WHAT’s your ulam?
BACK in 2017, the What’s your ulam pare? Facebook group started going viral on the internet. Here, people would share pictures of whatever they were eating, giving honest reviews of the restaurants they would go to without holding anything back.
In the past, people would have to rely on food critics to figure out where the best places to eat were. Now, luckily, people have the internet to help them look for hidden gems all over the city.
republicasia took the liberty of asking several top contributors from What’s your ulam pare? to talk about restaurants that they want to share with the rest of the world because there’s no gatekeeping when it comes to satisfying our taste buds.
Here are some of the places that they recommend:
- Arithmetic Cafe and Resto
Where: Poblacion West III Aliaga, Nueva Ecija
26-year-old site engineer and entrepreneur Mike Aeron Corpus recommends the Arithmetic Cafe and Resto if you’re looking for a place that sells Asian cuisine in Nueva Ecija.
While it does serve classic Filipino dishes like lechon kawali, it also has food from other Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and India.
Some of its other dishes include its Indonesian Beef Rendang, Indian Beef Biryani, and the Vietnamese Shaking Beef with Tomato Fried Rice.
And of course, it also has coffee if you’re not looking to fill up on too much food for the day. Some available are Salted Caramel Macchiato, Peppermint Mocha, and Cinnamon Latte. If you’re not into caffeine, it also serves lemonade and fruit tea .
“They serve the best biryani in Nueva Ecija, alongside an array of diverse dishes from Southeast Asia,” Corpus shared.
Arithmetic Cafe and Resto is open from 8 am up to 10 pm from Monday to Sunday, and is also open for pick-up and delivery if you’re looking to eat at home instead.
- Esmeralda Kitchen
Where: 43 Mayon Street, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City
One recommendation given by 38-year-old businessman Marlon Tong is Esmeralda Kitchen, a restaurant focused on serving Filipino food but with a modern twist.
How exactly is its food different from traditional Filipino food? Just take one look at its Dinamita Pops, Shrimp Lumpiang Sariwa, Burong Mustasa Fried Rice, and Lechon Sinigang, and you’ll quickly find yourself answering your own question.
Ann Añasco, one of the owners of the restaurant, explained that its menu was made to be an interpretation of Filipino homestyle cuisine, elevated thanks to fresh, quality ingredients and the restaurant’s updated techniques influenced by different regions of the Philippines.
Esmeralda Kitchen is open from Tuesday up until Friday; on Tuesdays to Thursdays, you can go there from 11 am until 9 pm, and on Fridays to Sundays you can stay until 10 pm.
Tong notes: “Kahit modernized siya sa Filipino cuisine, na-capture pa rin niya yung essence ng traditional cuisine.”
- Abé
Where: SM Megamall, Mandaluyong / SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City / Serendra, Taguig, BGC / Solaire, Aseana Avenue / TriNoma, Quezon City
Another one of Tong’s recommendations is Abe, which also serves Filipino cuisine.
This restaurant has a number of branches, so you can enjoy it whether you’re in Mandaluyong, Pasay, Manila, Taguig, or Quezon City.
Though this may be one of the most – if not the most – popular restaurants on this list, Tong still feels that it’s not being shown the love it deserves just because it serves Filipino food. For him, if it’s Filipino cuisine you’re looking for, this place is the best.
“Hindi [siya] modernized or fusion, so lasang Pinoy talaga,” he said.
“Go-to dish namin dito yung Kare-Kare pero so far, lahat ng na-order namin dito, masarap,” he added.
Abe Philippines is open from Monday to Sunday, though opening and closing times may vary depending on where you’re going. This place is perfect if you’re looking for a hearty meal to fill you up – one that feels like home.
Aside from Tong’s recommendations, some other dishes you can get are Kinilaw na Tanigue, Mutton Adobo, Nanay’s Puchero, and good old Pork Sinigang in Sampaloc.
It also offers dishes that are inspired by the country’s Spanish heritage, such as the Calamares en su Tinta and the Pastel de Lengua. There are also Chinese-inspired meals – Crispy Shrimp Binondo and Bamboo Rice, to name a few.
- Daniel’s Bakery Cafe
Where: 70 Holy Spirit Drive, Quezon City
If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee in a place where you can take lots of cute photos for Instagram, 29-year-old business owner Paula Dormido recommends the beautiful, quaint Daniel’s Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.
Its menu features many classic breakfast foods. This place is great if you’re craving Chicken and Waffles, Bacon and Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, or even just a good old cup of joe.
It also serves heavier meals like the hefty Angus Ribeye or the creamy Truffle Mushroom Pasta if you’re looking for something a little more filling.
This cafe is open on Monday up until Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm; on Fridays and Saturdays, they’re open until 11 pm.
Some of Dormido’s recommendations include the Truffle Pasta, the Ribeye Tapa, and of course, the coffee. She also notes that their servings are rather large, and are good for sharing, so you really do get what you pay for when you come here.
What’s great about this cafe is that it’s known for making wedding cakes, too. If your special day is coming up any time soon, you know who to call.
- Leann’s Tea House
Where: 1053 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Want to eat somewhere that serves authentic Korean dishes? According to Dormido, Leann’s Tea House is where it’s at.
Some of the meals offered at this restaurant are Jajangmyeon, Bulgogi Kimbap, Bibimbap, and Japchae – all for rather reasonable prices. Plus, it offers free sides for meals over P1,000.
Overall, This place is great for a lazy day out with your friends after a K-Drama marathon, matchy pajamas and all.
If you’re hoping to visit this restaurant the next time you’re driving along Mother Ignacia Avenue, take note that it’s open from Monday up to Sunday.
It’s also open for delivery – just be sure to let the place know about your order one hour in advance.
You can make it until 8 pm from Monday to Thursday and until 9 pm from Friday to Saturday.
“I love the Kimchi Fried Rice, and the unlimited cheese,” said Dormido.
“The Meltique Beef is [also] really good – it would melt in your mouth.”
