You’ve probably visited some of the famous restaurants in the metro and some well-known destination gastronomic delights, but have you tasted the home-grown ones? Those eateries with few promotions online and offline but are greatly vetted by the locals? Or those with unassuming facades and interiors but makes up for the taste of the food? This Filipino Food month, we feature some of our top picks for Filipino Eats:
Header photo retrieved from ricelifefoodie
Photo retrieved from @dhangrymomma on Instagram
Carlo’s Bacolod Chicken House Express (C.H.E) in Metropolitan, Makati
The number one must-taste food in Bacolod, the Chicken Inasal came from the Hiligaynon word, asal, meaning barbecued. And as if there aren’t enough inasal restaurants in the metro, C.H.E offers one of the best and most affordable in town. Unlike other casual dining and fast food places, C.H.E is not part of a restaurant chain, so the trip to Makati City would surely be worth it as you savour the taste of the inasal. Every inasal cook has their own take, some might taste sweet, some sour, and for C.H.E, it tastes a bit salty which is a perfect pairing for garlic rice. Coupled with chicken oil, salt, calamansi, and soy sauce, you will have one of the simplest yet one of the most fulfilling meals ever served.
Photo retrieved from Tahanan Bistro Facebook page
Tahanan Bistro in Antipolo
A purveyor of good food and stories, Tahanan Bistro in Antipolo offers food inspired by Filipino flavors that make one nostalgic. The owners allow diners to experience the comfort that Philippine food brings to people. Instead of a formal dining set-up, the food is set-up family style which welcomes one to a home, to a tahanan. While Tahanan Bistro offers a tasting menu for food and a la carte for beverages, one can get a taste Filipino favorites such as Pork Binagoongan (a 9-hour sous vide pork), Pininyahang Manok (grilled chicken thigh with pineapple), and Okoy (shrimp, squash flower, and sweet potato). It is also good to know that the bistro is made by a Filipino wood artist using reclaimed wood, salvaged from old houses and bridges from around the country.
Photo retrieved from Nolisoli.ph
Pat-Pat’s Kansi – Multiple Locations
Think that Bulalo is the only hot beef soup one can enjoy? The Ilonggos have a unique take on this: the Kansi. If Bulalo and Sinigang had a child, then Kansi would be it, albeit with simpler ingredients. It has no vegetables, and has batwan or a sour fruit native to Southeast Asia as its souring agent instead of the usual tamarind used for Sinigang. Aside from Kansi, Pat-Pat’s Kansi also has other food offerings like grilled seafood, pork barbecue, and inasal.
Photo retrieved from @lampara.pob on Instagram
Lampara in Poblacion, Makati
Dubbed as a Neo-Filipino Bistro, Lampara might be young but it has already been a go-to place for cocktails and good, creative dishes. Tucked in the quieter side of Poblacion, Lampara offers artful renditions of local flavours– just come as you are, have dinner, and then proceed for cocktails after. Their drinks are also inspired by Filipino traditions and stories, each holding their own that’s perfect as a conversation starter. Popular dishes include the Dinuckdukan, which is a FIlipino dish akin to sisig, but using duck instead of pork. A best seller Filipino dessert of theirs is the Tres Leches, which is a flan with chia seeds and roasted rice milk. Looking for vegan options? The team at Lampara would be happy to prepare options, just be sure to let them know beforehand.
Photo retrieved from foodpanda.ph
Samsam Bistro in Tacloban City
One can never go wrong with family-style restaurants since it is surely loved by people of all ages. Where everyday is a fiesta, Samsam Bistro in Tacloban City in Leyte is a ready-choice for diners in the said city when going downtown or after going to church. Popular also for snacks such as Halo-Halo, Suman Latik (sticky rice with caramelized coconut milk and muscovado sugar), Camote Fries (sweet potato fries), and Fried Bananas, Samsam Bistro is a good cozy place to bond with one’s peers and families around Filipino food. Fret not if you encounter a queue to this place as cultural board games may be borrowed to entertain you while waiting.