The top 5 picks for delicious eats in Manila, Philippines

After a walk along the Pasig River promenade and a visit to the nearby Iglesia Ni Cristo church in the neo-Gothic style, you’ll most likely want to grab a bite. Just 100 meters away, you’ll find a small restaurant called Warung Kapitolyo. Don't pass it by, as this is your chance to have an authentic Indonesian cuisine lunch. The restaurant's design is done in the style of traditional Indonesian dwellings and is definitely IG-worthy.

The menu features all the top dishes that the archipelago residents love. For example, try tempeh mendoan – deeply fried fermented soybeans, gorengan – crispy snacks, or terong telur belado – eggplant and egg topped with a fresh tomato chili paste. Don't forget about sambal – chili-based sauce known as a staple at all Indonesian tables.

For dessert, make sure to try es teler – shaved ice topped with creamy avocado, sweet coconut meat, jackfruit, and condensed milk. It's a delightful concoction originating from the island of Java that will cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

The next destination on the list is the Korean cuisine offered by Soban K-Town Grill, a barbecue restaurant located in the luxurious Robinsons Place business center. The menu offers so many delicious and unexplored options, therefore bring along some friends to sample as many delectable dishes as possible.

At Soban K-Town Grill, you can opt for their generous BBQ set for two, which comes with an unlimited array of side dishes. Or, you can choose individual items from the menu, such as thick-cut European pork belly soaked and aged overnight in six signature marinades, or kimchi fried rice with your choice of meat and seasoning. One standout recommendation from the restaurant is their dak ganjeong (deep-fried crispy chicken in a spice sauce), served alongside a delightful assortment of banchan, that transforms a simple meal into a grand feast.

After a brief pause, indulge in haemul paheon, a traditional Korean pancake made with squid, shrimp, mussels, and green onion. And then, treat yourself to their signature Coffee Prince, a heavenly combination of homemade coffee ice cream resting on a bed of soft graham Korean red beans.

Having started its journey in a small space, Amare has become a place where you can taste authentic Neapolitan pizza cooked in a brick oven. The cozy and stylish interior of this renovated pizzeria is infused with the aroma of freshly baked dough, reminiscent of childhood memories somewhere along the sunny Mediterranean coast.

Once you place your pizza order, treat yourself to antipasto, abundantly presented here, or indulge in appetizing grilled pork ribs served with vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce. Then, savor the flavors of Three Cheese pizza or their signature creation topped with foie gras, mozzarella, white truffle oil, and homemade blended plum tomatoes. You can also delight in authentic pasta dishes, for instance, with freshly made pesto sauce or Spanish sardines and Parmigiano Reggiano.

But the most astonishing treat awaits you at the end – dessert pizza with Nutella and a melting scoop of ice cream, sprinkled with vanilla and caramelized nuts. You won't find anything quite like this anywhere else in Manila.

It would be a crime not to indulge in the imperial Chinese cuisine at Paradise Dynasty – a branch of the renowned, internationally acclaimed restaurant of the same name in Singapore. With intricate wooden pillars and wall panels made from 100-year-old timber, and lanterns adorned with the emblem, Paradise Dynasty stands out from its neighboring establishments.

Without doubt, you should start with Xiao Long Bao, which even Tatler Dining has raved about. Whether it's with foie gras, crab, or black truffle, these traditional small dumplings are authentically prepared and steamed in a woven bamboo basket. Then, savor charcoal custard lava bun, a remarkable black-colored round roll with an oozing yellow filling inside. For the main course, we recommend deep-fried garlic pork ribs or poached sliced fish in Szechuan chili oil, elegantly served in charming Chinese porcelain.

And don't leave without trying desserts, especially chilled aloe vera and osmanthus jelly in honey lemon juice or glutinous rice balls topped with grated nuts. Due to delightful delis, regal interiors and attentive service, you will definitely dine like royalty here.

For the best ramen in town, head on over to Ippudo, located on the ground floor of Uptown Mall, next to the dancing fountain. First opened in 1985 in Hakata, Japan's ramen capital, this restaurant has gradually become an extensive network and has spread its influence throughout the Asian region.

In a bowl filled with ramen, every ingredient is carefully arranged like a beautiful painting. The broth, noodles, and other elements come together in perfect harmony, creating a masterpiece of flavors, with the main storyteller – the chef – standing behind this creation.

If you don't know which one to choose, go for the best one, Shiromaru Supreme – Ippudo's original creamy 15-hour pork bone broth and signature secret dashi. We also recommend gyoza – pan-fried dumplings, classic fried chicken bun, rich beef ishiyaki rice, and, of course, ever-present matcha crème brûlée with a mint leaf for dessert. While you’re waiting for your order, take a moment to peruse the menu’s informative pages revealing intriguing insights into the history, preparation, and art of savoring ramen.

When you reach Manila, make sure to stay for 2-3 days. Here's what we suggest: go on a city tour and check out the historic center of Intramuros. Don't miss the Church of St. Augustine and its museum, explore vibrant Chinatown and the Chinese cemetery. You'll also be amazed by the metal church of St. Sebastian and the famous bamboo organ in Las Piñas. Plus, from Manila, it's easy to explore the attractions on Luzon Island.

After the tour, treat yourself to a relaxing visit to one of the many spas. Grab a delicious lunch at a Filipino restaurant and take a moment to soak in the stunning sunset along Roxas Boulevard. Take a leisurely walk through the nearest shopping center near your hotel, and if you're up for it, end the evening at a bar with live music. Have an incredible time in Manila!