The holidays are over and that means a New Year, and more UBE (Ultimate Bonding Experience) with friends and family, especially those who have come home to celebrate the spirit of 2017 in their homeland. Now what better way than to make our balikbayans feel more at home than to feast on Filipino food that they have so missed in their own side of the world? This time, however, surprise them with a new take on the beloved cuisine through a culinary journey at these Pinoy restaurants that add a contemporary twist to their dishes.
6. Sarsa
Calling all the Ilonggos out there! Sarsa is Chef JP Anglo’s lovechild with his native hometown and its cuisine. The menu offers the classics like Inasal as well as a fresh take on favorites including the best-seller Sizzling Kansi that will definitely make your balikbayans blurt out in delight, “Namit Gid!”
Photo from: Sarsa
5. Lobo
From the same owner of Persia Grill and Kite which shine light on Middle Eastern cuisine, Lobo focuses on Filipino classics with a modern twist, mostly heirloom recipes of the Kazemi family. From the colonial interiors that bring you back to Old Manila to their unique take on dishes including the Lamb Adobo and the Pasta Negra (squid ink pasta with orange).
Photo from: Lobo
4. Alamat
Alamat takes pride in heritage Filipino cuisine, so you won’t find the typical Filipino fare here, but instead modern renditions of regional dishes from local tribes. Interesting best sellers include the Piyanggang Chicken Wings, a Tausug dish with burnt coconut dish, their artisanal sausages (Sisig, Bopis, Dinuguan to name a few), and even the Bacon Bagnet, homemade air dried cured pork belly with a honey patis drizzle.
3. Pepita’s Kitchen
Dedet de la Fuente’s home is a degustation haven where she creates the most imaginative Filipino dishes, but is most known for her art of lechon where she stuffs suckling pigs with ingredients of beauty like truffle rice speckled with foie gras. Her desserts such as Mango Trifle and Pinoy Dessert are also a thing of wonder. Pepita’s Kitchen only accepts pre-orders for groups in her own home.
Photo from: Pepita’s Kitchen
2. Toyo Eatery
Chef Jordy Navarra, formerly of Black Sheep, recreates Filipino dishes in his modern degustation, but also, adds his own twist to local dishes that are flawlessly executed including his signature Bahay Kubo Salad and newer dishes that make use of locally sourced ingredients like the much raved bangus belly.
Photo from: Toyo
1. Black Sheep
Don’t be fooled by Chef Patrick Go’s age, he’s had much experience under the original Black Sheep flagship. With a new location in Makati and new menu that reflects the young chef’s culinary creativity; expect a merging of Filipino and Chinese elements in each dish.
Your balikbayan loved ones will appreciate the imaginative touch on the beloved Filipino fare. Just like the San Antonio Residence, a new living concept that focuses on what is important in life. Equipped with amenities that allows for family bonding, wellness and health, the condo also boasts its strategic location where it provides convenience for its residents. With no down payment, the San Antonio Residence provides a venue for a life well-lived, and becomes a wonderful investment to create passive income, especially for those living and working abroad, looking for an effective business opportunity.
