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the centuries, the Philippines has become a veritable melting pot of cultures, it is no
wonder then that Philippine cuisine is so varied yet distinctly its own.
Mix indigenous Malay recipes with Chinese,
Spanish, Japanese and American influence and you’re sure to get a whole lot of
variety when it comes to food.
This is clearly reflected in the
restaurant/ food scene in Manila and most cities in the archipelago.
Most busy areas are filled with restaurants
both big and small. In many places, it is not uncommon to see existing side by side,
Filipino, Chinese and Japanese restaurants along with the usual global fast food outlets
and its Filipino counterparts like Jollibee (hamburgers), Chowking (Chinese) and Greenwich
(Pizza).
Faced with so many choices, selecting a
restaurant often becomes a gastronomically delightful challenge.
THE THEME RESTAURANTS/ BARS
Given the stiff competition among
restaurants and bars, many develop themes to set them apart from the rest. Sometimes this
may simply be through maintaining theme décor or specialized menus. Or they may go so far
as having live entertainment for the diners.
Zamboanga Restaurant - (M. Adriatico
St. Manila) This restaurant offers a variety of Zamboangan Filipino specialty dishes. A
dinner show of traditional Filipino dances is also held nightly.
Kamayan (P. Faura St. Manila) This
restaurant is known for its seafood fare which includes crabs and king prawns. Kamayan,
taken from the word "Kamay" which means "hand" literally invites
diners to sample their delectable cuisine using their hands in lieu of flatware.
Cabalen – (found in most Metro
cities) This restaurant offers a buffet table filled with specialties from the Pampanga
Province, which is renowned for its cuisine.
The Hobbit House – (A. Mabini St., Manila) This bar which opened long
before the current revival of The Lord of The Rings, is a folk music place run and
serviced by little people.
Anthology – (M. Adriatico St.
Manila) This restaurant is known for what looks like an old seaplane sticking throught its
upper-storey windows. Live music is provided from Monday to Saturday.
The Library - (M. Adriatico St. Manila) A tiny
stand-up comedy and karaoke bar. One of the known pioneers in Philippine comedy bars, the
Library features the vocal stylings and wise cracking antics of gay performers who are
well-known in the local show business industry.
Mr. Piggy - (M. Adriatico St. Manila) Just next door
to the library is one of the few openly gay bars in Manila. The place is often used as a
venue for weekend parties.
Bedrock – (A.Mabini St., Malate) Make like the
Flintstones and dine on tables styled to look like huge, flat rocks.
Bars serve a wide selection of beers with some offering
foreign brews and cocktails. Snacks or "pica-pica" are inexpensive and may be
bought for less than $5.00.
People here are generally friendly and are usually willing
to help out with directions and references to entertainment spots. Visitors are however
advised that having a guide will be highly recommended in the interest of convenience and
security.
No matter what cuisine, taste or entertainment visitors are
looking for, there is always something that Malate has to offer.
Visit the Beautiful Philippine Islands today! A great vacation for the entire
family...
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