Manila eateries have a way of turning an ordinary night into a memorable food adventure. This week, my evenings revolved around friends, conversations, and three very different dining experiences.
Each place had its own personality and specialty. Together, they felt like a delicious journey through Korea, Japan, and the Philippines without leaving the city.
[UPDATE 2023: Some of the restaurants listed here may have closed or are no longer in operation in this location.]
A Taste of Korea at Korea Fellow Feeling
I had always been curious about Korea Fellow Feeling, even before I finally stepped inside. It’s one of the many Manila eateries I had longed to try.
Its unusual name always caught my attention whenever I passed by. Then, one evening, an event next door finally gave me the perfect excuse to visit.
The eatery sits along Vito Cruz Street near Taft Avenue. With several universities nearby, it looks like an inviting hangout for students and budget-conscious diners.
A smiling cat wearing a chef’s hat greets customers from the entrance. Somehow, it reminded me of an anime character and immediately made the place feel welcoming.
This is probably one of Manila eateries that is small as it can accommodate only around 10 to 15 people. One wall features a collage of K-pop artists, including Sandara Park.
The narrow layout also reminded me of the casual Korean diners I encountered in Seoul. A large photo of the menu covered part of one wall.
Naturally, Korean favorites dominate the menu. You can find gyoza, bibimbap, ramen, and other familiar comfort foods.
Because rain had soaked the city that evening, I wanted something warm. I ordered ramen while my friends chose gyoza, maki, and another bowl of ramyeon.
While we waited, the staff served kimchi as an appetizer. I loved its flavor because it had enough spice without overwhelming my sweet tooth.
Then our ramen arrived, and we stared at the enormous bowl in disbelief.
One serving could easily feed three or four people. We divided one bowl among ourselves and still had plenty left over.
We packed the other bowl for later. At just over a hundred pesos, the generous serving also felt incredibly reasonable.
I left already planning my next visit. There were simply too many other Korean dishes and more Manila eateries waiting to be explored.
Tokyo Bubble Tea Has More Than Tea
Who says Tokyo Bubble Tea only serves tea?
That was exactly what I thought about the branch in The Fort, Taguig. A friend, however, introduced me to its Japanese food menu.
Since it was already late, I wanted something relatively light. One friend and I decided to share California maki and tofu steak.
Our plan for a small dinner quickly disappeared once the food arrived.
The tofu steak came covered in sweet and sour sauce, onions, and mushrooms. It tasted so good that our supposedly light dinner became surprisingly satisfying.
The California maki also tasted fresh and delicious. Then came another temptation that we could not resist.
We ordered a tea slush to accompany the meal. I chose passion fruit, which offered a refreshing sweet-and-sour kick.
The little black tapioca pearls added sweetness and texture to every sip. They balanced the tart passion fruit perfectly.
Our individual bills came to around P270 to P320. That was roughly USD 6.50 to USD 7.50 at the time.
Meanwhile, our group of five spent enough to receive a free box of truffle chocolates. We initially looked forward to taking home the unexpected dessert.
Ironically, our dinner had already satisfied everyone. Nobody seemed particularly interested in claiming the chocolates.
Lola’s Best: Manila Eateries Bring Filipino Comfort Food Home
After exploring East Asian flavors, I wanted something closer to home. Lola’s Best provided exactly that.
Located along Jupiter Street near Makati Avenue, this Filipino eatery operates 24 hours. That makes it especially convenient when a late-night craving suddenly strikes.
The menu focuses on familiar Filipino comfort food. You can find dinuguan, laing, and other dishes reminiscent of meals served at home.
My personal favorite is the bangus sardines. It resembles sardines preserved in Spanish-style oil, except the star is our beloved milkfish.
The restaurant also offers affordable set meals. Prices range from P89 to P99, including rice and a drink.
The drinks usually include Moringa Citrus or Raspberry iced tea. They add a refreshing touch to an otherwise hearty Filipino meal.
However, the food isn’t the only thing that makes Lola’s Best memorable.
While eating, I noticed a collage of old photographs featuring grandmothers with their grandchildren. The images created a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
Perhaps that’s what makes Filipino food so special. A simple meal can transport you straight back to family gatherings and childhood memories.
Three Manila Eateries, Three Different Food Journeys
These three Manila eateries offered more than satisfying meals. Each one created a different experience through food, atmosphere, and the people around the table.
Korea Fellow Feeling brought Korean comfort food into a cozy neighborhood setting. Tokyo Bubble Tea surprised me with Japanese dishes beyond its famous drinks.
Meanwhile, Lola’s Best brought everything back home with familiar Filipino flavors. Together, they reminded me that you don’t always need a plane ticket for a culinary adventure.
Sometimes, all you need are good friends, an appetite, and an interesting place to eat.
And perhaps a little room for dessert, even when you think you’re already full.
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