11 Legit Filipino Restos To Take Your Balikbayans For Christmas Season

We've compiled the best of the best sinigang, adobo and kare-kare for the best family get-together this Christmas!

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Christmas in the Philippines is so joyous and spectacular and the best thing about it is that we are blessed to be with our friends and family from all over the world

There are approximately 10 million OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers around the world in 170 countries. These are our modern day heroes who have been keeping our economy afloat and working hard overseas to bring money to their families in the Philippines.

Christmas is the season a year when most of our OFW families come home so they deserve a real treat!

We're sure that your titos and titas miss authentic Filipino food like Sinigang, Kare-kare and the likes. So we've compiled a list of places where you can find the best Filipino food with an ambiance that is perfect for family gatherings:

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1. Sentro 1771

We're raving about their Lamb Caldereta and Sinigang na Corned Beef
Pro Tip: You can adjust the sourness of the Sinigang, they will give you a sample first.

Sinigang na corned beef

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Location: Greenbelt 3; Serendra BGC

2. Manam

We're raving about the crunchiest, siksik Sisig you'll ever taste!
Pro Tip: It gets fully booked a lot. Try to call them up for a reservation first.
Location: Greenbelt 2

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3. Kanin Club

We're raving about Sinigang na Tadyang, Binagoongan rice, Crispy Dinuguan,
Pro Tip: They have a couple of branches around the Metro. Find the nearest one to you so you don't have to brave through the traffic. We personally like the one in Ayala Triangle Gardens, it's a great place to walk around before and after dinner with your family.

Crispy Dinuguan

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Sinangag Na Sinigang

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Location: G/F, F7 Building, 49 Sct. Rallos St, Diliman, Quezon City; U.P. Ayalaland Technohub; Don Jose, Santa Rosa, Laguna; Westgate Alabang

4. Locavore

We're raving about their Sizzling Sinigang, Kare-kare wings and Oyster Sisig
Pro Tip: They accept reservations but there are times that they don't. Make sure you're not too hungry as you'd have to wait in line. Don't worry though, it's worth every minute.

Sizzling Sinigang

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Locavore Kapitolyo

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Location: Kapitolyo, BGC

5. Neil's Kitchen

We're raving about their Paellas! Sinigang Paella with Grilled pork belly and Bagoong Paella with kare-kare
Pro Tip: This restaurant is very instagram worthy! Enjoy their ambiance. They also have a library/book shop on the top floor. Be sure to drop by!

Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly

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Location: Westgate Center, Alabang-Zapote Rd. cor. Filinvest Ave., Alabang.

6. Cafe Juanita

We're raving about their Kare Kare, Crispy Pata & eclectic decor that will give you a Filipino-ancestral feel.
Pro Tip: Perfect for the family! Their original restaurant in Pasig has a bit of difficulty with parking during peak hours.

Location: 19 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

7. Pino Resto Bar

We're raving abouttheir Kare Kareng bagnet, Sisig Tacos and Bacolod Kansi with roasted bone marrow
Pro Tip: Pino is a very casual resto bar that's best to visit at night.

Kansi: Tender beef cubes in a sour broth served with roasted bone marrow

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Location: Malingap St., Quezon City and Jupiter St., Makati.

8. Sarsa Kitchen + Bar

We're raving about how affordable their family-sized portion of Filipino-Negrense food is! Try their batchoy, Sizzling Kansi Bulalo and twice-cooked pork belly + GInamos Gata & Chili Sauce
Pro Tip: They get fully booked on peak hours so it's smart to reserve a table ahead of time

Sizzling Kansi with Bone Marrow

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Twice-cooked pork belly + Ginamos Gata & Chili Sauce

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Location: BGC; MOA; Legaspi Village; Diliman QC;

9. Romulo Cafe

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We're raving about their baby pusit in garlic, guinataang sigarilyas with tinapa, and Tito Greg's Kare-Kare
Pro Tip: Romulo is a bit on the high-end side. It's a great place to dress up with your family and have a quiet night with awesome Filipino food.

Crispy Pork Binagoongan

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Location: Scout Tuason Street, South Triangle, Quezon City; 48 Jupiter Street, Bel-air, Makati City

10. Crisostomo

Manok ng Diablo

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We're raving about "Manok ng diablo" which is a hot and spicy deep-fried whole chicken with pineapple sauce
Pro Tip: Their servings are huge but most of them you can order in "half size".

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Location: Click here to view all locations.

11. LZM

We're raving about their boneless bangus which people dub as the best one you can find.
Pro Tip: If you're in their Tagaytay branch, having a serving of Bulalo is paired amazing with the weather.

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Location: Tagaytay, Solenad 2 and Cavite Magallanes Square. For more details, click here.

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