Because a rainy day is the perfect excuse for some pigging out, here are some must-try’s, from hot and hearty soups to blow-before-you-take-a-sip drinks (and even an irresistible dessert).
1. Hot and Sour Soup of Shi Lin. Don’t get turned off ‘coz it’s served in just a small bowl. It’s so tasty and you’ll still feel full afterward. G/F Commercenter Bldg, 4th Ave cor 31st St, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig; +63 2 859 7012. Daily 11.30-3pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm. PHP118+.
2. Special Miso Chashu Ramen of Kichitora of Tokyo. Good for sharing, it’s got lots of interesting ingredients you can nibble on, not just the soup and the noodles. 2/F SM Megamall Atrium, Mandaluyong; +63 2 775 1100. Daily Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm. PHP395+.
3. Thom Yum Goong of People’s Palace. Very sour, very flavorful. In short, very good. G/F Greenbelt 3, +63 2 7292888. Mon-Thu 11am-2.30pm, 5pm-11pm, Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-11pm. PHP340++ good for three people.
4. Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen. Best when shared because it can get overwhelming after a while. Not your ordinary ramen, however, and seaweed is always good, right? 5/L Shangri-La Plaza East Wing; +63 2 4478333. Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm. PHP380+.
5. Tortilla Soup of Army Navy Burger + Burrito. Perfect for those on a diet or those who want something light. Definitely one of the healthier offerings from Army Navy, known for their sinful burritos. G/F Connecticut Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Centre; +63 2 6614600. PHP110+.
6. Miso Butter Corn Ramen of Kenji Tei. Butter and corn = good combination, especially in ramen form. 3/F Greenbelt 5; +63 2 7543098. Sun-Thu 11am-10pm. Fri & Sat 11am-11pm. PHP254+
7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup of Borough’s. Perfect combination. Good when consumed separately but mind-blowing when the sandwich is dipped in the soup. #107A Podium Mall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 5708906. Open 24/7. PHP280+.
8. Green Curry Chicken of People’s Palace. Cooked and seasoned just right there’s no need for condiments. G/F Greenbelt 3, +63 2 7292888. Mon-Thu 11am-2.30pm, 5pm-11pm, Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-11pm. PHP390++ good for three people.
9. Breakfast Cazuela of Wildflour. Kind of like a classy version of pork and beans, but leveled up thanks to the chorizo bits. G/F Net Lima Bldg, 4th Avenue cor 26th St, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; +63 2 856 7600. Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri & Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 8am-4pm. PHP380+
10. Green Curry Beef of Jatujak. The best around. Extra cup of rice required. Third even! G/F SM Megamall A; +63 2 637 1772. Daily 10am-9pm. PHP265+.
11. Mexicana Tsokolate of Mary Grace. Thick and creamy and sweet and spicy. Best when partnered with their rum butter slice. G/F Serendra; + 63 2 856 0858. Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10pm. PHP73+.
12. Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate of Max Brenner. Loaded with all sorts of spices, this drink is so special it’s like sinning with every sip. 2/F SM Mall of Asia (Main Mall, Pacific Dr.). Daily 10am-9pm. PHP128+.
13. Blueberry Cream Cheese Gelato of Caffe Bene. The cream cheese gelato is moan-inducing, and is made even more perfect when you have it with the blueberry gelato. Good for sharing, but you wouldn’t want to share it, trust us. G/F Eastwood Citywalk 2; +63 2 708 0410. Daily 10am-9pm. PHP190+.
