Words by Trisha Diaz de Rivera
Looking for the “best sisig in Manila”? You can ask people around the city, and here’s where many of them will point you to—Manam.
Manam is known for their own spin on the home-cooked Filipino dishes we all love. You will notice that each dish will have a uniqueness of its own that just makes every bite worthwhile. An establishment by The Moment Group back in the year 2013, Manam consistently receives high praises—whether from publications, their patrons, and new guests—for their mouthwatering dishes.
We tried out five of their best-selling dishes, and here’s what I, a first-timer to the restaurant, can say about them:
ALSO READ: 10 Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants Around Manila
Pancit Palabok
This is the original and traditional palabok, but mixed with their creamy and rich sauce made with shrimp stock, tofu, tinapa, and annatto and then topped with chicharon, crispy garlic, scallions, squid, and shrimp. Nostalgia in every bite.
Crispy Pancit Palabok
This is Manam’s twist on the typical palabok. It is served with crispy noodles at first, but once the sauce hits the dish, it becomes just like the glass noodles! The texture of the noodles are softer, soaking the sauce up really well. This is a dish packed with all Pinoy favorite flavors from the traditional palabo, but served with a delightful twist.
Watermelon Sinigang
Just from hearing the name of the dish, I knew this was going to be something special. In comparison to the traditional soup made with pork and tamarind, Manam’s version is made with short ribs and watermelon. Now, I would like to think that I am the ULTIMATE sinigang lover as I grew up eating this every single day, and still do every so often, so given my credentials, trust me when I say that this was a delicious take on the staple Filipino soup. It will be nothing like you’ve ever tasted before.
Ube + Sago
I am not much of an ube fan, but this was really delicious. With its creamy, refreshing, and perfectly sweet taste, I would say that this drink was a great complement to all the Filipino food I was served. Made with coconut milk, Manam’s ube sago drink is decadent but light at the same time.
House Crispy Sisig
And, last but not the least, the much-talked about Manam sisig. I am not much of a sisig lover but—this dish left me speechless. Personally, this is hands down the best sisig I have tried here in Manila, much like everyone’s claim. The crispy pork is cooked with their creamy sauce, topped with bits of chicharon, scallions, chili, and calamansi juice for that extra pop of flavor.
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Overall, Manam surprises with the way they created a whole new spin on traditional Filipino cuisine. I can confidently say that I will be back to try the other varieties of dishes they offer. To experience the delicious Manam food for yourself, check out the links below and get to the Manam nearest to you.
ALSO READ: Cook Two Filipino Classics: Pork Adobo and Tofu Sisig
Manam Comfort Filipino
www.facebook.com/ManamPH
Instagram: @manamph
LOCATIONS:
BGC
4th Ave., Net Park Building, Bonifacio Global City
(02) 332 9390
Greenbelt 2
Ground Floor, Greenbelt 2, Esperanza Drive, Makati City
(02) 625 0515
Fairview
Central Garden, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Quirino Hi-way Cor. Maligaya Drive, Novaliches, Quezon City
(02) 625 4719
Mall of Asia
Ground Floor, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
(02) 899 1020
Greenhills
O Square, N. Western st., Greenhills, San Juan City
(02) 5049152 and (0917) 6272678
