Manam’s Twist on Traditional Filipino Cuisine - From Bibingka to Watermelon Sinigang

ABBEY: I’ve seen a lot of post about Manam and I got curious on how good their Filipino dishes are. We went to their Gateway Mall 2 branch and ordered crispy palabok, bibingkang galapong and coffee. 

I disregarded the delay and my follow-ups (but I hope no need for that in the future) when I saw how they serve the palabok; the crispiness is being melted with rich orange sauce from a pot. So aesthetic. And the taste is at par with its presentation. The bibingka has a fluffy and soft texture. Best paired with coffee. Authentic Pinoy merienda. 

We liked the food that we visited the branch at Ayala Malls Manila Bay with our family. For lunch, we had kare kare, fried chicken, this time the black ink palabok along with the classic and beef short rib sinigang with watermelon. Yes, with watermelon. Kind of should-not-be-on-the-mix but I’m telling you it elevates the flavor. Truly Manam lives up to is mission to serve Filipino cuisine to provide good food, nostalgia, patriotism boost and comfort. 

Manam’s Twist on Traditional Filipino Cuisine - From Bibingka to Watermelon Sinigang

Manam’s Twist on Traditional Filipino Cuisine - From Bibingka to Watermelon Sinigang

WILL: In Manila, the trend of all-you-can-eat buffets is widespread, with many restaurants offering similar selections. However, we were thrilled to discover something refreshingly different through Korina’s YouTube channel—Manam’s innovative twist on Filipino dishes.

Our first visit to Manam wasn’t planned. We were simply looking for a spot for Abbey’s afternoon coffee when we stumbled upon Manam’s Cubao branch. We decided to try their bibingka and palabok, and what an afternoon treat it was! The flavors were exceptional, leaving us eager for more.

Unable to resist, we returned for a meal — but now with our family. This time, we ordered a variety of dishes: the original and squid ink palabok, their renowned watermelon sinigang, kare-kare, and of course, fried chicken. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing Manam’s creative approach to Filipino cuisine. Their commitment to refining and reimagining traditional flavors is evident in every bite.

Manam offers great value for money and is highly recommended for those looking to experience Filipino cuisine with a twist. We can’t wait for our next visit!

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Manam Comfort Filipino 

(W) http://manam.momentfood.com/

(F) https://www.facebook.com/ManamPH/about

Eating Well, Feeling Good at Blake's Wings & Steaks in Trinoma QC

ABBEY: We’ve been anticipating our visit to Blake’s Wing & Steaks as our kuya recommended it. We gathered the family there for dinner. No reservations. Our host gave us a big table enough to sit us comfortably. 

Our order included nachos, chicken wings (honey chipotle, Korean Snowing Cheese, truffle parmesan), pesto and carbonara pasta, and their signature pork ribs. I like the honey chipotle as flavor didn’t overpower the taste of the chicken. The pesto pasta can improve if more basil is on it. The pork ribs are fall off the bone however don’t mistake the fat with juiciness. Also it is slathered with the sauce; like the char though. I admit we order too much and have them to go.

The servings are for sharing.

Eating Well, Feeling Good at Blake's Wings & Steaks in Trinoma QC

WILL: When chatting with my eldest brother, I asked him for a restaurant recommendation, a place he thought would be good for us to dine in. He suggested Blakes. Initially, we planned to go to the SM North branch, but its location under an escalator made it seem noisy and awkward. So, we opted for the Trinoma branch, which is more serene.

My brother was right; their servings are huge! Haha. Now, how's the taste? It appears that every dish is excessively sweet, especially their Blakes Signature Pork Ribs. I only took two bites and gave up on it. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the flavored chicken and pesto pasta.

Is it recommendable? Definitely worth a try.

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Blake's Wings & Steaks 

(W) blakes.ph 

(H) 10AM – 9PM 

(A) Level 1, Garden Restaurants, TriNoma, EDSA, cor North Ave, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City 

(T) (02) 7005 8917 / 0917 700 3840