There is something enjoyable about eating out late night or early morning. The rest of the city is asleep, the air is a bit cooler, and there is a sense of adventure as you look for a hot meal. I was waiting for the World Cup 2014 finals to start at 3am when a sudden hankering for comfort food hit me. And then I remembered this tapsilog place recently featured on a television show.
THE LOOK
Angus Tapa Centrale is a simple roadside eatery on the corner of Kamuning Road and Jamboree St in Quezon City. The tables are on the sidewalk and even on off hours, there are lots of customers as evidenced by cars parked around it.
Plants surround the dining area and aside from creating a perimeter wall, it also cools the place. There are three flat screen displays that continuously play pictures of celebrities shot from inside Angus Tapa Centrale.
The highlight for me is the makeshift kitchen that is integrated into the dining area. A dedicated cook, using two large electric teppanyaki pans, carefully prepares the tapsilog meals right in front of customers.
THE GRUB
What makes Tapa Centrale different from all other tapsilog places is that it uses US Angus Beef. The beef’s taste is noticeably different as it is fattier and has a softer texture. It’s like beef-bacon and is similar to what one would get from a Yoshinoya Beef Bowl.
We had the original tapsilog (PHP130) and it certainly hit the spot. The beef portion was better than ordinary, that you can even have an extra serving of rice to go with it. For an additional PHP30, their tapsilog can also be served in “tropical” and “spicier” versions.
Tapa Centrale also offers tapa-filled bagels and jumbo sausages. For those with a sweet tooth, they also serve sansrival and “The Dome” (rich chocolate cake stuffed with Nutella).
I’ve learned that this tapa joint has been around for a few years. And when it started, it actually wasn’t doing as well, compared to now. It was only when they introduced the “US Angus Beef” tapsilog that it really boomed. Just like their tapa, sometimes being different can be better than being excellent.
Tapa Centrale is a great 24/7 place for hot, affordable and freshly-cooked comfort food. It has a friendly vibe, and is good place for your late-night cravings.
NOTES
Cost: Approximately PHP150 to PHP200 per person for food and drinks
Cleanliness: Acceptable, but can be improved.
Service: Minimal service is needed because it is a small place. You pay at the counter upon order. Wait staff can easily see you.
Sound level: Minimal. I didn’t notice music being played. Background noise from the street, cars and chatter add to the roadside experience.
Lighting: Dim at night. Uses warm white lighting for a more relaxed feel.
Angus Tapa Centrale, Kamuning Road cor Jamboree St, Bgy Laging Handa, Quezon City. www.facebook.com/pages/Tapsilog-Centrale; +63 2 2680621. 24/7.
