Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Manila for June 2017

Cafe Chosun is a nondescript 24-hour Korean restaurant that can easily go unnoticed except for its loyal patrons. Like other Korean restaurants, Cafe Chosun also offers grilled meat with unlimited dishes, soups and affordable sets. It’s for Korean locals and people craving for authentic Korean food. It’s not for foodies who prefer other Asian specialties. We recommend the Chosun sets, Dak Galbi and Hotpot Bulgogi. Our insider tip is: The staff will cook your orders for you. Fun fact: This place was visited by Parts Unknown host, Anthony Bourdain, last December. We read that he ordered Dungsim (rib-eye angus); a medium-rare rib finger called Galbisal and Hangjeongsal (pork jowls).

Kumori is a vibrant bakery and cafe that offers calm and comfort through a variety of authentic Japanese breads and pastries, a total opposite to their namesake, which actually means ‘cloudy’. It’s for yuppies or barkadas looking to work or catch up over delicious, Instagram-worthy pastries in a cheerful ambience. It’s not for your boys night out. We recommend the Soft Matcha Bun, Salmon Bonito, and their famous Japanese cheesecake: the Kumori Hanjuku Cheese. Our insider tip is to order their cheesecakes by the box, as one piece could easily be finished in 2-3 bites.

Samgyupsalamat is a Korean BBQ restaurant popular to students and nearby residents of DLSU-Manila. It recently opened a new branch in Jupiter. Enjoy barbecuing and other Korean favorites like Bibimbap, spicy noodles and other grilled meat. It’s for meat and Korean food lovers alike. Hungry folks looking to unwind are welcome too. It’s not for shy appetites. We recommend you wear loose jeans (sweatpants are ideal) and come hungry. You’ll thank us later. Our insider tip: stock up on a plate each for meat and greens. It saves time and effort in the long run.

Yabu is the leader in all things katsu, which is Japanese for the word ‘cutlet’. Owner John Concepcion of Unilever RFM Ice Cream, Inc. brought in Chef Kazuya Takeda from Tokyo to partner with him in creating this specialized dining experience. It’s for people of all ages who like their food deep-fried and can eat unlimited sides. It’s not for people looking for a wide Japanese menu selection. We recommend the Kurobuta Premium set. Our insider tip: Fill out their VIP form and get a ‘surprise’ e-mail (a.k.a. free Katsu) on your birthday.

Previously called Big B, BeefX is a university burger joint most popular for their innovative 50:50 burgers, which are burgers with patties made of 50% beef and 50% of something else (i.e., bacon, longganisa and spam). It’s for anyone looking for bang-for-buck burgers. It’s not for people craving for traditional all-beef burgers. We recommend the Beef x Bacon burgers with multiple shots of their home-made Awesomesauce burgers or the TR3ASON triple patty burger, if you can’t decide which patty to try. Here’s an insider tip: Resident pseudochefs offer new products via the ‘Wild Card’ item on their menu. P.S. Also get their Pink Potion with Feelings soda to get a theatrical surprise from their staff. Read our full feature here.

Happy Lemon is a Hong Kong milk tea brand mainly serving fun and fresh tea beverages, coffee and juices. Since opening in November of 2010 in the Philippines, the brand recently serves Hong Kong Style bubble waffles. Currently, they have 21 branches nationwide. It’s for anyone looking for a milk tea fix and light snacking on bubble waffles. It’s not for full fledged meals or big, big appetites. We recommend the rock salt and cheese series that made Happy Lemon the sensation it is. Here’s an insider tip: You can get Buy 1 Get 1 (BOGO) Super Milk Tea for just P95 thanks to Happy Lemon’s exclusive deal with Booky. Sulit!

Hwangso-Ga offers unlimited samgyeopsal and beef brisket plus other traditional Korean specialties. It’s for Korean cuisine fanatics who want an authentic, bang-for-buck meal. It’s not for late night grub sessions as they close by 10pm everyday. We recommend you get their unlimited promo during lunch (P399)! Dinner rate is P449. Insider tip: Drinks are not included in their promos.

From HK to Manila, The Dessert Kitchen offers guilt-free indulgences made from wholesome ingredients. It offers ice cream, parfaits, eggettes, puddings, jelly and its award-winning Purple in Love shaved iced dessert. Read our full feature here. It’s for picture perfect and unique desserts and for satisfying your sugar fix without feeling guilty after. It’s not for savoury meals and those looking for monster sized servings. We recommend you try The Dessert Kitchen Eggettes and the award winning Purple in Love. Insider tip: have your camera at the ready so you can snap your photos before anything melts!

The Samgyupsal is the newest 24/7 Korean spot in Malate. It offers a wide selection of Korean specialties starting with unlimited appetizers down to grilled meats. It’s for nights when you’re in the mood for authentic Korean eats—lots of it. It’s not for those who wouldn’t wanna smell like grilled meat after they eat. We recommend the Yangnyum Degigalbi, Wagyu Chadobagi, and of course, the Samgyupsal. Our insider tip: Aside from free unlimited appetizers, each table gets a complimentary bowl of shell soup, too!

Tim Hortons is Canada’s world-renowned coffee house. It’s for all coffee lovers who have a taste for premium caffeine blends and all the pastries that go with it. It’s not for third-wave coffee enthusiasts. We recommend the Original Blend Coffee, Iced Capps, and their donuts. Our insider tip: Tim Hortons now brews 24/7!