I am in constant search for good food.. May it be a hole in the wall restaurant or a 5 star hotel .. it doesn't really matter. What the tummy wants.. the tummy gets.. hahaha =) For sure, there has been a gazillion of places you have dined in, some may have been money well spent while others are overrated.
I've come up with a good number of places I highly recommend for those who want to make sure that their money is well spent as these places bring you to cloud 9 on your first bite or sip .. that will make you want to just moan until you finish everything up.
1. Wai Ying. You're hunger will definitely be quenched as you explore their wide array of Chinese food.. Dimsums.. Noodles.. Congee.. Roast Meats...name it and they have it.
I remember a time when I was so sick as I was coming down with a flu and told myself, that I was so in need of great food. Time to hit this Binondo Teahouse to relieve me from the pain in my joints, my runny nose and the neverending cough. Don't be a fool to assume that I got over my flu due to Wai-Ying, but it helped in my speedy recovery as I sip their Beef Wanton Soup then partner it with Hakaw and Shrimp Chong Fan. Now for the main course, Roasted Duck .. Just writing this blog makes me want to go to Binondo now and get myself another serving.. to top it all off, let's not forget their Hongkong Milk Tea.
LOCATION: 810 Bienvenidez Binondo
2. SOM's. Care for some Inexpensive and yet mouth watering Thai Food? Then this is the place to be. It's located in Rockwell. If you look at its location, you would think, " What in the hell?" The chairs and tables are just on the sidewalk while the counter where you order your food is right across, that's more like a stall. But despite its weird set-up, you'll be in awe as you see people lining up to get their sidewalk tables and finally place their orders.
They have the most authentic Phad Thai, that is so affordable and their Bagoong Fried Rice, is already a stand alone meal with all the mixed meat, spices and herbs. If you are craving for some soup, then you can go for Tom Yam, and don't you dare forget to try their Milk Tea that will just quench your thirst from all these spicy and yet very fulfilling thai Food.
The last time I ate at SOMs they were already building their restaurant like in a conventional type. So no more sidewalk dining experience.
LOCATION: 5921 Alger St., Poblacion Makati City
3. JIE XIAO CHAO. Since we are already in Rockwell, let's not forget another hole in the wall chinese teahouse. I only heard this place from a chinese friend who I get to share the constant craving for good food. It took us awhile before we can find this place since there was no signage. The place was like a simple room in your house that was converted to a big dining room. Big enough to feed 20 people comfortably. Their menu is like a photo album that gives you a preview of what you are about to order and it comes in two's. since they have a wide variety of Hunan Dishes.
I have personally tried, their Hot Pot Duck, Steamed Dumplings and Fried Pork Ribs. You will just be amazed on how awesome this place is and I just can't wait to goin back here. With this meal, I had to orer for a SODA to seal the deal and end this trip with a burp.
LOCATION: 6404 Camia St., Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City
Telephone #: +63 - 915 - 425 - 2972
#: +63 - 927 - 787 - 6999
4. BEHROUZ & PRINCE KEBAB. Since we have already tried chinese and thai, then a little switch to Persian wouldn't be difficult. These 2 great places in Timog had saved me from going home with an empty stomach after a wild night with some friends. After all the booze and dancing, what better way to end the night, but to order yourself some kebab. Celebrities have been spotted dining hereand/or having their take-outs. I guess everyone is just equal when it comes to tummy cravings and good food.
I've been frequenting these places way back in college. Initially, i thought they were open 24hours but experience proved me wrong. They open late afternoon until early morning. They've got the heavy Chelo Kebabs if you are a rice person with butter on top of their steamed rice. or you could go ala carte, ordering your typical kebabs then go for their pita bread. Whichever the case is, do not forget to get Keema and their Ox Brain.
Behrouz has another branch which is now in Metrowalk, but I still find myself driving all the way to Timog just to reminisce good ol' memories.
LOCATION: 63 Sct Tobias St., cor Timog Ave., Quezon City (Behrouz)
Just across Laffline along Timog Ave., Quezon City (Prince Kebab)
5. AYSEE's. Now, if you're in search of the best sisig in town, then there is only one place here in the metro that can give you the quality sisig you've been longing for.
A typical hole in the wall, that nobody would have pegged good food can be served. As it is just a small place and more like a carinderia type, but you'll be surprised that the place is packed not just by your average joe, but people with great cars that ust parked in front of ULTRA. They do serve other dishes, but people go here for the SISIG as it is their signature dish. The only thing you should worry about this place is how far can you take the cholesterol.
LOCATION: St. Martin Street, Pasig City
6. BERNIE's Pancitan. Let's go for snacks or merienda, The best Pancit Bihon and Lomi thatyou can ever taste is fromMang Bernie's Pancitan.
A typical carinderia set-up, but gets to cater from average joe's to the elite of Antipolo. As it brags the best tasting food and budget friendly. You can even go out and buy yourself the typical isaw and balot, while waiting for your order.
Words are not enough to describe how I love their food adn waht's even cooler is that this simple hole in the wall even has a facebook page. (LOL).
Nice one, Mang Bernie!
LOCATION: 100C Lawis Street, San Isidro Antipolo Rizal
Telephone #: +632 - 650 - 7846
7. CHOCOLATE KISS CAFE. Time for dessert? This place is located in Bahay ng mga Almuni in University of the Philippines, Diliman. The dishes that they serve is a mixture of American, Italian and Filipno Cuisines. But this place has been well-known due to its heavenly cakes.
Me, being adventurous and all, despite my lack of craving for sweets, I went ahead and ordered their best-seller cake, Devil's Food Cake and it was just awesome and this is coming from someone who can survive without sweets. I think this cake just converted me. (LOL). What I suggest is for you to try their Chocolate Kiss Suite and you're done for the day, since with this, you can try 3 of their selection of cakes. If yo are to ask me for 2 more cakes that is at the top of my head, you can try their Kahlua cake and Dayap Chiffon Cake. Personally, those are my top picks.
LOCATION: Ang Bahay ng Alumni R. Magsaysay St.,U.P Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone #: +632 - 433 - 3782
8. OLD SWISS INN. If you are looking for quality food in an unholy hour, this is the best place to go if you're in Makati. They have been famous for their authentic Swiss and European Cuisine.
A couple of Signature dishes I have tried: US Black Angus Prime Rib, it really is a cut above the rest type of steak. it is just full of flavor as it was simply seared and seasoned. Prawns thermidore, is another dish that I cannot forget. It's prawns sauteed in wine-butter sauce with mushrooms and bell peppers served with buttered rice.
If in any case that you get there by 6am, then it's time for you to take advantage of their Breakafst Buffet at a very cheap rate of P299. It's a decent breakfast buffet and 5 star service.
Before calling it a night or day.. make sureyou save some room for their awesome Fondue's!!!
LOCATION: G/F Somerset Olympia St., Makati Ave corner Sto. Tomas St., Makati City
9. Danny's Grill and Sushi Bar. Combination of Filipino, Japanese and Chinese Cuisines partnered with their Cold Beer. They've got these cheap and yet awesome buffet for both lunch and dinner, that is just right. Who would complain for a low price of P250, you get to choose from a wide array of dishes from appetizers to main course and dessert.
If you are in for a long night of chitchats and would just want to bond with your friends over great food and booze, this is your haven. Their Lapu-lapu in Oyster sauce is my favorite of all time. It justs captures all the flavor that its supposed to have and considering thatit is part of their buffet, makes it all the more enjoyable. Their Pork Knucles con Kare-Kare and their lovely bagoong, is just as tasteful.
This grill place has wide offerings of dishes so even if you go ala carte, you wouldn't have difficulties choosing the right dish for you.
LOCATION: H.K Sun Plaza Macapagal Blvd, Pasay City
10. CHICBOY. This newly opened restaurant in Jupiter, Makati, is definitely a scene stealer. Most would've thought that the name of the place was gotten from being promiscuous. But it only proves how dirty your mind is, it actually means Chicken and Baboy.
They have the best Lechon Cebu Manok and Liempo for only P200, as these dishes separates them from your typical grill place. It's marinated and stuffed with different herbs and spices and grilled to perfection. Looks like Mang iNasal has gotten themselves a friendy competition huh?
This is open 24hours, so anytime you'd be craving for cholesterol they are very much open to satisfy your needs.
LOCATION: 112 Jupiter St., Makati City
