By Location
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The Best Filipino Heritage Restaurants in Metro Manila: One Very Well-Fed Filipino’s Definitive List
Let me get my credentials out of the way: I have been a Filipino for 30 plus years. Long enough to have opinions about bagoong brands, strong feelings about the “correct” way to eat sinigang, and a stomach that has seen things. In that time, I have eaten my way through more carinderias, buffets, and white-tablecloth heritage dining rooms than I care to admit to my cardiologist. So when I tell you these are the best Filipino heritage restaurants in Metro Manila, understand that this list was not compiled by a food blogger parachuting in for a weekend — it was compiled by someone whose lola would disown her if…
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Cafe Juanita, Kapitolyo: A (Lovingly Biased) Deep Dive Into My Favorite Filipino Comfort Food Haunt
Let’s get the disclaimer out of the way first, because I believe in truth in advertising: I am not an objective narrator here. Cafe Juanita is my favorite restaurant in Kapitolyo, full stop, and I have been going back so often that the servers no longer bother asking if it’s my first time. So if this review reads a little starry-eyed in places, that’s why. I’m not a food critic parachuting in for one meal and a hot take — I’m a regular, and regulars are, by definition, a little bit in love with the place they keep returning to. That said, “biased” doesn’t mean “blind.” I’ve had enough meals…
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My Favorite Filipino Food: 15 Ultimate Dishes That Will Make You Want to Book a Ticket to Manila ASAP
Let me tell you something about my relationship with food: it’s complicated, it’s passionate, and it involves a lot of rice. Growing up Filipino means growing up in a household where “Have you eaten yet?” is practically a love language, and where the answer to every problem — heartbreak, bad grades, a bad day at work — is a steaming pot of something that smells like heaven and tastes even better. So when someone asks me to rank my favorite Filipino food, I don’t just answer. I feel it. I feel it in my soul, my stomach, and sometimes my cholesterol levels. But no regrets — every bite is worth…
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Asador Alfonso Review: Inside Cavite’s Famous Michelin-Star Spanish Restaurant
If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately and wondering what that impossibly dramatic volcanic-looking building surrounded by lush Cavite greenery is — yes, that’s Asador Alfonso. And yes, it’s every bit as extraordinary inside as it looks from the outside. Nestled in the quiet, cool mountain town of Alfonso, Cavite — just a stone’s throw from Tagaytay — Asador Alfonso is the kind of restaurant that makes you reconsider every dining experience you’ve ever had. It’s ambitious, bold, and unapologetically Spanish. It also has a Michelin star, which, frankly, tracks. So — is it worth the drive, the price tag, and the reservation anxiety? Let’s get into it. 1.…
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Gyukatsu Motomura Hakata Parco Review: Is This Famous Beef Cutlet Spot in Fukuoka Worth the Hype?
If you’re planning a food trip to Fukuoka and trying to figure out which restaurants are actually worth standing in line for, let me save you some time and one possible tourist meltdown: Gyukatsu Motomura deserves a spot on your list. During my trip to Japan, I quickly learned one very important truth — if there’s a long queue outside a restaurant and people are patiently waiting like their emotional stability depends on that meal, it’s probably going to be good. That was exactly the case with Gyukatsu Motomura at Hakata Parco. Located in the bustling Tenjin area, Gyukatsu Motomura is one of those restaurants that has become wildly popular…
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Shin-Shin Tenjin Honten Review: Is This Famous Fukuoka Ramen Spot Really Worth the Queue?
If you’re visiting Fukuoka, there’s a very high chance you’ll hear one ramen name over and over again: Shin-Shin. And no, people are not being dramatic. When I was planning my food stops in Fukuoka, Shin-Shin Tenjin Honten kept showing up in recommendations, travel vlogs, local food lists, and “must-eat in Fukuoka” guides. At some point, I had to ask myself: Is this actually that good, or is this just another overhyped ramen place with a long line and a pretty bowl? So naturally, I did what any sensible foodie traveler would do. I queued. And queued. And then ate. And I’m here to tell you right now: Shin-Shin Tenjin…
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Brick Corner, BGC: A Comprehensive Restaurant Review
Indian cuisine is one of those rare culinary traditions that manages to punch you in the senses — in the best possible way. It’s bold, aromatic, colorful, comforting, complex, and an absolute feast whether you’re a spice lover or just a curious diner ready to explore something more adventurous than your usual takeout. Brick Corner Indian-Asian Restobar steps into that promise and elevates it with an Asian twist, giving diners a memorable, flavor-packed experience that’s equal parts soulful and satisfying. Locate at Forbes Town in Bonifacio Global City, right across the Mind Museum, Brick Corner has built a reputation for delivering authentic Indian flavors while keeping the dining experience modern,…
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Feta Mediterranean BGC: An Honest & Complete Review
After spending time in Turkey back in 2024, I returned to Manila with one thing on my mind—food. Specifically, I was craving that earthy, herby, and soul-satisfying cuisine that defines the Mediterranean region. The slow-cooked meats, tangy salads, and flaky baklava haunted me in my dreams. But finding authentic Mediterranean flavors in the Philippines isn’t always easy. Luckily, my search led me straight to Feta Mediterranean in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Now, I’ll be upfront—Mediterranean cuisine isn’t for everyone. If your idea of a good time is an all-meat, gravy-drenched spread, you may not immediately vibe with chickpeas, yogurt dips, or cucumber-heavy salads. But for those with an open palate…
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Sen-Ryo, Mitsukoshi BGC: An Honest & Complete Review
In the heart of Bonifacio Global City’s bustling dining scene, where new restaurants pop up faster than you can say itadakimasu, Sen-Ryo has emerged as one of the top destinations for Japanese food lovers. Located in the sleek and modern Mitsukoshi Mall, Sen-Ryo offers an authentic, elevated sushi experience that’s a notch above your average Japanese restaurant in Manila. Known for its precision, freshness, and refined presentation, this Japanese gem has quickly captured the attention of discerning diners, food critics, and anyone who appreciates the artistry of sushi. If you’re used to conveyor belt sushi chains or all-you-can-eat promos, Sen-Ryo will feel like stepping into another league — a league…
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Abè SM Megamall: An Honest & Complete Review
If you’ve ever wanted to taste the Philippines in one sitting — from the nostalgic flavors of your grandmother’s kitchen to the proud heritage recipes passed down for generations — Abè SM Megamall is where you go. The restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an immersive cultural experience wrapped in elegance and comfort. Abè, named after the late artist-writer E. Aguilar “Abè” Cruz, is a love letter to the country’s rich culinary traditions. And at their SM Megamall branch, that letter is delivered with five-star flair. Right from the entrance, you’re greeted with warm smiles and a whiff of something comforting — maybe adobo, maybe inihaw, maybe a…
