With its old churches and ancestral houses, Manila is home to our country’s rich culture and heritage. But apart from history, the nation’s capital is also a dwelling of some of the culinary powerhouses that will surely pamper our taste buds.
As we celebrate the 448th Araw ng Maynila, Manila Standard has listed some of the must-try restaurants, cafés, and eateries in the city where you can treat your loved ones this weekend.
Angkong Dimsum House
1241 Asturias St., Sampaloc
At first glance, nothing seems special about steamed siomai and fried dumplings. But Angkong Dimsum House will shame naysayers and turn them instead into regular customers. For only P55, you can enjoy their meaty siomai or dumplings—with a cup of rice—that is at par with other costlier food establishments. So don’t be surprised if this eatery is frequented by students in the nearby university.
Cafe Mezzanine
650 Ongpin St., Binondo
In what seems like a cozy nightclub, you can enjoy Chinese flavors while helping others. The all-time favorite in this café is Gokong or pork nilaga which has five sets of meat: pork litid, chicken, spare ribs, gizzard, and “tito.” Other well-seasoned treats are kikiam, kiampong, xiao long bao, and asado. But there’s more to this cafe than satisfying taste buds since all of its proceeds go to a volunteer fire brigade. While delighting your appetite at the Cafe Mezzanine, you are also supporting some local firemen.
La Taza
1282 Vincom Bldg., Laon Laan cor. Dos Castillas
You can easily mistake La Taza for a flower shop because it is hidden by plants hanging in the windows. Don’t be fooled; it is a café which purchases coffee from a supplier that employs indigenous farmers. This cozy place gives a relaxing dining experience as it serves coffee, frappes, pasta, sandwiches, and rice meals. The café is a perfect spot for those who want to take a break from the hustle of the city.
Patio De Conchita
680 Beaterio St., Intramuros
Located near the Manila Cathedral, this 27-year-old turo-turo style restaurant serves affordable and traditional Pinoy dishes. Included in their menu are favorite Filipino viands such as sinigang na ulo sa miso, lechon paksiw, lechon kawali, and sisig. Aside from its savory dishes, Patio De Conchita has become a favorite go-to place of locals because of its homey ambiance. It is open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Tri-State Pizza Shack
2421 Leon Guinto St., Malate
Pizza lovers will surely be delighted in this one-stop pizza parlor inspired by the various lifestyles, or more appropriately—tastes—of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. That’s where it got its name “Tri-State.” Aside from pizza, it offers calzones, pasta, chicken wings, and even rice sets with drink. What should not be missed: Your Awesomeness (barbecue pizza), Wedge Potato Overload (with potatoes and cheese), and Cheesy Fettucine (with lots of cheese, of course.)
So what are you waiting for? Treat your loved ones, take them to any of these restos, and experience Manila like never before.
Happy anniversary, Manila!