Nightlife destination Barangay Poblacion is one of the happening places in Makati. Along Felipe Street, off P. Burgos in Makati's Red Light District, situated in the lesser travelled haunts of the rambunctious Poblacion area's main strip, is Tambai, Tambai Alley's hole-in-the-wall casual bar offering yakitori delights, cold drinks, and great company. Tambai's menu, written in chalk on the walls, is a list of skewered favorites, from pork, chicken, and beef to innards, vegetables, and seafood. Hardcore pulutan (finger food typically enjoyed with alcoholic beverages) offered in an unpretentious ambiance. At this hip "tambayan" (hangout place), restaurant sa baba, may dance floor sa taas (eatery downstairs, dance floor upstairs). My cousin, Eric, took Ron Ron, Uncle Bolo and me here on the night of November 22, 2024. We arrived shortly before 11:30 PM. Upstairs was jumping; the air was thick with heat, music, and the faint tang of spilled cocktails from shoulder-to-shoulder bodies swaying and bouncing in rhythm to the bass that thumped like a second heartbeat. Some danced with reckless abandon. We found a table with chairs downstairs which was just as lively with laughter and shouts rising above the music in bursts, often muffled by the clink of glasses and the fizz of freshly poured drinks. Some clutched their cups high to avoid the inevitable jostle, amber liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim. The energy was magnetic. Clearly, Tambai attracts the hungry, noisy and fun crowd. My kind of scene. I will definitely return to make tambay (hang out) at Tambai. Even after only a single visit, I am already a tambaiholic. read more

See all

This Yakitori joint opened as a street-side dining that is eventually renovated with a sleek 2nd level. Tambai proved its worth for being a hip "tambayan" (hangout place). This hole-in-the-wall place sprawls along Poblacion's adding night crowd to the neighbourhood. They serve grilled skewers using the freshest meat. Top options include: US pork (P45) Quail egg in bacon (P60), japanese sausage (P50) and zucchini (P45) or try everything with the sampler : Yaki-todo priced at P455. Get a bigger cut with Lakitori priced at 120 per stick, options include the US Pork, US Chicken Leg, US Chicken Isaw, US Beef Rib Finger. You can have your yakitori fried with a stick of Kushikatsu. Plain rice is at P50 and P70 for the Kimchi rice. Yakitori are best paired with local beers (P50) and craft beers. Tambai is a good spot to chill after gruelling with all-day work or just to end the week with a bottle or two. The menu is reasonably priced. Finding a parking around poblacion can be a little tough. read more

Tambai - Platter - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

See all

This place. *kilig* After a dreadful seven-year separation from Manila, I was thrilled to come back and find Poblacion rocking out with some of the coolest small businesses I've seen anywhere. And on the very top of that list? It's easily Tambai. This is not a place to see and be seen. It's not full of moody hipsters who act like you don't belong. No, it's this incredibly cool and chill place that's run by the sweetest people, serving up super tasty noms and drinks. That's it -- no pretense here. The space is cozy and unassuming, with a smattering of outside tables, and a few more inside when you need an escape from the heat or the rain. I'm pretty obsessed with the beer crates-turned tables and the dark interior. They only have a few drink options, but they're goodies. Beer, sake, and the most delicious bottled lambanog cocktail. The lambanog + calamansi (coconut moonshine + fresh limes) cocktail was hands-down one of the best things I've ever drank. It's light, not too sweet, and strong. So strong. As for food, it's a great menu of yakitori -- street food on a stick. If you're a first timer, get the yakitodo -- allllll the yakitori. I was a huge fan of the grilled veggies, bacon-wrapped quail eggs, and the chicken. It's also worth noting that I have some gnarly food allergies that the wonderful people at Tambai were happy to help me navigate around. Speaking of the people here, they're really lovely. Super laid-back, helpful, and just some of the nicest folks. On my last night in Manila, I wanted to bring some friends to my newfound favorite spot. The resto was closing soon, but they still let us sit and have one last round of lambanog. Cheers and five big stars to you, Tambai! read more

See all

Want somewhere to eat, drink & chill in Makati? Here is my go to place! Tambai is located along the busy streets of Poblacion; they serve "sosy" Filipino-Japanese fusion beer food on a stick. The perfect place to go after work and just eat delicious, affordable "street food." You would think that you wouldn't be filled up with the food because of the small servings but, with drinks, this is definitely not a light meal. :P I liked their US Beef and the Soft Shell Crab. But, personally, when I'm here with friends, I order the platter set and a One Cup Sake! For my girly friends, they order the Sake Jelly. Haha! Seriously, if it's your first time, order the platter and some of the big sticks. You'll be able to try all the bestsellers with your drink of choice. Also, please order and try the One Cup Sake! It's sooo good! Plus, no hangover in the morning. Legit! read more

See all

Simple yet satisfying. Will definitely fix your craving for yakitori and beer. What's more amazing is that you can cross-order from the restaurants next door. Crew were friendly and helpful. Will definitely come back for more. read more

See all

Tambai raises street food up to the level of gourmet cuisine :-) With dishes that are mostly served on sticks (with only a few exceptions, i.e.,soft shell crab), the venue is comfortable, cozy, clean, and unpretentious. The food is really good, and the service is friendly and fast. The prices are somewhat high for street food, but the quality provided by Tambai makes their food worth the price. This is a nice place to have a few beers, unwind, and relax after a long day. read more

One of the best food crawls I would suggest when you're in Makati would be at William Burgos. It's a secret everyone should actually know by now. Every street/corner is a melting pot of good food finds. The newest in the community would be this Street-side yakitori joint named Tambai. To describe this place further, you get to dine aflresco. The establishment is quiant and the small wooden tables adds up to the experience. You might even be seated at a made-up table of beer crates. Filipinos loves bbq and Japanese cuisine so when I heard about their concept, I was a sure they'll hit the right market. Every time I visit after work or even on weekends, it's already packed with regulars and newbies flocking to try the yakitori sticks. I've ordered their soft shell crab cooked tempura style drenched with their special sauce. This one was on of my favorites and I haven't forgotten it every time I visit. Another favorite would be the beef rib fingers. Spot on beef skewers that will possibly make you come back for more. Entirely, the service they provide keeps me and other regulars to visit Tambai every other week because of the hands-on owners serving your orders. Other times, they can even be your bar-table-buddy when you just want to be alone and eat good comfort food. Trust me, the best seat in the house is at the bar. read more

Tambai - SOFT SHELL CRAB TEMPURA. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

Let's face it: building a small restaurant to catch the spillover of diners waiting to get a seat at El Chupacabra was nothing short of genius. In the beginning, this humble little yakitori stand built around the concept of 'tambay' (hanging out in Tagalog) got very little attention, but this certainly isn't the case today. They have expanded to the inside of the house to accommodate more diners, which will help with the congestion that's building up along Brgy. Poblacion. Their yakitori selection is interesting, and is good for people who are looking to have a light snack - getting full on yakitori alone is a difficult feat to achieve. My favorites from Tambai are definitely the US Beef Isaw - up to this day, I STILL haven't cracked their marinade! Is it miso-based?! Whatever it is, it's heavenly. Their Beef Rib yakitori is also amazing, fork-tender and delicious. read more

Tambai - Tambai on day 3 of operations. Note the astounding lack of people! Hi to Franco, one of the head Tambais, serving up the goods. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

I've been wanting to try Tambai since a friend posted a photo and was raving about the ambience in this humble food stop. Despite the challenge of finding a parking spot in the area, my dad and I made our way to try Tambai to see and taste what the fuss is all about. We ordered an assortment of small yakitori sticks we fancied - beef isaw, pork, chicken, chicken liver, and zucchini. My dad also ordered rice, which he repeatedly told me was good for a reason he can't explain. Everything was yummy! Our favorite would have to be the U.S. beef isaw though, with the zucchini coming very closely at second. Our Please believe me when I say that the challenge of finding parking, the slightly humid dining area behind the counter, and the low tables and chairs (could be a drawback for oldies like my dad) all just add charm to the ambience and atmosphere in Tambai. I really wouldn't wonder if my dad will ask for us to go back again and share another bottle of beer with me. read more

Tambai - Barbecue and beer! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

I don't think I can give Tambai a fair review because I have only ever had their vegetarian options. However, if their cherry tomato and zucchini skewers are any reflection of their entire menu, I don't think I'd be a very happy customer. Well, I love the idea behind yakitori and street-style eating and drinking. Here at Tambai, you can order their skewers ala carte, to go with their different kinds of local beers and sake. It's localized Japanese yakitori culture wherein you enjoy your grilled skewers with cold libations. Fun, rebellious and unique, yes, though I'm not thoroughly impressed. The veggie skewers that I ordered cost me P75 pesos. Ridiculous. I think they might have jacked the prices up so much that I would not even consider coming back. I didn't even want to order the tofu yakitori because I knew it was just going to be some sorry pieces of overpriced tofu. Lots of people call this place their go-to in Williamsburgos, so maybe it's the meat. Maybe it's the hype. Maybe it's the appeal of smelling like pork bbq after a tambay session with friends. Given this unsatisfactory first-time experience, I don't think I'll be back here in a hurry. read more

See all

We love our food in sticks. It's just so easy to eat! In comes Tambai with its Yakitori at a very affordable price while you down it with beer and you got yourself a nice deal. This place doesn't pretend to be anything other than its monicker: it is a place where you hang out - too laid-back as well. You sit by the street with other people and that's how you easily make friends, too. There are 8 Yakitori Sticks to choose from. My favourite would have to be the Quail Egg and Bacon at (P50). Yes, it isn't priced like the typical street food but that's still pretty reasonable. Tambai opens at 5pm. So I can't lunch out here even if I want to. Williamsburgos becomes a driver's nightmare because parking is difficult during peak hours. The wait sometimes can take too long. So if I were you, I'd buy a bunch of yakitori from Tambai and just eat it on-the-go or bring it home with you. read more

See all

Ah, the penultimate Filipino snack: things on sticks. I've grown up eating squid balls, fish balls, hotdog and kikiam sold on the corner outside our school, and the more adventurous assortment of adidas and isaw at the BBQ place near our village entrance.Now that I'm an "adult", I can afford more things on sticks than that 15 peso fishball-- like the popular Gyukushi from Kikufuji. (Drool) But sadly, most Yakitori places i've been too (ehem, Nanbantei) are horribly expensive, for such tiny skewered things! Enter Tambai, brought to us by the same folks behind Z Hostel (which is just a hop, skip away). They've got yummy tofuyaki (frilled tofu? whaaaaat but it's so good) liberally sprinkled with shichimi and furikake (At least it tastes that way) as well as bonito flakes. They've got normal things on sticks too, but that one really stood out for me. I think their kimchi rice needs more kick too! Prepare for a sort of long wait. These are grilled, after all! Tambai is just a stall, and gets filled quickly, like their next door neighbour, El Chupa. read more

Tambai - cheap yakitori at its finest - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

Who knew Manila had such incredible food? Tambai had some of the best street food I've ever had. I never knew what "melt in your mouth" meant until I had the beef fingers skewers here. 180 pesos. You haven't lived until you've had it! It's cooked and marinated perfectly. Also get some of the beef intestine skewers, cherry tomato skewers, and roasted garlic skewers. My friends got the bacon and quail eggs skewers too, but it wasn't my fave. Not a fan of bacon personally. The ambiance was chill, too. Felt like I was at a cute local spot in Brooklyn. It's hipster and small and feels like a secret. There's a second floor FYI. Go eat there. Would've been nice if they had WiFi. Make sure to come here for cheap easy food when you're in Manila. read more

Tambai marries Filipino flavors with Japanese-style barbecue and does so with flair. I concede the offerings are fairly simple, but the marinades are tasty, the selection varied, and the cooking absolutely on point. Pair their selection with drinks of your choice (there's beer), or soda, and you're set for a nice evening of relaxed uncomplicated, er, snacking. Order a tray with every yakitori item on the menu, and it only costs P390; bigger sticks of the stuff, which they term, tongue-in-cheek, "laki-tori", go for about P120. We ordered their chicken, pork, beef isaw, and roasted garlic mini-skewers; nothing costs over P40 a stick. I'm sad to find out in retrospect that some of their higher end choices are no longer there (like the soft-shell crab; oh well). Every item was just so good, especially the beef isaw and the roasted garlic. Just like at El Chupacabra, which is not far down the road, you'll see a good mix of locals and tourists, who might need a little more nudging to discover what's cooking here. But aren't people saying Poblacion is the new Malate? In a big way it isn't, and it'll never be true; but in another way, it sort of is. This is a great way of exploring street food culture in (Metro) Manila; one might call it gentrification, but hey, it's just good food. read more

A Filipino twist of yakitori - that's Tambai for you. When you get to Poblacion, you'll be able to spot this restaurant if you know where El Chupacabra is. Tambai rented out this small sari sari looking store and the dining area is literally in the streets. The menu is divided into two - one set that serves big sticks (lakitori) and the other one with the regular orders. Before even ordering any yakitori sticks, order a Brew Kettle. This European beer is surprisingly affordable (PHP50)! A popular stick to order is the rib fingers. It's made from US beef. It's so good, so soft and savory. My next favorite is to get the soft shell crab stick! Imagine the taste of Okonomiyaki on your soft shell crab. Outrageously tasty. For those of you who want to try a sweet display of yakitori sticks, get the platter of Yaki Todo. It's basically an assortment of grilled skewers. read more

See all

I ordered online for pickup in 30 min. When I showed up 30min later I waited an additional 30min. Food was OK but the service was very in attentive and slow read more

Really cool and chill atmosphere upstairs. Was a little bit in the pricey side but we order about 6 skewers, two orders of soft shell crab, 4 San Migs, 4 white rice and 4 cans of sake which cost us about $40 USD with tip. The Soft Shell Crab was a MUST try. read more

Tambai is what used to be a sari-sari store turned yakitori snackhouse with a Filipino twist. If you're familiar with one of the more famous hole-in-wall restaurants El Chuppacabra in Barangay Poblacion, then just a few steps away is this new and hip place serving things on sticks where the young and the hungry come to gather. From 5pm up to midnight, sticks of meat and other things are charred up and then chowed down. Put a couple of stools to sit on, whip out a couple of foldable wooden tables, bring out some Brew Kettle beer (which tastes like Hoegaarden but made locally), and you've got yourself a good place to hangout, kickback, and perhaps catch up with some good friends. Some of the sticks you can get at Tambai are U.S. beef isaw, liver, gizzard, chicken, pork, quail eggs wrapped with bacon, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, deep fried chicken skin, and some deep fried soft shell crab to name a few. Overall, Tambai is a good place to hangout with friends and eat some things on a stick. Have some beers as well while you're there. I suggest getting Brew Kettle beer to pair with all those sticks you'll have. read more

Tambai - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

See all

Tambai is a small and straightforward Fil-Jap fusion yakitori shack along the uber hip, uber chill Felipe street. The menu consists of higher-end street food: grilled skewers of your choice, from US Beef Isaw to US Chicken Legs, from Quail eggs and bacon to Zucchini. I could still consider the prices affordable if I didn't find the whole experience a little underwhelming. I felt like I was paying more for the slightly more convenient and well-designed establishment, actual chairs and a feeling of actually dining vs "tabi tabi" and food carts. The standard meat/street food yakitori weren't bad, but ultimately they were unfulfilling, considering the servings weren't large or generous enough to justify the steeper prices. The kimchi rice and soft shell crab were the saving graces of their menu. This place isn't bad, and I'd come back if I wanted to have a chill snack and soak up the pleasant environment on Felipe St. read more

A tiny shack in Poblacion street is bringing people together - to "hang out" - over quality street food. Poblacion street has been getting a lot of noise and reputation for being a sort of hipster neighborhood, and Tambai fits the bill perfectly. The exterior of Tambai is nothing special and in fact, if you're not actively looking for it, you would probably miss it. But once you get closer, you'll notice the constant litter of people surrounding the tiny shack for a taste of their Japanese-inspired food on a stick. Their menu consists of street classics such as barbeque, isaw, gizzard, pork, beef, and such. The chicken and beef don't stand out as much in terms of taste but their isaw is perfectly served. But Tambai has a specific charm to it that can't be denied. read more

Tambai - Sticks & Beer - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR

Tambai gives the art of tambay (which means "hanging out" in Tagalog) a Japanese spin with its delicious yakitori menu. Housed in what used to be a sari-sari store in the hip, unpretentious Poblacion neighborhood, Tambai serves up delicious skewered meat, seafood and vegetables, grilled to perfection and glazed with their sweet Yakitori sauce. My personal recommendations include the delicious Soft Shell Crab on a Stick (Php 180), the Quail Egg and Bacon (Php 180), and the U.S. Pork (Php 40). Their veggie dishes don't play second fiddle to the seafood and meat sticks at all. Must-tries are the juicy and tasty Zucchini sticks (Php 45) and the crispy Tofuyaki (Php 70), which is drizzled with teriyaki sauce and topped with togarashi and crunchy strips of seaweed. Since the place is tiny, expect to be shoulder-to-shoulder with other guests but that what makes Tambai fun, you feel like you're hanging out as one whole group. With that in mind, don't be too shy to let out a loud, cheery "Kampai!" once in a while. read more

If there is one thing that I love, it's finding new, hole-in-the-wall places that serve great tasting food at very reasonable prices. Tambai is my new favorite find and their new take on Yakitori and how they fuse elements to satisfy the local pallete is a refreshing break from the usual bar chow. Food is simple and uncomplicated but flavorful and sophisticated in their simplicity. Like their beef isaw, US pork, grilled cherry tomatoes and roast garlic basil sticks. They also offer a platter of many various sticks of their offerings for those who want to sample a little bit of everything. With the place being a converted old sari-sari store, the vibe is relaxed and very chill, with most of the tables being on the street, much like many authentic Yakitori places in Japan. It's a great place to hang out with friends and knock back a couple of beers in the process. The only downside is that parking is a bit difficult in the area. read more

Tambai is a fun place to drink beer and Japanese whiskey. The prices are great (P45 beers) and the casual but festive vibe of the place makes you feel relaxed and calm - especially after a hard day at work. The exterior is quite cool and modern and basically seems to be designed to look like a hip sari-sari store. It's a pretty unique theme and adds more personality to the already colorful and happening establishments around Burgos Street. Be sure to head round back if you want to chill in the air-conditioned room. There are other bar/restaurants to visit in the vicinity so you can make Tambai part of your pub crawl. When taking visitors around the area I always make sure to stop here. It's one of the essential bars of the area. read more

I liked this place; just wished they had more stuff on the menu though. I must have tried all of the items on the menu, and all were good. Also the dipping sauces were just so-so. read more

I was dragged into a fairly new hole-in-the-wall place recently on Felipe Street called Tambai. It's a new yakitori plus pinoy street food nook that houses not only food but alcohol as well. I really enjoyed their fusion Yakitori, from their USDA Beef Isaw to their Soft Shell Crab on a stick among other tasty dishes. I'd definitely go back here for a quick fix of hunger pangs and refreshments. I couldn't make room for the other sticks they had on their menu but I will definitely come back here to get a taste of everything. I also suggest that you wash down these dishes with their sake! read more

love love love their soft shell crab, one of the best I've had.... read more

Tambai - with the owner - Asian Fusion Near Me - Makati, NCR