Filipinos are foodies at heart and it shows: No matter where you go, there’s no shortage of restaurants, cafés, and all sorts of dining spots to satisfy all whims and cravings. But while many international brands are thriving in the local scene, Pinoy restaurateurs and entrepreneurs are not backing down—they’re even upping the ante by continuously offering new culinary experiences and treats with a proudly Filipino touch.
In celebration of Super Pinoys this June, we put the spotlight on five hype-worthy homegrown brands you need to visit now at your favorite SM Supermalls. Don’t miss out on all the happenings this month, too—from the Super Pinoy Weekend Sale from June 9 to 12 to the Super Dads Weekend this June 13 to 18. See you, #SMFam!
5/L Skypark, SM Aura
Images from Facebook.com/tsokolateria; happy.ongpaucotiu
If you’re jonesing for a chocolate fix, head on over to Tsokolateria, the brainchild of chef and restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, who recently opened her first mall branch in partnership with Visum Ventures. Known for expertly infusing local cacao in their menu offerings, this resto-slash-café was founded in Tagaytay in 2015 and quickly became a go-to spot for foodies (and choco-holics!) craving for serious comfort food.
Must-tries: Bacon Lechon Kawali (₱450), Ube or Tablea Champorado (₱390 to ₱570), and Tsokolate Ah (₱150 to ₱280)
Follow Tsokolateria on Facebook and Instagram for more info.
Kurīmu
2/L Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall and 2/L South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia
Images from Facebook.com/kurimu.ph; franciskong2
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that this dessert shop selling premium, handcrafted Japanese ice cream is an import. Make no mistake, though; it’s an OG brand by husband-and-wife duo Bryan and Maxine Kong, who also have two Japanese restos under their belt. Born during the lockdown in 2021, Kurimu has since gained a cult following, thanks to their unique and addictive ice cream flavors.
Must-tries: Shoyu Caramel (₱420), Black Sesame (₱420), Kohi Cream (₱450), and the plant-based Nama Chocolate (₱480).
Know more via their Facebook page and website.
Yardstick Coffee
2/L MOA Square
Images from Facebook.com/yardstickcoffee
Not your average coffee shop, Yardstick Coffee—co-founded by entrepreneurs Andre Chanco, Kevin Tang, and Jessica Justa Lee—is making waves as a pioneering specialty coffee roaster in Manila. Aside from sourcing and supplying high-quality coffee from all over the world, they also sell coffee machinery, tools, and equipment, and offer workshops, training, and specialty coffee certification. Simply want a relaxing java fix? Visit their IG-worthy café at MOA Square.
Must-tries: Sea Salt Latte (₱200), Dirty Oatchata Slushie (₱180), Iced Flat White (P170), Mom’s Secret Recipe Chocolate Cake (₱260).
Check out their Facebook page and website for more details.
3/L MOA Food Hall, SM Mall of Asia
Images from Facebook.com/pizzulu; smmallofasia
Like many businesses born during the height of the pandemic, this Italian-style pizzeria started out as a delivery-only venture—an idea by the Zulueta sisters, Karla, Kim, Kat, and Kamille, also known for their other successful businesses, like Zoo Label and Aperitif. It didn’t take long before their humble pizza shop took flight, enabling them to expand to brick-and-mortar shops, including the one in MOA Food Hall.
Must-tries: Four Cheese Pizza (from ₱444), Black Truffle Mushroom Pizza (from ₱499), and Squid Ink Spaghetti and Seafood Pasta (from ₱520).
For more info, visit their Facebook page and website.
See all branches here.
Images from Facebook.com/CasaDazaByChefSandy
You’re not really a Pinoy foodie if you don’t know Chef Sandy Daza, an iconic restaurateur, TV chef, cookbook author, and columnist, who’s celebrated for his classic and creative Filipino dishes. These days, he continues to tickle taste buds with his flaky, flavorful, and addictive empanadas (and buns, too!) available at his many mall-based kiosks in Metro Manila.
Must-tries: Pork Humba, Original, and Curry Vegetarian Empanadas (starting at ₱85 per piece). Also available: Pork Asado, Chicken Asado, and Bola-Bola Buns (starting at ₱60 per piece).
Follow Casa Daza on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Find your next foodie destination with the SM Mall Map
Navigate the mall with ease with SM’s online Mall Maps. It’s easy to use!
STEP 1: Visit the homepage of SM Supermalls.
STEP 2: Click on MALL DIRECTORY and choose a mall. For example: SM Mall of Asia.
STEP 3: Click on VIEW MALL MAP.
STEP 4: Scroll through the map or type the name of the brand or store in the search bar.
Celebrate Independence Day and indulge in all things Pinoy at SM Supermalls this June! Go on a Super Pinoy Food Trip, shop amazing deals from local brands, and take part in awesome activities from June 1 to 12. Don’t forget to check out SM Deals and SM Malls Online, too, for exclusive offers from your favorite brands!
Follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates. You can check the updated entry guidelines and mall hours for 2023 here.
