#WhenInMakati, you’re sure to find a place to satisfy your cravings whether you’re feeling a knack for sushi or a hankering for tacos. But of course, being situated right smack in the Central Business District does not make it easy to appease your inner foodie as price ranges can be quite higher than expected.
However, Makati’s dynamic landscape has attracted all types of people, creating a diverse community which also means a diverse palate to please. So going about the city, you’ll find a few gems that offer value-for-money food to satiate any craving.
1. Sofrito
Although in Salcedo, this hole-in-the-wall is situated in the quieter side of the neighborhood. Serving Latin American cuisine without frills and excesses, Sofrito feels like you’ve visited your Puerto Rican aunt for a home-cooked meal. The Puerto Rican owners are friendly and will offer their recommendations for the day which can vary from the crowd favorite, Mofongos to the seasonal Boricua style Lechon Asado.
2. Pepi Cubano
This little sandwich nook only materialized recently at Legaspi Village from its home-delivery service. Here, you can get legitimate Cubanos as you’ve dreamed of after watching “Chef”. They also use the plantsa method, resulting in crisp, flat but filling sandwiches. An array of Cubanos await customers from the original recipe of ham, pork and cheese sandwiched in between to a vegetarian option and even one with just guava jam and cream cheese.
Photo from: Pepi Cubano
3. Top Dish
Owned by an old Korean couple, dining at Top Dish is like visiting your Korean friend’s grandparents. A cozy spot along the bar district of Poblacion, limited seating while the television perpetually on a Korean channel ads to the homey vibe of the place. Indulge in home-cooked meals like Daeji Kimchi Chigae and Dal Kalbi while munching on their assortment of Banchan.
Photo from: Ali Disini
4. Soms Noodle House
Just behind the posh neighborhood of Rockwell lies this Thai joint that offers a modest price for a cuisine normally so costly to enjoy in the Philippines. Som’s Noode House has all the Thai classics but keeps them simple yet flavorful. No fancy plating here, just real, delectable food. Visit and try their curries, Spicy Squid and most especially, their Bagoong Rice.
Photo from: Som’s
5. Beni’s Falafel
With a new and second location at A Venue Mall right across its first flagship store, Beni’s Falafel offers authentic Middle Eastern halal food with a focus on Israeli cuisine. With so much wonderful feedback, you won’t find yourself disappointed with the quality of their falafels. The menu is reasonably priced while higher priced items are good for sharing. Get their Falafel Sandwich and/or their Shakshuka in Pita. Seriously, one full sandwich will easily fill you up so try their half portion to test your stomach.
Photo from: Beni’s Falafel
6. Yalla Yalla Express
One of the more recent openings along Don Pedro Street in Poblacion, Yalla Yalla Express is already pleasing curious visitors in its soft opening. Serving Lebanese cuisine, expect beef and chicken shawarmas, kebabs and even brick-oven zaatar bread. All offered at affordable prices, this newest addition to the vibrant neighborhood is the place to go for authentic Lebanese fare, especially when it’s armed with a Middle Eastern chef.
Photo from: Yalla Yalla Express
7. Bon Banhmi
This little gem along Mayapis gained a steady stream of patrons for their simple menu that focused on banh mi. With a Vietnamese owner, each crispy baguette sandwich is made fresh as you order. The Vietnamese iced coffee is also pretty strong but sweet since it uses condensed milk. Let the ice melt a bit in between sips. Their success has led to the recent opening of another Vietnamese restaurant at the same address called Bon Pho & Roll.
Photo by: Bon Banhmi
8. Pat Pat’s Kansi
Comfort Ilonggo food at its best. That’s what you can expect from this humble hole-in-the-wall in San Antonio Village. Dubbed as the best kansi in the land by its numerous customers who frequent the restaurant, it also serves them at extremely reasonable prices. Their bowl of special bulalo or kansi will set you back less than Php 200. However limited the menu, you can expect that whatever you choose will be just as good.
Photo from: Pat Pat’s Kansi
9. Suzu Kin
Makati dwellers may remember this homey restaurant in San Antonio Village from their childhood. It may not be the most amazing Japanese fare you’ll ever try but it is the most bang for your buck (especially if you’re on a shoestring budget). Suzu Kin serves good sushi that will set you back at Php 200 at most, while most of the items on the menu including ramen and donburi are usually priced lower. Another plus: they have local beer for less than Php 50.
Photo from: Suzu Kin
10. 101 Hawker Food House
Laksa for breakfast? Why not. This unassuming diamond in the rough is easily missed if you’re driving along Urban Ave. (beside Gil Puyat) because of its location that borders the neighborhoods of San Antonio and Legaspi. Bring your friends here as servings are good for 2-3 at very affordable prices including Hainanese Chicken and Kwar Chay Teow below Php 200. Update: They’ve opened a second location at the ground floor of The Beacon in Legaspi.
Photo from: 101 Hawker Food House
San Antonio Village in Makati is a progressing neighborhood with a growing community of expats, millennials and even families. With recent developments in the neighborhood paving the way for more lifestyle options, San Antonio is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand addresses in Makati for its affordability and convenience. Hence, The San Antonio Residence is the embodiment of the neighborhood’s charm. Giving an emphasis to family, its amenities are family-oriented, including outdoor parent-children bonding areas. Its low prices and no down payment make it perfect for starting out families and independent young professionals who have grasped life at its helm and want to make the most of it.
What’s your favorite hole-in-the-wall food haunt?
