The döner sign was calling to me as I entered A. Venue Mall. "Ah! Another Vietnamese diner," I…read morethought to myself, knowing that döner kebabs are all over the streets of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. I didn't know how wrong I was until the friendly attendant pulled the door open for me and said, "Come, sir, try our authentic sausages and German sandwiches. They're really good!" Looking at my wife's quizzical look, I responded with, "A table for two, please." Inside, I was introduced to the history of döner. Apparently, Germany's number one fastfood sandwich is Turkish in origin. In the 1960's it was brought to Berlin by immigrants. Bamm's beef döner is made of juicy meat cooked using Middle Eastern spices. It is served stuffed in a toasted pita bread pocket along with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. An order also includes potato chips on the side. The server wasn't lying. The sandwich was really delicious. It was huge too! It also comes in chicken or mixed (beef and chicken) varieties. My wife ordered the Smoked Cheese Krainer. It is a mild smoked Slovenian sausage with aged cheese. Meaty and cheesy are the two words that best describe this sausage. It was a bit overcooked, but nevertheless delectable. The platter includes toasted pita bread and sauerkraut. I also noticed a plaque proudly displayed near our table. It says there that during the 2013 National Hummus Day, an international event celebrating hummus as an Arabic and Middle Eastern delicacy, Bamm has been awarded the Certified True Hummus recognition. Upon reading the award, I immediately ordered hummus. True enough, it's the best-tasting hummus that I have ever had! That's coming from someone who always orders hummus at every Greek, Persian, or Mediterranean restaurant he visits. For our drinks, I tried the Dirty Beer or beer spiced up with other stuff that makes its color deep brown. My wife ordered Radler, which is a beer-based drink mixed with other beverages like lemonade or soda. Next time, I will definitely try the Currywurst. The only problem I have with Bamm is the presence of two tiny German cockroaches on the couch we were sitting on.

I remember BAMM's first branch from B-Side in Makati. Their beef doner is the best post Irie Sunday…read moremeal in town. I'm glad they've reopened in A Venue, though it competes with more post drinking venues there. Some of the things I like to order haven't changed though. Open faced sandwiches with the Turkish shawarma type meat plus their chips is a winner. I've chanced upon some other doner places since BAMM made the dish more familiar to Manila but BAMM still has the best version, in my opinion.

I've been searching for a restaurant that serves authentic crispy pork knuckle for a long time…read more Ironically, despite visiting Germany twice this year, I couldn't find one that truly impressed me. To my surprise, I found a German restaurant in the Philippines serving crispy pork knuckle that was even better than any I had in Germany! The skin was perfectly crispy, the meat was tender and flavorful, and it exceeded all my expectations. Definitely worth a visit if you're craving this classic German dish.

Great bar with great food! Ambience was perfect. Came here on a Sunday late night and stayed until…read moreclosing. Mango beer was perfect for someone who doesn't typically drink beer. I was pleasantly surprised how it tasted. The fried prawns were good, we ordered a flat pizza also and some noodles. Panna cotta and apple pie were good. I didn't not try the other items since I'm not a big chocolate fan. I would come here again! 4.5 stars due to having an unexpected guest (bug) climb onto the booth

Permanently closed. There's a bunch of these...don't know why Yelp doesn't update their listings as…read moreit's a real hassle sorting through restos etc not knowing if they're still around! The one star is for Yelp and not the resto.

Wagner German Bakery has very good sauerkraut which reminds me of the ones I had at the Chicago…read moreGerman Oktoberfest (at Lincoln Square, Chicago) and the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago. Not many places can make this fermented cabbage this enjoyable to eat and in some places they would just use this as a garnish and not expecting people to actually eat it. Good job, Wagner German Bakery! I had Nürberger Bratwürste which was 5 bratwursts and a lot sauerkraut. I thought I could just eat all of this in 5 minutes tops but it was just a little bit too heavy for me. Really good stuff. I'm glad they have this because it's good for people on the low carb diet. My mom had the meatloaf burger and she said it was good and filling. What I noticed is the bread they used for the burger which I suspect is pretzel bread. I swear I don't know why places here like Friday's and Chili's don't use a bread like this, it's perfect for burgers compared to what they're using now which tastes like day-old supermarket buns. The 3 of the 4 diners on table next to us ordered Mabuhay Makati, Wagner's take on tapsilog. I think their breakfast items look very interesting. Wish they open earlier! Will be back!

We usually drop by this place once or twice a year, and one visit is always in October. This year,…read morethey still had the festive flags and the usual Oktoberfest exclusive food and beer. I noticed the staff weren't in their themed uniforms anymore. Maybe because it was the weekend? The place still looks the same -- nicely lit, tables and chairs clean and well-kept. I just wish the tables were spaced a bit better, and the TVs were in better spots. What really got me this time was the service. I was in a great mood coming in, but wow... the wait time was rough. It took them more than 15 minutes to serve our drinks -- and we only ordered draft beer and soda! By the time our drinks arrived, our food was almost ready. The food came after about 15 minutes, but they forgot to punch in our Flank Steak order. They said it'd take 10 minutes, but it took longer -- we even had to follow up after 12 minutes. Then when we ordered another round of drinks, it took another 5 minutes for the beer to show up. Totally broke the momentum. What's frustrating is the place was only about 25% full! Can't imagine how slow things get when it's packed. Overall, this visit just wasn't as good as our previous ones. Kind of disappointing, to be honest. Still, I'll probably visit again next October and hope it's back to the usual vibe. Also -- one of the rare times I didn't leave a tip.

The Angry German was in town and we visited the Brotzeit. His only recommendation would be step up…read morethe pretzel as it not a German size pretzel.

My friends and I were lured by Spatzle's cute decor/design and Wi-Fi connection, plus we were…read morealready quite hungry, so we chose to eat here. Everything we ordered saved for 1 dish needed some salt. :( For starters, we tried the classic rosti, which is basically a potato pancake. However, I think it had more onions than potatoes, and I wish it had more sour cream. Next, we tried a pizza-like dish, the Monte Blanc. This is topped with chips, which were sweet! :( Super fail :( Potato chips are supposed to be salty! The actual pizza tasted ordinary, nothing spectacular about it. My main choice was the smoked salmon Benny, and it's such a disappointment! The thinly sliced salmon didn't have a smoky flavor at all, the egg was soft-boiled, and the salad had a horribly sour dressing. Such a waste of money, IMO. My friend's wife tried the roast chicken on sausage on mushroom. This came with mashed potatoes, which still had some lumps, but that's fine because I loved chewing them. This was decent tasting, but tasted better with salt. Finally, the best dish was the carbonara, which was easily the most flavorful one among those we ordered. Overall, this place is good for one dining experience only. Ordinary food at extraordinarily high prices haha =p

Spatzle, or literally means "little sparrow" is made from eggs, flour, and salt. It is commonly…read morefound in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. It is far from the usual-shaped pasta and is more filling, much like a gnocchi. Here, Spatzle is a European restaurant located inside Shangrila Mall. It has a European al fresco cafe vibe. One night, my friends and I visited this place but ended up underwhelmed. Since we went there very hungry, we ordered quite a number of items in their menu: - Smoked Salmon Benny (Php355) - Smoked salmon on a bed of mushrooms and lettuce topped with egg on a warm brioche. The smoked salmon pieces were a few as you could taste more of the mushrooms than the salmon. The entire dish was bland. It is served with a side salad of lettuce and a somewhat honey mustard sauce, or maybe just mustard because it was too sour and doesn't stimulate the appetite. - Classic Rosti (Php160) - Rosti is a potato pancake from Switzerland. It is the first dish I learned to make in culinary school. I love Rosti because of its simplicity of ingredients yet the flavor it brings. The sour cream and lemon on this wedge brings out the flavor, but it wasn't enough. Maybe because it was "au naturelle", but adding a bit of salt should suffice. - Spatz Carbonara (Php295) - one of the better dishes of the night. This egg and cream-based dish is filled with pancetta and bacon to add flavor. I like how the sauce covered each spatz (singular form of spatzle), although I would prefer more of the classic Italian Carbonara of egg and cheese. Although I ordered a solo size, this is meant to be shared as it gets a little satiating after a few tablespoons. The spatzle tends to be quite doughy and the sauce doesn't do much help. - Tarte Flambe Monte Blanc (Php365) - Spatzle's version of a thin crust pizza, topped with mozzarella cheese, spinach, mushrooms, pancetta, and paprika chips. Remove the chips, and it is like a doughy bread with gooey, tasteless cheese. Add the paprika chips and it becomes weird because of its sweetness. Maybe I am just used to eating chips with a salty flavor. I do not see how the flavor of these chips complement the bland flavor of the pizza. Furthermore, it is difficult to eat because when you lift it up, the chips fell. - Roast Chicken Sausage on Mushroom Spatzle (Php265) - roast chicken roulade stuffed with sausage. I am not sure how to comment on this. The roulade was okay, a bit crunchy because it was fried to a crisp. And because it was fried to a crisp, I had a hard time looking for the chicken and the sausage. Taste wise, quite okay. It came with mashed potatoes and gravy. The mashed potatoes had some potato cubes inside but I find it more "real" and has good texture. - Mint Lemonade (Php125) - has good flavor of mint, but a bit sweet. I remembered adding a lot of water to balance the sweetness. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere and has free wifi. It can be a good place to catch up with friends or a quiet time alone. The price is on the high side if you compare the dish they serve. Overall, just an okay for me.

We met friends here for lunch. Staffs are attentive to customer needs. Food are enjoyable and…read moredefinitely instagrams worthy.

A high quality neighbourhood deli now in BGC…read more I love sausages and now they're easier to have with the addition of this fine establishment. The sausage Sampler include Kielbasa, Bratwurst, Nuernberger, and Chicken sausages (550 PHP) is ideal for sharing and paired with wine. You have a wall of wine to choose from. The Highlights: Bacon Slab (450 PHP) - A meat lovers dream, imagine an inch thick bacon strip, a piece is enough. This breakfast plate will surely have you come back for more. The place in BGC to have a sausage fest.

Who would've thought that an old building along Shaw Boulevard is home to one of the chillest spots…read morein Mandaluyong? Once you enter Jovan Building, you'd somehow have second thoughts about coming to Bunk. We were even kidding about how the lobby and the elevator itself looked like we were filming a scene for a horror flick. However, being stuck in traffic paid off and the doubts were erased. We just found ourselves a new place to hangout after work. Aside from the light breeze and the amazing view of Pasig and Makati, there were lots of elements as to why Bunk really works. They have two sides of the restaurant where: 1.) You're seated on handwoven mats and bean bags where you're free to look at the sky and; 2.) The shaded side where you're seated on wooden chairs and couches. This Berlin-inspired chillout spot is not just a restaurant, a place to drink, a stargazing spot, listen to trip-hop and have hookahs - one of its selling points for me is that it's an art gallery. Currently, they're looking for photographers and artists who'd want to participate and showcase their craft. Trust me, there's a huge space for any artist to show their work of art. I've heard that service was subpar before coming to Bunk when it was still newly opened. We didn't experience that as the wait staff were accommodating and our orders arrived on time. It's really cheap to drink and eat here as well! We tried their nachos (P180) and it tasted really good! Not bad for its price at all as the serving was really big! A glass of cranberry vodka is priced at P80 and a bottle of beer is P50. They also have 7L of beer or cocktails. It was around P1600-1800 (depends on what you order). I still can't shake it off, but 7L is too much, too tempting and challenging at the same time. I'm honestly just waiting for a heartbroken friend to try this out with. We might finish it before they close at 3am.

If you didn't know where Bunk is, you may never find it. Located on top of a godforsaken building…read moreat the corner of Shaw and Samat streets, it is a nice touch of cool in a neighborhood that desperately needs it. The vibe is chill, the view is a killer, and the beer is cold. On the other hand, the food's just serviceable, and it's a pretty hard place to find. Having said that, I don't mind throwing a few parties here and stuff. Bunk seems to be positioning itself as an Art Bar, and I can totally see this place hosting exhibits and poetry readings, among other activities.

Wildflour in Taguig is that place--the kind where every bite makes you pause and go, "wow... okay."…read more Let's start with the vanilla latte because it deserves top billing. Velvety, fragrant, and perfectly balanced--rich espresso softened by creamy milk and just the right whisper of vanilla. Not sugary, not flat... just smooth, cozy perfection in a cup. The kind of latte you sip slowly because you don't want it to end. The Belgian waffle was straight-up indulgence. Golden and crisp on the outside, light and fluffy inside, topped generously with caramelized bananas, ripe mango, and strawberries. Sweet, buttery, fruity, and beautifully plated--this wasn't just a waffle, it was a moment. And then the Filipino breakfast--comfort food done elegantly. Savory longganisa over warm rice, creamy eggs, and perfectly balanced flavors that feel both nostalgic and elevated. Hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting in that "this is exactly what I wanted" kind of way. Add in the warm, stylish atmosphere and consistently excellent execution, and Wildflour absolutely delivers. Whether you're here for brunch, coffee, or a proper sit-down meal, this place understands flavor, balance, and indulgence. A must-visit in BGC.

One thing people do not fully appreciate about traveling halfway across the world is just how…read moredisorienting the time difference can be at first. When my husband and I stay in BGC -- Bonifacio Global City in Taguig within Metro Manila -- our internal clocks are usually completely confused for the first several days. BGC itself is one of the most modern and walkable districts in the Philippines, filled with high-rises, parks, restaurants, shopping areas, and surprisingly peaceful streets during the early morning hours. So naturally, we often find ourselves wandering around the city at dawn while the rest of the world still seems asleep. And when it is 6:00 AM in Manila, it is roughly 5:00 PM back in Sioux Falls depending on daylight savings, which means our bodies are basically convinced it is dinner time while we are attempting to eat breakfast. Traveling is glamorous. Jet lag is not. During one of these early morning walks, we stumbled into Wildflour Cafe, which immediately gave us the feeling of an upscale neighborhood bakery mixed with a polished diner-style brunch spot. It was already surprisingly busy even at that hour, clearly a favorite among locals and early risers. Honestly, the easiest comparison I can make is: Imagine a much more refined and stylish version of Denny's, except with better food, fresher pastries, and significantly more polished presentation. Now to be fair, this is not necessarily the kind of breakfast that completely changes your life forever. But it absolutely is several levels above ordinary diner food. My husband and I both ordered steak and eggs along with a large serving of bread and butter to share because apparently we believe carbohydrates are an important emotional support system while jet lagged. I ordered my eggs scrambled while my husband went with over easy. The breakfast potatoes were fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully prepared. The steak itself was a bit overdone for my personal taste. My husband actually enjoys steak prepared more thoroughly for breakfast dishes, but I have always preferred at least a little pink or redness remaining no matter how small the cut may be. The real star for me, however, was the bread. Warm, fragrant, slightly crumbly, and absolutely wonderful once the butter slowly melted into every crevice. There is something deeply comforting about fresh bread early in the morning while sitting in a quiet cafe halfway around the world watching a city wake up around you. Now the one surprise during this visit was the service. Because Filipino hospitality is usually exceptional. Truly exceptional. In fact, some of the best service experiences my husband and I have ever had anywhere in the world have been in the Philippines. This particular morning, however, things felt a little slower and less attentive than what we are normally accustomed to there. Nothing terrible at all -- the cafe was extremely busy -- but it did stand out compared to the typically warm and highly attentive Filipino dining experience we have come to expect. Overall though, it was still a very enjoyable breakfast and a wonderful way to begin the day. Or technically... begin the day in Manila while our bodies were fully convinced it was bedtime back in Sioux Falls. At some point during breakfast I remember thinking: "We should probably go to sleep soon." At 7:00 AM. Jet lag is a very strange thing.

I'm not the number one foodie in the family. It's actually my brother. We're the only ones in the…read morehouse who watches the Food Network for fun and though he's an even late-bloomer than me when it comes to the kitchen, he's great at finding good places to eat in Manila. So on his birthday last year, he invited us to eat at Imbiss Manila. I thought it was just another pub in BF, but I was actually surprised that it wasn't an ordinary bar. The interiors were nice, not to shabby. The food was also great; generous servings of delectable German-Style dishes. We ordered a lot, but here's what I remembered eating: Loaded Potato Skins (so good!), Diablo Shrimp Linguini, Imbiss All Meat Pizza, Deep Fried Pork Knuckles, and their Chicken and Pork Schnitzels and the Sizzling Double Dark Chocolate Brownie for dessert. Everything was really good! They serve local and imported beer, but the birthday boy was given a complimentary shot of Patron (his drink of choice). His reward for taking us to that cool place.

It was a hot Wednesday night and I had just finished a muay thai class with a few friends. While…read moredriving down Aguirre Avenue in BF, looking for somewhere to eat that had parking and everybody liked, somebody suggested German food. We all thought it was a great idea, and headed to Imbiss. Everything on the menu sounded so good! Sausage sandwiches, schnitzel, pot roast, etc. It was tough picking just one thing to order, so a friend and I decided to split the house salad and buffalo chicken sandwiches. The other two got their own solo meals...and when the food arrived 1. holy hell the servings were huge 2. thank god the servings were big because it was delicious and we were starving I really liked the bread and dressing used for the sandwiches, the chicken was moist and spicy, and the mashed potato and coleslaw, though side dishes, were yummy enough to be sold on their own. Note: I don't even like coleslaw, but Imbiss does it so well I finished mine and my friend's. Happy to say we all cleaned our plates! Next time I eat here, I'll bring more money so I can try more of their awesome grub and maybe one of their specially brewed beers.

Small, clean and classic bistro setting. Tasty Arancini Al Margherita; Chorizo/Sausages, Potatoes &…read moreSauerkraut. The Cacio E Pepe Classic is delicious. The service is friendly and courteous. The price is very reasonable. They're doing a soft-open now but we will definitely be back for more. Gonna try the Osso Buco next time! ;)

Last night, my college friends and I got together in QC for dinner and drinks. I let my Booky app…read moredecide where to go, and it brought us to Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie. We shared stories and juicy gossip over bottles of Stella Artois and Vanderlust's Sausage, Potatoes, and Sauerkraut platter--delectable slices of kielbasa, hungarian, and bratwurst sausage served with seasoned potato wedges, sauerkraut, and German sweet mustard. We ordered this delicious appetizer along with Vanderlust's Pesto di Aglio pasta, Catalan Baked Fish with Potatoes and Asparagus, and Schweinekotelett with Mustard Cream Sauce. The Pesto di Aglio pasta is legit, and is one of the most affordable pasta dishes I've had across all casual dining restaurants I've been to. Portion size may be too small even for one diner, in my opinion, so you better have other entrees on the table to fill you up. The Catalan Baked Fish may seem like a simple dish, but I guarantee that it tastes a lot better than it looks. The crust on the fish fillet elevates the dish, making it more savory and filling than what you'd normally expect from lighter seafood entrees. I only wish there was more of the potatoes and asparagus to take diners through to that last delightful bite. We had very high expectations for the Schweinekotelett with Mustard Cream Sauce--a thick and juicy 300 gram porkchop served with mashed potatoes and a generous portion of vegetables. However, there was too little mustard in the sauce, and the porkchop could have used a little more seasoning. The meat was cooked perfectly though, and we still enjoyed sharing this dish. I just have to end this review by saying how much I love the Booky app. We were able to find this restaurant, request and confirm our reservations OFFLINE (no wifi needed) in less than 10 minutes, get P500 off our bill, and enjoy a FREE dessert! Download and learn more about Booky on Instagram (search @bookyapp or #bookymanila) and on its blog (ph.phonebooky.com) #TheFoodCrawlers #sausage #Kielbasa #Hungarian #Bratwurst #potato #German #sauerkraut #mustard