Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Mandaluyong for January 2017

kBLK 513 is Manila’s first ever premium and gluten-free activated charcoal-enhanced frozen yogurt. Choose between dark skim cup or cone and top it with a unique selection of crunches, fruits and sauces. It’s for health-conscious dessert lovers. It’s not for people who prefer traditional ice creams. We recommend the Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie, Peach Mango Float, or you can be adventurous and customize your own. Popular sauces include cereal milk and milk jam, a new holiday Red Velvet sauce is available! Bestselling crunches include the Valrhona Baby and White Chocolate Oldie. Our insider tip is watch out for dark lips after eating.

Sambo Kojin is a modern eat-all-you-can Japanese and Korean Yakiniku (meaning ‘grilled meat’) restaurant focused in providing not only fresh and premium meat, poultry, seafood and produce, but also relaxed dining experience. It’s for people who enjoy grilling your own meats on the table. It’s not for people who want their clothes to be smelling fresh when they leave the restaurant. Our insider tip is house tea is not on the house.

Taco Vengo is a taco container shop that first gained attention in the Kapitolyo neighborhood. It serves authentic Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, and nachos. This is its 2nd branch. It’s for Manila’s taco crawlers. It’s not for people looking for goat’s meat. We recommend the Steak Taco, Pork Cheek Confit Burrito, Nachos por Machos, and the Chwaffle (churros + waffle). Our insider tip is their condiments are not free. Here’s a fun fact: Taco Vengo is owned by the same people behind the Nacho King food stands, which you probably have seen around malls.

Helmed by Makansutra Singapore founder, KF Seetoh, Makansutra is a Singapore hawker-inspired food hall with 12 specialty stalls that offer popular street food from around the world, so no it doesn’t offer just Singaporean dishes. It’s for people who are craving authentic Asian cuisine. It’s not for those looking for a Filipino twist, because the taste are not adjusted at all. We recommend the Ah Tee Oyster Omelette, Satay Set, Laksa, Chicken Claypot Rice, and the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice. Our insider tip is the place has poor ventilation and may get too smokey.

Din Tai Fung is an internationally-known dim sum restaurant from Taiwan and a 5-time Michelin awardee most famous for their xiao long bao. Expect a showcase of their expert wrappers thru their signature open kitchen window. It’s for curious foodies who want to know what the fuss is all about. It’s not for people looking for roasted meat rice toppings. We recommend the Classic and Truffle XLB’s, spicy shrimp wantons, pork chop rice, and the dan dan noodles. Insider tips: (1) The menu is tailor-fitted for the Philippines and may differ from other international menus (i.e., the Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun), and (2) You can order your beef noodles your way–all beef or all tendon, or half and half.

Le Petit Souffle is a French and Japanese-inspired cafe from the Tasteless Group (of Hole in the Wall, Scout’s Honor, Bad Bird, Wrong Ramen, etc). They serve modern dishes crafted with flavors and precision of Japanese and French cuisines. This is its most anticipated second branch. It’s for anyone with adventurous taste buds. It’s not for people who are on short meal breaks. We recommend you try their French Toast, Foie Mac n Cheese, Squid Ink Rice, then cap off with their soufflés and matcha dessert selections. Here’s an insider tip: This branch houses Workshop Bespoke Bakery, which will be serving freshly baked breads and pastries.

Mighty Quinn’s is a popular NYC barbeque joint that serves true American-style, traditional and slow-smoked BBQ meats. It started out as a humble vendor at Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg food market in 2012 and has since grown to 10 branches including Manila. It’s for heavy meat eaters. It’s not for vegetarians. We recommend the Brisket, Pulled Pork Sandwich and their signature Brontosaurus Rib. Our insider tip is only the Philippines has dirty rice on the menu. Read our full feature here.

Ooma is a modern Japanese restaurant by the Moment Group and young acclaimed chef Bruce Ricketts, the same partnership that brought us Mecha Uma. Ooma, a wordplay on Uma meaning ‘good’, promises bold Japanese flavors at affordable prices. It’s for heavy rice eaters, rice is unlimited. It’s not for people looking for ramen. We recommend the Soft Shell Crab Taco-Maki, Hangar Steak and Uni Udon. Our insider tip is that at Ooma, you get to ‘brush’ (not dip) soy sauce on your sushi.

Vikings Luxury Buffet has redefined the buffet service industry; what was once mostly available in hotels catering to the upper classes has now been made available to the middle class. It’s for families and groups who are looking to celebrate special occasions affordably. Customers are loving their avocado ice cream. It’s not for people who prefer the ambiance of a hotel buffet. Our insider tips are (1) Visit on your birthday month for a free meal. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID. (2) Book at these branches to get up to P500 off your bill.

RB CTY / Rib City is a fun and interactive American diner specializing in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Other items on the menu include pasta, salads, soup and other mains. In line with their restaurant concept, guests are encouraged to play and build legos while waiting for orders. It’s for lunch breaks with workmates in the area, barkada nights out or weekend play dates with the kids. It’s not for people who are looking for a quiet place to work in. We recommend the Big City with CTY rice or the Twin Tower. Our insider tip is non-rib eaters can still enjoy their burger and Philly cheesesteak sandwich.