Before Vina Trang opened, the only place to get authentic Bánh mì was at Bon Bánh mì (which is also…read morein the San Antionio area). Since is again very near Carlo's house, this is my go to place for Pho. Plus points eating here are the big servings at very affordable prices. The place is a house turned into restaurant which is now quite common in San Antonio Village. You have the option of sitting indoors or stay outdoors where you can smell them grilling pork for the Pho. On rare occasions, the owner will play her favorite Vietnamese songs in the restaurant. I always go for their Pho Bo Nam (Well Done Beef Brisket noodles) and it's only Php185. The meat was tender and the broth was light yet very flavorful. With the Pho, you get the bean sprouts, white onions and coriander plus the Sriracha! I've also tried their Bánh mì. It's actually pretty good but, sometimes, their bread is not crunchy which is an essential factor when eating a Bánh mì. You must try their Vietnamese drip coffee. It is quite strong and will really wake you up! Also, It comes with cold tea which is the traditional way it is served in Vietnam. If you're in the area, definitely try this place out! :)

I frequent this place because it's near my house in Makati. But just today, I went back because I…read moreMiss the PHO! I loved it. But it was so distracting because the staff with their manager was so noisy. Shouting, laughing, talking about their personal stories that everyone of us could hear! I remember their faces because I think the management did not replace them. One staff with a loud voice saying " wala na taong tongue, lemon and sili" which sounded very frustrating to me. Great food bad staff. I wrote the same on their comment slip. Maybe I'll just order take out next time.

This was our go to place for lunch and dinner while vacationing in Manila. We love everything…read more Especially the dishes made with coconut milk. They were super delicious. We need to go back some more to try their other dishes instead of sticking with the ones we have been familiar with. No wonder this place was always crowded. They even occupied the outside space to accommodate more customers. Great place to dine and great service too.

I can't remember why I wanted to try this place. However, it's near Discovery Primea Hotel, which…read moreis where we stayed. Upon entering, two 'guards' were at the door. We had to flag someone to have our orders taken. The staff were either talking to each other by the front door or by the baarea. We ordered: Pinakbet, which was really good. Bangus in Yellow Bean Sauce. Just OK. Didn't taste deep fried at all. Not even crispy. Crab Omelette. I like this one. Went well with Pinakbet. Turon Kanin Club. They should just stick with plain bananas. The whole stuffing combination doesn't work. When the food was delivered, the server didn't even acknowledge us or tell us to enjoy our meal. To get our bill, we had to wave at the server who was all the way at the back. Very disappointed at the staff. Some of the food was very good. But, I can not recommend a place who treats their guests in such a way. There are many other great Filipino restaurants with much friendlier staff, such as Manam.

Yes, we live in Asia. But that doesn't mean all Asian restaurants are created (or rather cooked)…read moreequal. Having seen and tried countless Asian and Asian-fusion restaurants, it was a relief to have tried Ninak. We were looking for a new place to try and Ninak seemed interesting enough. The sign wasn't flashy or inviting, out there would always be customers whenever we pass by. I ordered their lamb curry as a test, because usually, most restaurants don't cook lamb well - either it still has an aftertaste, or it's not tender enough for someone like me who has a TMJ problem. I was delighted that the lamb was not just tender, but it was flavorful even without the sauce. The sauce was heavenly curry goodness and in my opinion, has a good amount of flavor and spice - enough to make it memorable. Price point is a bit expensive, but the dishes as good enough to share, unless you're really hungry, which I was. Definitely worth it though! P.S. Was drooling for it again as I'm writing this.

Ninak, or Kanin spelled backwards is a restaurant in Kapitolyo that specializes in Asian cuisine. I…read morewas expecting differently judging on its facade, but inside, it is a home-style resto. The staffs are friendly and very knowledgeable of all menu items including its ingredients. Food is delicious and authentic. We ordered Grilled Vietnamese Pork, Chicken Curry, Chicken Satay, Fish in Mango Sauce, and Pinakbet. Serving is a little small, but we enjoyed eating them. We were having so much fun that we kept ordering because we got curious as to what the other dishes taste like. Chicken Satay and Vietnamese Pork are my top recommendations. Will definitely be back for more.

Totally off the beaten path (I literally had to navigate over bridge spanning a canal of sewage,…read morethrough a street that is apparently used as a parking lot, past numerous stray dogs, and into an alley that was a little sketchy), be persistent and use your map app and you will be rewarded. Even using my app, I almost walked right by the place because it's sign is small and long since faded and the entrance is a sliding glass door that looks like someone's porch entry into their home. If not for the lady visible in the glass door in a bright green shirt rolling out dumpling wrappers, I was unclear if I was at the right place. The sliding door really threw me off because you feel awkward sliding it open as if you are entering into someone's home. Once in it is a little more awkward because there does not seem to be a system to order or get a seat. (Getting a seat is going to be tough anyway as there are only about 15 seats in the place and several of them are taken up by the staff actually rolling out dough and stuffing dumpling wrappers amidst the patrons sitting next to them eating.) I ordered the pork steamed ones to go (14 to an order and it comes with chopsticks and a small knotted baggie of dipping sauce). These were the best dumplings I've ever had without a doubt. Wrappers are not quite paper thin but they are very thin and the filling is very porky with a lot of Chinese leek involved. Really, they don't get any better than this. This place has a following and is talked about by other foodies on their vlogs and it is no wonder why. Put this on your short list to visit when coming to Manila.

What makes this place as good as it gets is pure authenticity! After taking a horse ride tour of…read moreIntramuros (the oldest district of Manila), we made our way to the oldest Chinatown in the world. What you see is what you get in this little space of Chinatown in Binondo. The open glass window reveals dumplings in the making from scratch right at the front door. Dough being rolled and kneaded at the front door, mounds of chives being chopped 3 tables away, and pork and chives spooned into anticipated dumplings ready to eat in minutes - my mouth was watering. You are literally seated on simple tables, nothing fancy, and plastic chairs. There are no more than maybe 6 tables of 4-seaters since the dumpling station occupies part of the front half end of the restaurant and the chive chopping section is at the other end. It looks like an eat-and-go type of place. The menu provides about 20 items or so. Pictures are provided so you won't be totally clueless as to what you are ordering. They ran out of shrimp dumplings that day. We ordered soup dumplings (6 pieces for 120, or less than $3) and pork and chives dumplings (14 pieces, about $5). It does not get better than that! Cheap prices for really tasty dumplings. I think we inhaled it in 5 minutes. Okay maybe 10 minutes trying to prolong one dish to last before the next one came out with ravings of how good they were. I loved the homemade taste from each steaming dumpling. The soup dumplings were not the best I've ever had, but still homemade and delicious with every bite. I wish I could've eaten more pork and chives dumplings, but I was extremely full as it was only one of the many snacking spots we visited. Till next time.

Looking for a new sandwich place? Well, I finally got to try Mr. Graham's Sandwiches! It's located…read morenear the F7 building and right beside Mrs. Graham's Macaron Cafe. I intially came here for two things: a) the Cebuano and b) the Apple Pie Soda! So, I was able to try the big 3: The Cebuano, Four Cheese, Bacon Please., and Sloppy G. Let's start with the Four Cheese, Bacon Please! It's a Frico Grilled Cheese Sandwich filled with mozzarella, cream cheese and cheddar. Also, there is a thick layer of beer-onion-bacon jam (so good!). It comes with tomato soup and a big serving of chips (potato, camote + taro chips) plus their aioli sauce. Addictive! The Sloppy G is their version of the sloppy joe. Th filling is ground beef, minced mushrooms and cheddar cheese smothered in creamy, thick gravy. It comes with the chips and coleslaw (Ask for the spicy coleslaw!). Now, it's time for Mr. Graham's Cebuano! It is his take on the classic Pan Cubano. His version has lechon drizzled with it's own drippings, ham, cheddar cheese, pickled green and yellow mangoes, with some crispy lechon skin. I recommend that you ask them to have it pressed. Super DELICIOUS! Oh, yes, it also comes with the chips! Finally, we have to talk about Mr. Graham's Apple Pie Soda (only Php90). ERMAHGERD!!! This is a definite MUST. TRY. OR DIE! It tastes as good as it sounds: Apple Pie! LEGIT! I cannot tell you how good this is. You just have to get your butt over to Mr. Graham's Sandwich Shop. Like, right now. If not, I'll drink all the soda available that day!

Sandwiches are not really taken seriously in the Philippines. Aside from ubiquitous choices like…read moreburgers and hotdogs (which aren't really sandwiches, but I digress), in general sandwiches are relegated to mere convenience food, usually composed of white bread or pandesal filled with deli meat and mayonnaise. Freedom from white bread and mayonnaise blandness and the constraints of white plastic wrappers and tunafish used to be the sole refuge of coffee shops and a few erstwhile sandwich chains. However, even here, monotony sets in, as despite increases in quality, the fillings are old familiars--grilled cheese, BLT, grilled chicken. Little thought, it seems, has been given to creating new flavors. Mr. Graham's Sandwich Shop takes a step towards that direction. I prefer businesses that do a few things really well, so Mr. Graham's is right in my wheelhouse. Mr. Graham's only offers 6 sandwiches, a few sides, most of the usual sodas, a lot of craft beer, and one really awesome drink. All of the sandwiches are twists on familiar flavors. The flagship, the Cebuano, is a version of a classic pressed Cuban sandwich that replaces the traditional grilled pork with Cebu Lechon. The 4 Cheese, Bacon Please, adds caramelized onion and bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich. The Submariner is a sub filled with a fried fish fillet. The sloppy G replaces tomato sauce with gravy in a sloppy joe, and the Club adds guacamole and honey bread to the regular club. The new sandwich,as yet unnamed and not yet on the menu, is made with a salmon fillet, dill sauce, cream cheese, and alfalfa. This all being said, the best fillings would not make a good sandwich without being surrounded by good bread. Mr. Graham's delivers, placing most of their sandwiches on a crusty ciabatta bread, which is thankfully not cloyingly sweet as most FIlipino bread is. Some sweetness is conceded though on the part of the Club Sandwich's loaf bread. I'm not a fan of that, but I can see how people might like it. The sheer size of the sandwich makes it worth it. I'd place the Cebuano on top of the pile, as the saltiness and savoriness of the Cebu Lechon goes well with melted cheese and a garlic dressing. The sandwich is also pressed, adding a wonderful crunch. I'd prefer the dressing to be less sweet, but overall the Cebuano is just right. A close second for me is the 4 Cheese, Bacon Please. I love caramelized onions, melted cheese, and bacon, so it's a no brainer for me to like it. Dip it in the tomato soup for the perfect snack for a rainy day. I'm a big fan of the new salmon sandwich as well. The fish is still firm but juicy, and the dill sauce enhances its meatiness and creaminess. Alfalfa sprouts give a needed freshness. A visit to Mr. Graham's is not complete without a bottle of APPLE PIE SODA. While it sounds like an exaggeration, it really does taste like apple pie in carbonated form. The apple and cinnamon shine through, but those are within the realms of most imaginations. What makes it special is the distinct buttery taste of pie crust. I don't know how Mr. Graham does it (I asked), but that flavor sets the Apple Pie Soda apart. If liquid dessert isn't your thing, Mr. Graham's also has a broad selection of craft beers to choose from. On the way home, be sure to pick up some Garapal hot sauce as well--chilihead approved. All in all, Mr. Graham's only needs to offer 6 sandwiches, some craft beers, and apple pie soda. The execution of each of these offerings is top notch, which is appropriate for a top-notch sandwich shop. Make sure to pay Mr. Graham a visit the next time you need a sandwich fix.

After a tiring early morning field work, we headed to Hamia for comfort food…read more Dining out for Filipino dishes is a challenge if you are surrounded with great cooks back home. You would always end up comparing the recipes but Hamia went over the top. It caters great Kare Kare and serves the best Baked Tahong. I posted an aftermath of my plate as a proof. Our orders include Crispy Pata Kare-Kare, Inihaw Platter, Laing, Baked Tahong, Grilled Tuna, and Salmon Belly Sinigang. Customers can also cross-order in JT's Inasal menu managed by the same owner. Preparation time took long and our orders was served in 30mins. The ambiance is nice except the outdoor seating area may tend to be hot during daytime.

Back in the Philippines after 9 years...you can imagine my cravings and appetite…read more Here's what I tried: - Spicy Crispy Dilis: they offered to put the chili pineapple glaze on the side. I'm glad I decide to get it mixed in with the fish. It was still crispy and had just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Eat immediately! - Kare Kare: I LOVED that the tripe was grilled yet still so tender. This added another layer of flavor to the whole dish. The sauce was a smidge too sweet but that didn't stop me from devouring this. The vegetables were nicely cooked as well. Ask for an extra serving of bagoong. - Crispy Kansi: Life changing. The marrow had a slight citrus flavor that cuts through the unctuousness. Spoon some on top of some rice, and top with some gravy = the perfect bite! - Pinakbet: The vegetables were cooked just right. Somehow, the okra was not slimy! I could not really taste the aligue in this though. - Tortang Talong: I had high hopes for this because I love tortang talong. But it was a bit dry, and the kesong puti was so sparse that you don't taste it. - Piaya ice cream sandwich: they had run out of ube and quezo ice cream so I had no choice but to go with vanilla. The caramel drizzle was delicious and almost chewy! But the piaya layers became a bit difficult to eat after being pressed up against the ice cream. I'd like to go back and try the quezo version of this. I think the flavor combination would be more unique. - Crispy Buko Pie: You can really taste the Pandian in this, and you get a generous amount of buko. This should be consumed immediately as well! Bottom line: I would love to keep coming back to this restaurant! The food was delicious and I was impressed by how they made Filipino food "pretty" and not just "brown!"

Great restaurant for some delicious fusion filipino food! Its decently priced for a good portion…read more Great ambiance for groups and families. We ordered 4 entrees for 5 people and it was enough to feed us all. I would recommend thr kaldereta and the isaw! Definitely yummy! Parking is a pain. I'd probably just commute here if you can.

Pho!!!! They have Pho Ho all over the world. I don't really like pho but I go for the other dishes…read more My usual order is one of the Vietnamese sandwiches which I split with someone. For my main course I have the small chicken vermicelli bowl. It has veggies, chicken, fried roll and the perfect sauce that really brings it all together. The service is fast. Got our food in less than 15 minutes. So it's great when you are taking a short break from eating.

Been traveling and having authentic Filipino food and Jollie B for 2 wks now. Needed Pho and…read moredesperate. It was a good desperate! Had their #50 the only one that have a mix of flank, tendon and meat balls. It's good! Satisfied! Tasty, broth was hot enough. Thank you Pho HOA for being in Manila!!!