Dining options have grown over the years.  But, there just seems something about Filipino food that makes me crave for it once in awhile.  It's kind of like when you wander far to the most amazing places but then, you know your heart still wants to go back home.  So this time, I ended up trying Mangan which specializes in Kapampanan food.

I've always believed that Kapampangan food is one of the tastiest of our local cuisine.

Having had several food trips in Pampanga, I would say this is up a notch over the restaurants there when it comes to interiors.  This makes it more appealing to expats and balikbayans.

Food

Aliw-Aliwang Sisig

Sisig ni Mely (260 php)

When it comes to Kapampangan dishes, how can we forget sisig?  The Sisig ni Mely came out as a surprise for us because of its unusual style of serving - wrapped in banana leaves.

Sisig ni Mely (260 php)

It gives you the pleasure of unwrapping your irresistible order of Sisig ni Mely.

Manyamang Gule

Laing with Dulong (190 php)

To lessen your guilt, why not balance with an order of Laing with Dulong?

Crispy Pata

Original Crispy Pata (100 php/100g)

That is.. before we proceed to the highlights of our meal.  Some prefer the Original Crispy Pata.

Pritson Pata (150 php/100g)

Perhaps because of my Chinese root and being used to eating peking duck that I had fun with the Pritson Pata.

Patang Demonyo (125 php/100g)

But, hey I dare all the spicy food lovers out there to try the Patang Demonyo.

Mapaling Sebo

Bulalong Baka with Mais (425 php)

One bang for the buck to order for sharing is their Bulalong Baka with Mais.

Mga Karne

Kare-Kare Buntot ng Baka (395 php)

One of the best to order is the Kare-Kare Buntot ng Baka. 

Merienda

Pansit Pusit (190 php)

For staple, you can skip the rice dishes for the Pansit Pusit or...

Pancit Puti (140 php)

the very interesting Pancit Puti.  How can be amazingly savory and delicious without any sauce???

Ispesyal Ning Bale

Bibingka Plain (120 php)

Save room for Bibingka

Puto Bumbong (110 php)

or Puto Bumbong.

Puto Bumbong (110 php)

and Puto Bumbong.

Panghimagas

Tibok-tibok with Latik (120 php)

But, when it comes to Kapampangan dessert, you shouldn't miss the Tibok-tibok with Latik.

Drinks

Food

All-Day Merienda

Sotanghon Guisado (265 php)

The Sotanghon Guisado is rice noodles cooked in soy sauce and chicken stock with bits of chicken, strips of vegetables and scrambled eggs and topped with peanuts, green onions and garlic.  It had a sweet blend to it. 

Bibingkinitan Box (120 php)

♥ Bibingkinitan Box (120 php)

The Bibingkinitan are so affordably priced at 20 php.  Upon opening the box of hot Bibingkinitan, I could smell the melting butter together with the baked scent.  Upon biting, I was impressed that it was very tasty, moist and fluffy.  This is the best bibingka I've tasted cooked elecronically.  But, I still prefer them being cooked in the traditional way because it gives off a distinct smokey flavor.

Super Special Bibingka (80 php)

The  Super Special Bibingka was still warm and wrapped in a brown paper bag when they arrived.  We were all so excited to try it out.  It was really fluffy and large in size.  It had many ingredients such as salted egg, egg, cheese and kesong puti.  Honestly, I prefer the utradintional bibingka because you get to appreciate each flavor more rather than being overwhelmed by the contrasting flavors.  


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

Bibingka (75 php)

Mommy Lucy cooks their Bibingka the traditional way with the charcoal.  The Bibingka is topped grated cheese and laid upon a Banana leaf.  It also comes with shredded coconut.  The size of the Bibingka is average.  The taste is good but not the best we've tried.

Puto Bumbong (65 php)

Mommy Lucy's Puto Bumbong is simply topped with butter.  It also comes with shredded coconut.  


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Mommy Lucy's Bibingka and Puto Bumbong is offered for an average price and for that you get what you pay for.  It is enough to satisfy our yearning for Bibingka and Puto Bumbong but it is not the best available. 

Since its new year, I might as well share this treats that are perfect for Noche Buena.  Whenever we see Ferino's Bibingka at various malls or booths like last Christmas Noel bazaar, we simpy can't resist their Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. 


Everyone in our family loves Bibingka and Puto Bumbong so we've tried out so many Bibingka's and Puto Bumbong.  Ferino's is the most frequent one we buy because it has the most booths and branches.  But, we only buy from Ferino's if its cooked by charcoal because the ones cooked by electric cookers are not as delicious.

Bibingka (100 php)

Bibingka (100 php)

Puto Bumbong (60 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Ferino's Bibingka is a bit expensive for its price.  But, the quality as long as its charcoal cooked is consistent so you can satisfy your Bibingka or Puto Bumbong craving without having to risk being disappointed.  Other than the price, I'd say Ferino's Bibingka is certainly worth the try.

If ever you're in the vicinity of Makati craving for something grilled, barbequed or simply looking for a fun place to hang out after a tough day at the work place, head over to Salamanca Food Hawkers at A. Venue Open Parking, Makati Avenue.

The place is the home of B.A.G.A. Manila (Barbecuers and Grillers Association).  Aside from barbeque and grill, there are cheesesteaks, noodles and cupcakes are just some of the other choices you could.  Aside from having tons of food choices, you could also just sit back, relax and enjoy the free live entertainment or just simply shop around the various stores nearby.

Jepoy's Bibingkahan

Bibingka (40 php)

Traditionally cooked Bibingkas and Puto Bumbongs.

Ogre Burger

Ogre Burger (99 php)

Hungarian Sausage (99 php)

Pork American Ribs w/ Rice and Buttered Vegetables (165 php)

Phillymignon Cheesesteaks

Chicken Drumstick (120 php) Steak Sukiyaki (120 php)

Australian Rib Eye Cheesesteak (180 php)

Baby Potatoes (45 php)

If you're looking for imported quality imported meat then this is the place for you.

Shawarma

Shawarma (75 php)

Kebab (75 php) and Kebab w/ Rice (95 php)

Shawarma Salad w/ Pita (95 php)

Middle East inspired food are available here.


Mongol Yang

Stir fried beef (100 php)

Vecittos

Tenga/Isaw/Hotdog/Tofu (30 php) and Barbeque (50 php)

There's also a lot of different foods you can feast on like:


Snacks

Double Delight's Polvoron and Polvoron Cupcakes




These yummy and attractive polvoron cupcakes are the perfect pasalubong or gifts for your loved ones.

There's also some FREE live entertainment every now and then.

After a meal it's better to stand for 30 mins to avoid getting a big belly so while you're standing you could also check out some of the things these stalls can offer.


Try visiting this place when you have the time, with its clean open aired space and wide array of foods this is definitely a great hang out spot for people who just wants to have a good time.

Since it is located in a parking lot, parking is not a problem.

Salamanca Food Hawkers
Business Address	A. Venue Outdoor Parking Area, Makati Avenue, Makati City, Manila, Philippines
Business Hours	Thurs 5:00 pm-3:00 am
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge
Budget/Person	80-150
Organizers	D'DenDar Thematic Event Organizer
Other