A great and comforting meal transports you to a new destination, a familiar place, or a nostalgic feeling! We found that experience right here in Metro Manila.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
Discovering a new cuisine is more than just trying new food; it’s also about learning the rich traditions and diverse culture behind every dish. For those who have traveled around Southeast Asia, Singapore stands out as a melting pot of cultures and flavors, from hawker fare classics like Hainanese chicken rice and char kway teow.
Now, you no longer need to book a flight to Singapore to enjoy authentic Singaporean cuisine! You can simply visit Chatterbox Cafe PH’s first branch at SM Aura.
Founded in 1971, Chatterbox Cafe originated in Singapore and first opened inside the Hilton Singapore Orchard (formerly The Mandarin Singapore). After decades of serving bold, authentic Singaporean cuisine, along with its world-famous Mandarin Chicken Rice, the restaurant has become a culinary institution, drawing long queues and recommendations from both locals and tourists alike.
Now, Filipino diners can experience these authentic, soul-satisfying Singaporean flavors closer to home than ever before. Whether you’re craving a taste of Singapore or looking to explore a new cuisine, Chatterbox Cafe PH offers an inviting dining experience where every bite is worth savoring.
First look
At first glance, Chatterbox Cafe PH offers a spacious and inviting atmosphere that doesn’t feel intimidating, even for curious mallgoers.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
The space features a modern dining aesthetic with earthy tones and wooden furniture, reminiscent of its Singapore branches, coupled with warm Filipino hospitality that makes you feel welcome the moment you step inside and encourages you to stay a little longer for dessert.
The café has plenty of seating for families, friends, and couples looking to satisfy their Singaporean food cravings. At the same time, it also offers private dining rooms that can accommodate larger groups for intimate gatherings or special occasions.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
But the cafe is more than just its interiors and ambiance. It showcases how the restaurant has been preserving and sharing authentic Singaporean flavors on every plate. We had a quick chat with Executive Chef Liew Tian Heong, who shared how Chatterbox has remained true to its culinary heritage for over five decades.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
“We bring in all the authentic Singapore food and make sure the things that you eat in the Philippines are almost the same as what you eat in Singapore,” he said. “So, you don’t have to fly to Singapore to eat. You can eat it here in the Philippines.”
Having worked with Chatterbox for close to four decades, Liew now serves as its executive chef, pouring his love and passion into every dish.
Our top recommendations
If you’re still undecided, here are some of our top picks from Chatterbox Café PH.
There’s so much hype surrounding the Mandarin Chicken Rice, and honestly, we understand why. This signature dish features succulent boneless chicken, aromatic jasmine rice, a comforting bowl of chicken soup, and three house-made sauces: chili sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger purée.
Mandarin Chicken Rice (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
According to Chef Liew, the chicken is slow-cooked to perfection to ensure tender, juicy meat. As for the rice, its signature fragrance comes from a blend of herbs cooked together with it. He also shared that the rice is never prepared in large batches. Instead, they cook only about three kilograms at a time to preserve its soft texture and aroma.
Once you take a bite of the juicy chicken and fragrant jasmine rice with the accompanying sauces, it’s a comforting combination of flavors that fills your mouth. Every bite offers a slightly different experience when paired with the different sauces or enjoyed alongside the other dishes, making the meal even more satisfying. I personally loved adding extra chili sauce and ginger purée to mine, as I enjoy spicy and tangy flavors. Feel free to pair the chicken with whichever sauce you prefer!
(If you want something more indulgent, dip it into the Lobster Laksa for a rich, nutty sauce that perfectly coats the meat.)
Chatterbox Lobster Laksa (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Aside from the Mandarin Chicken Rice, the premium Chatterbox Lobster Laksa is well worth the splurge—and it’s also Chef Liew’s personal recommendation.
“Lobster laksa is one of our signatures in Chatterbox,” Liew said, sharing that the laksa is made with a rich prawn stock, lobster meat, coconut cream, and a blend of spices and seasonings that create a smooth, thick, and flavor-packed broth. “Although it looks very thick, it is very smooth and very nice.”
Indeed, the first sip is memorable. It delivers a deep, nutty broth that envelops your palate in a burst of rich flavors. The lobster is tender and buttery in texture, pairing beautifully with their fragrant rice.
Their Chatterbox Rojak is another dish worth trying alongside the mains. Known as “mixed” in Malay, this traditional salad combines sliced fruits and vegetables tossed in a flavorful dressing. At first glance, it may seem intimidating for diners who prefer familiar dishes, but its combination of sweet, sour, and umami flavors feels surprisingly balanced and refreshing.
Chatterbox Rojak (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
As someone who doesn’t eat vegetables often, I found myself reaching for the Rojak and enjoying it alongside the other dishes. It isn’t overly vegetable-forward or intimidating. Instead, it’s a fun take on a salad that I’d order again on my next visit.
No Singaporean feast is complete without noodles. Their Beef Hor Fun features smooth and springy rice noodles, expertly stir-fried and generously topped with thick and tender slices of beef. I love that the flavors are mild and not too overpowering, and you can actually taste the silky rice noodles and the tenderness of the beef.
Beef Hor Fun (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
A meal wouldn’t be complete without dessert! We tried their iconic Coconut Ice Cream, made with fresh coconut milk, coconut flesh, and desiccated coconut, all beautifully served inside a real coconut husk. Each scoop is thick, creamy, and luscious, topped with crunchy walnuts and tropical fruits. It has the right amount of sweetness to end a hearty meal.
Chatterbox Coconut Ice Cream (Photo: WhenInManila.com)
Their Coconut Ice Cream is more than just a visually stunning centerpiece on the table—it’s a dessert that’s perfect for sharing with your loved ones or enjoying all on your own. I’m not a fan of overly sweet desserts, but this one is just right. You can really taste the fresh coconut, along with its naturally rich and nutty flavor.
Final Verdict
If you haven’t had the chance to visit Singapore or you’re already looking forward to your next trip, you won’t feel like you’re missing out now that Chatterbox Café PH has arrived in Metro Manila.
Whenever an international restaurant opens in the Philippines, there’s always the question of whether the food will live up to the flavors of its original branch. Thankfully, Chatterbox Café PH delivers on that promise. Executive Chef Liew Tian Heong shared that many of the restaurant’s key ingredients continue to be sourced from overseas, ensuring the same exceptional quality and authentic flavors that have defined Chatterbox since its founding in Singapore in 1971.
More than five decades later, Chatterbox’s legacy continues to thrive, bringing generations of Singaporean culinary tradition to Filipino diners without compromising the flavors that made it an institution in its home country. For that reason alone, Chatterbox Café PH is a destination I’d happily return to whenever I’m craving something comforting yet rewarding (or simply when I’m in the mood for another serving of its Mandarin Chicken Rice).
Chatterbox Cafe PH is located at Level 2, SM Aura – 26th Street Corner Mckinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1630, Metro Manila.
