Kubo Grill by Gillid’s is a famous boodle fight al fresco dining establishment in Sampaloc, Manila. This unique eatery started in the last quarter of 2018 and has since become a go-to destination for those seeking an authentic Filipino dining experience. In the heart of the capital city, Kubo Grill by Gillid’s offers Filipino cuisine’s fun and flavorful traditions. In Filipino culture, sharing a meal with loved ones, using your bare hands, makes the dining experience a hundred times more delicious and enjoyable. This traditional Filipino method of eating is famous as “kamayan”. It refers to a communal feast where food is served on banana leaves and eaten without utensils. Furthermore, Kamayan style is a simple process of forming a small mound of rice and dishes for flavor, compressing them with your fingers into a small pyramid, and lifting it to your mouth cradled in four cupped fingers.
The other hand is for holding a plate or a drink. Of course, don’t forget to wash and sanitize your hands before you dive into this feast. But kamayan is not limited to a solitary affair. It becomes an even more joyous celebration in groups, known as a “boodle fight.” This term originated from the military practice of communal dining, where contraband sweets like cake, candy, and ice cream were shared among the troops. Furthermore, “boodle fight” is a party where only boodle food is served, and it has taken on a new meaning within the Philippines’ culture. Even up to this day, this practice is still seen in Filipino gatherings and households. Some eateries and restaurants adapted as well. One place that offers this experience is Kubo Grill by Gillid’s in Sampaloc, Manila. Let’s take a closer look at this alfresco dining spot and what they have to offer.
My Experience
My colleagues and I went to Kubo Grill by Gillid’s at dinner time. The restaurant has two floors, with the first-floor housing the cashier and the kitchen. Here, you’ll find a few tables for dining. But they have a bigger space upstairs, where they can comfortably accommodate up to 30 people at a time. Kubo by Gillid’s offers a variety of boodle fight options to suit your group size. Their regular boodle fight menu starts at PHP 650.00, perfect for 3-4 people. Larger groups can opt for the set priced at PHP 990.00, ideal for 6-8 diners. We ordered their G6 regular set that is good for 3-4 people. It costs Php 1,050 which I think is already a reasonable price for a meal that can feed a group. If you’re 4 people sharing, you’ll just have to pay Php 250 – Php 300 each. The set consists of:
- Buttered Shrimp
- Grilled Stuffed Squid
- Bagnet (crispy pork belly)
- Grilled Boneless Bangus (milkfish)
- Ensalada (salad)
- Salted Egg
- Rice
- A pitcher of Iced Tea
They give a pair of plastic gloves to each person. The meal was just enough for us 4, and all of us were satisfied afterward. Especially me who also tried their Classic TLC burger for Php 85. I must say I was just too hungry and everything looked delicious for me. But they were indeed good, even my colleagues say so! I definitely will come back here next time! Moreover, Kubo by Gillid’s opens its doors at 2 PM and remains open until 2 AM, making it a great option for both afternoon and late-night dining. However, do keep in mind that it can get quite busy during peak hours, so visiting during off-peak times might be a more relaxed experience. The restaurant provides parking for motorcycles, but for four-wheel vehicles, street parking is the norm, which can be a bit challenging due to limited space.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for similar dining options, you should also check-out:
- BIG ROY’S BOODLE FIGHT – Is it worth it?
- Villa Escudero; Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls Boodle Fight, and more!
- Bulalohan sa Laon Laan – The Best Bulalo!
How to get there?
Via Public Transportation
From LRT 1 (Line 1):
- Take the LRT Line 1 (Blue Line) to the Blumentritt Station.
- Exit the Blumentritt Station and head towards Blumentritt Road.
- Get a Jeepney passing by Kubo Grill by Gillid’s
From LRT 2 (Line 2):
- Take the LRT Line 2 (Purple Line) to the Recto Station.
- From Recto Station, transfer to LRT 1 (Line 1) at the Doroteo Jose Station.
- Ride the LRT 1 (Line 1) train heading Northbound (towards Monumento).
- Alight at the Blumentritt Station.
- Exit the Blumentritt Station and head towards Blumentritt Road.
- Get a Jeepney passing by Kubo Grill by Gillid’s
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