By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
A bustling hub of culture and history nestled a stone’s throw from the Manila Baywalk, Malate stood as a silent witness to how the City of Manila developed to cater beyond history buffs to include those seeking a gastronomy experience and nightlife in this side of the metropolis.
Come and join Eat’s Fun’s certified foodie Leslie Ordinario as she dives into the area’s rich heritage that is reflected in the delectable delicacies that it offers to locals and tourists alike.
Vietnamese cuisine. Known for being rich in flavors and textures, perfect for those seeking to expand their palate and try dishes that are not far off from those served in local eateries, Pho Mahal may be right up your alley.
Starting with a hearty serving of Phở bò (beef noodle soup) and Bún bò Huế (spicy beef and pork noodle soup), loaded with ingredients that are sure to jumpstart your appetite.
Their Nem rán (fried spring rolls) and Gỏi Cuốn (fresh shrimp and pork rolls) platter with a choice of fish sauce or peanut sauce as your dip will surely let you enjoy a unique spin on local spring rolls (lumpia).
A trifecta of dishes that mirror Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage—Vietnamese fried chicken (Gà Chiên Nước Mắm), Banh Mi (Bánh mì truyền thống), and Grilled Pork and Rice Noodles (Bún thịt nướng)—are packed with vegetables that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and your cravings guilt-free.
Coffee in 4 ways. This caffeinated beverage is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture and food consumption habits and is also mirrored in the offerings of the neighboring Southeast Asian nation.
Egg coffee (Cà phê trứng) is a drink that was born out of necessity—making use of eggs as its primary ingredient that owes its existence to the scarcity of milk in the 1940s. Other variations of coffee in Vietnam include the coconut coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa), iced coffee (Cà phê sữa đá) and white milk coffee (Cà phê bạc xỉu).
Filipino comfort food. Of course, we can’t forget about dishes that are uniquely ours. And this is where Cafe Meema comes in—a restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine mirroring the country’s rich culinary traditions.
The roster of offerings begin with pancit bihon (egg noodles topped with seafood) and stuffed boneless bangus (grilled milkfish topped with vegetables), dishes that are often served during large gatherings.
Up next is one of the Kapampangan’s culinary pride, the Sisig (finely chopped pork topped with green chilis, onions, and calamansi). Also a crowd favorite is the Ilocano staple Pinakbet (a dish made of mixed vegetables such as eggplant, lady fingers [okra], bitter gourd [ampalaya], string beans [sitaw], tomatoes, and squash—topped with lechon kawali [deep-fried pork belly]).
The Visayan Humba (pork dish with banana blossoms, peppercorns, and tausi), buttered chicken, and cassava cake complete the lineupof Pinoy dishes served at this restaurant.
Whether going back in time and revisiting Philippine history, hunting for deals in local shops, embarking on late-night strolls, or simply satisfying one’s gastronomic cravings, you cannot go wrong with the district of Malate.
For more of Leslie’s foodventures, watch Eat’s Fun every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. only here at your Pambansang TV.
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