Gubat Restaurant in UP Diliman offers a dining experience that connects diners with nature and Filipino tradition. True to its name, “Gubat” means “forest,” and the restaurant creates a rustic, earthy atmosphere.
The setting makes you feel like you’re dining in the heart of the woods. Gubat’s signature dining style is the Kamayan Style, where guests forgo utensils and eat with their hands from banana leaves spread out on a communal table. Some diners combine their food in a spread to enjoy a boodle fight as well. It is a traditional Filipino way of eating that enhances the sensory experience and fosters a connection with the people and the meal. A special type of Kamayan meal, the Boodle Fight, originated as a military tradition where soldiers would gather around a communal spread. In this lively feast, utensils are set aside, and everyone digs in with their hands, promoting camaraderie.
Dishes like grilled meats, seafood, rice, and vegetables fill the table, offering a festive way to share food. The tradition emphasizes community, equality, and a shared experience. It creates not just a meal but a moment to bond with family and friends. Gubat’s al fresco dining area adds to the natural charm. Guests are welcomed to an outdoor setup, with seating for up to 50 people surrounded by trees and plants. The open-air environment allows you to enjoy your meal while soaking in the peaceful, nature-filled surroundings. They have also grown in popularity since its opening in 2019, gaining recognition through TV shows and social media. Various food vloggers rave about its unique dining concept. Gubat now has two branches in Quezon City to cater to its ever-growing fanbase, each offering the same rustic dining experience. Their second branch on Mayaman Street is famous as the “Pagkaing Gubat”.
Menu
The menu at Gubat and Pagkaing Gubat offers classic Filipino comfort food, perfect to satisfy cravings with rich, authentic flavors. Meals range from PHP 150 to PHP 250 each and come with rice, salted egg, and fiddlehead fern toppings. The price point suits students, families, and casual visitors looking for a satisfying meal. Diners simply choose their ulam or viand to complete the meal, making every dish hearty and balanced. Their ulam include pork adobo, fried chicken, tuyo, lechon kawali, longganisa, and more. They also have an ala carte order of Dinakdakan which to our surprise, tasted like a mix or Sisig and Kinilaw. Definitely a must-try!
Gubat offers party trays for gatherings, ideal for groups of up to 10 people. The trays, ranging from PHP 800 to PHP 1,850, feature a wide selection of Filipino dishes. These trays allow guests to experience traditional flavors without the hassle of meal preparation. Perfect for large groups, the trays ensure an abundant Filipino feast that can easily be shared. Most people in groups also order different solo orders and line them up to share with others.
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