We Filipinos are all about food, whether we're munching solo or feasting with friends. Feeling good or down? There is always a reason to head out and grab a delicious bite to eat.
Since June's almost here, it’s time to hype up once again our thriving food scene. We’ve featured five food spots that were born and raised in the Philippines before. This time, we’re adding 10 more to the list of foodie hotspots that we know you’ll surely love at SM Supermalls.
Manam
2nd floor, MALL, SM Aura
Classic Filipino comfort food with a modern twist is what Manam is all about (Image source)
When it comes to giving classic Filipino food a modern twist, Manam is one of the best in the market today. A restaurant under The Moment Group, Manam started in 2013 and has since captivated the Filipino palate with its innovative take on beloved Filipino dishes. Their Sinigang na Beef Short Rib with Watermelon is delightfully unique, combining sweet and sour flavors that resonate with every Filipino. Their iconic House Crispy Sisig is so good that even those who aren't fans of sisig will become converts.
Must Try: The nutty sauce of the Kare-Kare with Oxtail (PHP 380) is simply the best, perfectly complemented by their homemade bagoong. Another must-try is the Overloaded Garlicky Chicken & Pork Belly Adobo (PHP 250), a staple dish you won't want to miss.
Barrio Fiesta
Level 2, City Center, SM City North Edsa
Where there is Barrio Fiesta’s Seafood Bouillabaisse, there is certainly good food around (Image source)
When it comes to quality, authentic, and value-for-money Filipino food, Barrio Fiesta is always top of mind. Relatives coming home from abroad often request a visit to Barrio Fiesta for that familiar taste that brings back cherished memories. Established in the 1950s as a humble hole-in-the-wall in Malabon, Barrio Fiesta has grown to become synonymous with Filipino cuisine. Known for their kare-kare and crispy pata, the restaurant offers a smorgasbord of traditional dishes that maintain their authentic flavors. Plus, their SM North Edsa branch is pet-friendly, making dining here an even more enjoyable experience.
Must Try: Skipping the famous Barrio Fiesta Kare-Kare (starting at PHP 435) would be a crime, so make sure to order this classic. Complement the sinfully good Crispy Pata (PHP 850) with the Seafood Bouillabaisse (PHP 740), a fresh assortment of the ocean’s finest flavors.
Kuya J
UGF/GF/FF, MALL, SM Seaside City Cebu
The star of every Kuya J dining experience: Crispy Pata! (Image source)
Did you know that the Kuya J restaurant we know today began as a humble eatery along the streets of Cebu? Originally called "Ang Kan-anan ni Kuya J," this hole-in-the-wall establishment started in 2000. Since then, it has been serving mouthwatering Filipino dishes, expanding to over 100 locations across the Philippines—and counting!
Must Try: The Kuya J Crispy Pata (starting at PHP 745) is a perennial favorite—pork leg cooked to perfection with crunchy skin and tender meat, perfectly paired with their homemade soy and vinegar dip. Another beloved item on the menu is the Kuya J Halo Halo (PHP 100), available in Cheese Ube and Creamy Coco Brown Sugar flavors, both of which are winners!
Mesa
3rd floor, MAIN BUILDING, SM City Grand Central
MESA’s Chicken Binakol is the one to beat (Image source)
For Rikki Dee, founder and CEO of Foodee Global Concepts, the vision behind MESA was to truly represent Filipino cuisine both nationally and globally. Since its opening in 2009, MESA's menu has paid homage to regional dishes, offering authentic Filipino flavors with a modern twist. This commitment has earned MESA recognition as one of the “Best Filipino Restaurants” in the country by Philippine Tatler for 12 consecutive years.
Must Try: The Chicken Binakol (PHP 425), originating from Aklan, has been awarded the “Best Binakol in the Philippines” by Taste Atlas. Another award-winning dish is their Crispchon (starting at PHP 1,899), best enjoyed wrapped in malunggay crepe with cucumber, leeks, and wansoy, and dipped in their signature sauces.
Abé
3rd floor, MEGA FASHION HALL, SM Megamall
Sinigang sa Ube is one of Abé best-sellers for a reason (Image source)
Though Pampanga is hailed as the culinary capital of the Philippines, Manileños don’t have to travel almost 80 kilometers north to savor authentic Kapampangan dishes, thanks to Abé! This restaurant, which began operations in 2006 under The LJC Group, stands out for its strong Kapampangan roots and its use of the freshest ingredients sourced directly from Central Luzon. So, the next time you're looking for the perfect spot for a family get-together or a reunion with friends, head to Abé and enjoy comforting dishes that make you feel right at home.
Must Try: Be sure to try their unique dishes, such as Sinigang Sa Ube (PHP 620), Abé’s Chicken Supreme (PHP 1,130), and Biringhe (PHP 435).
Cabalen
BUILDING 2, SM City Pampanga
With nearly four decades of serving beloved Filipino comfort dishes, dining at Cabalen is a quintessential experience. What began as a “turo-turo” eatery in Pampanga in the '80s has evolved into the leading Filipino buffet and casual dining restaurant in the country. Maritel Nievera, the owner of Cabalen, meticulously crafted the menu by sampling various Kapampangan restaurants, curating the best dishes Pampanga has to offer. This dedication set Cabalen apart from its peers. Today, Cabalen operates 41 branches across the Philippines and has even opened a branch in the US.
Must Try: For PHP 528 per head from Mondays to Thursdays and PHP 548 from Fridays to Sundays and holidays, you can indulge in favorites like rich adobong manok, flavorful gatang kuhol, and classic kare-kare—each dish exemplifying Filipino comfort food at its finest. For dessert, treat yourself to tibok-tibok, a creamy carabao milk pudding, to cleanse your palate.
The Aristocrat
2nd floor, MAIN BUILDING, SM City San Lazaro
You’ll never go wrong with a Chicken Barbecue order at The Aristocrat (Image source)
When it comes to Chicken Barbecue, no one does it like the OG: The Aristocrat! Engracia Cruz-Reyes, affectionately known as Aling Asiang, started selling merienda on the streets of Luneta in 1936. Eventually, she traded her food truck for a brick-and-mortar store along Roxas Boulevard, establishing the very first and flagship branch of The Aristocrat we know today. Over the years, the restaurant has become a beloved venue for family events, reflecting the homey comforts of its food and ambiance, which stem from the family-centric nature of its owners.
Must Try: You haven’t truly dined at The Aristocrat until you’ve tried their Boneless Chicken Barbecue (starting at PHP 295)! Also, don't miss out on The Aristocrat Lumpiang Shanghai (PHP 415)!
Lechoneria
2nd floor, MAIN BUILDING, SM City Baguio
Moist and flavorful on the inside, crispy on the outside—that’s what Lechoneria’s Lechon Belly is all about (Image source)
Where there is lechon, there is a feast! Thankfully, you don’t have to wait for Sinulog Festival and travel all the way to Cebu to savor this succulent dish because Lechoneria is now in Manila, and will likely be opening at an SM mall near you soon. Although Lechoneria only opened its doors in 2019, its array of delectable dishes is a combination of timeless classics and modern innovations, all of which are mouthwatering and worth every penny!
Must Try: The Lechon Belly (starting at PHP 250) is a must-try—after all, it is their specialty! The restaurant also showcases its creativity by making full use of their lechon roasts. Enjoy dishes like Lechon Belly Sisig (starting at PHP 195), Lechon Belly Mongo (starting at PHP 220), Lechon Belly Bicol Express (starting at PHP 195), and even Lechon Belly Kilawin (starting at PHP 195)—a twist on the traditional dish usually made with fish.
XO 46 Heritage Bistro
2nd floor, MALL, S Maison
XO 46 Heritage Bistro’s Kare-Kare is always a good idea (Image source)
When Andrew and Sandee Masigan were thinking of putting up a restaurant, they wanted one that spotlights Filipino cuisine, culture, and heritage. Thus, XO 46 Heritage Bistro was born, where “XO” stands for Extraordinary, and “46” commemorates the year the Philippines gained its independence after World War II. At this restaurant, guests are referred to as “Señor” and “Señora,” the decor evokes the charm of bygone days, and the food is nothing short of spectacular. It’s like stepping back in time but enjoying food that is both familiar and comforting.
Must Try: To fully experience XO 46 Heritage Bistro, order the Kare-Kareng Crispy Tadyang (PHP 585), Crispy Pata XO Style (PHP 740), Lechon Kawali (PHP 395), and Laing (PHP 295).
Satisfy your cravings while supporting local entrepreneurs at these proudly Filipino-owned dining hotspots, where you can indulge in both international and local flavors. It's a win-win situation—you get to enjoy delicious food while contributing to the growth of our local culinary scene.
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Note: Prices indicated in this article are subject to change without prior notice
