Category: Food Trip

Espana: A F(L)OOD TRIP GIUDE

8/29/2014

When you hear Espana, the first thing you think of is the flood. I haven’t experienced it yet, but I know that the stories of flooding in this boulevard live up to its reputation. Although there’s more to Espana than just the flooding. Espana is also famous for food stalls established long before our generation was even born and are found anywhere around this wide stretch of road. Here are some of them, but Espana has a lot more to offer so feel free to explore beyond this list.

S.R. THAI
1229 V Concepcion Streetsampaloc, Metro Manila

A personal favorite. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves authentic Thai food. Not only that, but they also infuse familiar Filipino flavors. Their seafood fried rice is the bomb dot com.

Mang Tootz

Padre Noval St, Manila

Alright, now we go to our local cuisine. This is one of those usual Filipino side-of-the-road eateries that serve grilled items like liempo and other home cooked meals. After you get your fix on the main course, make sure you try their banana rhum-a. It’s banana wrapped spring roll-style, deep fried with sugar and then dusted on top with more sugar and sesame seeds.

SISIG EXPRESS
Manila Dapitan St, Manila

But nobody ever calls it that, really. This one is more famous for its other name, “SEx” (the small letter x is important!). Does this place serve the BEST sisig in town? Probably. I guess that’s why there’s that other name because the food here is almost as good as /that/.

Lopez Canteen

Padre Noval St, Sampaloc, Manila

Another favorite. This place serves the best fried chicken, I swear. Their fried chicken could beat that restaurant whose owner’s name is Colonel but isn’t really a colonel in the military. They have amazing food and the most amazing people working there. Fried chicken and friendly people: Lopez Canteen.

lovelite

Sampaloc Asturias St. Sampaloc, Manila
This is actually a photocopying center turned into a small cafeteria. On one side, you have the photocopying machines and on the other side you have your tables. Lovelite isn’t really for those who are in a hurry because this place is so small there are only around five tables and you’d have to wait to get a table. Don’t worry, it’s worth it. Their menu has a few items but I highly suggest the burger steak meal. There’s rice, egg, one piece of burger steak and bacon. Bacon. And they’re all on your plate, swimming in gravy. Their burger steak will make that red bee who wears a suit cry.

And then there are the isaw and fishball stands along the sidewalks. If you want to go on a food adventure in Espana, be extra careful! This place may be flooding with food, but it’s also flooding with aggressive robbers.

- Ynna Vistan
Click photo for source

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Taft: A Food Trip Guide

8/22/2014

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Taft Avenue is home to schools like De La Salle University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and St. Scholastica's College. We all know how expensive college can be and our allowance can only go so far. So of course, being home to so many students, Taft Avenue hosts a ton of restaurants that are student-friendly. Here are some restaurants to check out around the Taft area.

Exile on Main St.
leon ginto st.

Taken from its name, Exile would make you feel in "exile" since its location is quite hidden. All the food is made from scratch, from their sauces to their dips to the breading, even their ice cream is homemade. Must-tries at Exile are their chicken wings, Chicks Shall Fly, and Drunken Dory. Prices usually range from Php 120 to Php 200.

bagnet 8065
Leon guinto st.

Bagnet is basically deep fried liempo that's been seasoned with spices to make it more flavorful. And in Bagnet 8065, they've found different ways to cook different kinds of Filipino food - bagnet style. You've got Original Bagnet, Bagnet Sisig, and Kare-Kare-Bagnet to name a few. Don't worry about your wallets too, Bagnet 8065 divided their menu for those on a budget and for those that just want to pig out, ranging from Php 150 - Php 300.

the Barn
FIDEL REYES ST.

The Barn is one of the places to be at during "Happy Thursdays." From its numerous choices of cocktails and shots, it's definitely a good place to be in during Happy T. But aside from that, they also offer some of the cheapest, ranging from Php 110 to Php 130, yet tastiest steaks from their T-Bone to their Porterhouse steak that will definitely leave you wanting more.

Ichiro
Archer's place

The food is similar to that of Yabu's but at a more student-friendly price. Nothing goes over Php 200. You get the rice, miso soup, appetizers, and the meat itself. It's the place to go for those Japanese food lovers on a budget.

Agno food court
Agno st. beside andrew building

It may look like just your typical food court but it's cheap, cheap cheap. Php 150 in Agno can already go a long way. Some stalls that you have to check out at Agno: Caric's Republic, Potato Giant, Ate Rica's, Chicken Lang, Tea Delite, and Cook's Grill to name a few.

Handuraw
Archer's Place

Handuraw means "the power to imagine" or "to reminisce" in Cebuano. So imagine this, a pizza with really thin crust but filled with so much toppings it makes up for the lack of crust. Now imagine that pizza that you can share with your friends at a reasonable price, around Php 200- Php 400. Great, right?

Samgyupsalamat
kapitan tikong st. cor. leon ginto st.

Samgyupsal is Korean pork belly, their version of liempo. The restaurant requires you to order two of those but don't worry, it's totally worth it. They also have promos that give you unlimited rice and dishes! You get the real Korean food taste right in Manila and at reasonable prices too (Php 200 - Php 499).

Rap's steaks and cakes
dagonoy st.

If you're craving steak but you're on a budget then Rap's is the place to go. You can get your tender and tasty steaks with rice and sidings for a good price. Rap's is famous for their gravy too, it's one of the reasons people keep coming back! Let's not forget about their cakes. Some of their sweets to try would be the mud cake, revel bar, and brazo de mercedes. Expect to spend at least Php 200 - Php 499.

Jus and Jerry's
EGI condo

Jus and Jerry's has their own version of the famous soy garlic chicken which can be considered a strong rival of Bon Chon and Manang's for fried chicken. Not only that, they also serve sandwiches. But here's the twist: their buns are made from siopao!! How cute is that?? The chicken pao sandwich has got your crispy chicken bits with some lettuce and mayo all inside a soft siopao bun. Food goes for Php 200 - Php 500.

Tori box
archer's place

Known for their Chicken Karaage pops that come in different flavors (barbecue, sour cream, chili pepper, nori, and Italian cheese) and their own sidings (fries, chips, rice, or mojos). If you like crunchy chicken and fried potatoes, then Tori Box is the place for you. The prices are from Php 200 - Php 499.

Noel's barbecue
Fidel reyes St.

I think it's safe to say that most students from La Salle know of or probably heard of Noel's BBQ. I mean, why not? It's grilled Filipino goodies, like barbecue and isaw, at really cheap prices. It may be a small place to eat in but despite its size, students still flock here to eat the grilled goodness that Mang Noel has to offer. And it's only eight pesos per stick!

Eric's
along Castro

What started out as a small stall selling its delicious siomai, Eric's expanded to not only include siomai in its menu but also food like Boneless Chicken Bangus and Sisig. Plus, most of the food you can order at Eric's can cost less than 50 pesos!

-Ana Matti
**click images for sources

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Teacher's and Sikatuna Village: A Food Trip Guide

8/15/2014

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MAGINHAWA
adj. "comfortable", "pleasant" in filipino

One of the few places in the entire world who actually lives up to their name, Maginhawa St. in Quezon City has grown to become the go-to place for food seeking individuals on the look out for the best restaurants serving delectable, savory dishes. If you happen to be studying at the University nearby or simply living around the corner, Maginhawa may offer more affordable food than the nearby Katipunan Avenue (another well-known food strip) so dropping for a visit won't exactly break your wallet. This heaven of a strip is also a paradise for cultural ventures, having housed eateries that serve food from foreign countries! Restaurants have already spilled over to the whole Teacher's Village and Sikatuna Village. So are you now ready to take on the Great Teacher's and Sikatuna Village Food Trip?

FRIULI TRATTORIA
#79 MAGINHAWA St.

Good pizza for a cheap price. Their best seller is the Tre Formaggi or three cheese pizza and a simple Margherita pizza, which both under 200 pesos. Their pasta is super good as well. Beware though, the place is small and tends to get jammed packed during lunch, dinner, and weekends.

Simple line
#59 maginhawa ST.

Simple Line offers milk tea starting at 40 pesos, compared to other establishments that sell it around double the price. They have a wide variety of milk tea and tea itself. You should totally try the Caramel Milk Tea.

THE IsCREAMIST
#46 magiting ST.

Our parents told us not to play with our food. But the Icecreamist mixes science and playtime by using liquid nitrogen to freeze their food. You get to freeze your s'mores, bacon popcorn, and macarons with their "Dragon's Breath". The ambiance isn't so bad either with the black light and futuristic furniture. You need to get here early or else suffer outside waiting with the rest of the crowd.

COOL BEANS
#67 MAGINHAWA ST.

A mini-library in a cafe. Best idea ever. This is the place to relax and just get lost in a book. For those of you who appreciate untouched pure coffee, especially the local kind, Cool Beans offers Sagada, Benguet, Kalinga and Barako coffee.

ROBERTA: FLAVOR OF ASIA
#45 MAGINHAWA ST.

This is a place to eat with company. It's Filipino and Asian comfort food. They offer this soup called tinolang pakwan (chicken soup with watermelon), replacing the usual papaya or sayote with watermelon, giving the dish a good balance of sweet, salty and sour flavors .

The Burger Project
#122 MAGINHAWA ST.

Who doesn't want to be in total control every once in a while? The Burger Project lets you make your own burger to fit your own taste buds. They give you a checklist for you to fill out on what's kind of burger you'd want. They even have tofu as an option for vegetarians.

PI Breakfast and Pies
#39 Malingap ST.

It's slightly expensive but you're spending good money for delicious pies and others. They offer an all day breakfast menu with their must try, the Caramelized Spam. Their pies, especially Key Lime Pie and an amazing creation called the Apple Guyere Pie, are to die for.

Check out our review on Pipino and Pino!

IndonYaki
#54 Maginhawa ST.

Indonyaki doesn't look like much on the outside but it is a jewel on Maginhawa St. They offer authentic Indonesian food that is served at a super cheap price perfect for students. One should try their take on fried chicken, as seen above, and dip in their well-balanced spicy Sambal sauce.

Snack Shack
#9 V. Luna Extension

Seventy pesos for a quarter-pound flame-grilled burger?! SEVENTY PESOS?! And it's totally worth more than that. Snack Shack's burgers are known to many UP students as juicy, smoky, and tender perfection. So expect a queue at this stall in Sikatuna Village! It'll be worth the wait, don't worry.

Van gogh is bipolar
Unit H, 154 Maginhawa ST.

Once you step into the shop you're filled with wonder and delight. The decoration is beyond imagination (and to think someone actually lives here). Their menu is quirky with dishes called "Axl Rose Egg Shot" and "Jean Claude Van Damne's Bottomless Coffee Punch". They also have a recommended dish, "Larry Flynt's Cabbage Experience" where they give you a whole head of cabbage and other ingredients to make a salad.

Empire Steak
#4b Masinsinan St. corner Maginhawa ST.

Quality and affordable steaks are what this New York-themed restaurant offers. Empire Steak is just a really small joint on Maginhawa and is nothing really fancy. It serves one purpose which is to feed its hungry customers really good food. Must tries are the King Kong Steak, priced at Php 500, which can be good for two, and the Regular Rib-Eye Steak priced at Php 200.

Blacksoup Cafe + Artspace
UNIT G, 154 MAGINHAWA St.

The restaurant that pioneered the suspended coffee movement in the Philippines is recommended if you're really into artsy restaurants. The small homey shop is filled with little art trinkets and paintings. Sometimes, people also perform music or poetry, and they have art exhibits from time to time. The food tastes amazing and is priced at Php 130-220 for pasta, and Php 160-300+ for special meals. They also offer packages good for 8-15 people that costs Php 1000+. Some of the dishes are Filipino with a little twist like the Tocino Carbonara, and the Lamb Inasal with Dalandan Salad. Must tries are the Tocina Carbonara, the You Won't Be Single For Long, and the Twice-Cooked Chicken Adobo.

The Sweet Spot
Unit 6 G/F #189 Maginhawa St.

This small cafe is more for small meet-ups and chill hangouts than for big dinners. A must-try for the Sweet Spot are their Asahi Fish & Wasabi Fries and the Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake. Their coffees are good too! Made from 100% Arabica beans, the beverages are fairly priced at Php 90-155. The prices of the food are not so expensive but they're not that cheap either. Their Asahi Fish & Wasabi fries are priced at Php 220, while their pastas are at the Php 160-200 range. The ambiance is great, with it being filled with books and great murals.

Leona art restaurant
#45 Matimtiman St.

One thing to really watch out for with this Italian-Mexican restaurant is that it offers eat-all-you-can pizza for only Php 199! This is a really great deal since their pizzas are really good and made fresh every time you order. Aside from the unlimited pizza, they also serve delicious meals that are below Php 200. Their antique vintage vibe corresponds to the Mexican and Italian food they serve. It's homey, although a bit small.

the z compound
#33A Malingap St.

In Filipino we'd call this area "bagsakan". It's 11 eateries that serve cheap and delicious food. Here are some of them:

Bagneto: Bagnet used in different Filipino dishes like Bicol Express and Sisig.
BBQ Zone: Classic Filipino food that go well with a bottle of beer
The Backyard Reservoir: Italian food. One must try their Zucchini Chips.
Hijo D'Pita: Mexican food like nachos, chili con carne and chicken and beef wraps.

Check out our review on StrEAT!

The area of Sikatuna and Teacher's Village is known for its artistic hole-in-the-wall restaurants that have affordable prices. It is a place where not only food is appreciated, but also art and culture. Although some of the famous establishments are in Maginhawa, there are still a lot of places to go to in the near streets of it. There are incredulous amounts of places to eat in in Maginhawa, ranging from small artisan cafes to buffets. Close your eyes and let your grumbling stomach take course.

- Kim Alivia and Anna Cayco
(click photos for sources)

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Katipunan: A Food Trip Guide

8/8/2014

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Other than being famous for its daily killer traffic, Katipunan Avenue is also known as one of the ultimate food destinations in the city. School life just won’t be complete without an impromptu lunch or dinner out with your friends. Considering that the area is student-infested, (with it being home to Miriam College, Ateneo, and UP) you could expect the prices to be adjusted to student standards. If you’re sick of school food and you find yourself having trouble deciding what to eat for lunch, don’t fret. Just think of Katipunan as your own magical cafeteria.

CELLO'S DOUGHNUTS AND DIPS (above Mercury Drug)

Don't have time to sit down and have a meal? No problem. Buy a box of doughnuts to share....or buy a box just for yourself. Cello's puts a twist to the ordinary doughnut experience. Try out their M&M stuffed doughnut or their Twix stuffed doughnut. You can even spell out a message to your loved ones using their letter doughnuts!

8CUTS BURGER BLENDS (UP Town Center)

If you’re in the mood for a really good burger, 8Cuts’ doors are open for you. They’ve got different meat blends and flavors to choose from. You could also make your own burger from the list of ingredients they have to offer. We recommend the four cheese burger with a side of onion rings. Or just the onion rings which are under 100 pesos but could feed two people. It's to die for. The ambiance of the restaurant is pretty laid-back, perfect for nights out with your classmates or friends. (They have booze, too! *wink wink*)

XOCOLAT (B. Gonzales St.)

If you’re looking for home-cooked comfort food, this is the place for you. The restaurant is actually a refurbished house, so its guaranteed to give you that cozy, homey feel. The meals here are quite filling, so you really get your money’s worth. Their hot chocolate is a must-try especially during this rainy season.

Check out our full review here!

CASA VERDE (UP Town Center)

For American-style casual dining (in other words, HUGE servings), go to Casa Verde. Are you in the mood for ribs? Buffalo wings? Mozzarella sticks? Burgers BIGGER THAN YOUR FACE? Grab your hungriest friends and head on over to Casa Verde.

B. WINGS (Esteban Abada St.)

B. Wings is one of the few wings places in Katipunan that offers student-friendly prices to go with their delectable menu. For a price of P260, you get 12 pieces of mouth-watering, crunchy, damn good chicken wings that you can share with friends or just for yourself. They also offer meals worth P150 if you're not a heavy eater. Their Filipino-themed flavors are must tries. I recommend trying the Black Mamba, which is spicy but have undertones of chocolate.

Cafe shibuya (up town center)

Do you see that photo? It's a lot bigger in real life. Cafe Shibuya is perfect for the average sweet tooth with it's Dessert Toast. It's price is also perfect for sharing because the toast is gigantic for most standards. They also serve spot on coffee and hot chocolate. Their staff is also very friendly!

Wooden spoon (near bo's coffee)

Sandy Daza is a gastronomical genius, from his Seafood Kare-Kare to his Crispy Crab Noodles. No, I swear, try the noodles it's to die for. Sadly, Wooden Spoon is usually packed unless you're really early for lunch or dinner. Can you blame them? One wouldn't go here all the time if she or he was a student but if it were something special, ahem ahem, like a date, then she or he should definitely go here.

Katsu cafe (right behind bo's coffe)

What's so fascinating about Katsu Cafe is that it's not just your ordinary deep fried pork chops topped on rice. You're given a Japanese mortar and pestle for crushing black and white sesame seeds and special tonkatsu sauce that tastes brilliant all for 195 pesos. They also have Japanese beer to relax yourself after a hard school day.

gino's BRICK OVEN pizza (ABOVE MERCURY DRUG)

This place has been critically acclaimed as a fantastic Italian restaurant by many Filipino foodies. It's so good that it opened a branch at Salcedo Village, which some consider as one of the hubs of the Filipino food scene. The pizza bread itself tastes fresh and smokey and of course, everyone will agree that one must try their burata mozarella salad. I mean, it's a gigantic piece of cheese to eat with your salad. If you're feeling adventurous, go try their chocolate chicharon!

BRICKFIRE (ESTEBAN ABADA ST. BEHIND MCDONALD'S)

STEAK. OVEN-ROASTED TO PERFECTION STEAK. WAIT. CHEAP OVEN-ROASTED TO PERFECTION STEAK. That's right, Brickfire's cheapest steak would amount to P165 pesos with rice and some veggies. And they don't cut on size.

starr's FAMOUS shakes (ESTEBAN ABADA ST. BEHIND MCDONALD'S)

So after you had your steak, you could go to Starr's for some dessert. Their milkshakes are ultra thick and creamy. They have a good variety of flavors ranging from Caramel and Cookie Dough to Choco Banana Split. You could also customize your own milkshake!

Roku (oracle building)

It's the storm season in the Philippines and you just want to warm yourself up. Go to Roku to taste their amazing ramen bowls, as well as their extremely delicious and innovative sushi. Their best selling ramen is the Shoyu-based topped with pork belly, nori, egg, spring onions, and nori. One should also definitely try their Firecracker Roll, which is crunchy spicy salmon maki.

Craft coffee REVOLUTION (esteban abada st.)

Third Wave coffee shops has taken the country's food scene by storm. Craft Coffee Revolution has definitely contributed to the movement. It takes on coffee with an artisinal twist. They brew their coffee using not just any equipment. They also design their lattes, which make good Instagram photos.

Check out our article on Third Wave Coffee Shops!

CAFE sweet inspiration's

Who doesn't love when you can actually control your food and its serving size? Sweet Inspirations, which has been there for forever, has their legendary Mongolian Buffets at a price that one cannot resist. An all you can eat is for 310 pesos while a single bowl is for 195 pesos. It's also hot when it gets to your table, so who's complaining? Don't forget about their decadent desserts such as Banana Cream Pie and Sansrival.

Jeepney bistro (behind mcdonald's)

Jeepney Bistro is one of the newer places in the Katipunan. Not only does it have a mini turo-turo area, it also has an adorable little cafe that serves really good coffee blends and pastries, and a Mexican bar which serves amazing Mexican meals at an affordable price. The place is definitely student-friendly because of the homey and quiet ambiance, and the affordable yet amazing meals.

Check out our review on Jeepney Bistro here!

These are just a few of the many flavors to try along and near Katipunan. Part of the college experience is exploring for yourself, and that still stands even when it comes to food. Grab your friends and challenge yourselves to walk the entire strip and try out as many restaurants as you can!

- Anna Cayco, Kim Alivia, Daniela Regis & Nikki Alarilla
(click photos for sources)

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Espana: A F(L)OOD TRIP GIUDE

Mang Tootz

Lopez Canteen

lovelite

Taft: A Food Trip Guide

Exile on Main St.leon ginto st.

bagnet 8065Leon guinto st.

the BarnFIDEL REYES ST.

IchiroArcher's place

Agno food courtAgno st. beside andrew building

HandurawArcher's Place

Samgyupsalamatkapitan tikong st. cor. leon ginto st.

Rap's steaks and cakesdagonoy st.

Jus and Jerry's EGI condo

Tori boxarcher's place

Noel's barbecueFidel reyes St.

Eric's along Castro

Teacher's and Sikatuna Village: A Food Trip Guide

FRIULI TRATTORIA #79 MAGINHAWA St.

Simple line#59 maginhawa ST.

THE IsCREAMIST #46 magiting ST.

COOL BEANS #67 MAGINHAWA ST.

ROBERTA: FLAVOR OF ASIA #45 MAGINHAWA ST.

The Burger Project #122 MAGINHAWA ST.

PI Breakfast and Pies #39 Malingap ST.

IndonYaki #54 Maginhawa ST.

Snack Shack#9 V. Luna Extension

Van gogh is bipolar Unit H, 154 Maginhawa ST.

Empire Steak #4b Masinsinan St. corner Maginhawa ST.

Blacksoup Cafe + ArtspaceUNIT G, 154 MAGINHAWA St.

The Sweet Spot Unit 6 G/F #189 Maginhawa St.

Leona art restaurant #45 Matimtiman St.

the z compound #33A Malingap St.

Katipunan: A Food Trip Guide

CELLO'S DOUGHNUTS AND DIPS (above Mercury Drug)

8CUTS BURGER BLENDS (UP Town Center)

XOCOLAT (B. Gonzales St.)

CASA VERDE (UP Town Center)

B. WINGS (Esteban Abada St.)

Cafe shibuya (up town center)

Wooden spoon (near bo's coffee)

Katsu cafe (right behind bo's coffe)

gino's BRICK OVEN pizza (ABOVE MERCURY DRUG)

BRICKFIRE (ESTEBAN ABADA ST. BEHIND MCDONALD'S)

starr's FAMOUS shakes (ESTEBAN ABADA ST. BEHIND MCDONALD'S)

Roku (oracle building)

Craft coffee REVOLUTION (esteban abada st.)

CAFE sweet inspiration's

Jeepney bistro (behind mcdonald's)

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ABOUT EDITOR'S NOTE CONTACT

Exile on Main St.
leon ginto st.

bagnet 8065
Leon guinto st.

the Barn
FIDEL REYES ST.

Ichiro
Archer's place

Agno food court
Agno st. beside andrew building

Handuraw
Archer's Place

Samgyupsalamat
kapitan tikong st. cor. leon ginto st.

Rap's steaks and cakes
dagonoy st.

Jus and Jerry's
EGI condo

Tori box
archer's place

Noel's barbecue
Fidel reyes St.

Eric's
along Castro

FRIULI TRATTORIA
#79 MAGINHAWA St.

Simple line
#59 maginhawa ST.

THE IsCREAMIST
#46 magiting ST.

COOL BEANS
#67 MAGINHAWA ST.

ROBERTA: FLAVOR OF ASIA
#45 MAGINHAWA ST.

The Burger Project
#122 MAGINHAWA ST.

PI Breakfast and Pies
#39 Malingap ST.

IndonYaki
#54 Maginhawa ST.

Snack Shack
#9 V. Luna Extension

Van gogh is bipolar
Unit H, 154 Maginhawa ST.

Empire Steak
#4b Masinsinan St. corner Maginhawa ST.

Blacksoup Cafe + Artspace
UNIT G, 154 MAGINHAWA St.

The Sweet Spot
Unit 6 G/F #189 Maginhawa St.

Leona art restaurant
#45 Matimtiman St.

the z compound
#33A Malingap St.