Malate is a neighborhood located in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is on the southern part of the city, adjacent to Manila Bay. Before the pandemic, the food scene in Malate was bustling and lively. It was famous for its diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors that catered to both locals and tourists alike. Malate was a popular destination for foodies looking to explore the flavors of Manila, with countless options available to suit every taste and budget. While it was known as a red light district in the past, it has undergone significant changes in recent years. Furthermore, many of the old bars and nightclubs have been replaced with new restaurants and cafes. The area has become more family-friendly and welcoming to all visitors. Nevertheless, some remnants of its past still remain, with some adult entertainment establishments still operating in the area.
Moreover, the food industry in Malate is a thriving and ever-changing landscape. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls serving up a variety of cuisines from around the world. From traditional Filipino dishes to international flavors, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. One of the most popular cuisines in Malate is Korean food. Nowadays, the neighborhood is beaming with countless Korean restaurants, unlimited samgyupsal grills, and cafes. If you’re looking for budget-friendly food trip in Malate, then you’re on the right blog!
Erra’s Vest Ramen
If you’re looking for delicious, authentic Japanese and Filipino cuisine in a no-frills setting, look no further than Erra’s Vest Ramen. Located in the heart of Malate, this unassuming eatery has become a favorite among locals and foreigners alike for its mouthwatering dishes and incredibly affordable prices. One of the highlights of Erra’s Vest Ramen is its selection of Japanese ramen, which includes classics like shoyu (soy sauce-based) and miso, as well as spicy options like tantanmen. Each bowl is filled with rich, flavorful broth and topped with generous portions of noodles, pork, and other toppings. The ramen is a must-try for any fan of Japanese cuisine. But it’s not just the Japanese food they excel at.
The eatery is also famous for its tasty Filipino appetizers like sisig. It is a sizzling dish made with pig’s head and liver. As well as tokwa’t baboy, a tofu and pork in a vinegar and soy sauce dressing, and other sizzling dishes like chicken and seafood. The food is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends. Despite its unassuming appearance, Erra’s Vest Ramen is always busy. Always with a steady stream of customers coming in for a quick and satisfying meal. And it’s not just locals who frequent the place – many foreigners have also discovered the gem that is Erra’s Vest Ramen, thanks to its great food and budget-friendly prices.
Sinangag Express
Sinangag Express is a small food chain located right beside the Philippine Women’s University in Malate, Manila. It’s a popular spot for students and locals alike, known for its delicious breakfast dishes and affordable prices. Their best-sellers are Liempo Silog, TapSilog, and Bagnet Silog. These are all traditional Filipino breakfast dishes that consist of meat, garlic rice (sinangag), and a fried egg (itlog). The restaurant itself is small and simple. It has a few tables and chairs for customers to dine in. However, the service is quick and efficient, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The Liempo Silog is made with grilled pork belly (liempo). It is marinated in a special sauce and served with a generous serving of garlic rice and a sunny-side-up egg. The pork belly is tender and flavorful. It pairs perfectly with garlicky rice and a runny egg. The TapSilog, on the other hand, features tender beef tapa that’s been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s served with the same delicious garlic rice and egg, making for a hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s sure to give you the energy you need to start your day. Last but not least is the Bagnet Silog, which is made with deep-fried pork belly that’s been seasoned with a blend of spices. The result is a crispy and flavorful piece of meat that’s simply irresistible when paired with the sinangag and egg.
Giddy’s Refreshments
Giddy’s Refreshments and Carinderia is a small eatery located on a side street in Malate, Manila. At first glance, you might mistake it for just another fruit shake stand. As they have a colorful array of fruit shakes on display that is sure to catch your eye. However, what many people don’t realize is that Giddy’s also serves Filipino comfort foods and burgers. Their fruit shakes are definitely a highlight, with the mango shake being a particular favorite among customers. Made with ripe mangoes and blended to perfection, it’s a refreshing and delicious treat that’s perfect for a hot day. Their menu also includes dishes like adobo. It is meat stewed in vinegar and soy sauce. As well as sinigang, a sour soup made with tamarind, and kaldereta, a meat stew with tomato sauce and potatoes. These dishes are all famous traditional Filipino foods that hits home in a bite.
For those looking for something more Western, Giddy’s also offers burgers, hotdogs, and fries. Their burgers are simple but delicious, with a juicy patty, fresh veggies, and a soft bun that’s toasted to perfection. The best part about Giddy’s is how affordable everything is. You can get a satisfying meal or a refreshing fruit shake for just a few pesos. The eatery itself is small and no-frills, but the service is friendly and efficient, making for a quick and easy dining experience. If you’re looking for other Food Crawls, You might also check this:
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