By Aleli V. Dorado-Suguitan
Ask every foodie and they will surely bring up Maginhawa as a recommended spot for a culinary run. Located within Teacher’s Village in Quezon City, while the food craze started along the main thoroughfare which is Maginhawa St., nearby streets followed suit thus the entire area became a sprawling food hub as has been fondly called collectively as Maginhawa.
As the street name implies, it is conveniently located near universities, businesses, and government offices — hence it has been a frequent go to neighborhood for those who would like a cozy place to eat while studying or an after school/work hangout venue.
Tag along with our resident “eatventurer” Leslie Ordinario as she checks out some of the food places that has made a name for itself in this foodie-friendly neighborhood.
Chicken Barbecue and Spaghetti ala Urban Chick
Tucked along Maginhawa is Urban Chick, whose famous Chicken Barbecue has been a surefire hit among young and old. The Chicken Barbecue recipe, which originated and was first developed when the store’s owner resided in Davao City, has now captivated the palate of the metro.
Every inch of this smokey, savory, tangy chicken quarter is doused in flavor and is smothered with its signature barbeque sauce. Equally as delectable is the side of Spaghetti it is served with, which is a cross between the tried and true Filipino spaghetti and the tomato-ey marinara of the Italians. The sauce is made with roasted tomatoes, giving the spaghetti sauce a distinct smokey flavor.
To complete your Urban Chick experience, warm up your tummy with their Pumpkin Soup. Made from scratch from real pureed squash, the soup will definitely provide you with a much needed dose of a heartwarming healthy boost. Another must try from the menu is the Croquetas or crispy fried potato balls with a soft and buttery mashed potato-like center.
Grass Fed Rib Eye Steak ala Escobar’s Steakhouse
What started as an online store serving quality steaks is now a must-visit steak place along Maginhawa. Any steak lover would surely enjoy their signature Grass Fed Rib Eye Steak, a well-seasoned cut cooked to perfection to your preferred doneness. You can enjoy it in its garlic butter basting or dipped on the side of original steak sauces made in-house. Best paired with Java Rice.
Another pair to go with your steak is their Creamy Truffle Pasta, cream-based pasta dish infused with truffle flavor from the added truffle paste and loaded with mushrooms for additional umami.
Suman, Champorado, and Hot Chocolate ala Sikwate
Let’s take a detour on a street next to Maginhawa as we head on to Sikwate to satisfy some sweet tooth cravings. This self-confessed chocolate haven showcasing proudly-Pinoy cacao products. Best seller among the menu is Suman with Chocolate Dip, or an elongated rice cake with coconut milk wrapped either in banana leaf or buli then steamed and served with a side of chocolate sauce. What makes Sikwate’s Suman with Chocolate Dip different is its pronounced but not too overpowering rich chocolate taste.
Another menu chart-topper is the Champorado or chocolate rice porridge. Sikwate gave a new spin to this Pinoy staple dish, which is typically eaten as a breakfast or dessert, by using top grade cacao with the right level of sweetness.
Cap of this chocolate meal with a cup of Hot Chocolate. Sikwate takes pride in its two hot chocolate variants–Batirol and Signature Hot Chocolate. Batirol is a method of hot chocolate preparation wherein tablea is melted into a drinkable consistency and is served in a stainless pitcher stirred by a wooden whisk (batirol). Sikwate’s Signature Hot Chocolate meanwhile is the shop’s take on Hot Chocolate made from real cacao and prepared to surely provide warmth and smile to those who would drink it.
Coffee Creations ala Apaw Flavor Cafe
Continuing our detour, those who prefer coffee will definitely take pleasure in being their own barista and concocting their ideal coffee-laden drinks in Apaw Flavor Cafe.
True to its name, this cafe is overflowing with flavors, options, and customizations. The cafe markets unique coffee variations such as Spanish Bread Latte which tastes like the filling of its namesake bread, Coco Latte or coconut juice infused coffee, and Citrunesso or a combination of espresso and honey calamansi dalandan. Best to pair these notable drinks with Apaw Flavor’s pastries such as Creamy Strawberry Croffle, Pain Au Chocolat and Chicken Crosswich.
Maginhawa truly is indeed a neighborhood of flavors to satiate your culinary curiosity. For more Eat’s Fun adventures, join Leslie every Sunday, 10:00 a.m. on your Pambansang TV — PTV.