Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
The Aristocrat, one of the oldest homegrown restaurants in the Philippines, made it to the food and drink guide TasteAtlas’s list of the 150 most legendary restaurants in the world. Ranking 108th, the restaurant is the only Filipino restaurant included in the list.
In curating the list, TasteAtlas explains that the restaurants included are “not just places to grab a meal, but destinations in their own right, comparable to the world’s most famous museums, galleries, and monuments.” The Aristocrat has been serving Filipino favorites and well-loved snacks since 1936. Despite the changes in the Philippine culinary scene and the opening of different restaurants, it has remained relevant, with families flocking to its branches to sample its menu.
Vienna’s Figlmüller, known for its Schnitzel Wiener Art, sits in the top spot. Other famous restaurants that made it to the list are New York City’s Katz’s Delicatessen (#2), Taipei’s Din Tai Fung (#28), Japan’s Hiibiya Matsumotoro (#32), Seoul’s Woo Lae Oak (#88), and Hong Kong’s Yat Lok Restaurant (#149).
Last year, The Aristocrat’s Lumpiang Shanghai was also recognized by TasteAtlas. With the golden crispy rolls ranking second on the list of the 50 Best Street Foods in the World, the website listed those served at Aristocrat as the best followed by the Lumpiang Shanghai served in Baguio’s Good Taste and Marikina’s Luyong Restaurant.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out!Click here to subscribe.
Health-conscious food lovers now have a new go-to destination as Acai Always officially opens at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Level 2. Bringing the acai craze to the Philippines, the brand offers acai sorbet bowls and soft serve, providing a nutrient-packed alternative to traditional frozen desserts.
Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, acai is a nutrient-dense superfruit known for its vibrant purple hue, fiber-rich content, and high antioxidant levels. This superfood is an excellent energy booster and promotes heart health, making it the perfect base for guilt-free indulgence. Acai Always offers two ways to enjoy this powerhouse ingredient: the Acai Soft Serve, which is aerated and velvety for a smooth yet rich snacking experience, and the Premium Acai Sorbet Bowls, which are dense, packed with complementary flavors, and topped with fresh fruits, granola, and honey.
The Soft Serve lineup starts at P115 for a small cup without toppings, while a small with one sauce or crunch topping costs P145. The medium size (P215) includes one fruit and two additional toppings, while the large size (P255) allows for one fruit and a mix of sauce and crunch toppings. Those who prefer the Premium Acai Sorbet Bowls can choose from the Tropical Bowl (banana, muscat grapes, mango, and strawberry), the Island Bowl (banana, pineapple, mango, and strawberry), or the Always Bowl, which allows customization with a choice of pineapple, muscat grapes, mango, or strawberry— each priced at P285.
For those looking to enhance their bowls, add-ons are available at P45 each. Choices include honey, Nutella, and Biscoff for sauce toppings, while crunch toppings range from Oreo, Biscoff, and Choco Chip to Golden Granola and organic Toasted Coconut. Fresh fruit options include mango, strawberry, pineapple, banana, and muscat grapes.
With premium, dairy-free, and nutrient-packed offerings, Acai Always is set to redefine healthy indulgence in Manila. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, it’s the perfect spot for those looking for a refreshing and guilt-free treat!
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Everyone loves a good deal. That’s because today, value for money is a critical factor to consider when dining out, shopping, or spending for recreation. Filipinos even have a word for it – “sulit.” Making good financial decisions, while also enjoying your hard-earned money is important for the conscious consumer, which is why sulit buys are also often the best buys.
If you’re among the many Filipinos who love to dine out, then you’re sure to appreciate these Philippinerestaurant membership cards that offer the best perks! From freebies to exclusive discounts, these are the cards you won’t regret getting.
Whenever people crave a sweet treat, they inevitably turn to Krispy Kreme. The popular American donut franchise, which was first introduced to Manila in 2006, is still going strong even after nearly two decades.
Aside from constantly updating their menu with trendy flavors (such as the viral Churro donut), Krispy Kreme is also a top consideration due to – you guessed it – value for money. Their popular OG Card (P235), which helps customers maximize their spending, has recently been updated and now includes a points system!
Here are some of the best perks and how it works:
Every 50 pesos spent will earn the cardholder 1 point on their OG card. Points can be used to redeem different freebies such as an original glazed donut (10 points), a box of mixed dozen donuts (80 points), or even merchandise such as a shirt or a tumbler (130 points).
Cardholders get a free box of 6 original glazed donuts upon registration of their OG Card.
Cardholders are entitled to a free box of 3 original glazed donuts on their birthday month.
Cardholders get a free upsize on every coffee from Mondays through Thursdays.
Cardholders get a free box of original glazed donuts for every dozen original glazed donut box or mixed dozen donut box (available on Mondays through Thursdays only).
We’re already betting that you and your friends are fans of Angel’s Pizza’s famous Spinach Dip Pizza. After all, nothing beats a relaxing Saturday spent yapping around a box of delicious pizza. If this is the case for you and your barkada, then you’re in luck because Angel’s Pizza has a membership card (P299) that doubles the goodness – literally!
Now, customers can enjoy the brand’s famous flavors – from the Spinach Dip Pizza to the Sushi Bake Pizza – with an exclusive buy-one-take-one promo that can be availed in-store and through online delivery. Here are some of the best perks and how it works:
Upon purchase of the APC, cardholders are entitled to a free Medium Pizza of their choice. Flavors include Angel’s Aloha, Pepperoni, or Bacon & Cheese.
APC cardholders are entitled to a buy-one-take-one promo for pizza every time they purchase. Simply present your card to the cashier or type in your card number in their online delivery portal and choose what flavor you want the second (free) pizza to be.
Cost: P299 available at Angel’s Pizza online and in-store, valid for a lifetime (no need to renew).
For Families: The Bistro Group Bistro Frequent Foodie (BFF) Card
Instagram/The Bistro Group
The Bistro Group is one of the fastest-growing restaurant groups in the Philippines. Today, its impressive portfolio includes family favorites such as Olive Garden, Italianni’s, Denny’s, TGI Friday’s, El Pollo Loco, Randy’s Donuts, and more.
With a wide variety of restaurants serving an assortment of cuisines, people are sure to come across at least one of their favorites here. This is why it makes so much sense to get a Bistro Frequent Foodie card (P2,500), also known as the BFF Card. Though it’s pricier than most other cards, its perks are also more consistent. This is also best used when dining out in groups – such as during family mealtimes on Sunday. Here are some of the best perks and how it works:
Cardholders are entitled to 30% off their bill on Mondays, and 20% off their bill on Tuesdays through Sundays.
Cardholders can avail of 40% off from Randy’s Donuts from 7 PM until closing.
Cardholders can claim a free single-serve of coffee or tea with an entrée purchase.
Cardholders can claim exclusive vouchers during holidays as well as monthly delivery vouchers to be emailed to their personal inbox.
Cost: P2,500 available in-store and through The Bistro Group app, which is available on Google Play and the App Store. Card is valid for one year.
Did you know that the Wildflour Hospitality Group has a loyalty card? This encompasses a handful of the best date places such as Wildflour, Little Flour, Pink’s Hotdogs, George & Onnie’s, and Farmacy.
Indulge in delicious mains, entrees, cakes, breads, and ice cream, all while earning points and availing of exclusive discounts! Here are some of the best perks and how it works:
Cardholders are entitled to 30% off their bill on their birthday, with a minimum spend of P1,000. There is, however, a maximum discount of P2,000.
Cardholders can avail of a 15% discount every Monday through Friday, from 2 PM to 5 PM with a minimum purchase of P350.
Earn points you can use to purchase more food! One point is awarded per P100.
Cost: Servers will provide a free card once customers spend at least P1,000 in-store, exclusive of the service charge. No validity period has been mentioned but those interested can learn more here. Learn more from their website.
For Office Lunches: The Moment Group Moment Card
Instagram | The Moment Group
Nothing beats a workday treat, especially when it’s shared with colleagues you enjoy spending time with. If you and your work besties are looking for the best card to get for your weekly (or perhaps, daily) lunch or dinner dates, then look no further than at The Moment Group’s Moment Card.
Known for its chic take on popular cuisines, The Moment Group is famed for restaurants such as 8Cuts, Manam,Din Tai Fung, Mo Cookies,and Ooma. Catering to a variety of taste buds and preferences, their Moment Card adds more sulit factor to every meal. Here are the best perks and how it works:
Cardholders immediately get a P500 voucher upon purchase of the card.
Cardholders can earn points to gain bigger discounts. Upon purchase, cardholders are immediately put in the Black Tier, which makes them eligible for a 10% discount on their bill. Under the Black Tier, they gain 1 point per P200 spent.
Cardholders who reach 75 points will be placed in the Silver Tier, where they will become eligible for 15% discount on their bill. Under the Silver Tier, cardholders gain 1 point per P135 spent.
Cardholders who reach 225 points will be placed in the Gold Tier, where they will be eligible for 20% discount on their bill. Under the Gold Tier, cardholders gain 1 point per P100 earned.
Points can also be used to redeem regularly priced menu items.
Cost: Moment Group cards cost P400, however renewal for Gold Tier members is free. Validity lasts one year.
Learn more here. Stay tuned and follow them on Instagram.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Pancit is as essential to the Filipino palate as rice, and no Filipino party table is complete without it. This beloved tradition and staple has become the focus of Chef Stephan Duhesme reimagining the classic in Metiz’s first pop-up of the year: ASAMÍN: A Panciteria by Metiz.
The pop-up Panciteria at the Balmori Suites Chef’s Table is set to run from Jan. 29 to Mar. 25, 2025, offering a fresh new twist to the Filipino dish – the Metiz way.
The ASAMÍN: A Panciteria by Metiz menu highlights five reimagined pancit dishes, while also offering their own spin on other classic Filipino dishes and desserts, all served the Filipino way.
One of their pancit dishes is the Espaghetti Malabon(P850), reimagining the Pancit Malabon by swapping the thick noodles for spaghetti, coated in tamarillo ketchup, Malabon sauce, cheese, and topped with a soft-boiled egg.
Another is the Beef Mami Deluxe (P990), made with housemade mami noodles, beef tendon, batuan, and completed with atsuete marinated eggs. Other pancit dishes include the Batangueno Guisado(P730), Lola Lina’s Sotanghon(P800), and the Pancit Sawsaw(P870).
Beyond their pancit, ASAMÍN offers their own take on the quintessential Filipino food. For example, the Lumpiang Ubod. In ASAMÍN, they have the Ubod a la Carlo(P590), made with a sourdough-infused pancake wrapper. They also serve Longganisa ni Ser Raph(P550), their homemade longganisa, and Kawali ni Kev(P990), their spin on the classic Lechon Kawali with their Metiz liver sauce, radish, and fresh salad.
ASAMÍN: A Panciteria by Metiz is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, offering lunch and dinner seatings. You can make a reservation through Metiz's Instagram DMs or by contacting 0917 700 4109 on Viber or WhatsApp.
Location:ASAMÍN: A Panciteria by Metiz, The Balmori Suites, Rockwell Powerplant, Makati City
Lunch Seatings: 11:30 AM to 2 PM
Dinner Seatings: 6 PM to 9 PM
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Calling all hotpot enthusiasts! Haidilao, the legendary hotpot chain that’s taken the world by storm, is expanding its reach in the Philippines with a brand-new branch at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. They opened the newest branch last Jan. 31, 2025.
Known for its mouthwatering broths, top-notch service, and free perks like hand massages and manicures, Haidilao has built a cult following for good reason. And now, diners from Greenhills, New Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Quezon City won’t have to travel far to experience a bit of hotpot heaven.
Facebook/Haidilao Philippines
With 284 seats and 10 VIP rooms, the Ortigas branch is perfect for everything from casual dinners to private gatherings. The VIP rooms can be combined to host up to 48 guests, making it ideal for celebrations or corporate events.
Facebook/Haidilao Philippines
But the star of the show has always been the food. Haidilao lets you mix and match up to four soup bases per table, from the fiery Sichuan spicy broth to the comforting Filipino-style bulalo. Whether you’re craving thinly sliced beef, fresh shrimp, tender fish fillets, or a rainbow of veggies and dumplings, the menu has something for everyone.
For first-timers who are unsure how to cook your ingredients to perfection, the friendly staff is always on hand to guide you. There is also an array of sauces and condiments to choose from for just P99, including unlimited refills.
Haidilao Ortigas is open for walk-ins and reservations over the phone. For more information, visit their website. Check out Haidilao Philippines on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated.
Location:Haidilao, Level 2 of Robinsons Galleria Veranda, Ortigas Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Celebrate love in Manila with special Valentine’s Day menus at the city’s top restaurants and hotels. From fine dining and indulgent buffets to romantic rooftop spots and cozy cafés, enjoy decadent multi-course meals, premium seafood, handcrafted desserts, and curated wine pairings. With limited seats and exclusive one-night offerings, early reservations are a must. Here’s where to book for a memorable Valentine’s celebration!
Love at the Peak at O2 Rooftop Bar
Photo by Facebook/O2 Rooftop Bar
Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable at O2 Rooftop Bar with their Love at the Peak experience this Feb. 14 at 7 PM. Indulge in a five-course romantic dinner, accompanied by live jazz music and stunning panoramic views of the city. Set in an intimate atmosphere, this exclusive event offers a specially curated menu designed to celebrate love. Limited seating is available, so book your table now for an unforgettable evening under the stars!
Valentine’s Day at Phoenix Court
Photo by Facebook/The Bellevue Manila
Experience a memorable Valentine’s Day at Phoenix Court, The Bellevue Manila from Feb. 11-15. Treat your loved one to a specially curated Valentine’s Set Menu, featuring exquisite dishes made with premium ingredients. Whether for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, the restaurant’s refined atmosphere ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Prices start at P4,200, so secure your reservation today!
Valentine's Day at Dr. Wine Poblacion
Photo by Facebook/Dr. Wine Poblacion
Treat your special someone to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day this Feb. 14 at Dr. Wine Poblacion with a five-course menu by Chef Romain Escande. Delight in foie gras with black truffle, Canadian lobster, and seared Wagyu beef, topped off with Auro chocolate pie and macarons. At P4,280, this exclusive experience includes a glass of Chandon Rosé. Reserve now for a memorable evening of romance and fine dining!
Apartment 1B 'Valentine Special for Two'
Photo by Facebook/Apartment 1B
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special at Apartment 1B with a curated set menu for two, complemented by red or white wine and Prosecco. Priced at P3,250 for two (P1,750 for one), this exclusive meal is available for lunch and dinner on Feb. 14. Choose from Apartment 1B’s locations in Arya BGC, Salcedo, The Henry Hotel Manila, or The Henry Resort Laiya. Reservations are highly recommended to reserve your spot.
Valentine’s Day at Seva
Photo by Facebook/seva
Spend an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Seva with a special set menu of classic favorites and new creations, all served in a cozy, intimate setting. No second seating means you can enjoy a leisurely evening, with reservation slots at 6:30 PM, 7 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8 PM on Feb. 14. Priced at P4,500 per person (exclusive of service charge), this exclusive experience is limited, so book early!
Valentine’s Day Special at I’m Angus Steakhouse
Photo by Facebook/I'm Angus Steakhouse
Make your Valentine’s Day special at I’m Angus Steakhousewith a specially curated menu from Feb. 13-15. Savor premium steaks and gourmet dishes in a cozy, intimate setting, perfect for a romantic celebration. Reservations are essential, so call 8892-5852 or 0956 135 4213 to secure your table for this exclusive offering.
Galentines at The Vibe
Photo by Facebook/The Vibe
Celebrate Galentine’s at The Vibe Bar and Cafe from Feb. 12-17 with cocktails, sweet treats, and a curated experience. Enjoy a chic setup, exclusive Valentine’s cocktails, and indulge in bento cakes or cupcakes. Add a flower arranging activity with preserved roses for P799. Limited slots only, so reserve now for a memorable night with your besties!
Don’t let your event or deal go unnoticed! Seize the opportunity to be featured in our What's On and Nightlife email newsletters—the go-to source for Singapore’s most captivating events and can’t-miss deals. Click here to get started!
Shake Shack and Hey Pie People have teamed up to serve up ice cream and pie — the sweetest and most delicious pairing — for all dessert lovers out there.
From Jan. 23 to Mar. 23, 2025, Shake Shack will be making Hey Pie People’s creations available to everyone who wants a piece! This unprecedented collaboration features two new menu items that highlight Shake Shack’s signature vanilla frozen custard, made with real cane sugar, cage-free eggs and milk from dairy farmers who guarantee to never use artificial growth hormones, and Hey Pie People’s most memorable pie flavors:
This sweet and indulgent treat blends vanilla frozen custard with Hey Pie People’s best-selling Mango Manchego, topped with mango, grated Manchego cheese, and finished with Hey Pie People’s signature flaky crust. The result is a deliciously delightful balance of sweet vanilla custard, the salty creaminess from the Manchego cream filling and cheese, and the fresh kick from the mango — it’s the quintessential Mango Manchego Pie in a cup!
Moreover, 5% of all Mango Manchego Concrete sales are donated to CENTEX, Ayala Foundation’s holistic education program that supports student, parent, and teacher development in underserved Filipino communities.
Hey Banana Fanna Toffee Shake (P335)
This blissful shake combines vanilla frozen custard with Hey Pie People’s Banana Cream Pie, special black sesame toffee sauce, toffee bits, and ground black sesame mix, and is topped with Hey Pie People’s flaky crust. Like the local peanut brittle, it offers a delightful mix of fresh, sweet banana and the nuttiness of black sesame, with bits and pieces of the candied sweetness of the crunchy toffee bits, enveloped in Shake Shack’s rich frozen vanilla custard.
Here's a fun fact: The Shake was inspired by the 80s catchy song “The Name Game,” and was Guia Garcia Bohol’s winning entry in Shake Shack’s Name That Shake Giveaway.
These two items are best paired with Crinkle Cut Fries or Chicken Bites – just the snacks that’ll hit the spot.
All Eyes on the Pies
Guests and Shack fans can only avail themselves of these limited menu items in all Manila Shacks (except NAIA T3) from Jan. 23 until Mar. 23, 2025. The Mango Manchego Concrete will only be available in Six Shacks, excluding Shack Araneta and NAIA T3.
Shake Shack and Hey Pie People have exclusive bandana and shirt merchandise available on Shake Shack Philippines’ website in limited quantity only.
For more information and updates, check out Shake Shack Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as their website.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
A feast for both the eyes and the palate, charcuterie boards have taken center stage in gatherings and celebrations. These artful arrangements of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and more are loved for their versatility and visual appeal.
What makes a charcuterie board enticing is it caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Creating your own board might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right supplies and creativity, anyone can craft an Instagram-worthy spread. From wooden boards and bowls to artisanal cheeses and specialty meats, having access to quality ingredients and tools can make a difference.
To guide you, a charcuterie board features a combination of flavors – savory, sweet, tangy, and even spicy. It can include an assortment of delimeatslike prosciutto and salami, cheeses ranging from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, and accompaniments such as crackers, fresh fruits, olives, and honey.
Get started by checking out these stores in Metro Manila listed below where you can stock up on everything you need for the perfect charcuterie board.
Säntis Delicatessen is a premier gourmet deli in the Philippines, known for its high-quality imported goods and local specialties. With multiple branches across Metro Manila, Säntis offers both in-store pickup and takeout services. The deli features over 4,500 items, including imported cheeses, custom-aged Certified Angus Beef, Euro-Swiss sausages, premium wines, and a wide range of dry goods.
Cheese Box MNL has become a favorite among cheese enthusiasts in Manila, thanks to its curated cheese boxes, dips, and jams. Known for its diverse offerings, the brand caters to various occasions, making it an ideal choice for gifts or indulgent treats. If you’re setting up your charcuterie board, you can check out some of the Go Boxes they offer, with each option already including cheeses, cold cuts, fresh and dried fruits, pretzels, and crackers, among others.
Hungry Cow Manila is a specialty deli offering premium imported food products. From a diverse selection of cheeses and cold cuts to curated wines and gourmet items like olive oils and gelato, it caters to all your charcuterie needs with convenient curbside pickup, delivery, and in-store options. For starters, you can check out their DIY Grazing Sets, which has the items you need to create a small board.
The Bow Tie Duck is an online delicatessen in Manila offering an exceptional range of gourmet food and beverages. Their curated selection includes premium cheeses, caviar, foie gras, truffles, and cold cuts sourced from around the globe. With refrigerated delivery services ensuring freshness, they make luxury dining accessible, complemented by free delivery for orders over Php3,000.
AP Grazing Table, based in Mandaluyong, specializes in crafting elegant grazing tables and boxes for all occasions. Their offerings range from personal-sized Grazing Dream Cans to indulgent Grazing Grand Boxes, ensuring a delightful gourmet experience for both intimate and large gatherings. Consider ordering The Grazing Grand Box with No Wine option, priced at Php2,440, which includes premium deli, cheeses, olives, nuts, fresh fruit, crackers, and jam.
The Curated Deli in Manila offers an impressive selection of artisanal cheeses, premium cold cuts, and fine wines, perfect for any occasion. Known for its elegant gift boxes and beautifully arranged platters, it’s a go-to for special celebrations and thoughtful gifting.
Grazing Box Manila specializes in crafting charcuterie essentials with high-quality ingredients perfect for stunning spreads. Their offerings include gourmet cheeses like brie and gouda, premium cold cuts such as salami and prosciutto, and seasonal fruits like grapes and figs. Accompaniments like jams, honey, crackers, nuts, and even pickled vegetables complete their customizable selections, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Eurocart Sausages & Deli in Manila offers a diverse range of gourmet meats, cheeses, and specialty products ideal for both personal enjoyment and gatherings. Renowned for their premium sausages, they feature traditional European varieties alongside local Filipino favorites like Chicken Longganisa and Beef Tapa. Their curated meat platters, such as the PARIS and VIENNA selections, pair perfectly with their gourmet cheeses and specialty items like Pastrami and Salami Milano.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
