Flame up your appetite for Pinoy favorites at Siklab

MANILA, Philippines – The Bistro Group will rekindle your craving for the local cuisine in this new restaurant that will surely remind anyone why Filipino food is worth dining for.

Located at the 3rd level of Greenbelt 3, Siklab offers local favorites in their best hot-off-the-grill goodness. Guests can look forward to nothing less than a burst of flavors even in the most common Filipino dishes.

“At Siklab, the story doesn’t end with serving all-Filipino dishes but we present these dishes creatively, the Bistro way,” Chef Josh Boutwood says. “Both usual favorites and some unique Filipino dishes will be served with interesting twists. The taste, however, is still traditionally Filipino — but richer and more flavorful.”

For starters, Kuhol Sa Gata or local escargot drenched in coconut cream and spicy ingredients is a recommended choice. Also available are Monggo Soup and salads that are prepared with fresh ingredients truly Filipino: salted eggs, green mangoes, pako, kesong puti and grated coconut.

Kuhol sa Gata

Those who love vegetables could always try Siklab’s Pakbet, which is complete of the usual ingredients like squash, string beans, eggplant and bittermelon sautéed in shrimp paste and topped with crackling pork skin.

With a name that that literally means “to catch fire” or “burst into flames,” Siklab’s “must-try” items are of course its grilled dishes such as the Chicken Barbeque, which is the bestseller and the star of the menu. Smothered in coconut soy sauce, citrus and other spices, the meat is grilled to exact temperature and tenderness that gives a smokey aroma and intense flavor.

Another grilled favorite is the barbecued Liempo, a slab of juicy pork belly best eaten with hot steamed rice and condiments on the side. The adventurous eater may enjoy the Grilled Pig’s Ears while the health-conscious may try the Tuna Belly, a juicy and tender chunk of tuna sprinkled with chilies and garlic.

Chicken Barbeque

“Roasted seafood are dipped in blended soy sauce and lemongrass, while beef, pork and poultry are brushed with a tomato-based basting—all rich and homemade barbecue basting,” Chef Josh explains.

Siklab won’t be a homegrown restaurant concept without the traditional meat highlights such as Bulalo, Molo Soup and Sinigang na Baka. Perfect for any kind of weather, these flavorful stews complement the grilled items on the menu. Another local meat dish that is a sure winner is Binagoongang Liempo, a slab of crispy pork belly on a bed of eggplant sautéed in a homemade shrimp paste.

Desserts at Siklab are mostly Filipino childhood favorites and comfort food prepared in a playful way. If you enjoy the various Pinoy rice cakes in your younger years and until now, then you will surely love Siklab’s version of Biko, a slice of sticky and sweetened glutinous rice served with chocolate soil and white latik.

Fans of sweetened banana snacks and cold desserts will also crave for Siklab’s Caramelized Banana and the superb Turon 2.0, which is adorned with homemade caramelized cones filled with banana compote, langka and macapuno topped with banana and ube ice cream.

Turon 2.0

As part of Bistro Group’s portfolio of restaurant concepts, Siklab carries the same brand of customer service, great food and friendly ambiance that the chain is known and loved for. In the local food scene, Siklab distinguishes itself as a blazing new venue where families, friends, expats, urban professionals and balikbayans can enjoy an authentic Pinoy dining experience.

For more information and reservations, please call 729-7431 and 32.