(SPOT.ph) Stumped for ideas on where to eat? Are there too many choices? We're breaking down Manila's extensive dining landscape with a list of places to try every month. Always keep your restaurant index fresh!
IMAGE Criselda Carreon
Tittos Latin BBQ + Brew
Everything at Tittos recalls the festive vibe of South America, from the colorful murals to the playful renditions of classic Latin fare. Chef Jerwyn Izen Rabo plays around with familiar South American favorites like tacos, quesadillas, and nachos to create flavors that match the local palate. This results in unique renditions like the Tacoyaki, which is, as its name suggests, a taco-flavored takoyaki, and the Pollo Pizzadilla, which is an open-faced quesadilla overloaded with grilled chicken, onions, pimientos, flavored tomato sauce, crema, and chimichurri. The Beef Barbacoa Tacos is also a crowd pleaser, with caramelized fat and the toasted edges of the beef chunks adding a nice crunch to the soft custom-made black tortilla. Pro-tip: Ask the staff for the right code, and you just might get into RM 16, a hidden bar inside Tittos that serves unique cocktails.
Tittos Latin BBQ + Brew is at 16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
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IMAGE Hans Fausto
Fat Fook
Transport yourself to a hole-in-the-wall in Taiwan through Fat Fook at SM North EDSA. Chef Rachel Kao serves authentic fare just the way the Taiwanese would have it, resulting in a menu that bursts with flavor. The Taiwan Style Fried Rice is tasty enough to have on its own, and the best-selling Fat Fook Chicken Chop is large enough for more than two people. Their chicken is marinated in a secret blend of spices overnight for juicy bites that won’t require any sauce.
Fat Fook is at G/F Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City.
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IMAGE Jericho San Miguel
Sangkap
Don’t expect the usual local cuisine at Sangkap. Chef Raymar Reyes adds his own creative twist to regional favorites resulting in dishes like the Lechon Sinigang which has a crispy lechon belly covered in a sweet and tart tamarind and mango sauce. His version of kaldereta is also a must-try: the Kalderetang Lengua has melt-in-your-mouth lengua cooked in the traditional tomato sauce that is made smoother and more delectable with cream cheese.
Sangkap is at G/F Portico Building, Captain Javier Street, Oranbo, Pasig City.
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IMAGE Noel Salazar
Paradise Dynasty
Step inside the high-ceilinged interiors of Paradise Dynasty and immediately feel like royalty. The food is luxurious too, with delicate renditions of traditional Chinese fare. Paradise Dynasty is best known for their xiao long bao—their version has a good quantity of clear broth enclosed in a thin dumpling wrap. It also comes in eight unique flavors and colors to match. We suggest you start with the Black Truffle, which is earthy and indulgent with a slice of truffle. The Cheese, on the other hand, is an unusual flavor that actually works, with a pleasing sweet-saltiness.
Paradise Dynasty is at 2/F S Maison at the Conrad, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
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IMAGE Kai Huang
Taco Vengo
Taco Vengo's new location may just be a couple of minutes away from their old spot, but regulars will be happy to find the same creative flavor combinations in a much bigger space. Of course, no Mexican place is complete without tacos, and here, there's a wide selection to choose from. The Pork Cheek Confit is the kind of burrito you'd cozy up to after a night of partying, when all you want in the world is good, filling comfort food. If you're more of a rice person, their rice platos are superb too; the Braised Pork Belly is the kind you'll come back for again and again.
Taco Vengo is at 16 Williams Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.
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IMAGE Criselda Carreon
Agos
Chef Mike “Tatung” Sarthou’s passion for Filipino cuisine shines in Agos, whose menu features Filipino as well as multi-cultural favorites. The star of the menu is the Zarsuela Zamboagueña, with perfectly grilled curacha served with a secret blend of spices, burnt coconut, and black Tausog curry for a dish that will make you feel like royalty. Another must-try is the beautiful Paella Fiesta Filipina, made with Ifugao Tinawon rice, fresh seafood, chicken inasal, and smoked pork jowl which offers a feast in every mouthful.
Agos is at G/F North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
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IMAGE Majoy Siason
LAVA Cheese Tarts
Yes, we’re not over the cheese tart craze yet! For homegrown cheesy goodness, head over to LAVA Cheese Tarts. Each golden tart has a twice-baked crust that holds a deliciously gooey center made of four kinds of cheese: two from Laguna, one from Davao, and one from France. Be careful when getting an order fresh from the oven: the warm cheese will melt and drip out of its crunchy casing, just like lava. Pair your tart with coffee made from beans sourced from Bukidnon, Atok, and Mindoro.
LAVA Cheese Tarts is at Lower Ground Floor, SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City.
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IMAGE Ian Santos
Bucky's
While you can never go wrong with Bucky's chocolate blocks of goodness, the menu here at their new branch in Poblacion holds a number of other gems, too. "Kid's food" is the star here, like the warm and cheesy Chicken Parm in its crunchy ciabatta casing or the rich Fried Chicken/Mashed Potatoes. Of course, no trip to Bucky's is complete without having dessert. Their Original Parfait is already heavenly but if you like having fun with your sweets, try the Make Your Own Bucky's Parfait.
Bucky's is at 5666 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City.
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IMAGE Jericho San Miguel
Shabu Shabu Ichiban
Have a taste of Metropolitan Japan here at Shabu Shabu Ichiban. The popular hot pot chain from Nagoya is perfect both for Japanese food enthusiasts and even casual diners. Shabu Shabu Ichiban offers meals in sets, and lets you customize your meals too. Choose from two dozen kinds of broth: from the usual Shoyu or Vegetable soup to the fiery Spicy Szechuan or Spicy Miso. Sets also come with a selection of meat, vegetables, udon, rice, and drinks, with the bigger ones also offering a choice of sushi, sashimi, or chicken wings for the perfect DIY feast.
Shabu Shabu Ichiban is at G/F Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, Olympia, Makati City.
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IMAGE Ian Santos
Sasa Asian Cuisine
At Sasa, there’s definitely something for even the pickiest eater. Plus, the fun vibe and colorful interiors will make you and your friends stay for hours. Tuck into delicious comfort food like the Soy Chicken and the Crispy Pork Belly in Tamarind Sauce. The Shrimp and Chicken Laksa gives warmth in all the right places. And don’t leave without sampling Sasa’s Ice Cream, with flavors ranging from the classic Kaya Toast to the more adventurous Wasabi and Curry Maple.
Sasa Asian Cuisine is at L/G South Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.
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