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!
Cover image via postimg.orgChristmas 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:
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.
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
Image via Walk and Eat
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.
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.
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!
Image via Our Awesome Planet
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.
Image via Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet
Image via The Diplomatic Wife
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.
Image via Lakwatsero
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
Location: BGC; MOA; Legaspi Village; Diliman QC;
9. Romulo Cafe
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.
Location: Scout Tuason Street, South Triangle, Quezon City; 48 Jupiter Street, Bel-air, Makati City
10. Crisostomo
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".
Image via Primer PH
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.
Image via theknot
Location: Tagaytay, Solenad 2 and Cavite Magallanes Square. For more details, click here.

