I was visiting family in Taguig last weekend and we decided to hit up the McKinley West Food Truck…read moreFestival on a whim--best spontaneous plan ever. The place was buzzing but not overcrowded, with so many trucks lined up it was hard to choose! We grabbed killer tacos from one of the Mexican spots, some insane loaded fries, and finished with that creamy Mio Gelati pistachio gelato that honestly ruined regular ice cream for me forever. Everything was fresh, portions were generous, and nothing broke the bank--most stuff under 250 pesos. The sunset view over the open space was stunning, super chill vibe with music playing, and parking was a breeze with tons of free spots. We stayed way longer than planned just people-watching and eating. Please keep this going permanently, it's such a fun spot! Five stars, no question.

In its first month, I had hoped for the Food Truck Festival to extend or stay in the Westside of…read moreMcKinley forever. Thankfully, the food trucks are here to stay until the 13th of December - which is a good compromise! I still wish for it to be a permanent fixture so we have something going on in McKinley! When I did a quick tour of the area, the food sold at the festival didn't go over P250. That's pretty reasonable and more reasons to pig out! There's a variety of food selection from burgers, gelato, Filipino, Mediterranean, American and street food. Recently, there's an addition of Japanese and Mexican food trucks! Seriously though, I only come here for the gelato by Mio Gelati (P100 for a premium cup) but I always end up getting more than what I came for. I'd have Lamb Biryani from Shawarma Bros (P199), Bacon Cheese Burger from Malcolm's Deli (P150) and Chili Garlic Wings from Bag Wings to name a few. There are live performances as well (although I've never actually seen one). I make sure to come here as soon as it opens because the view is absolutely beautiful. Since McKinley West hasn't started most of the construction in the area, there's so much free space! You also have a view of the Essensa Towers as the sun sets. Parking is far easy as well! They have 500 parking spaces all for free!

There are two noteworthy Jolly Jeep's along Palanca Street, and Lirio's is one of them. The other…read moreone being Jolly Jeep number 095. Lirio's is the gourmet jolly jeep that has been spreading by word of mouth. For the uninitiated, jolly jeep's are turu-turo kiosks, turo-turo literally meaning point-point, or carinderias where the common folk order lunch during work breaks. For a point-point to offer gourmet meals like Hungarian sausage (from Santi's) and German Potato Salad (one of their specialties!) is unheard of. If you happen to be along Palanca street, Lirio's is definitely worth a try. The food truck is located in front of Plantation restaurant and bar.

Since I could remember, THE Aristocrat RESTAURANT has been a regular go-to eatery for my family…read moreduring most if not all visits to Manila, Philippines. Needless to say, during my November, 2024 vacation, I had to stop by here for a snack or meal which occurred on the evening of Wednesday, the 13th. Established in 1936, The Aristocrat is one of the oldest restaurants in Manila and historic landmark recognised by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines with a marker at this original location on Roxas Boulevard, recognizing its contribution to Philippine culinary history. An iconic spot famed for its homestyle Filipino delights like Lumpiang Shangahi (₱415), Crispy Pata (₱975), and Halo-halo (Blanco ₱160, Regular ₱180, and Specia l₱220), the long-loved brand has won the hearts of Filipinos across the country and is still a favourite up to this day. Situated in the vibrant Malate district, conveniently on Roxas Boulevard, the venue offers diners a picturesque view of Manila Bay, which adds to its charm. The place also has ample parking in the private lot and the interior design is clean and well-maintained. With the onsite bakeshop and store, bright lighting, and 24-hour service, The Aristocrat captures diner vibes while welcoming guests to a warm family-style setting with tables grouped together. Showcasing the best of Filipino culinary culture, the extensive menu at Aristocrat boasts bold, lively flavours served in satisfying portions. Signature dishes include the celebrated Chicken BBQ & Java Rice combination, widely considered "the best chicken barbecue in town," and the iconic Aristocrat Adobo Flying Saucer (₱190), a toasted, circular bread pocket filled with savoury chicken adobo. Each dish is thoughtfully presented and every bite serves as a rich celebration of Filipino cuisine. Below are some of what we ordered at my most recent visit: Fresh Lumpiang Ubod (₱175) - This was Uncle Bolo's order. He enjoyed the shredded ubod (heart of palm) sautéed with pork and shrimp, perfectly wrapped and generously poured with the savoury-sweet and thick peanut sauce topped with ground peanuts and fresh garlic. Crab & Corn Soup (₱98) - The thick, creamy broth filled with sweet corn kernels and shredded delicate crab meat was enjoyed for its warm, savoury flavor, mirroring traditional Filipino-Chinese comfort food. Fried Lumpiang Ubod (₱188) - I'm not a fan of lumpiang ubod, but those who ate this starter enjoyed the crispy texture of the eggroll, especially paired with the spiced vinegar. Gulaman at Sago (₱98) - The Filipino sweet, thirst-quenching iced beverage of gelatin cubes with chewy tapioca pearls in a brown sugar syrup was refreshing and beautiful in presentation. Kare Kare (₱925) - Each spoonful of this classic peanut-forward stew of beef and vegetables was full of flavour. Bistek Tagalog (₱450) - This classic, comforting rendition of the Filipino beef steak, featuring thinly sliced lean beef marinated in savoury soy sauce and tangy calamansi juice and topped with caramelized white onions was impressively tasty and tender. Pinakbet na Baboy (₱330) - This dish featuring a medley of vegetables - such as eggplant, green beans, and bittern melon - and pork sautéed in a savoury shrimp paste is one of Mom's favourites. Unfortunately, she wasn't super impressed with Aristocrat's version. Ginataang Laing (₱225) - This Filipino comfort dish of taro leaves and pork bits cooked in coconut milk and topped with shrimp and siling labuya (small, fiery chili pepper cultivar) was richly creamy, slightly spicy and deeply aromatic. 3-PC Chicken Barbecue (₱345) - This is Aristocrat's iconic dish, often cited as the flagship meal of the legendary Manila-based establishment. Their famous Chicken Barbecue is composed of three pieces of chicken (typically drumsticks and/or leg/thigh cuts) that are marinated, skewered, and grilled to a tender, juicy, and smoky finish. Served with Java Rice (a bright yellow-orange-coloured, savoury rice) and homemade Atsara (a Filipino pickled dish made from grated unripe green papaya) both of which bring out the tastiness of the smoky chicken. Pork Barbecue (₱300) - Two sticks of tender, marinated pork skewers grilled to perfection, typically served with Java Rice and Atsara. Dalyn replaced the Java Rice for white rice to complement the sweet, smoky bites of pork. Fresh Green Mango Shake (₱180) - My shake of fresh succulent green mango fruit blended with light syrup and crushed ice was a perfect balance of tangy and sweet - YUM! THE Aristocrat RESTAURANT's warm, polite and attentive service with nostalgic ambiance and delectable, well-presented dishes have made the establishment a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike, a must-visit for the heart and soul of authentic Filipino fare.

Just got back from a quick weekend in Manila and hit up The Aristocrat for dinner on our last…read morenight--jet lag had us starving at like 11 p.m., and thank God this place never closes. Walked in and it felt like stepping into a living museum of Pinoy comfort food: those old black-and-white photos everywhere, the framed stories about Aling Asiang, the whole spot just humming with locals and travelers alike. We loaded up the table with the classics--boneless chicken barbecue that was smoky-sweet perfection, dripping with that thick peanut sauce, a mountain of java rice to soak it all up, sizzling sisig that popped with every bite, and their halo-halo to finish because why not go full send? Everything tasted like someone's lola spent hours perfecting it: bold flavors, generous portions, nothing skimpy. The staff hustled hard even with the late crowd, refilling calamansi juice without us asking and keeping things warm and welcoming. It's not flashy or Instagram-fancy, but that's exactly why it's so good--it's real, hearty Filipino home cooking done right in a place that's been doing it forever. Left full, happy, and already missing it. Easily the best meal of the trip. Five stars all the way.

Who wants Tacosss? If you want legit tacos, not the ones that come in a taco shell, go to original…read moretaco cart that showed us all the truth and the light! Tacos Chingones is located beside Som's and only has a few tables. So, when I go here, I either go alone or just bring 1 or 2 friends with me. They only have a few choices on their menu but they are all done with much love and...grease. Seriously, you will see the ladies cooking a mountain of onions on their griddle and, when they get an order, they cook all the meat with the onions. All their tacos are made to order and so fresh! These tacos are great for a lunch stop or a quick dinner. My favorites are the Chicharones, Al Pastor, and Chorizo. But, my non-negotiable and I-will-order-3-pieces-for-myself order is the Lengua! I know many don't like to eat tongue but, the ladies here cook it right. It's just melts in your mouth. Can't fully explain it. Just order it, ok? The perfect beverage to go with your tacos? An ice cold Coke, oh yes! So, stop whatever you're doing. Head to this taco cart. Order ALL the tacos! Wolf down the tacos. Order again. You're welcome! ;)

I used to not think too highly of tacos. Having grown up on canteen tacos, made with crunchy…read moreshells, spaghetti sauce and Quickmelt, I never felt that there was any reason for me to pick tacos over anything else, except for like...rice and salt or something. However, when I had my first soft steak taco, I saw the light. Gone were the palate-piercing shards of fried tortillas. The mush and gristle of "taco meat" was replaced by the . Most importantly what seemed like disparate parts merged into a whole. And yet even that would not please the palate of a Mexican visitor to the Philippines. The tortilla would be the wrong kind, the taco itself too big. Unless he found itself at Tacos Chingones. This unassuming little truck (seriously my friend ate at Som's 2 days before we had Tacos here and he didn't notice) serves the most authentic tacos in Manila. Gone are the large flour tortillas, replaced with a pair of small corn tortillas. 2 are required to contain the juice of the meat. Speaking of the meat, you won't find spaghetti sauce anywhere here.Instead, all meat is freshly cooked on the griddle. The Choices include: Chicharones (Chicharon), Pastor (Pulled Pork), Barbacoa (Chopped Beef), Chorizo, Pollo de Chipotle(Chicken in Spicy Sauce), Carne Molida con Papas (ground beef and potatoes) and TNT (Tongue and Tripe). Of these, the standout is the TNT, which explains why it's priced slightly higher than other toppings. The melting tenderness of the lengua is set against the slight chew of the tripe. If you're a bit squeamish at the thought of eating offal tacos, the Chcharones and Barbacoa would be my choice. These toppings give small morsels of flavor that go better with the small tortillas than the other choices in my opinion. Also, the crunch of the chicharon and the meatiness of the beef set off against the soft but crispy tortillas. The tacos go for 170 for 3, except for the TNT, which costs 80 per taco. While surprisingly filling, there shouldn't be any problem trying all the fillings for yourself. While eventually you'll find your favorite, the tacos are affordable and light enough to get a different taco fix every time you need it.

Soul food really isn't much of a thing here, is it? When we think of American food, we usually…read morethink of burgers, fries, almost everything western lumped together in one incoherent, almost stereotypical pile. These guys take what's usually associated with the south and African-American nosh and serve it up in delectable bite sized portions. I have not had corndogs like these guys do corndogs. Most corndogs I've seen have this bready, almost pancake-like coating. What these guys carry is warm and crunchy. A good holder for the hotdog. My only regret is that it looks like they use half a hotdog rather than a whole hotdog but given how heavy it is? That might actually be a stroke of brilliance on their part. And let's not get started on their deep fried oreos. Now those were an indulgence I'd only tasted one other place. It's a great place that fills the "I just want a snack" niche at StrEAT. Also, have I mentioned the staff is really nice? Because they're really nice.

My partner is a cheese lover so you can only imagine how her eyes twinkled when we saw the poster…read moreabout Deep Fried Cheese! Hihi. Food trucks are sort of becoming a thing now in the Philippines and were just so glad that they are conquering Maginhawa Street. The Soul Food Truck is one of those food stalls located in Maginhawa strEAT. They are serving averagely priced meals - Deep Fried Cheese only costs 75php and it comes with a unique strawberry cinnamon dip. Definitely a must-try if you're in the area!

There are two feature-worthy jolly jeeps along Carlos Palanca Street in Makati. Jolly Jeep number…read more095, located across Family Mart, is one of them. You won't miss the long queue at lunch time for their mouth-watering Liempo. They cook it fresh, as people order, and you just tell the ate how much you want - 40pesos, 50, or 100. And then, add on rice and other viands. I got a 50, plus an order of rice ginataang puso ng saging (banana blossoms stewed in coconut milk). All for PHP 65 (USD 1.44!).

If you ever worked or resided in this side of Makati, this particular jollijeep stall will…read moredefinitely ring a bell. They become heavily popular for their sisig recipe and I am here for it. I have always been a fan of this recipe (which is a top tier Pinoy food for me). There is usually a line during lunch hours which will make you wait for 10 minuts or more. They have a takeaway bag and or avail additional if you want to have it placed in a microwaveable container. Dine-in is served in a paper plate.

Ask any Pinoy what is a must try dish to eat when you're here in Manila and I bet they will say the…read moresame thing: Sisig! Every Filipino restaurant, even the fusion ones, must serve this dish! So, you'll have your high-end versions and also your supermarket versions that come out of a can (which are really not good! Seriously!). If I could, I'd eat Sisig every time I have a beer. But, yeah, for the sake of my heart, I hold back. Haha! Now, let's talk about Sisig sa Rada. This JollyJeep became popular on Facebook with the Makati lunch crowd. Their version of the sisig is made-to-order and prepared within 5 minutes! Every sisig order is fried in egg with sweet mayo on the side. For me, that's what makes their sisig yummylicious. The extra frying makes the sisig bits crispy! Also, the best part, a sisig meal is only Php54! Be prepared to eat standing and that you have to wait awhile during lunch hours. This sisig is flavorful, crunchy and fits everyone's budget. Definitely worth a try! Here's another tip: ask them to fry your sisig longer! :D

Of all my "jollijeep" adventures, this is one of my favorite finds. To those who don't know what a…read morejollijeep is, these are temporary steel eateries along the streets of Makati. This hidden gem called Lirio's offers food that is fit for professional catering. In fact, they actually cater to small events if you ask them to. They have all the necessary equipment for it seeing as their food is often displayed in chaffing dishes in their jollijeep. I love their food! This is the only jollijeep you will find that offers French toast or prime beef tapa for breakfast, roast beef or fish fillet with tartar sauce (with side of buttered corn) for lunch, German potato salad or pastrami sandwich for lunch. And it isn't just the selection that is surprising, the taste and quality of their food is also top-notch. For instance, if you get an order of spaghetti with meatballs from them, they put parsley flakes and parmesan cheese on it. Really? It's a steel kiosk on the street! And I only pay between P80 to P90 per order! The food and the service are very similar to what you'd get from more expensive food trucks. It's no wonder you'll see well-dressed Makati businessfolk lining up for their food, they're often sold out for lunch by 1:30. Just goes to show, you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

GOURMET FOOD IN A JOLLIJEEP…read more Jollijeep is what we call those food stalls that line Makati streets. Open mostly on weekdays, these stalls make it possible for corporate slaves to get a filling meal without shelling out too much of their hard-earned money. Because of its cheap prices, Jollijeep food is considered low-quality, oftentimes seen as unhygienic or unsafe. Although that might be true for some, it is with great pleasure that I tell you about this quite unique jollijeep stall that stands in Palanca street (near the famous pork chops I told you about in a separate review). The stall is called Mang Lirio's and it is located right in front of the restobar Plantation. The usual price of a jollijeep meal is around 50 pesos, so one might consider Mang Lirio's to be quite pricey, at around 70 to 80 pesos for a full rice meal. (Still way cheaper and more sulit than eating in a restaurant or some fast food chains.) But the difference is worth it! The gourmet food you'll be getting is tasty, satisfying and the servings are generous. For breakfast, they have the usual tocino, tapa, longganisa, dilis, etc - all delicious choices which they rotate in a week. They also serve french toast and taho! For lunch they have selections such as pork binagoongan, roast beef with gravy, bicol express and lechon kawali to name a few. They also have california maki (wow right), siomai, and other food items such as sandwiches and even fruits. All arranged in a very neat and inviting display. Next time you're in the area, try this jollijeep that's quite a bit more 'upscale' above the rest. But still awesome, awesome value for money.