Amidst the bustling Makati City is a remarkable eatery called Lugawan sa Tejeros. What began as a humble carinderia has evolved into a two-story establishment that’s gaining recognition for its unique take on a classic Filipino dish—lugaw. Now that the rainy season has started, I’ve been craving some warm hearty dishes to complement the weather. Lugaw, a Filipino rice porridge, is a staple comfort food best for the season. As someone living in Makati City, it’s hard to pick where to find a good but affordable one. Especially since there are a lot of options to choose from. There’s this famous Lugawan that I always pass by, which is apparently making some noise on social media. Lugawan sa Tejeros has garnered attention from various quarters, including influencers and television shows. Their inventive approach to traditional lugaw earned them a feature on a Netflix show, showcasing their culinary expertise.
Lugawan sa Tejeros has added a twist to this traditional dish, serving it with a generous topping of crispy lechon kawali and a perfectly boiled egg. This delightful combination of flavors and textures sets them apart from the rest. While lugaw takes center stage, Lugawan sa Tejeros offers more than just rice porridge. Their menu features other Filipino favorites like goto (beef porridge) and arroz caldo (chicken congee), each prepared with care and flavorful ingredients. Additionally, they offer mami and pares with toppings as well. In its quest to share the joy of lugaw and other Filipino comfort foods with a wider audience, Lugawan sa Tejeros has expanded its presence. Today, you can savor their delectable dishes not only in Makati but also in branches located in Taguig and Kalentong. This expansion has made their offerings more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
My Experience
I ordered the the Lugaw with Lechon Kawali and boiled egg toppings, all for a reasonable Php 70. Wanting to enhance the flavors, I added a squeeze of calamansi and a touch of chili garlic sauce to my lugaw for that extra kick. The Lechon kawali exceeded my expectations – it was both crunchy and juicy which perfectly complemented the simplicity of the lugaw. Although the servings looked small, it was enough to fill my tummy, and felt completely satisfied after the meal. This dish would be a lifesaver for those battling hangovers, lacking an appetite, or feeling under the weather. Although I was already satisfied, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to try their pares with noodles. It was an intriguing blend of sweet pares and mami. The beef meat toppings were a definite plus, adding a hearty element to the dish.
Realizing that I couldn’t finish it all by myself, I decided to share it with my friends and they also loved it. Tokwa’t Baboy (Tofu and Pork) was included in the Lugaw, as their photo had suggested. But it wasn’t. While I would have ordered it separately, the thought of waiting in line again made me back up. Nonetheless, it was a minor hiccup in an otherwise enjoyable dining experience with friends. Their Chino Roces branch operates 24/7, providing the convenience of enjoying their dishes at any hour of the day or night. Whether it’s an early-morning comfort meal or a late-night indulgence, they’ve got you covered. For those who prefer to savor their lugaw at home, Lugawan sa Tejeros offers delivery services through Food Panda. This means you can enjoy their delicious creations in the comfort of your own space, without having to step out the door.
Tips and Guidelines
- Keep in mind that Lugawan sa Tejeros has limited street parking, with only two slots available due to its corner lot location. Plan your parking accordingly, and consider carpooling or using public transportation if possible.
- While dining inside the establishment, be aware that there may be street kids approaching you for a little change. It’s advisable to handle these situations with discretion and be cautious when responding to such requests. I advise just hand them whatever you can afford as they can get really persistent if you don’t.
- Lugawan sa Tejeros primarily accepts cash payments, so it’s advisable to bring sufficient cash with you. There may be nearby ATMs, but it’s always better to be prepared.
- If you’re dining with friends or family, consider sharing different dishes. This way, you can sample a variety of flavors and find your personal favorites.
- Be mindful of belongings as the area has pickpocketers.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for similar dining options and experiences, you should consider:
- Eddie Wow Lugaw in Quiapo
- Jollijeeps – My Favorite Must-try Home-made Meals in Makati City!
- I tried the Isabella’s FAMOUS PANCIT CABAGAN in Sampaloc manila | 4k Walking Tour and Travel Guide
How to get there?
If you’re coming from the Makati Central Business District (CBD):
- Head south on Ayala Avenue toward EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue).
- Turn right onto EDSA heading southbound.
- Continue on EDSA until you reach the intersection with Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo). There should be a flyover.
- Take the right turn onto Chino Roces Avenue.
- Follow Chino Roces Avenue for a few blocks until you reach 1066 Chino Roces Ave on your left-hand side.
- Lugawan sa Tejeros should be visible from the road. Look for parking nearby, keeping in mind the limited street parking slots available.
Via Public Transportation
- Begin by reaching the nearest MRT station to your location. The nearest MRT station to Chino Roces Avenue in Makati is usually the Magallanes Station, which is along the MRT Line 3 (Yellow Line).
- Make sure to board a southbound train (headed toward Taft Avenue) at the Magallanes Station.
- After a few stops, you will arrive at the Magallanes Station. This station is relatively close to Chino Roces Avenue.
- Once outside the station, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to Chino Roces Avenue, where Lugawan sa Tejeros is located. It’s just a short distance away, and you can ask locals for directions if needed.
- Upon reaching Chino Roces Avenue, you can easily locate Lugawan sa Tejeros at 1066 Chino Roces Ave. The restaurant should be within walking distance from the station.
