Rocha's puto is really special and delicious. Actually it is one of my favorite places to get puto…read morein the world. The puto is chewy and cheesy. I could probably eat a whole box in one sitting. If you are in Marikina, I highly recommend buying a box or two! Next time I'm in Marikina this is a must visit for me.

First day of school. You will expect the students to talk about academic issues. But, surprise,…read moreRocha's Puto at Kutsinta made its way into the conversation. My classmate asked me where I was from and I answered Marikina. Quickly, she remarked: "I've been there. Dumayo kami to try Rocha's Puto and Kutsinta. You're famous for that, di ba?" And all the while I was thinking Marikina was famous for shoes! But, maybe, the palate makes a greater impact on the memory than the feet. Oh well, this is one time I am happy to be wrong. The puto of Rocha's is really quite good. Flavorful but not overly sweet. Soft and fluffy and never buhaghag. This rice cake from Rocha's is becoming a staple at meals served for family celebrations. So, next time, if you are going to a potluck party, you now have more options than just spaghetti, pancit or pizza. Visit Marikina and buy Rocha's Puto and Kutsinta. Marikina, the puto and kutsinta capital of the Philippines? Not bad.

This new place just opened a few weeks ago, but has been quite popular in the area already! There's…read morealways a lot of people, considering how simple the food is. It's literally street food, so expect your favorite isaw and kwek-kwek but at a bit of a higher price. Cos duh it's not actually from the street haha. Not too expensive though! And you're sure it's clean hehe. You get to enjoy the really nice interiors while you're at it. They have popular street/snack foods from other countries too like your malaysian satay, japanese yakitori, mexican nachos, thai "pok-pok" wings... Could have more adventurous stuff though. I'd love for them to adapt those streetside kebabs from queens in new york!! Or have actual persian kebabs, haha. Here's hoping they expand the menu! Promising little place. Worth a visit when you're in Lilac! Drop by here after shopping at Empire upstairs. ;)

The best puto in town and probably the whole country!!! Soooo good, melts in your mouth. I eat it…read morelike peanuts.

Bought a couple of stuff here. The suman pinipig with buko is excellent. Highly recommended…read more However, I've tasted better puto pao, puto and pichi pichi. Staff is pleasant.

Looking for healthier options at your local candy store? You might not find one... not unless they…read moreare like Shien Shien Delicacies. This particular stall offers a wide array of snacking foods, mostly candies such as gummy worms and what not, that can be popular with little kids. To an adult with a more savory palate however, there is also the options to go for their wide assortment of nuts, including cashews, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, (roasted or in adobo style) peas (not a nut, I know, but it's there) and beans among others. They also have dried fruits and vegetables that run the gamut from dried mangoes, tomatoes, olives, melons, and so on. Also of interest are their other options, such as whole red and yellow cherries (with seeds and all). These are not candies, so they are not meant to be sweet, but they have a long shelf live, are reasonably healthy compared to fattening chocolates or cakes, and, at Shien Shien, sold at very good prices starting 100g of each item.

Razon's has always been my go-to place for a quick halo-halo fix. Despite the fact that they use…read moreless ingredients, it actually tastes better for me. Imagine how happy I was to find out that they were opening up a branch so close to my house! Now, I can get halo-halo in 5 freakin' minutes. If you've never tried it, you're definitely missing out. If it's your first time, I suggest that you try the sizzling bulalo, the sizzling sisig and the chicken pork asado. It's a bit pricey (a bit more expensive than the usual) but it's definitely worth trying! If you want something a little less heavy, I suggest you try the pancit luglug. I absolutely hate pancit but they changed my mind with this one. Top it off with some ensaymadas or silvanas and (of course) their famous halo-halo and you're all set. I guarantee you'll get hooked!

For those with a sweet tooth, various small candy shops have emerged with their plastic stalls…read moreloaded with all sorts of delights that make a mouthful of sweet, sugary goodness possible. While I have grown out of splurging on too much candy, I still delight myself whenever I see a Candy Corner; I remember myself from before, so much in love with their delectable, sweet smelling, uniquely shaped candies that are so much the favorite of the young, hyperactive metabolism that can't wait to get all of that sugar down and exhaust it by running around and playing a lot, burning off so much of it and giving the adults a harder time before the eventual sugar crash and nap time. Ha, those were the days. Some things never change, I suppose; we still have these Candy Corner shops with the friendly women in aprons giving children what they wish to have to soothe their sweet tooth, and occasionally for the adults as well, who never really grow out of it.

I saw this place as I was driving home from work and I couldn't help but notice the long line of…read morepeople outside. My interest piqued, I thought that I would try it out for myself. The first thing that you take note of is their set-up. They grill the steaks outside where everybody can see, you pay at the counter before you take your seat and the waiters circle the area to either hand you what you need or to supply you with more rice. I was displeased to see the quality of the utensils & plates used but despite that, I had a pretty good dining experience. The food is quite cheap and you end up walking away with a full & happy tummy. The steaks taste pretty good especially when you add their specially made gravy. If you're looking to load up on carbs, this is the place for you.