Malate is a district in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. It is in the south of Manila Bay and is known for its vibrant food scene and nightlife, art galleries, and historic architecture. During the Spanish colonial era, Malate was once a residential area for the city’s wealthy families. However, it gradually became a cultural and commercial center, with many theaters, restaurants, and hotels opening up. There are also many international restaurants in Malate, serving cuisines such as Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Italian. The district is particularly well-known for its seafood restaurants, which offer a variety of fresh fish and shellfish dishes. In addition to restaurants, Malate is also home to several street food vendors. Selling everything from grilled meats and seafood to sweet snacks like bibingka, a type of rice cake, and turon, a fried banana roll.
My cravings are calling me in for so many flavors today, so I decided to try whatever I find interesting on my visit there. Sure enough, they have everything I’m craving for! Whether you’re looking for traditional Filipino cuisine or international flavors, you’re sure to find something delicious in Malate.
Erra’s Vest Ramen
If you’re looking for a delicious bowl of ramen in a laid-back and unassuming setting, look no further than Erra’s Vest Ramen in Malate. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this cozy eatery is a hidden gem that offers some of the best ramen in the area. Despite its unassuming ambiance, Erra’s Vest Ramen is always bustling with customers who come for the flavorful and comforting bowls of shoyu and tantanmen ramen. The menu is simple but well-curated, with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional flavors. The shoyu ramen is a must-try! With a rich and savory broth that is perfectly balanced with soy sauce and other seasonings. The noodles are cooked to a perfect al dente texture. There are also toppings including slices of tender pork belly, bamboo shoots, and green onions. Adding fresh and flavorful taste.
For those who like their ramen with a bit of heat, the tantanmen is a spicy and satisfying choice. The broth is made with sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil, and it packs a punch without being overwhelming. The ground pork topping adds a delicious umami flavor, and the bok choy and green onions provide a fresh and crunchy contrast. In addition to the ramen, Erra’s Vest Ramen also offers a variety of Filipino pulutan, or bar snacks, including the popular sisig and tokwa’t baboy. These dishes are perfect for sharing with friends over a few drinks, and they provide a tasty glimpse into the local cuisine.
Sinangag Express
Another place you can try that won’t break the bank is Sinangag Express in Malate. This popular eatery chain is known for its mouthwatering silog dishes. Consisting of fried rice (sinangag) and a variety of other dishes usually meat, topped with a fried egg (itlog). The Sinangag Express branch located beside Phililippine Women’s College in Malate is a popular spot for students, locals, and tourists alike. The small and unassuming eatery offers a variety of silog dishes, as well as other Filipino favorites like adobo and sisig. The service is fast and friendly, and the portions are generous. Making it the ultimate destination for silog lovers and anyone who wants to experience the delicious flavors of Filipino cuisine. Despite its simple and unassuming ambiance, Sinangag Express always has customers who come for delicious and affordable food.
One of the most popular dishes at Sinangag Express is the tapsilog. It consists of thinly sliced beef (tapa) that has been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. The beef is then fried until it’s crispy and served over a bed of sinangag with a fried egg on top. Another bestseller is the liempo silog, made with crispy pork belly slices that are marinated and grilled to perfection. The bagnet silog is also a must-try, with deep-fried pork belly that is crispy and flavorful. The last one is my favorite among all the three, no wonder it’s a bestseller!
Giddy’s Refreshments & Carinderia
For our last stop, we’re looking for something cold and sweet to freshen us up from walking the Malate Streets. It was also summer and we can already feel the heat! Giddy’s Refreshments and Carinderia is a hidden gem that is worth seeking out. From the outside, the small eatery looks unassuming and easy to miss. But inside you’ll find a cozy dining area and some of the tastiest and most affordable burgers in town. It is a popular spot for students and drivers working in the area, who come for delicious and affordable food. One of the most popular items on the menu is the cheap burger. It is made with a juicy beef patty and served on a soft and fluffy bun. With fresh lettuce, tomato, and cheese, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
But what really sets Giddy’s Refreshments and Carinderia apart is their refreshing Mango Shake. The shake is made with ripe and sweet Philippine mangoes. Blended with ice and milk to create a smooth and creamy beverage that is perfect for beating the heat. The shake is served in a large glass and is a steal at its affordable price. For only Php 20, you can enjoy a huge cup of these freshly blended Mango Shakes. I also appreciate that it’s not too sweet, I can still taste the citrus flavor of the fruit. They also serve a variety of Filipino dishes that are perfect for sharing. The portions are generous and the prices are affordable. Making it a great option for budget-conscious diners. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and affordable meal that won’t disappoint. If you’re looking for more Food trip options, you should check:
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