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Written by: Debbie Salcedo
03/23/05

Title: "Manila Dining"
About: Travel and Tourism Philippines

Over the centuries, the Philippines has become a veritable melting pot of cultures, it is no wonder then that Philippine cuisine is so varied yet distinctly its own.

Mix indigenous Malay recipes with Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and American influence and you’re sure to get a whole lot of variety when it comes to food.

This is clearly reflected in the restaurant/ food scene in Manila and most cities in the archipelago.

Most busy areas are filled with restaurants both big and small. In many places, it is not uncommon to see existing side by side, Filipino, Chinese and Japanese restaurants along with the usual global fast food outlets and its Filipino counterparts like Jollibee (hamburgers), Chowking (Chinese) and Greenwich (Pizza).

Faced with so many choices, selecting a restaurant often becomes a gastronomically delightful challenge.

THE THEME RESTAURANTS/ BARS

Given the stiff competition among restaurants and bars, many develop themes to set them apart from the rest. Sometimes this may simply be through maintaining theme décor or specialized menus. Or they may go so far as having live entertainment for the diners.

Zamboanga Restaurant - (M. Adriatico St. Manila) This restaurant offers a variety of Zamboangan Filipino specialty dishes. A dinner show of traditional Filipino dances is also held nightly.

Kamayan (P. Faura St. Manila) This restaurant is known for its seafood fare which includes crabs and king prawns. Kamayan, taken from the word "Kamay" which means "hand" literally invites diners to sample their delectable cuisine using their hands in lieu of flatware.

Cabalen – (found in most Metro cities) This restaurant offers a buffet table filled with specialties from the Pampanga Province, which is renowned for its cuisine.

The Hobbit House – (A. Mabini St., Manila) This bar which opened long before the current revival of The Lord of The Rings, is a folk music place run and serviced by little people.

Anthology – (M. Adriatico St. Manila) This restaurant is known for what looks like an old seaplane sticking throught its upper-storey windows. Live music is provided from Monday to Saturday.

The Library - (M. Adriatico St. Manila) A tiny stand-up comedy and karaoke bar. One of the known pioneers in Philippine comedy bars, the Library features the vocal stylings and wise cracking antics of gay performers who are well-known in the local show business industry.

Mr. Piggy - (M. Adriatico St. Manila) Just next door to the library is one of the few openly gay bars in Manila. The place is often used as a venue for weekend parties.

Bedrock – (A.Mabini St., Malate) Make like the Flintstones and dine on tables styled to look like huge, flat rocks.

Bars serve a wide selection of beers with some offering foreign brews and cocktails. Snacks or "pica-pica" are inexpensive and may be bought for less than $5.00.

People here are generally friendly and are usually willing to help out with directions and references to entertainment spots. Visitors are however advised that having a guide will be highly recommended in the interest of convenience and security.

No matter what cuisine, taste or entertainment visitors are looking for, there is always something that Malate has to offer.

Visit beautiful philippines today!  A great vacation for the entire family...