '80's where we still enjoy the teppanyaki & tempura.

3) Cibo (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/381.aspx) at the GH Promenade
Delicious, authentic, very affordable, informal Italian restaurant owned & run by Gaita Fores, who studied cooking in Italy. She wanted more Filipinos to have access to Italian cuisine. She's done a great job by placing Cibo in several malls.

4) Arya (http://www.shootfirsteatlater.com/2009/09/dinner-at-arya-persian-restaurant.html)at the GH Promenade
Enjoyed our meal with the owner, Shin K. making recommendations. The blogger shows a number of dishes we enjoyed ourselves.

5) Peri Peri Grill (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23337:peri-peri-grill-house&catid=48:marketing&Itemid=73%3E) at the GH Promenade
Reminds me so much of California's Pollo Loco.

5) Bizu Patisserie (http://www.bizupatisserie.com/home.aspx) at the GH Promenade
Loads of choices for your sweet tooth. Seriously !

6) Burgoo (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/204.aspx) at the Promenade
My kids love this place.

7) Via Mare (http://www.shootfirsteatlater.com/2009/05/dinner-at-via-mare.html) at the GH Promenade
Still delivers my college day faves - Bibingka, arroz caldo & many other Filipino merienda ( mid afternoon meal) fares . Now with a revamped ,updated but very affordable menu.

To search for other branches of these restaurants= check here
(http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/results.aspx?t=b&h=1-252)

This took way longer than I expected so will have to stop here. I'm afraid I'll do something wrong & erase everything I typed. Coming hopefully soon-
Serendra & Makati restaurants. Now I seriously wish I were in Manila for some take out. Time to fix dinner..........

Matta ne !

very good posts :-:^:-:

anyone dine at any of the hawker stands? (I've read the stands in Manila are not as numerous or large as Singapore)
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There's a great place not terribly far from Greenbelt, amazing local Philippine food (chicken, pork, BBQ). Balutin is the joint (I hope I'm right)....or translated "Wrapped" in English. All the meals are wrapped in a banana leaf and are simply amazing! I've only had take-out from there, and do know they're open 24 hours a day, ask a local for directions!:)

the name is binalot :)

hi willie, just wondering, what food do you like to eat? as a local i frequent little asia (promenade, greenhills), fish & co (greenbelt 3), mesa (greenbelt 4), and soms (near powerplant, rockwell) for comfort food :)

are you looking for fine dining or fast food?

hi willie, just wondering, what food do you like to eat? .....are you looking for fine dining or fast food?

Mrs Sweet Willie & I enjoy dining on the regional cuisine of where we travel to. So I'd prefer to concentrate on any restaurant that prepares Filipino cuisine which is not easy to find in the U.S. We dine at the 'down & dirty' place one day while white tablecoth the next & everything inbetween:D

Filipino cuisine which is not easy to fine in the U.S.There's a good reason for that! (Filipino food is, in general, in my opinion, unhealthy, boring and unappealing to foreigners.)

very good posts :-:^:-:

anyone dine at any of the hawker stands? (I've read the stands in Manila are not as numerous or large as Singapore)
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Hi Sweet Willie,
The closest thing Manila has to Hawker centers is one in Market Market. It is an open court then you order your food which they bring to your table. Last time I ate there was 5 years ago. I wouldn't go back though. Too many other choices.
Still need to work on my Makati installment. Remind me before you leave :D

Awesome Planet Blog (http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/restaurants.html)

Thought you might be interested in this food blog I just found. I LOVE that the Writer enjoys taking his family out to dinner. His young boys are probably some of the "best fed" kids I've seen.

Makati
1) Circles (http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2009/05/best-buffets-in-manila-circles-shangrila.html) at Shangrila- Sunday Buffet , loved the variety & freshness of the food.

2) Jeepney Cafe at Intercon Makati - arrived late Christmas eve & had dinner here- would not return

3) Intercon Club Lounge - way quieter than the Jeepney cafe so ate brekkie here instead, decent choices, great service

GreenBelt Area (GB)
1) Via Mare (http://www.viamare.com.ph/outlets.html) GB3

2) People Palace (http://www.peoplespalacethai.com/) GB3 - enjoyed their Thai menu

3) National Sports Gril (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/3457.aspx)l GB3- owned by friends of ours so we;ve had LOTS of chix wings, huge salads, big portions while hubbies & kids watched the game
4) Pepato (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/2736.aspx)GB2- High end Italian owned by Fores of Cibo fame. Osso bucco melts in your mouth. Our host is a regular of this restaurant so we were treated to lots of other things not on the menu. Great food.

5)Good Earth (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/3316.aspx) GB3- my pleasant surprise. Had the all you can eat lunch for about $US6 which were great samplers of their dishes which they would bring to you as you ordered. Will return for sure !

6) Sentro 1771 (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/2961.aspx) GB3 - Filipino food with a twist ! We go there at least once or twice during our trips. Love their Sinigang na Corned Beef (sourness will be adjusted to your liking!)

7) Ebun (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/5016.aspx)GB3 - more affordable Filipino fare. We will return. GREAT service. They let us in at closing time & kept them there for 2 more hours. Needless to say, they were very well tipped !!!

8)Museum Cafe (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/2494.aspx) GB4- had a delightful Sunday Brunch. Lots of choices- arrived quite late so they were no longer replenishing. Will return though.

9)Classic Confections (http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/4924.aspx) GB5- choose your poison !

10)Ristorante Pia y Damaso (http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/11/pia-y-damaso.html) GB5 - Philippine cuisine of Colonial days inspired by a Literary classic Noli Me Tangere. Love their desserts AND their Signature Cucumber/Ginger/Citrus Juice.

Cibo restaurant in Glorietta 4, their garlic steak is great, as are their strawberry milkshakes (when in season). I had forgotten this gem until yesterday, when I revisited.

Also the Singapore-style chinese restaurant at Rockwell. Had a good lunch there yesterday, but it could have also been the wonderful company I shared the meal with. Wasn't too cheap though.

Going to Classic Confections in Greenbelt 5 for an informal meeting later.

In my experience the Sofitel has the best food I've had in Manila - I guess not surprising, they're French. However both their incredible buffet dinner inside and the one by the pool are just excellent and focus on Filipino food, especially the outdoor restaurant.

I will agree with previous posters that Filipino cooking is nothing to write home about - as someone said 300 years of Spanish cooking "improved" by 50 years of American cooking. Not a good recipe !!!!

I'm in Manila every six weeks. I'm not into Philippine food for the same reasons mentioned in other posts. However, there are exceptional Western style restaurants in the Fort and Makati areas. Some of them have already been mentioned like the buffet at Circles in the Makati Shangrila - the volume, diversity and quality of the food is unique. Another exceptional restaurant, but expensive is the Tivoli in the Mandarin Oriental - European Continental fare that has an excellent setting for a business dinner or romantic evening. Another excellent restaurant is Le Souffle at the top of the City Bank building in Makati. It is a private club during the day, but they open to the public for dinner. Beautiful view, good food, and romantic.

An exceptional dining experience, is Antonio's Restaurant in Tagaitai. A great place to go on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for lunch. The setting is spectacular and the food is equally as good. Also in Tagaitai is Sonia's Garden where they grow all of their own salad greens and vegetables. Not as high end as Antonio's, but also good food and nice atmosphere. They are both set in the forest. Be sure to book reservations for both if you go.

If you like Thai food, People's Palace in Greenbelt 3 is probably the best Thai restaurant in Manila. For Persian and Indian food, Hossein's Persian Kebab, in Serendra and in Makati next to Burgos Street. For Cantonese Chinese food, the Peking duck at the Makati Shangri-la Shang Palace is delicious as well as the deep fried shrimp in honey sauce (not sure what it's called). Li Li at the Hyatt in Malate also has very good Chinese food. Both of these hotel restaurants are pricy. For Dimsun try Gloria Maris in Greenhills - very inexpensive and very good. Spices in the Peninsula Hotel has excellent Indian and Thai food.

One of my favorites is New Orleans Bourbon Street Steak House on Bonifacio High Street. Excellent ribs!!! You can order food from their next door seafood sister restaurant (don't recall the name). They have the most amazing crab in spicy barbecue sauce that will leave you licking your fingers for an hour. Be sure to wear a bib because it's messy.

There are dozens of other restaurants to try along High Street, Serendra and Greenbelt. Most are very good. Have fun.

I agree with many of the things ManilaTraveler says but will add a couple of things. For Hosseins, don't bother with the one on Makati Ave. Go to the one in Serendra--much better.

For Sunday brunch, the crossover buffet at the Dusit is not to be missed. It's less than $30 per person and you get to go to 4 of their restaurants. Italian, Japanese, Thai and International. We have been known to spend a few hours there and you even get a 20% discount with a platinum Amex.

We used to go to Museum Cafe for Sunday brunch but they changed their beef from Wagyu to ribeye and cut out some of the other food so we found Dusit. Glad we did.

There's so much there that it will take a few times to enjoy everything.

Regarding People's Palace, have you eaten there recently? I used to think that it was the best Thai place also but we went there a little over a month ago and the food isn't as good. I've spoken with many other expats and locals who feel the same. Thai Silk in Serendra is decent but the quality has deteriorated a little also.

I'm not a big fan of New Orleans but it is decent. Clawdaddy's next door should be skipped--we've been there twice and the food was not good. However, we did not have the crab.

For Dimsum, there is a good restaurant in the Crown Plaza in Ortigas which some say is better than Hong Kong. I've only been there once and can't recall how good it was.

Another hawker center type place is at Tiendasitas. They have an outdoor one and an indoor one with the SM Hypermart.

In order to enjoy Philippine food, you've got to understand what it is and what it isn't. Philippine food isn't very "refined" since it uses simple ingredients prepared very simply. It uses big, bold flavors and it will never be known as healthy cuisine. I agree that for a lot of places, a lot less oil and a lot less salt is in order. It faces an uphill struggle to gain recognition as a leading ethnic cuisine choice.

That being said, there are quite a few places in Metro Manila that offer a glimpse into how good Philippine cuisine can be:

In Makati, head to Abé in Serendra, Café Juanita or Bistro Filipino in Fort Bonifacio, Fely J's, Mesa, or Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt.

In the Manila Bay area, head to the Malate area and look for Bistro Remedios and Cafe Adriatico.

In Quezon City, the new kid is Café Romulo.

If you're willing to go out of the city, head to Bale Dutung in Angeles City (reservations required, minimum party of 12).

I only go sporadically to the Philippines but....

I've enjoyed Mingoy's and Alba's for Spanish food. Mingoys is a little fancier, but good (angulas!).

I had a GREAT birthday dinner about 2 years ago at Angel's Kitchen near Greenhills.
http://restolicious.blogspot.com/2008/04/angels-kitchen.html

By the Mall of Asia, there is a bunch of fish markets/stalls...with connected chinese restaurants making fresh fresh seafood dishes. I went to SIS Seafood....
lots of good stuff, lots of fruit stands, bootleg DVDs, etc..(also a lot of trannies in that area for some reason).

As much as I love the country and its people, I'm with others who don't rank Philippine cuisine among the world's greatest.

Still, there are a couple of dishes I really like. My absolute favorite is pangga (sp?), which is tuna cheeks. The cheeks are rather large, given that they come from tuna. The way it's best made is grilled, and presented with very hot chilis (I think called sili), soy sauce, vinegar and lime (or more typically calamantsi (again, sp?), a small, slightly sweeter version of lime). You mix those four other ingredients together in a small bowl to your taste, and dip the fish into it. Pangga is often served in more informal eateries rather than fancy places. There was a place called Davao Inihaw in Quezon City that served it year ago, but the restaurant may be long gone by now. For visitors, it could be that the staff at whatever hotel you visit could direct you to a place that serves the dish.

My other favorite is chicken adobo, which is a basic dish that involves braising the chicken in a combination of garlic, soy sauce, vinegar and sometimes calamantsi.

Does anyone know if The Hobbit House is still open in Manila? What a place!

Does anyone know if The Hobbit House is still open in Manila? What a place!

The hobbit house is alive and well in both Manila and Boracay. HH moved to a new location in the Ermita neighborhood of Manila a few years ago that is bigger and brighter and cleaner than the old spot.

I always spend a few hours at HH to start my nights out in Manila. It Is lively and fairly cheap place to drink a few San Migs....

As I backread through the thread, I was surprised to find our that some of the restaurants I know and love to eat in are not named. Here's a few:

*KKK in Robinsons Place Manila serves excellent beef kare-kare. The price is affordable too for the quality: P330/bowl.
*Ongpin Mañosa on Ongpin St. in Binondo is known for their maki (pork in syrupy soup) and unusually large siomai (shao mai). Compared to other Chinese restaurants, the price is a bargain for the amount of food you'd receive: a small bowl of fried rice (good for 2-3 persons), for example, is P95.
*Jojoen on Adriatico St. in Malate is the only Japanese restaurant in the Philippines which serves beef sashimi. The best sashimi I've had so far however is not here, but at Nihonbashitei, which is on Arnaiz Ave. in Makati.
*Malacca on Jupiter St. in Makati serves excellent Malaysian food: the beef rendang was very tasty and the nasi goreng is the best I've had so far. Across the hall from Malacca is Mey Lin, reputed to be one of Manila's best noodle houses (they make their noodles in-house).
*My aunt once told me that New Bombay at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati serves Manila's best Indian food, though I've not had the chance to try it for myself.

Should I come up with a few more places to eat, I'll be sure to name them here. :D

I agree, New Bombay at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati is an excellent Indian Restaurant. I eat there all the time.

Should I come up with a few more places to eat, I'll be sure to name them here. :Dplease do^

A couple of others I forgot to mention:

Aubergine in the Fort Bonifacio Global City area across from the new St. Luke's hospital. Excellent food, excellent service and reasonably priced. Their steaks are pretty good also. I believe they are affiliated with a culinary school and their large, open kitchen has some of the students preparing the food.

Regarding steaks, Elbert's in Makati has the best steaks I've had in Manila. I've heard they import their beef from Wisconsin. I haven't been there for a while but it is pricey. I think a rib-eye was about $70 the last time I was there. Sides are separate.

There's another French place right across the street from my building in the Fort next door to Neo Spa that is reasonably priced and fairly good too but I can't think of the name. Meals are about $15. Maybe someone can help me out.

A couple of others I forgot to mention:

Aubergine in the Fort Bonifacio Global City area across from the new St. Luke's hospital. Excellent food, excellent service and reasonably priced. Their steaks are pretty good also. I believe they are affiliated with a culinary school and their large, open kitchen has some of the students preparing the food.

Regarding steaks, Elbert's in Makati has the best steaks I've had in Manila. I've heard they import their beef from Wisconsin. I haven't been there for a while but it is pricey. I think a rib-eye was about $70 the last time I was there. Sides are separate.

There's another French place right across the street from my building in the Fort next door to Neo Spa that is reasonably priced and fairly good too but I can't think of the name. Meals are about $15. Maybe someone can help me out.


I believe that you are referring to a Restaurant called Cave which is very good and they have a good selection of wines by the glass. Although, it only had a pre fix menu the last time I was there. Aubergine is excellent and it is associated with a culinary school. All of the waiters and cooks in the restaurant are students in the school and they are fun to watch and interact with. The steaks at Elberts are excellent, but extremely expensive. You can get the same quality at Reds in the Makati Shangri-la or Tivoli in the Mandarin Oriental for about a third less.

There's a Pampangan cuisine restaurant in Greenbelt -- forget the name -- but one of their specialties is Pampangan deep fried crickets, which I hadn't encountered anywhere else. Worth a try if you're into unusual cuisine and balut and dinuguan are old hat for you.

There is a lot of Filipino cuisine I really like -- lechon, adobo, pancit canton, fresh lumpia, etc -- but basically none of it is healthy.

There's a Pampangan cuisine restaurant in Greenbelt -- forget the name -- but one of their specialties is Pampangan deep fried crickets, which I hadn't encountered anywhere else. Worth a try if you're into unusual cuisine and balut and dinuguan are old hat for you.

That would be Lorenzo's Way, which is a sister restaurant of Abe. Same with Fely J's Kitchen. Both are in Greenbelt 5.

There's another French place right across the street from my building in the Fort next door to Neo Spa that is reasonably priced and fairly good too but I can't think of the name. Meals are about $15. Maybe someone can help me out.

That would be Je Suis Gourmand. Great value.

The hobbit house is alive and well in both Manila and Boracay. HH moved to a new location in the Ermita neighborhood of Manila a few years ago that is bigger and brighter and cleaner than the old spot.

I always spend a few hours at HH to start my nights out in Manila. It Is lively and fairly cheap place to drink a few San Migs....
I looked up a few songs on youtube about the Hobbit House, seems to be folk/pop oriented, is that a correct assumption?

Also, any other not-to-miss nightlife (w/my wife) spots?

I believe that you are referring to a Restaurant called Cave which is very good and they have a good selection of wines by the glass. Although, it only had a pre fix menu the last time I was there. Aubergine is excellent and it is associated with a culinary school. All of the waiters and cooks in the restaurant are students in the school and they are fun to watch and interact with. The steaks at Elberts are excellent, but extremely expensive. You can get the same quality at Reds in the Makati Shangri-la or Tivoli in the Mandarin Oriental for about a third less.

No, Cav is next to "The Spa" on Bonifacio High Street. It's one of those places where you buy a prepaid card and put it in the machine and buy the wine by the glass. Haven't eaten here but they do have some decent wines.

By the way, there is a Mexican place across the street from Cav called Agave which is absolutely terrible. I ordered 2 enchiladas and couldn't even finish one. Cold tortillas, lukewarm meat inside with the sauce poured on top and something like American cheese on the inside. Nachos were the equivalent of Doritos Nacho Cheese chips with Cheeze Wiz or something like that. Don't waste your time there.

The place I was referring to is Gourmand which is near 26th street in the Net One building. Decent food for about 700-1000 pesos per entree.

I've had steaks at Reds but not Tivoli and wasn't quite as impressed as I was at Elbert's.

Also, the crickets were mentioned in another post. We tried them at Abe in Serendra and they were excellent. Once you get over the fact that you're eating crickets, they really tasted good. I'd highly recommend it.

I looked up a few songs on youtube about the Hobbit House, seems to be folk/pop oriented, is that a correct assumption?

Also, any other not-to-miss nightlife (w/my wife) spots?

I would categorize HH music under the "classic rock" genre. Eagles, Boston, Journey.... Freddie Aguillar is a regular; he is a mid-1970's Filipino Rocker who was somewhat successful in the States. Inaak is his signature tune.

For a raucous, PG rated time that you won't fully understand but where you will have a great time; check out the Library, Punch Line or one of the other local comedy clubs... The stand up acts are mostly in english and the later the night progresses, the parodies begin of western music acts (think cher in drag)... Sounds corny but the crowd is having such a great time it becomes quite fun...

Singing Waiters & Cooks is also a unique G Rated good time for dinner. The best location is the one by Star City near Manila Bay.

You could always go clubbing if that is your thing. The Embassy @ Ft Bonifacio was big for a while but was closed last time I checked. There may be a new club in that location now. The Bureau on Makati Avenue was happening for the mid 20's beautiful people crowd earlier in 2010. Absinthe is in Greenbelt and if you are staying in Makati you could probably walk there, walk across the bridge from LandMark department store to GreenBelt and go up to the 3rd floor. There is also a karoake place there that I've heard is fun but I've never tried. Karoake in Manila is a private party-tyoe deal where one bar may have 20 smaller rooms for small groups to sing their hearts out....

I arrive in Manila on Saturday, October 2nd, I'll post updated information as I obtain it during the trip.

j_hawk

The Embassy @ Ft Bonifacio was big for a while but was closed last time I checked.

Well, Embassy is gone, but a new club has taken its place: Encore.

While we're on the subject of clubs though, allow me to quote a list of suggestions from someone on another forum:

MANILA'S HOTTEST DANCE CLUBS

#1 REPUBLIQ
Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2183/repkd.jpg

#2 ENCORE (formerly EMBASSY)
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7720/encores.jpg

#3 ICON
Intercontinental Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7858/icon3o.jpg

#4 MANOR
Eastwood City, Libis, QC
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6620/manorw.jpg

#5 LAX
Mall of Asia complex, Pasay
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8325/laxt.jpg

#6 DOLCE
T. Morato, QC
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9731/dolcet.jpg

#7 ASCEND
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2592/ascend.jpg

#8 ALCHEMY
Ortigas
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5251/alchemyq.jpg

#9 FIAMMA
Jupiter Street, Makati
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/8985/fiamma.jpg

#10 WHITE AVENUE
T. Morato, QC
http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8489/whiteo.jpg

#11 AMBER
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/1849/ambers.jpg

#12 BUREAU
A-Venue, Makati
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/3985/bureauq.jpg

#13 EIVISSA
T. Morato, QC
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9449/eivissa.jpg

#14 EMPIRE
Ortigas Home Depot
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/5725/empirex.jpg

----------------
Other bars/clubs worth checking out:
TABU
Legaspi Village, Makati

HIERARCHY & FUEL
The Fort Strip, Taguig

THE LOUNGE
T. Morato, QC

While we're on the subject of clubs though, allow me to quote a list of suggestions from someone on another forum:Thanks for the clubbing post. We're staying at the IC for part of our trip so we'll just have to go to Icon

Taxis are so cheap in Manila that you can easily go to Ascend or Encore or Amber in the Fort. You don't have to constrain yourself to one club. ^

----

A new suggestion popped up in my mind: the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in inner Manila, at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Doroteo Jose St., has very excellent dimsum. The hotel is also very accessible: there's direct access to Doroteo Jose LRT Station.

Taxis are so cheap in Manila that you can easily go to Ascend or Encore or Amber in the Fort. You don't have to constrain yourself to one club.I was coming from a personal aspect that Mrs Sweet Willie & I aren't really clubbers but because we are staying at the IC, we really have no excuse not to go and do some clubbing.A new suggestion popped up in my mind: the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in inner Manila, at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Doroteo Jose St., has very excellent dimsum.who doesn't like dimsum???!!!:), what about dimsum or meals in Manila's Chinatown?

Some filipino friends took us to an buffet restaurant of traditional foods, called Cabayalen? 220 pesos for all you could eat. Buffet food is usually poor, but this allowed us to try a little of everything. The restaurant was packed, so the food was being cooked fresh to top up the buffet. We liked it so much that we went back for lunch on Sunday

It's Cabalen, just for everyone's information. Haven't eaten there, but I heard the buffet is good. There's also Kamayan, another Filipino buffet restaurant, in several areas in Manila: they have branches in Glorietta 3, Megamall and EDSA.

who doesn't like dimsum???!!!:), what about dimsum or meals in Manila's Chinatown?

I suggested Ongpin Mañosa for shao mai, but there are also other known restaurants in inner Manila. Ma Mon Luk on Quezon Boulevard in Quirino (not Chinatown, but close to it) is known for their mami (noodle soup) and siopao (baozi).

Well, Embassy is gone, but a new club has taken its place: Encore.

While we're on the subject of clubs though, allow me to quote a list of suggestions from someone on another forum:

I just returned from a 2 week biz trip to Manila. Encore is definitely happening in the Fort. Republiq is happening too, I stayed at the new Marriott property within Resortsworld on this trip and Republiq is inside the resort; long, long lines to get inside on the weekends.

My expat buddies have apartments in Makati so they love both Icon and the Bureau.

It's Cabalen, just for everyone's information. Haven't eaten there, but I heard the buffet is good. There's also Kamayan, another Filipino buffet restaurant, in several areas in Manila: they have branches in Glorietta 3, Megamall and EDSA.


Kamayan is a good place to experience how many Filipinos eat their food - with their bare hands. Kamayan is the word in Tagalog meaning "to use your hands."

If you're feeling bold and want to to really experience fresh local cooking, there are Markets (palengkes) in Manila where you buy your vegetables, fish, or meats, and you go into a stall in the market where they cook your food however you want it cooked. There is such a market behind the mall of Asia, along the water. Not for everyone, but if you have a large group with some locals who know what to order, it is a great option and will save you money.

Kamayan is a good place to experience how many Filipinos eat their food - with their bare hands. Kamayan is the word in Tagalog meaning "to use your hands."

If you're feeling bold and want to to really experience fresh local cooking, there are Markets (palengkes) in Manila where you buy your vegetables, fish, or meats, and you go into a stall in the market where they cook your food however you want it cooked. There is such a market behind the mall of Asia, along the water. Not for everyone, but if you have a large group with some locals who know what to order, it is a great option and will save you money.

Been to that palengke, the food was excellent and a huge variety of choices!

What always surprises me is that you never find any restaurants in Manila where the food as has been adapted a little bit for western tastes, i.e use of fillet meat etc. There would be a great market for it with tourists.

What always surprises me is that you never find any restaurants in Manila where the food as has been adapted a little bit for western tastes, i.e use of fillet meat etc. There would be a great market for it with tourists.

I think the reason why is because a restaurant can not sustain itself if it relies only on tourists and expats. They won't provide enough regular revenue to keep it in business.

They need Filipinos to frequent the restaurant.

But, with that being said, I'm really not sure what you're referring to because I haven't found that to be the case in mid to high-end restaurants like ones you find in Greenbelt, Serendra, Fort Strip, Burgos Circle, etc.

Is anyone able to make a recommendation for seafood in Manila?

Is anyone able to make a recommendation for seafood in Manila?

The quick answer is most seafood, anywhere in the city, would be great! There are bays, rivers, seas nearby and seafood is always fresh and bountiful.

If you can be more specific on where you'll be (what area is your hotel?) your cuisine preference (i.e, Filipino, Chinese, Thai, Western?) and your budget or how "adventurous" you want to be, then we can make more targeted recommendations...

We will be staying at the Peninsula hotel and wonder what is the best chinese restaurant close by?

We will be staying at the Peninsula hotel and wonder what is the best chinese restaurant close by?

There's Peking Garden (the best, but also the priciest) on the fourth floor of Greenbelt 5, North Park Noodle House up on Makati Avenue near Century City, and Big Buddha on the second floor of Greenbelt 3. If you want a little more "fast food-like" ambiance, there's Super Bowl on the second floor of Glorietta 4, but the food is also quite good there, and very affordable.

There's Peking Garden (the best, but also the priciest) on the fourth floor of Greenbelt 5, North Park Noodle House up on Makati Avenue near Century City, and Big Buddha on the second floor of Greenbelt 3. If you want a little more "fast food-like" ambiance, there's Super Bowl on the second floor of Glorietta 4, but the food is also quite good there, and very affordable.

Thanks. We are thinking "fine dining" rather than "fast food like" ambience. Peking Garden as well as Shang Palace of Shangri-La Hotel and the Jasmine restaurant of the New World Renaissance Hotel has been recommended to us, and I am trying to find the best one. Have you tried Jasmine and Shang Palace as well as the Peking Garden?

Thanks. We are thinking "fine dining" rather than "fast food like" ambience. Peking Garden as well as Shang Palace of Shangri-La Hotel and the Jasmine restaurant of the New World Renaissance Hotel has been recommended to us, and I am trying to find the best one. Have you tried Jasmine and Shang Palace as well as the Peking Garden?

I have been to Shang Palace and while I like the food and the ambiance, it is very pricey for locals (although granted, it's very fine dining). That's why my family doesn't eat there that often, and it's why I didn't recommend it.

I have not had Jasmine though: speaking of restaurants at the New World, there's a very nice buffet spread over at M2M. :D

We ended up going to Shang Palace in the Sangri-La hotel. Enjoyed it so much that we went back once more before leaving Manila. Great selection and service. Very large portions (even when ordering the small portions). We had way too much food, but love to try different things, so we ordered a lot even when the waiter kindly told us that it would be too much. When we wanted to leave, they offered to pack the left overs for us to take away, very sweet. Price level was high for Manila but not compared to European prices that I am used to, also much lower than at Amanpulo where we stayed in between our two visits here.

FlyerTalker giblet, who went to serve as a Kiva Fellow in Cambodia for three months, has now been there nearly two years. But she travels, blogs, photograpsh, writes and is knowledgeable about Asian food, as demonstrated on her blog MyFatFace.com and in this CNN GO article (http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0,9) on great places in Manila for street food (complete with locations and maps!)

Again this is street food, not proper gourmet food served in pricey restaurants; you won't find lechon baboy or even lumpia, adobo or kaldereta in her article, but you will indeed find balut, kwek kwek, silog and isaw on her list.

FlyerTalker giblet, who went to serve as a Kiva Fellow in Cambodia for three months, has now been there nearly two years. But she travels, blogs, photograpsh, writes and is knowledgeable about Asian food, as demonstrated on her blog MyFatFace.com and in this CNN GO article (http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0,9) on great places in Manila for street food (complete with locations and maps!)

Again this is street food, not proper gourmet food served in pricey restaurants; you won't find lechon baboy or even lumpia, adobo or kaldereta in her article, but you will indeed find balut, kwek kwek, silog and isaw on her list.

Thanks!

while I figure seafood in Manila will be plentiful and fresh there (It's only an island haha). I wonder, any places that stand out or that I should try? I am thinking more of a Chinese or even Western style cuisine.

I was thinking on looking for some seafood buffets, but the couple places I saw had them on Fri nights. I will be there on a Wed night, and likely near Intramuros or Manila Bay (I think. Not sure what my plans are yet, and I am staying at the Traders Hotel in Pasay)

while I figure seafood in Manila will be plentiful and fresh there (It's only an island haha). I wonder, any places that stand out or that I should try? I am thinking more of a Chinese or even Western style cuisine.

I was thinking on looking for some seafood buffets, but the couple places I saw had them on Fri nights. I will be there on a Wed night, and likely near Intramuros or Manila Bay (I think. Not sure what my plans are yet, and I am staying at the Traders Hotel in Pasay)Not a buffet, but approximately 1 km from your hotel:

THE LEGEND HONG KONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (名門港式海鮮餐廳)
Boom na Boom Compound - CCP Complex
Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Tel: (63-2) 833-3388

FlyerTalker giblet, who went to serve as a Kiva Fellow in Cambodia for three months, has now been there nearly two years. But she travels, blogs, photograpsh, writes and is knowledgeable about Asian food, as demonstrated on her blog MyFatFace.com and in this CNN GO article (http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/asia-street-food-cities-612721?page=0,9) on great places in Manila for street food (complete with locations and maps!)

Again this is street food, not proper gourmet food served in pricey restaurants; you won't find lechon baboy or even lumpia, adobo or kaldereta in her article, but you will indeed find balut, kwek kwek, silog and isaw on her list.a belated thanks for this post^