MANILA, Philippines - We often hear that the best thing to do in this metropolis is to eat. Not that we don’t have anything to offer. Filipinos are just natural experts in eating. If you’re a tourist (or if you feel like being one) and have gone through the traditional tour of Intramuros, Rizal Park and Mall of Asia, then it’s about time you got your hands and teeth on the Metro Manila food scene. Food porn advocate Anthony Bourdain hit the bull’s eye when he asked “Who is the Filipino?” in the Philippine episode of his show No Reservations. You might even find the metro to be somewhat “mongrelized” — a hodgepodge or a confused representation of the islands. Fortunately, the most basic manner of knowing this city is through its streets and the food that evolves with them. Yes, you’ve taken all of them before — walking tours. But now it’s time Young Star prescribe you a dose of food trip ecstasy. Our itinerary starts in Quezon City, where the city’s best-kept secrets continue to germinate. The City of Manila, on the other hand, prides itself on decades-old Chinoy delicacies and hole-in-the-wall places. The journey does not end here, as there will always be a different route worth taking.
YS takes you to Manila and Quezon City for a day of gastronomic euphoria
Kowloon’s jumbo pao
The proponent: Kowloon House, West Avenue, Quezon City
The salivator: Kowloon’s famous Jumbo Pao is probably the meatiest bun you’ll ever have this side of the world. Its dough has a unique texture — not spongy, but a little rubbery. For some reason, it’s a perfect match to the big ball of meat, chorizo and salted egg. There may be several Kowloon outlets in the country. However, nothing beats devouring that siopao-licious bun at the original West Avenue stand-slash-eatery.
Side bar: The 24-hour Kowloon on West Avenue even has a dimsum drive-through. Other must-tries are sausage paos for P55, and mongo pao for P25.
Mr. Kabab’s Special Beef Chelo
The proponent: Mister Kabab, West Avenue, Quezon City
The salivator: Two words: pure beef! The beef chelo kabab, at P135 only, is one of the reasons why Mister Kabab gets packed especially on weekends.
Side bar: The Middle Eastern establishment is also known for its shawarma sandwich, P65; shawarma plate, P85; sizzling keema, P105; and ox brain, P75.
Elar’s Lechon
The proponent: Elarz, 20 Speaker Perez Street, Quezon City
The salivator: Since 1941, Elar’s Lechon has been known for its finest roasted pigs. Today, it continues to grow through new franchises like the Elarz brand located on Speaker Perez Street. A kilogram of succulent lechon meat with red, crispy skin only costs P600. Minimum order is 1/4 kilogram for P150 only.
Side bar: You can call 742-2118 for orders or log on to www.elarz lechon.com.
Shanghai Fried Siopao
The proponent: Shanghai Fried Siopao, Ongpin Street
The salivator: It ain’t deep fried and it’s got a soft meat filling, almost like siomai, just waiting be eaten. One bun costs only P16.
Side bar: You’ll have to walk along Ongpin Street to find this hole-in-the-wall goodness.
New Po-Heng’s Lumpia
The proponent: New Po Heng Lumpia House (beside HSBC), 531 Quintin Paredes Street, Binondo
The salivator: This is authentic Chinoy lumpia for only P45.
Side bar: It’s eaten best with hot sauce!
Mezzanine’s Special Kiampong
The proponent: Café Mezzanine, Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila
The salivator: The Chinoy brown rice meal at Cafe Mezzanine, the volunteer fireman’s coffee shop, is probably the best looking kiampong we’ve ever seen. It’s served in a traditional bowl and topped with peanuts and herbs. Kiampong is cooked with Chinese soy sauce, pork and mushroom bits. We recommend you order a cup of kiampong, P48, and some crab egg rolls, P110, to match it.
Side bar: Sales of the coffee shop are donated to the Binondo and Paco Volunteer Fire, Search and Rescue Brigade. Chuankee Chinese Fastfood and Eng Bee Tin Hopia Store, also owned by “Mr. Hopia” Gerry Chua, are located below Mezzanine Cafe.
Em’s Sizzling Lamb Chops
The proponent: Ate Em’s, Ramos Street, Malate, Manila (at the back of De La Salle University)
The salivator: Unfortunately, Ate Em’s Lambchops are only available on special occasions. For only P150, two persons can share a large serving of mouthwatering lamb, served with gravy, rice and mashed potato.
Side bar: You’ll have to visit the canteen to check their serving schedule for the lamb chops.