food trip in sampaloc manila

Five new must-visit food spots around UST 

THE PANDEMIC turned them into ghost towns for more than two years, but with the lifting of mobility restrictions, the streets of Manila have become bustling again, brimming with students who are looking for a good meal after hours of school work.

While some food shops around UST shuttered for good during the height of the health crisis, new ones have sprung up, waiting to be discovered by Thomasians.

The Flame visited five new cafes and restaurants near the University for you to try on your next food trip.

Mang Larry’s Isawan

The famous isawan in the University of the Philippines Diliman that has been satisfying the street food cravings of the iskolars ng bayan since 1984 has finally opened a branch near the home of the growling Tigers.

Mang Larry’s Isawan is famous for its grilled intestines and special vinegar but it has also become a one-stop for Filipinos street food as it also offers kwek kwek or fried quail eggs, fishballs, squid balls,  chicken balls, cheese sticks, hotdog, chicken pop, dynamite or green chili rolls and instant pansit canton.

As Thomasian alumni, Convencido and her partner have always wanted to open a branch near UST after their graduation.

“There are not many barbecue stalls here in Dapitan, so [in college], we often eat at stalls in P. Campa,” she said.

Convencido found a spot for lease in the Dapitan area, a known eatery haven. The goal, Convencido said, is to show the Thomasian community why Mang Larry’s barbecue is so well-loved.

During the first few days of their soft opening last November, their staff were overwhelmed by the swarm of people who endured long lines to try their best-selling isaw. Compared to other barbecue stalls around the area, Mang Larry’s takes pride in its thorough cleaning process and food preparation. The meat used for its grilled offerings is washed three times, boiled, marinated, skewed, and then grilled.

Unlike the typical Filipino grilled isaw, Mang Larry’s does not have that orange-colored hue in their skewers and its offerings are visibly larger compared to those sold in the streets.

Its best-sellers include isaw manok, isaw baboy, and special isaw baboy—sweeter with a different ruffled texture than the regular isaw baboy. Another crowd favorite is their grilled goto, which is grilled ox tripe, typically found in porridge. To balance out the char, its spiced vinegar perfectly complements the skewers—no onions, cucumbers, nor chillies. It is straightforwardly delicious with just the right amount of spice and a tad bit of sweetness. Some customers even mix them up with rice like soup, or drink it straight from the cup.

Mang Larry’s Isawan is located at 2nd Floor, FuseBox Lifestyle Complex, Asturias St., Dapitan, Sampaloc, Manila

Chingu Dachi Cafe+

Located just a few blocks away from the University, this Korean-inspired coffee shop is not your average minimalist cafe. Chingu Dachi first started as a K-pop collectible store, but owner Ed Margareth Barahan-Acayan has always wanted a collectible store and a coffee shop merged into one.

“Bringing fans together is something I’ve always wanted to do, but I don’t want the cafe to be tagged as ‘K-pop’ cafe, since I also want other people, not just K-pop fans, to enjoy the cafe’s offerings,” Barahan-Acayan said.

Chingu Dachi Cafe+ first opened in Sta. Mesa, Manila in 2020, but moved to Sampaloc, Manila last December.

Setting foot at the cafe was like a K-pop lover’s dream. From the left part, you could see its stores selling K-pop albums, lightsticks, photobooks, photocards, lightsticks, among other merchandises. On the right side was its cafe, warmly welcoming with a hint of bold colors, contrasting the typical white and wood concept typically found in coffee shops nowadays.

The Korean vibe of the place was definitely not an upfront K-pop cafe, just like Barahan-Acayan envisioned. It is a cozy hangout hideaway from the loud and busy streets in Manila.

Chingu Dachi Cafe+’s menu consists of a play with Korean fusion such as Korean pork steak, kimchi fried rice, and doenjang (fermented soybean paste)  pasta, quite similar in taste to truffle pasta, with an earthy and warm taste. Its menu also includes the usual food served in cafes, such as waffles, seasoned potato wedges, salads, and pastries.  For K-pop lovers, the restaurant also offers the famous Inkigayo sandwich, which is commonly seen being eaten by K-pop idols in music bank shows.

The cafe’s drinks vary from iced and hot coffee, ice blended, soda pops, fruit teas, milk tea, non-coffee, and smoothies. There is definitely a drink to try for everyone.  Busan seasalt milk tea is a unique experience, with its floral taste and a hint of saltiness, while its ice-blended white mocha was smooth and creamy, with a subtle taste of coffee, perfect for those who’d like coffee minus the palpitations and all-nighters.

To wrap up the gastronomic experience in Chingu Dachi Cafe+, its cube cakes are the perfect cakes to munch, which are also convenient to take home with their compact packaging.

The ‘+’ in Chingu Dachi Cafe+ remains true to its brand—they offer more than just a quick coffee fix or the latest K-pop collectibles. The overall vibe of the place, together with its food, is definitely worth coming back for.

Chingu Dachi Cafe+ can be found at 2/F 1655 Piy Margal cor. Don Quijote St., Sampaloc, Manila

La Frontera

As you wander through Asturias Street in Dapitan, your eye may easily be caught by the Filipino-Mexican restaurant La Frontera. The interior is as festive as the exterior that made it stand out. It’s a scene straight out of a Mexican street celebrating a fiesta.

La Frontera, literally meaning “the border,” wasn’t the first attempt of the five owners—all of whom met at college—at serving Mexican food. It was their food stall in Taft called By the Border, which only served the usual Tex-Mex fare. As the fad of food parks faded, the stall also closed in 2017.

Justin Chong, a co-owner of La Frontera, said that when they were planning to revive the concept, innovation became their main consideration. That was when the idea of fusing Mexican and Filipino cuisine came about. La Frontera officially opened in July 2022.

All the Mexican favorites are here, of course—nachos, cheese quesadillas, beef tacos. But the highlights of the menu, developed by chefs and co-owners Don Carpio and Cheesy Adao, are the novel dishes that blur the borders between Mexican and Filipino flavors. Kare-kare is reworked into a burrito—stuffed with rice combined with a rich peanut sauce, then wrapped in a warm tortilla with tender pieces of beef and vegetables. It is eaten with bagoong on the side, a tiny detail that completes this nod to a classic. There are tacos and quesadillas filled with adobo, tasting deep of soy sauce but nuanced by a hint of spice.

Even brownies get their twist. Who knew that chocolate and chili worked together? Don’t skip on the drinks, too. La Frontera is one of Manila’s few places to get horchata, and its house blend iced tea is to come back for.

All the flavors at play are as alive as the fiesta interiors of La Frontera. But if there is a Filipino-Mexican commonality that La Frontera celebrates beyond cuisine, it is the generosity of the people. The place is animated by light conversations from group-filled tables and the service with a smile. It is clear that good food and company are the life of this restaurant, and they are happy you are here.

It is often said that Mexicans and Filipinos are brothers, and at La Frontera, it is obvious why.

Experience La Frontera at 1240 Asturias St., Sampaloc, Manila, 0960 297 9948.

Las Tres Marias

A recent addition to P. Noval Street’s restaurants is Las Tres Marias, which opened in October of last year.

Run by owners Diana dela Cruz and Genesis dela Cruz, Las Tres Marias is the couple’s first branch from the tiny space in their home in San Juan. They have been in business for more than five years, starting as an online food business in August 2018, making them one of its pioneers when it was not yet commonplace.

“Who are three Marias?” is a valid question to ask, especially upon seeing the huge cursive sign in the restaurant’s pink-clad exterior.

“I named it so because we have three daughters,” chef Diana dela Cruz said.

“We started when I gave birth to our third daughter, Soleil.”

Her lasagna started to gain a reputation among her officemates, who often asked for it on special occasions. Her repertoire of dishes has expanded since then, serving cuisines ranging from Italian and Spanish to Filipino. This eclectic mix of cuisines may seem incoherent to the palette, but it is not.

In the French-inspired space awash in a combination of pastel pink and blue, one tastes a range of flavors and textures. The famous lasagna, sweet from the bechamel and sour from the meaty sauce, complements well with the fried chicken that kicks with spice.

The brick oven pizzas are exceptional—generous on the tomato sauce and mozzarella which might ooze out if one does not bite carefully enough—and one cannot help but wonder how the chef achieved the finely charred crust without an actual brick oven. The grilled chicken is smoky to the bone and is a filling meal for students.

Visit Las Tres Marias at 1177 P. Noval Street, Sampaloc, Manila.

Manila Cafe

A few steps away from UST’s P. Noval gate is the home of this newest cafe.

Manila Cafe, founded by PJ Bancosta, has that cozy ambiance unique compared to other stores—including its displayed life-sized Ironman generation suites and unlimited wifi. The place is perfect for those looking for a study or hang-out place.

Marketing director Aramis Nerecina shared that Manila Cafe started as “Sampaloc Cafe” in 2021. According to him, he and his co-owners started the coffee shop because of the hobby of making coffee they developed during the early years of the pandemic.

Instead of continuing to order from other shops, he said: why not start our own? This is when they decided to expand their business and rebrand it as Manila Cafe in 2022.

Among its bestsellers are the coffee cold brew, iced white mocha (made of coffee and white chocolate syrup), and matcha latte (a concentrated tea made with green tea ‘matcha’ powder and steamed milk). All its beverages are created with distinct syrups and professional baristas who improve its customized drinks. Manila Cafe’s pizza, its main food, is named after places in Manila such as Intramuros, Paco, Malate, and Quiapo.

The place is appealing not only to the taste buds but also to the sense of sight. The three life-size Ironman figures will surely catch your attention and somehow bring you back to your childhood. According to Nerecina, a Marvel fan, the display came from his personal collection.

While the Iron Man figures is one of the attractions of the cafe, its owners are planning to remove the Marvel concept in the future and replace it with decorations that will show the aesthetics of the capital city while maintaining the cozy vibe they introduced to the public.

Nerecina admitted that opening the cafe involved taking risks as the UST decided to resume onsite classes gradually. But the risk was worth it as Manila Cafe has become a popular hangout among Thomasians.

“We love making guests comfortable […] it’s a good feeling for me,” Nerecina said.

Try Manila Cafe’s coffee and pizza at Annie’s Place Building, 1015 P. Noval Street Sampaloc, Manila. F – Eugene Paul Lorenzo and Johanna Leelan Gee with reports from Edrisse Dela Cruz 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Posts

Custodian of holy images: The lifelong commitment of a young camarero

GomBurZa: Thomasian priests who changed history

Lover’s Lane: A silent witness of deaths and dates

• Go to Booky

Old & New: 19 Popular Restaurants To Try Around UST

Past and present Thomasians will love this list more than anyone else.

This is the third entry in our series of good eats around the metro’s major universities, we first launched this ‘Old & New’ series with DLSU then Ateneo. Now, find out where the Tigers dine to pacify their growling bellies.

If you’re looking for delicious yet super affordable eateries in Manila , then the UST (University of Sto. Tomas) campus vicinity or generally the Sampaloc area, is one of the best places to go.

If I were you, I’d call friends or family members and try these places out. There are reasons why they’ve made so much buzz. Check them out on the Booky app and add them to your ‘Must Try’ lists!

Dimsum Treats  – Juaning St.

Craving for your siomai fix? Dimsum Treats is the way to go! Their satisfying serving of siomai drowned in soy sauce and chili will make you order extra cups of rice for sure.

No reservations accepted 1217 Juaning St., near UST,  Sampaloc,   Manila +63 2 781-1557

Lovelite  – Asturias St.

Heavy on your stomach but light on your wallet, this is the place to get affordable yet great-tasting rice meals. Aside from their sought after food, they also offer photocopying services here.

No reservations accepted Asturias St., near UST,  Sampaloc, Manila

Mang Tootz  – P. Noval St.

This street side carinderia is iconic to Thomasians. They serve all time favorites such as sisig, liempo, and even chicken kebab in turo-turo style. You must not leave without trying their famous sweet signature turon. Mang Tootz just opened a 2nd branch at the Valero Plaza in Makati.

No reservations accepted 1135 P. Noval St., near UST,  Sampaloc,   Manila +63 2 736-7957

Chicken Deli  – Q Pavillion

As the name suggests, they specialise in chicken, but not just any chicken, they serve Bacolod cuisine, specifically their inasal.

No reservations accepted View their Instagram Q Pavilion, UST,  Sampaloc, Manila

IChill Theater Cafe  – Dos Castillas St.

This theatre and film themed cafe offers the perfect place to relax or study. Their cozy ambiance is paired with great coffee, snacks, and service. They have open mics and they also rent out the place for small events. Check out other restaurants with unique concepts around Manila here.

No reservations accepted View their menu 1125 Dos Castillas Street,  Sampaloc,   Manila +63 2 521-0056

S.R. Thai Cuisine  – V. Concepcion St.

This place was immensely popular among students in the 90’s which is when it first opened, and that still stands true until today. Satisfy your Thai food craving here with their best-selling Pad Thai, Bagoong Rice, and SR Sizzling meals.

No reservations accepted 1229 V. Concepcion St,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 734-5443

University Scoop  – P. Noval St.

This ice cream parlour is a favorite hang out spot of Tigers. They offer classic sundaes, parfaits, and banana splits among others and also burgers, sandwiches, and pasta all at affordable prices. Don’t let the rain stop you, check out this list of other iced desserts you can enjoy!

No reservations accepted 981 P. Noval St. cor. Delos Reyes St.,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 733-8348

Lopez Canteen  – P. Noval St.

This small canteen has been in service for more than 50 years. Students, teachers, and employees alike enjoy the excellent food and service of Lopez Canteen.

No reservations accepted 1203 Unit A-4 I. Delos Reyes St, near UST,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 736-0971

Cafe Kivhan Coffee  – P. Noval St.

Cafe Kivhan is another go-to cafe for students to get some homework or studying done. Their cozy interior, good coffee, and friendly staff will keep you going in preparation for that big test.

No reservations accepted View their Instagram account 1055 P. Noval St. near UST,  Sampaloc,   Manila +63 2 714-5100

Cafe UK Co.  – J. Barlin St.

This 24-hour UK-themed cafe has become one of the “it” tambayans in the UST area. Aside from being open around the clock, spacious, and having fast Wi-Fi, it’s rated highly for its ambiance, service, and delicious coffee and cakes. Check out this list of other themed restaurants you might like.

No reservations accepted View their menu View their Instagram 1233 J. Barlin cor. P. Noval St,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 986-5451

Big B Burgers  – K Residences

Big B Burgers is a small burger joint started by a group of friends from UP Diliman, which is where their flagship branch is located. They opened their 2nd branch in UP Los Banos area and now has expanded again to cater to the UST crowd. Enjoy their one-pound bigger than bun patties with multiple shots of awesomesauce from a syringe gun. If it’s your first time at Big B, don’t forget to order their pink potion with feelings, you’re in for a dramatic surprise from their crew.

No reservations accepted View the full menu View their Instagram account K Residences, 1122 – 1128 Tolentino St,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 917 594-1260

Callows Burger – Dapitan St.

This place is one of the newer burger joints around the area. Don’t be fooled by their fun and light interior decorations, the burgers they serve pack a heavy blow to the stomach.

No reservations accepted View the full menu View their Instagram account 1618 Dapitan St.,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 943 530-3696  

Perichor Laundry & Coffee  – P. Campa St.

This restaurant with a unique concept allows you enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while doing your laundry. They have cable television and Wi-Fi to entertain guest as well. If you’re a foodie, this is one place you’d be interested in. Check out this list of other unique concept restaurants in the metro.

No reservations accepted View the full menu View their Instagram account 954 iTower2.0, G/F P. Campa St.,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 714-5896

USTeak – Dapitan

If you’re looking for a place that serves a smoking hot meal on sizzling platters, USteak will satisfy your craving. It offers quality meals at a student-friendly budget that will not disappoint. Watch out for their special gravy sauce, it might just might get you hooked and leave you wanting more.

No reservations accepted Dapitan St., Sampaloc, Manila

Blessed Tummy – P. Florentino St.

This place serves a variety of dishes. If the barkada has different cravings, you just might satisfy them all here. They have pasta, burgers, Filipino food, Ilocano, bagnet, and pancakes to name a few.

No reservations accepted 1669 P. Florentino St.,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 668-6578

Cow-Wow Sausage Haus  – P. Noval St.

They serve different kinds of sausages like German, Hungarian, Schublig, Polish, Beef Bangers and Chicken, which you can pair with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, egg, bun, or spaghetti. With Cow-Wow, serving size and taste are their priorities!

No reservations accepted View their Instagram account 937 P. Noval St.,  Sampaloc, Manila

The Eatles – P. Noval St.

This place has a throwback kind of vibe. It relives the 60’s with its British-inspired food choices and Beatles memorabilia hung around the whole place. They have good food accompanied by great service. Heck their kitchen is in a London bus!

No reservations accepted View their Instagram account P. Noval St. cor. Dapitan St.,  Sampaloc , Manila +63 2 522-8383

Yummerz Grill & Burger Bistro – SH Loyola St.

Yummerz serve only the best quality 100% beef charbroiled burgers. More than their great-tasting burgers, they also bank heavily on customer service and satisfaction, so next time you visit, don’t hesitate to give feedback on your experience! They highly appreciate it.

No reservations accepted View the full menu View their Instagram account 1262 SH Loyola St. near cor P. Noval St.,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 256-3884  

Snacketeers Bistro – P. Noval St.

Snacketeers is a snack bar and bistro that offers your all time favorites, but with their own special twist to keep your palates excited.

No reservations accepted View the full menu View their Instagram account Unit 1E 981 Delos Reyes cor P. Noval St.,  Sampaloc, Manila +63 2 400-1070

If you’re not already enjoying the offline convenience of Booky, it’s free to download on iPhones  and Android . Stay updated with the latest on new restaurant openings via the Booky app’s ‘New Restaurant Alert’ feature!

We’re pretty sure there are more than 19 food spots around UST, so please do share other neat insider tips in the comments section below for us and all foodies reading this blog.

Get discovered on the Philippines' #1 online seller directory.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest food news in Metro Manila and beyond

Jea Wanders

A Travel & Food Blog by Jec & Dea

Wang Pau Samgyupsal | Affordable Korean Grill at Quiapo, Manila

Whether you want to admit it or not,  eat-all-you-can samgyeopsal has nearly become a necessity nowadays. May it be a weekend  barkada catch-up, a dinner date, or even a solo food trip—you’ll always find a reason to satisfy your  samgyup cravings!

Just recently, we went to Quiapo Manila to try another  samgyup place, but with more affordable price. Wang Pau Samgyupsal caters to Korean BBQ junkies looking for budget-friendly offerings without having to sacrifice the quality.

Food & Price — Wang Pau Samgyupsal

Wang Pau Samgyupsal offers unlimited pork, beef, and side dishes with rice, lettuce, and egg stew. They have a total of 8 kinds of pork and beef which you will get when you avail their Unli 499. If you prefer pork only, you may avail either Unli 399 (4 kinds of pork) or Unli 299 (plain pork).

But I suggest you go for their Unli 499 so you could try their beef meats especially their Beef Bulgogi which was my personal fave! Herb Samgyup (Pork) was heavenly as well! This honestly is one of my  favorite Korean Grill in town!

Among the side dishes, my fave were the chunks of sweet potatoes (I don’t know how they officially call it) and of course, their kimchi . I loved that the fresh lettuce leaves were not too small and not too large for  samgyup wrappings.

Their Cheese Sauce was also great! Just add 55 Php to have it as much as you want! I appreciate that the grilling pan had 3 divided sections for meat (center), cheese, and egg stew. It’s a non-messy way of grilling meats while heating the cheese and egg stew at the same time!

The fact that you could have  unli Korean BBQ for as low as 299 Php certainly looks so enticing! A price that attracts both budget-conscious adults and students alike. The restaurant is surrounded by schools, colleges, and universities so no wonder why they offer such a low price.

Another awesome part, there’s no time limit! And if you ever want to dine alone you can do so as there’s no minimum number of people required!

They also have an ongoing 5+2 promo wherein for every group of 7 people, 2 of them gets to eat for FREE! Promo runs until September 30, 2019 only.

Wang Pau Samgyupsal is strategically located at San Rafael St. Quiapo, Manila. It’s at the second floor beside Mad Mouth Foodpark U-Belt. Nearby schools are Centro Escolar University, La Consolacion College, San Beda University, and Victorino Mapa High School among others.

Address: 2nd floor, 2180 Legarda corner San Rafael, Quiapo, Manila

How to get there? Board an LRT Line 2 and alight at Legarda Station. Wang Pau Samgyupsal is just a 5-min walk from Legarda Station.

Other Branches: Intramuros Branch: 2nd Floor 731, Victoria St., Intramuros, Manila P. Campa Branch: 1080 P. Campa St., Sampaloc, Tondo, Manila UST Branch: 1224 Santander St., corner Dapitan, Sampaloc, Manila

This is not the roomiest samgyup place there is, but expect a clean and comfortable area. It has around 50-60 seating capacity. The area is fully airconditioned but I think it’s better to have exhaust tubes installed above each griller to save the customers from smelling like grilled meat.

The interiors are at its simplest, I mean, literally no designs and personal touches at all. But it should not be a problem if you only intend to eat and nothing else. The food I guess is instagrammable though.

I was impressed by the fact that the staff are truly knowledgeable about the restaurant especially in their menu. If there’s anything you want to clarify they readily know what to say.

I also find them attentive as they are prompt in accommodating customers’ requests such as refilling the dishes. They also looked neat and clean which for me is as important as the cleanliness of the place.

Contact Details

For more information and updates, you may contact them via:

Mobile Number: 0906 406 0173

Facebook Page: Wang Pau Samgyupsal

Instagram: @wangpausamgyupsal

More photos!

How I’d rate this resto

Acknowledgement: Thank you Ms. Apryl of Hungry Byaheros for inviting us, and Wang Pau Samgyupsal for having us! Disclaimer: While our meals were courtesy of the owners, all opinions expressed in this post are my own honest thoughts and are not influenced or controlled by anyone.

Hi there! Some of the links in this website are affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission if you decide to book through my links, at no additional cost to you. This helps me to continue sharing useful guides and stories on this blog. Thank you for your support! . Ready to travel? Find great accommodation deals in Agoda , destination activities via Klook , and easy transportation options via 12Go Asia ! .

SHARE THIS! 😊

• Share on Tumblr

About Author

Hi, I'm Dea! A traveler who loves good food and an electronics engineer based in PH. I like creating itineraries and daydreaming about the places. As weird as it might sound, I find the planning part as enjoyable as the trip itself. I love sunsets, beaches, and staycation trips. And I'm a worshipper of God—the source of my everything! I once wandered aimlessly in life, until Jesus found me! Now, I just wander around wonderful places as I marvel at His creation ❤️

You might also enjoy:

Salipit Coffee Farm | An Isolated Farm-to-table Restaurant in Cavite

Krispy Prince Marikina | A Bouquet of Fried Goodness

Primera Restobar | Unli Yakiniku, pizza, pasta, wings & more for only 299 Php

ChizMozza | Satisfy Your Mozzarella Cheese Cravings

I'd love to hear your thoughts 😊.

• Default Comments (0)
• Facebook Comments

Comments Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Be the first one to get our latest travel secrets and discoveries when you subscribe via email! Don't worry, we hate spam too! 😊

East Cafe In Sampaloc, Manila Is A Small Coffee Shop Serving <P200 Taiwanese & Chinese-Filipino Food

Taiwanese-Filipino dining spot in Sampaloc, Manila

Traveling outside the country – even if it’s just somewhere two hours away by plane – is still difficult so we need to be extra creative. For those of us who aren’t skilled in the kitchen, we can thankfully turn to restaurants that serve foreign cuisine.

Good news for those from the metro who want to get a taste of Taiwanese food .  East Cafe in Sampaloc, Manila serves Taiwanese and Chinese-Filipino snacks, rice meals, as well as milk tea that Taiwan is known for, each under P200 (~USD3.90) .

Taiwanese recipes

East Cafe serves classic Taiwanese food such as sausage and dumplings which you can enjoy by themselves or with rice.

However, if you want to get something less common, their honma cua pao ( P120, ~USD2.34) – folded steamed buns with pork and fermented mustard greens – is definitely a must-try. They also have other steamed bun sandwiches, including sausage and pork chop ones.

For something sweet, the cafe serves fried mantou (steamed bun) for P60 (~USD1.17) which you can enjoy with condensed milk or chocolate sauce.

Familiar menu items

You can also mix up your East Cafe order and get familiar flavors and Chinese-Filipino food with their Taiwanese recipes.

Though it has Taiwanese flavors, their smoked fried liempo (pork belly) rice (P150, ~USD2.93) will surely satiate your liempo cravings.

You can also get siomai or Shanghai rice from the cafe if you find yourself missing these petsa de peligro staples from your university days.

Bubble tea varieties

It wouldn’t be a Taiwanese cafe if it doesn’t have milk tea, or bubble tea as it’s called in Taiwan.

Aside from Taiwan milk tea, they also have classic flavors such as Okinawa, winter melon, and Assam (black tea). These cost P60 to P70 (~USD1.17 to USD1.37) . You can also get these with rock salt and cheese for a minimal additional fee.

If you’re looking for something new to try, East Cafe offers ice cream milk tea (P85-P95, ~USD1.66-USD1.85) .

East Cafe also has teas and fruit teas for those who can’t handle their dairy or simply want bubble tea with fewer calories.

Loft-type space

A narrow, two-story space houses this cozy Taiwanese cafe. It has a few seats on the first floor near the counter, but there’re more in the loft area.

The cafe may not be spacious or have many seats, but this makes it the perfect place for a study date or a relaxing catch-up with friends.

East Cafe offers affordable Taiwanese food

East Cafe does not only save you money by removing the need for a trip to Taiwan to get a taste of Taiwanese food. Their offerings are also wallet-friendly.

If you’re on self-quarantine or simply want to stay in the safety of your home, you can also find their milk tea selections and other menu items on GrabFood, FoodPanda, and JoyRide Mall by searching East Café Maceda.

Address: 1556 A Maceda St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila Opening hours: Mon–Fri 12PM-12AM | Sat–Sun 11AM-12AM Telephone: 0917 158 3133 East Cafe’s Facebook | Instagram

More Asian food spots in Metro Manila:

• 8 Southeast Asian restaurants
• Puesto Food is an Asian-fusion restaurant in QC
• Doon delivers Thai bento plates in Metro Manila

Cover image adapted from: East Cafe 東區咖啡店 and @_eastcafe

Get more stories like this.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.

Travel with Ana

Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt – First Impression and Food Review

• October 16, 2023

Ann Ginette Marpa

• Cheap Eats Food Reviews
• Anather Travel Show AnatherTravelShow Blumentritt Manila Blumentritt Sampaloc Filipino Pancit Food Isabella Pancit Cabagan Manila Pancit Pancit Cabagan Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt Pancit Cabagan Sampaloc Where to eat in Manila

Filipino cuisine is famous for its diverse flavors and regional specialties, and one such gem is Pancit Cabagan. Originating from the picturesque town of Cabagan in Isabela province, this dish has gained popularity far beyond its roots. In the heart of Sampaloc, Manila, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt is earning its reputation for serving an authentic rendition of this beloved Filipino dish. Situated along Blumentritt Road, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt is a haven of authenticity. Owned by Cabagan native Armando Salazar, this eatery promises a true taste of the dish’s place of origin. Pancit Cabagan is a noodle dish that boasts a delightful mix of textures and flavors. I’ve heard about this dish before but never really had a chance to try it as it is quite far from where I live. At Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt, this dish is meticulously prepared with care and precision.

When I discovered that there’s an authentic Pancit Cabagan eatery in Sampaloc, I didn’t think to check it out. The base of the dish is miki or egg noodles, and it’s the toppings that truly elevate the experience. Expect a generous serving of lechon carahay or kawali (crispy pork belly), tender stewed pig liver, and perfectly boiled quail eggs. In some variations, you may even find colorful vegetables like carrots and cabbage adding a fresh crunch to the dish. The eatery is open daily except Wednesdays from 8 AM to 1:30 PM and then resumes service from 3 PM to 7 PM. Given its reputation and the irresistible flavors on offer, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt receives around 100 orders daily, so it’s no surprise that it can get quite busy. Arriving a bit earlier or later than the lunch rush might save you some waiting time.

Savory, Salty, and full of Flavors

Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt is a cozy little eatery that can comfortably accommodate around 20 diners at a time. The warm and welcoming ambiance only adds to the overall experience. However, due to its popularity, we had to wait for about 20 minutes and it was lunch time. But I promise you, the wait is well worth it. During our visit, we tried the Overload Special for just Php 150. This special variant includes a medley of delectable toppings such as bola-bola (meatballs), lechon kawali, chicken liver, and quail eggs. What makes Pancit Cabagan at this eatery stand out is its saucy nature. The sauce is brimming with flavor, enveloping the tender noodles. It’s savory and slightly salty, but don’t worry; you have the option to customize it to your liking. Like the usual carinderias, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt also provides condiments on the side.

Mix in soy sauce, calamansi juice, or vinegar (or all three) to adjust the flavors to your palate. For those who crave a spicy kick, a handful of chopped sili labuyo (red chilies) is readily available. This dynamic blend of flavors adds crunch and enhances the overall taste of the pancit. I also appreciate the generous portions. Each order at Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt can easily be shared by two people, perfect meal with a friend or a romantic partner. I managed to eat all of it but it was challenging! They also offer add-ons such as extra quail eggs, liver, and bola-bola, ensuring you get exactly what you crave. If you’re living far away, don’t worry. Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt has contact numbers for orders and convenient pick-up by delivery riders. Ensuring that everyone can indulge in this delicious meal no matter where they are in the city.

Tips and Guidelines

• They also offer party trays or bilao orders for huge servings.
• To avoid long wait times, consider arriving either before the lunch rush (around 11 AM). Similarly, for dinner, you may want to dine either before 5 PM.
• If you visit during peak hours, be prepared for a wait, especially if the eatery is busy.
• Be prepared to pay in cash or Gcash, as eateries like Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt do not accept credit or debit cards. Bring enough cash to cover your meal and potential add-ons.
• The portions at Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt are generous, so consider sharing a plate with a friend or family member. It’s a cost-effective way to try different variations of the dish and ensure you have room for other Filipino specialties.
• If you’re a first-time visitor, the Overload Special is a great choice. It offers a variety of delicious toppings, giving you a well-rounded Pancit Cabagan experience.
• Be mindful of your belonging as the place is always busy and has no security against pickpocketers.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for similar dining options to try, you should check out:

• Pancit Habhab in Quezon p rovince
• Pancit Malabon at Market! Market!
• GoodTaste Restaurant: A go-to family restaurant in Baguio City

How to get there?

Via Public Transportation:

• The Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is a convenient way to get close to Blumentritt Road. You can take either LRT Line 1 or LRT Line 2, depending on your starting point.
• If you’re on LRT Line 1, you can take a train bound for Roosevelt and disembark at the D. Jose Station.
• If you’re on LRT Line 2, take a train bound for Recto and get off at Recto Station.
• Once you’ve reached either D. Jose or Recto Station, you can take a short taxi or tricycle ride to Blumentritt Road. Simply inform the driver that you want to go to Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Mr. Pares – The Newest Pares House in Timog Avenue!

• March 15, 2024

Kirakuya Ramen – Is it really an Authentic Yokohama Ramen?

• January 29, 2024

Bagets Sizzlers – Trying the TRENDING PHP 149 Breakfast Buffet

Island Times

Kubo by Gillid’s – Manila’s Best boodle fight resto!

Kubo by Gillid’s is a famous boodle fight al fresco dining in Manila. In Filipino culture, sharing food with loved ones while using bare hands make the meal hundred more delicious and enjoyable! This traditional Filipino method of eating is famous as the “kamayan” . It also refers to a Filipino communal feast in which food is on banana leaves and eaten without utensils. Wondering how to do the kamayan style ? First, form a small mound of rice, then add some of the accompanying dishes for flavor (the ulam ), compress with the fingers into a small pyramid, lift to the mouth cradled in four cupped fingers, and finally push it into the mouth with the thumb. It never makes use of the palms, and its fingers never enter the mouth. The other hand will hold a plate or a drink instead. Don’t forget to wash and sanitize hands before anything else!

Moreover, Boodle fight is another term for kamayan in groups , in the context of the military practice of eating a communal meal. According to sources, the term “boodle” refers to contraband sweets such as cake, candy, and ice cream in the United States military. A “boodle fight” is a party where only boodle food is served. As time pass by, it has been given a different meaning that lives in the Philippines’ culture. Even up to this day, Filipinos are still practicing this traditional way of eating. If you’re looking for a place to experience this without the hassle of preparing food, try to dine in Kubo by Gillid’s in Sampaloc Manila.

KUBO BY GILLID’S

Kubo by Gillid’s is a boodle-fight alfresco dining restaurant in Sampaloc. They have an expansive 2-story eatery in the corner of Blumentritt St. Sampaloc Manila. The location is very easy to find as it is strategically situated by the side of a crossing. Their regular boodle-fight menu starts at PHP 650.00 for 3-4 people, and they have a set worth PHP 990.00 for 6-8 people for larger groups. Moreover, people can enjoy grilled seafood and meat in the boodle bundles while enjoying the open-air ambiance. Aside from these, they also have burgers, fries, and milk tea for extra cravings. Most people dine here around 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM onwards. So if you like to visit when there are more seats, better avoid these times. Diners will also not wait long for the food to be served, as to our experience, we waited for approximately 10 mins.

The menu listed below is their boodle-bundle meals. They also have snacks and a la carte dishes. Furthermore, there are a lot of options to choose from the side the main boodle-bundle.

Bagnet, Ensalada, Salted egg, Rice, Iced Tea

Regular (Good for 2-3 people) – Php 380

Fiesta (Good for 4-6 people) – Php 580

Longganisa, Liempo, Bagnet, Bangus, Ensalada, Salted Egg, Rice, Iced Tea

Regular (Good for 3-4 people) – Php 650

Fiesta (Good for 6-8 people) – Php 990

Bangus, Ensalada, Salted Egg, Rice, Iced Tea

Chicken Inato, Bagnet, Bangus, Ensalada, Salted Egg, Rice, Iced Tea

Regular (Good for 3-4 people) – Php 899

Fiesta (Good for 6-8 people) – Php 1,350

Liempo, Bangus, Ensalada, Salted Egg, Rice, Iced Tea

Regular (Good for 2-3 people) – Php 499

Fiesta (Good for 4-6 people) – Php 749

Shrimp, Squid, Bagnet, Bangus, Ensalada, Salted Egg, Rice, Iced Tea

Regular (Good for 3-4 people) – Php 1,050

Fiesta (Good for 6-8 people) – Php 1,650

How to get there?

From Makati via Private Vehicle

• Drive along Makati Ave and Antonio Arnaiz Ave
• Take South Luzon Express way/Osmeña High-way/R-3 to Quirino Ave/C-2 in Paco, Manila
• Turn right onto España Boulevard
• Turn right onto Blumentritt Rd

Related Posts

Pasig City Food Trip; Where to eat in Pasig?

Flame & Flavors; New and Trending Putok Batok Tower in Manila!

Hotel Buffets; Top unlimited restaurants in Metro Manila Hotels

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The 18 best street food in Manila

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

1 Dampa Seaside Market

2 Greenfield Weekend Market

3 Amber Golden Plate Restaurant

4 friends & family ph, 5 quinta market.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

6 Jolli Dada’s Eatery The Original Palabok Pancit & Halo Halo

7 jhayrill's lechon manok, 8 chades tapsilog, 9 sabroso street food market, 10 giant taho, 11 taho manila, 12 mercato centrale hq, 13 puto sa tondo, 14 adobo republic - sampaloc branch, 15 kwek-kwek ni kuya food cart.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

16 Buddies Lechon Manok

17 thefood garage /susan halo halo, 18 ligaya's store ( turon & gulaman ), top searches in manila, popular road trips from manila, what's the weather like in manila.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Manila for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Manila in January
• Weather in Manila in February
• Weather in Manila in March
• Weather in Manila in April
• Weather in Manila in May
• Weather in Manila in June
• Weather in Manila in July
• Weather in Manila in August
• Weather in Manila in September
• Weather in Manila in October
• Weather in Manila in November
• Weather in Manila in December

All road trips from Manila

• Manila to Malay drive
• Manila to Baguio drive
• Manila to Cebu City drive
• Manila to Puerto Galera drive
• Manila to Vigan drive
• Manila to Sagada drive
• Manila to Baler drive
• Manila to Subic Bay Freeport Zone drive
• Manila to Legazpi drive
• Manila to Davao City drive
• Manila to Bolinao drive
• Manila to Batangas City drive
• Manila to Iloilo City drive
• Manila to Pagudpud drive
• Manila to Laoag drive
• Manila to Banaue drive
• Manila to Tacloban drive
• Manila to Paoay drive
• Manila to Donsol drive

Explore nearby places

• Mandaluyong
• Quezon City
• Taguig City
• Cavite City
• Antipolo City
• Meycauayan City

All related maps of Manila

• Map of Manila
• Map of San Juan
• Map of Mandaluyong
• Map of Caloocan
• Map of Malabon
• Map of Makati
• Map of Quezon City
• Map of Pasay
• Map of Pasig
• Map of Taguig City
• Map of Valenzuela
• Map of Plaridel
• Map of Obando
• Map of Marikina
• Map of Paranaque
• Map of Cavite City
• Map of Antipolo City
• Map of Cainta
• Map of Taytay
• Map of Las Pinas
• Map of Marilao
• Map of Kawit
• Map of San Mateo
• Map of Imus
• Map of Bacoor
• Map of Meycauayan City
• Map of Angono
• Map of Muntinlupa
• Map of Bocaue
• Map of Bulacan
• Map of Teresa

Manila throughout the year

• Manila in January
• Manila in February
• Manila in March
• Manila in April
• Manila in May
• Manila in June
• Manila in July
• Manila in August
• Manila in September
• Manila in October
• Manila in November
• Manila in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Manila?

Get inspired for your trip to Manila with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Manila Itinerary
• 2-Day Manila Itinerary
• 3-Day Manila Itinerary
• 4-Day Manila Itinerary
• 5-Day Manila Itinerary

Best street food in nearby cities

• The best street food in Quezon City

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Quezon City
• Top things to do and attractions in Taguig City
• Top things to do and attractions in Pasay
• Top things to do and attractions in Antipolo City

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Quezon City
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Taguig City
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Pasay
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Pasig
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in San Juan

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places