Stuck at home and getting tired of the usual lutong bahay? We got you! Satisfy your restaurant food cravings without straying far from your ‘hood!
From being the site of one of the most popular bar crawls in the country, Poblacion has transformed itself from party capital to a bustling food hub during the pandemic. Let’s take a look at what this Metro Manila favorite has to offer!
Lampara
Though it’s a casual spot, Lampara’s menu is anything but. Dinuckdakan, crispy rice cups (filled with longanisa and aligue, yum!), and veal steak are just a peek at what the trio of chefs behind the concept have up their sleeves. This modern Filipino bistro will give the local fine dining spots a run for their money.
Check out their Facebook and Instagram for more deets!
Royal Indian Curry House (R.I.C.H.)
A Poblacion classic often hailed as the Best Indian Restaurant in Metro Manila, R.I.C.H. is a must-visit if you love your curries, paneers, and rotis. Their menu is a long, long, LONG list of guaranteed flavor bombs — a selection that puts other Indian restaurants to shame. Not sure what to order? You can never go wrong with their chicken tikka masala, mutton rogan josh, and biryani rice.
Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more!
Hola Bombon
You don’t think of tapas when you go to Poblacion, but Hola Bombon is out to change that. Their San Sebastian-inspired offerings like Foie Pintxos with pickled green mangoes and Miguel’s sandwich with beer braised pork belly with apple jam gives traditional Spanish fares an exciting new spin!
Check out their Facebook and Instagram for more info!
KONDIWI
Asian-style bites and art come together at this multifaceted space that’s a feast for the senses. KONDIWI is an art space, cocktail bar, and restaurant all rolled into one. On the food front, we’re interested in their Pork Sinigang Skewers, Chili (or Herb) Grilled Oysters, and Chicken Liver Mousse.
The Spirits Library
Poblacion used to be the spot for a cheap drink and a good time. But we’ve grown up with the times and so have the bars in the area. The Spirits Library is where you’ll find top-tier alcohol, liquer, and spirits of all sorts, and a classy AF drinking experience. They even have an actual library with books on alcohol and mixology!
Check out their Facebook and Instagram for more
Holy Smokes
This ain’t your typical roadside barbeque: one meal at Holy Smokes and you’ll never look at BBQ the same way again. Their masterfully-smoked brisket, sausages, and pulled pork served on silver trays with pink butcher paper will put you right in an American backyard on a summer day. Warning: meat coma may arise.
Go to out their Facebook and Instagram for more
Cosmic
Vegan fare isn’t new in the food scene, but the way Cosmic does it out of this world! Their Beanuguan, Mushroom Burger, and Sisig with “Bagnet” are so well-seasoned and perfectly-cooked that you might forget it’s not meat (instead they use seitan). In addition to their mains, Cosmic also offers an array of vegetable tempura that will have make you forget meat!
Check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Crosta
The title of “Best Pizza in Manila” will probably never be awarded to just one place, but Crosta Pizzeria has definitely established itself as a contender. Their drool-worthy sourdough crust, classic (Detroit Pepperoni, Everyday We’re Trufflin’), and not-so-classic flavors (Green Sausage, Death by Hummicide) are always woodfire-baked to perfection. They’re not the biggest pizzas at 11-inches, but they absolutely pack a flavor punch!
Check out their Facebook and Instagram for more info.
Khao Khai
Craving for Thai flavors but tired of pad thai? Maybe it’s time to try the Gai Tod (aka Thai fried chicken) from Khao Khai! This crunchy, umami-rich version of fried chicken is worlds apart from your usual KFC, Jollibee, or MiniStop fried chicken (although we still love those, of course!). . Paired with a duo of tangy spicy and herby sweet sauce, this one’s a sure knockout.
Visit their Facebook and Instagram for more!
Wantusawa
BONUS! This used to be in Poblacion, but they’ve moved to Rockwell, which is still pretty close by!
An oyster bar with an expanded menu, Wantusawa is the place to be if you’re in the mood for seafood! Their Aklan oysters go for P50 apiece, and you’ll go from one to sawa without even noticing how many you’ve already had! Their other seafood offerings include Spicy Crab Fat Yakiudon and Crispy Danggit and Rendang Rice.
Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Hungry for more awesome food experiences that you can enjoy at home? Try out these SHOOR food trips!
