You know those Dynamite spring rolls, where a green pepper is stuffed with ground beef and cheese, wrapped, then deep fried? You know how typical Manileños shy away from this dish because they're scared it would be too spicy? Yeah, that barely tickles my throat, and no, they don't serve those here.
I bring it up because as a Bicolano in Manila, I rarely get to eat food that hits the spiciness meter just right. Until I chanced upon this tiny establishment right at the corner of Arellano and Estrada Streets, right in front of Hotel Benilde. This little mom n' pop eatery is owned by a couple from the Bicol region, and almost everything they cook has a dash of red pepper guaranteed to set your heart (and colon) aflame.
I especially love their version of kinunot, a Bicolano delicacy that's either shark or stingray meat in coconut milk and a generous amount of chili.
Of course, they also have options for the less adventuruous, which might be good for those who do not want to spend the next two hours of their life moaning and groaning on the toilet. read more