Time and again, Filipino flavors show they can compete with international cuisines. Here in Manila, there is no shortage of establishments that promote and celebrate well-loved Pinoy dishes, like Resorts World Manila and its partner hotels—both international marquee brands and homegrown names.
“I’ve worked as a chef in several hotels—including five-star brands—around the world,” shared Chef Mario Manaloto of Silogue, an RWM signature restaurant. “I’m glad that by working for a company like RWM, I am able to prepare meals that are truly Filipino for both my kababayans as well as for foreigners.”
Silogue, which is dedicated to Filipino comfort food, has a variety of Filipino offerings, including an all-day, all-Filipino buffet. The luxury integrated resort said it has proven to be very popular with RWM guests—many of whom are experiencing Filipino food for the first time there.
Its a la carte menu includes kansi from Visayas, and laing and tinumok from the Bicol Region, among other rich flavors. Its vibrantly-colored sago’t gulaman is the perfect sweet refreshment for a country with seemingly endless summers.
Proving that the appeal and mastery of Filipino cuisine goes beyond nationality, Chef Paul Stoks, the Dutch chef of S Kitchen by Sheraton Manila Hotel, has developed a deep appreciation for Filipino cooking techniques as he immersed himself in the culinary traditions of several Philippine regions.
The result of the combination of his European background and a thorough immersion in the local culture is a remarkable proficiency in Tagalog and what may be the crispiest, most tender lechon ever.
S Kitchen’s empanada, on the other hand, is a study in creativity, combining the rich fattiness of sisig with the sharp tang of Kapampangan longganisa in a delicate pastry shell.
Kusina, Hilton Manila’s all-day dining restaurant unabashedly embraces the Filipino dining experience. The all-day buffet includes an heirloom kare-kare recipe from its executive sous chef’s grandmother.
Taking advantage of its location in Manila’s busiest airport terminal, The Manila Life Café by Marriott Hotel Manila showcases Filipino cuisine to millions of tourists every day, including its Manila Sunrise platter and Pancit Luglug.
The Belmont Hotel’s Café Belmont, meanwhile, takes diners to a jaunt to the famed grilleries of the Negros Islands with its smoky and tangy chicken inasal. It also serves an impossibly crisp and tender crispy pata.
Guests can indulge in town fiesta favorites Menudo sa Puti and the Pakbet con Bagnet at the Savoy Hotel Manila. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City takes a similar route with its lip-smacking binagoongan, with the sharp flavors the shrimp paste infusing the fatty chunks of choice-cut pork belly.
Maxims Hotel’s two restaurants, the Terrace and Café Maxims both offer sweet endings with halo-halo and bibingka.
RWM recently partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for a sustained promotion of Philippine heritage cuisine.
“This is the best avenue to bring to the fore Philippine culture and the arts. Before, we only had the stage, the school, and the streets to showcase our culture and the arts. Now, tourists and people who would like to experience culture and arts, can find everything here at RWM,” said NCCA executive director Rico Pableo, Jr.