While on a vacation in the heart of the Philippines – Manila – take time to enjoy and savour the taste of its delectable local cuisine. Filipinos are known to be good cooks and they surely have a way of delivering great taste and flavour to any kind of dish. The ultimate dining experience during your vacation awaits you while in Manila. Check out these popular dining establishments around the city.
Dampa sa Libis ( Libis, Quezon City )
Don’t be turned off by the wet market you have to go through because that is where you will get to choose your meal. Everything is fresh – from seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables – all that are needed to give you an unforgettable dining experience here. It will then be cooked the way you like it. You can choose to stay in an open space dining area or the air-conditioned section of the restaurant. Their open dining area can comfortably accommodate up to 400 persons at a time. The place is very simple, allowing the savoury home-cooked goodness of the food to be the highlight of your visit here. Like all feasts and celebrations, good food is best enjoyed with a company so take your family and friends at Dampa sa Libis located in Libis, Quezon City. It doesn’t matter if you are on a budget or you want to splurge on your gastronomic adventure – this place has all kinds of cuisine that will satisfy your cravings.
Dekada Historic Filipino Cuisine ( Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati )
Relieve the memories of the past in this excellent restaurant that offers authentic Filipino dishes. While dining at Dekada Historic Filipino Cuisine, you will also have the privilege to have a glimpse of the rich history and culture of this country through the restaurant’s displays of artefacts and vintage items from the past. Even some of the name of the dishes on the menu has interesting back stories that are related to the Philippine history. Nothing beats fine dining and learning at same time. This place is like a blast from the past with all the memorabilia and authentic Filipino cuisine. Dekada Historic Filipino Cuisine perfectly intertwines the glorious past of the Philippines with all the heart-warming comforts of the present era.
Guevarra’s ( San Juan, Metro Manila )
Named after the famous owner, Chef Laudico Guevarra, this huge vintage house turned restaurant serves buffet meal. All you need to find out about modern Filipino cuisine is here. It’s like attending a Filipino town fiesta because of the many food dishes served every meal. The relaxed atmosphere and serene ambience of the restaurant makes you feel at home. Even local celebrities can’t resist dining here on a regular basis because the sumptuous feast satisfies all their passionate food cravings. There are lots of choices at a very reasonable price so take your pick and enjoy!
Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant ( Binondo, Manila )
The hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Binondo, Manila is worth travelling because you’ll find this restaurant that lives up its name. Since 1956, it has been serving some of the best home-cooked fried chicken that is capturing the hearts of both Filipinos and foreign visitors here. Needless to say, its authentic Chinese dishes would satisfy your cravings for oriental cuisine. It is just a modest café along Yunchengco Street (formerly Nueva Street) and if you’re worried you might not be able to locate it, just look for the signboard of a smiling Chinese boy with a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks and you’re on the right track.
Cafe Mary Grace
You’d think you’d had your fair share of delectable baked goodies. But the ensaymada (Filipino sweet pastry) at Café Mary Grace is heaven sent. If you want to spend an easy Sunday morning, this is the perfect place to be. But the continuous onslaught of patrons any time of the day might make you think twice to dine in here. Still, it’s a good sign that all the hype about this place is for real. The cosy and warm ambiance makes it more enticing to get a second serving of those gooey apple pie and the moist cheese roll – yes, it does seem that Mary Grace Café cannot stop itself from churning out one pastry perfection after another.
Jollibee
Your stay in Manila won’t be complete if you don’t fancy a dining experience at the most famous fast food chain in the country – Jollibee. Most food critics, both local and foreign, do not argue the fact that McDonald’s is one of the best (if not the top) fast food chain in the world – only to settle for second place here in the Philippines. Mr Ronald is still stumped as to why he cannot beat that fat happy bee. Jollibee has mastered all the recipes needed to lure the typical Filipino. So, take time to drop by at this happy place and enjoy the selection of affordable meals with an authentic Filipino taste.