With so many blog guides on Maginhawa food stops, my mom has been yearning to check it out.  So one random night, we all decided to accompany her in her epicurean road trip from Manila to Maginhawa.  Googling while on the way, we've chosen our candidates and Sancho Churreria won by an almost unanimous vote.
It is a simple hole-in-the-wall churreria specializing Churros con Chocolate and serving simple Spanish dishes.  You can park along the street so it was quick and easy.  But the seating required some waiting time.  You can order in advance though.

Aside from the outdoor seating, there's a dozen-seater inside where you can enjoy a brighter  and cooler atmosphere.

They have a few cakes on display.

Food

Appetizer

♥ Gambas al Ajillo (195 php)

The Gambas al Ajillo is delicious because it was very garlicky.

♥ Calamares Fritos (170 php)

The Calamares Fritos are fried squid rings with their lemon mayo dip.  The squid rings were so tender so we ordered another batch of this.

Soup

♥ Sopa de Ajo (80 php)

The Sopa de Ajo is my mom's all-time favorite Spanish garlic soup.  Having tried many renditions of the sopa de ajo,  she finds this as one of the good ones.

Beef/Pork

Salpicao (195 php)

The Salpicao is simple with evident essence of two combinations: olive oil and garlic that enhanced the beef cubes which were soft and savory.

♥ Callos (210 php)

My favorite dish are the Callos.  It had generous servings of ox tripe, bell peppers and pork chorizo. 

Steak and Mushroom Pot Pie (195 php)

The Steak and Mushroom Pot Pie has beef slices and button mushroom with a smooth layer of mashed potato on top. 

Paella Valenciana  (390 php/Good for 3-4)

The Paella Valenciana requires 20 minutes waiting time.  For the price, I though the serving size was hefty.  But, this was the lamest paella we've ever tried.  We don't mind paying more for a bit more flavor.

♥ Churros con Chocolate (85 php)

The Churros con Chocolate is actually my first churros so I have no point of comparison.  It was pretty good but I wished the chocolate was a bit richer.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Sancho Churreria Manila is offers Spanish meals that can fit even a student's budget.  Quality is not remarkable but its not bad either. 

Just adjacent Sacret Heart Chapel and beside the famous Purple Oven is Galli Village Cafe.  It is a dainty European influenced Spanish-Filipino Cafe with a humble indoor and al fresco area.

It offers adequate parking space too.

This is the al fresco area.

Aside from church goers and walk-ins, it has caters to the guests of YMCA hotel.

Food

House Specialities

♥ Paella Valenciana Good for 4 (495 php)

Their best-selling dish is the Paella Valenciana priced affordable for only 495 php.  Although did not make use of the typical Bomba or valencia short-grained rice, it is still agood paella with its rich flavor and bountiful with ingredients.  My little sister who was a picky eater gave her approval for this.

Beef Salpicao w/ Rice (195 php)

The Beef Salpicao w/ Rice is for a solo meal.  It was tender but the it didn't stand out.

Tuna Salpicao w/ Rice (195 php)

 The Tuna Salpicao w/ Rice is a nice alternative to its beef counterpart.  It did not fall short in any aspect which is why I'll probably opt for this healthier option.

♥ Shrimp Gambas w/ Rice (195 php)

The shrimp Gambas w/ Rice is just the way I like it!  It was very garlicky! 


Meal Favorites

Lengua Con Setas (160 php)

The Lengua Con Setas has excellent tender texture.  However, I found some parts of it tad too salty for my taste.

Rice Meals

Angus Beef Tapa (170 php)

Their Angus Beef Tapa is better than famous tapa chains because you get real angus beef goodness in every bite.


Rice

♥ Chorizo Rice

We all enjoyed the Chorizo Rice.  Think delicious sinangag plus lots of chorizo bits, isn't that fragrantly delicious? 


Drinks

Sparkling Lemonade (39 php)

For drinks, a wonderful choice is their Sparkling Lemonade.  It's a hybrid of soda water and lemonade.  I find this fizzy lemonade quite refreshing.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Galli Village Cafe is a cozy place to enjoy a meal when in the area especially when you're craving for paella while on a tight budget.