Restaurant Background

What happens when two stylish eateries join forces to create one special dinner degustation? Uma Nota Manila presented their first collaboration with none other than Neon Pigeon, a Singaporean bar and restaurant known for disruptive yet delicious flavors.

Both restaurants are renowned for unconventional takes on Japanese food but while Uma Nota marries the Brazilian palate to such flavors, Neon Pigeon proudly reinvents traditional Japanese fare at their cheeky izakaya.

For this special two-night degustation, Neon Pigeon Bar Manager Mario La Pietra had concocted four special cocktails to be paired with an eight-course meal by Chef Andres Rendon of Uma Nota and Chef Sean Mell of Neon Pigeon. Having taken place on the nights of Jan. 22 and 23, 2025, this special collaboration is just the first of what we hope to be many more between Uma Nota and friends.

The Vibe and Venue

Uma Nota is known to be stylish and contemporary, with food that is just as impressive. At 7 PM, we were greeted at the door by the restaurant’s lovely general manager, Michele Cantini, and brought downstairs to The Living Room. Here, the famous “Hanging Tree” installation stands proudly in mid-air, surrounded by colorful artwork. As Uma Nota’s main dining room, The Living Room is often packed with happy diners, where at 10 PM, a DJ steps into the booth to play soulful tunes that encourage more conversation.

At the restaurant’s marble bar, Mario La Pietra demonstrated both talent and finesse, regaling us with stories while meticulously preparing a variety of cocktails. Service was of course exceptional, with attentive servers taking great care of diners’ needs. Throughout the eight-course meal, chefs Andres Rendon and Sean Mell would step out of the kitchen to explain each course, sharing invaluable insight into their menu and teamwork.

The Cost

The Uma Nota x Neon Pigeon collaboration introduced diners to a P3,900 degustation that can be paired with cocktails. Each cocktail cost P600.

The Menu

There’s a little bit of everything for everyone on the menu; however, majority of the courses prepared were meat or fish-based. Flavor profiles were varied and diverse; some courses – such as the Scallop Ceviche – were spicy and bold, while others – such as the Black Garlic Miso Cod – explored umami taste profiles. Obvious care was taken in creating this menu; everything was incredibly well-balanced, with plenty of fun textures to bite on.

Over at the bar, Mario was simultaneously preparing cocktails. Each cocktail beheld a different vibe from the sweet, smoky Banana Republic cocktail (made with butter-washed Johnny Walker Black, smoked miso caramel, and banana water) to the quirky, fruity Singapo-Riesling shaken with Tanqueray No.10, Curacao, Reisling, cherry, pineapple, and coconut-whey-peanut aerosol.

What We Tried

We began the night with drinks for, as loyal patrons will know, it is customary at Neon Pigeon to start and end the meal with a shot of sake. At the bar, Mario prepared an incredible tipple which remains my favorite of the night: the Japanese Loafer. Made with Midori and Don Julio Blanco, this cocktail is perfect for those looking for something light yet memorable. It is infused with yuzu lime and lemon, then topped with egg white which tampers down any strong alcoholic taste. A glow-in-the-dark ice cube is added to the drink, which Mario joked is customary in Neon Pigeon as both a tribute to its name and also a logistical must-have (due to the izakaya’s dark ambiance).

This was followed by a sip of the Banana Republic. Sweet tooths may have found themselves drawn to this beverage as it boasts of caramel and banana water but don’t be fooled. This tipple comes with a kick! Full-bodied and deep, the cocktail starts off sweet but ends with a lingering, smoky aftertaste that imbibes sophistication.

The eight-course meal then began with Neon Pigeon’s Tokyo Hummus, which Chef Sean proudly revealed has been on the restaurant’s menu for ten years now. A quick bite will explain why; this incredible dip replaces chickpeas with edamame to create a creamy appetizer that is topped with furikake and paired with crunchy baguette chips baked in curry oil. Flavorful, creamy, and crunchy, this was undoubtedly the perfect way to start the night.

The second course was one that easily refreshed the palate. The Coffee Cured Hamachi consisted of fresh sashimi garnished with watercress miso, wasabi yogurt, pomelo, and pickled shallots. All these flavors came together for a slightly sweet appetizer (due to the freshness of the fish as well as the shallots) that was also a little earthy (from the watercress miso and wasabi yogurt).

Up next was the Scallop Ceviche which is served with crispy tapioca chips. A contrast to the previous course, this third appetizer was bold, spicy, and incredibly vibrant. It banked on the freshness of its scallops, which easily absorbed the flavors of yuzu kosho, tomato, and cucumber. Paired with bits of creamy avocado and crispy chips, Chef Andres rightfully described it as a “burst of flavor and texture.”

But of course, what is Japanese food without sushi? The fourth course introduced us to a smoky, savory delight: the Smoked Wagyu Roll. MB5 wagyu is smoked to perfection and then rolled with caviar and sweet, homemade BBQ sauce. It is then topped with crispy sweet potato and served with a side of soy sauce for a savory, smoky delight.

A main course to die for, the fifth item on the menu was the Black Garlic Miso Cod. It was a favorite for many due to the expert way it was cooked. The fish itself was sinfully soft and moist; laying on the plate atop crunchy, flavorful skin, all of which simply dances in the sweet, umami taste of black garlic miso. Truly an incredible taste profile to experience.

By this time, we definitely felt a little fullness in our stomachs but happily, the next course was just as tempting. The indulgent Crispy Duck Leg course is one for the books. A generous portion of duck leg is cooked in duck fat, yuzu, and ponzu, ensuring flavor in every bite. The skin is, of course, crunchy as can be expected, just the way Filipino diners like it.

The dinner’s penultimate course is perhaps what diners were most excited about: the Wagyu Katsu Sando. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu tenderloin was sandwiched between slices of bread and paired with shoestring fries and curry mayo. The pairing of decadent, tender wagyu with bold curry mayo (made with a little tonkotsu sauce to boot) felt absolutely indulgent for all the right reasons.

After a heavy meal, nothing feels better than a scoop of ice cream. The dessert, called the Abacaxi Churrasco, consisted of a scoop of coconut ice cream atop a bed of almond crumble. It was then drizzled with caramel sauce and paired with burnt pineapple on the side. Fruity, fun, and flavorful, the only fault for this course was that it simply wasn’t enough! The fresh coconut ice cream paired beautifully with the sweetened taste of burnt pineapple – add that to the crunchy, earthy texture provided by slivers of almond and you’ve got yourself a dessert that you can’t get enough of!

The Uma Nota x Neon Pigeon collab took place on Jan. 22 to 23, 2025 at Uma Nota, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on Uma Nota’s next degustation by connecting with them online.

What's the best way to end a meal? For us, it's with a sweet treat, specifically, ice cream. If you're looking for the best dessert to indulge in, then we've got you covered with a list of some of Manila's best soft serves, some of which you may not have heard of yet!

A Mano

Founded by Amado Fores, son of Chef Margarita Fores, A Mano is best known for its mouthwatering Italian dishes. Of course, aside from pasta and pizza, the eatery also offers soft-serve! The beloved Burrata Gelato soft-serve (P260 per cup) is milky, creamy, and genuinely delicious. Customers can even add these combinations of toppings for only P60 each: Honey & Honeycomb; Olive Oil & Maldon Sea Salt; Balsamic & Strawberries; or Chocolate Crumbs & Nutella. Add P50 to have it served in a homemade waffle bowl! Delicious and refreshing!

Location: A Mano Rockwell, G/F Lopez Drive, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila

Carmen's Best

You may have spotted pints or cups of Carmen’s Best at your local supermarket – but did you know they also serve up a mean soft serve? Made with 100% fresh cow’s milk, Carmen’s Best soft serve can be found at their Rockwell branch where customers can also order sundaes, scoops, and milkshakes.

Creamy to a fault, Carmen’s Best soft serve can come in a medium or large cup, a regular cone, or a homemade Belgian waffle cone. Each iteration can be topped with caramel, chocolate, or strawberry syrup. Customers can also add crunchy bites such as almonds, chocolate chips, and sprinkles for extra sweetness.

Location: Carmen’s Best, R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila

Minnano Supermarket

Formerly a well-kept secret, this Japanese supermarket has since risen to Internet fame through TikTok virality. Located in Makati City, Minnano Supermarket stocks its shelves with fresh imports from Japan; but aside from the usual Japanese goods, this one-stop-shop also boasts of their very own Hokkaido soft serve.

Lauded by its customers as authentic and delicious, Minnano’s soft serve ice cream can also be topped with in-house Japanese fruits such as grapes and melon.

Location: Minnano Supermarket, 197 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila

Harlan & Holden

People flock to Harlan & Holden for a cup or two of coffee but we love their soft-serve menu just as much. The café offers two flavors: Milk, for the soft serve purists, and Chocolate Hazelnut, for those craving a little more. Each is delicious, so don’t worry about making the wrong choice – both are equally refreshing and will keep you feeling happy throughout the day.

Harlan & Holden insiders know they can even add boba to their chocolate hazelnut soft serve, an added topping to an already delicious treat.

Location: Harlan & Holden Coffee, 28th Street corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Bunny Banana

Watch out: this up-and-coming soft serve stand is taking over the Metro. Bunny Banana, known for their affordable banana-flavored soft serve (starts at P99) has been expanding to malls all over NCR. Made with fresh fruit, soft serve at Bunny Banana comes in two sizes: small on a wafer cone or large on a sugar cone. Those who want more can even try the brand’s innovative sundaes such as their Turon Sundae, or their Banana Nutella. Wash it all down with banana smoothies flavored with black sesame, graham crackers, or even matcha.

Location: Bunny Banana, 2F, SM City Sta. Mesa, Quezon City

Alt Scoops

Lactose intolerant? Or maybe you’re simply avoiding dairy? Either way, we’ve got you! If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to delicious soft serve, then head over to Alt Scoops. Made with oat milk, Alt Scoops offers both traditional ice cream scoops and soft serve (starts at P125) that can be eaten in a cup or a special chia cone.

Location: Alt Scoops, 2F, Podium, 12 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

The Matcha Tokyo

Matcha is having a well-deserved moment on the Internet. The Matcha Tokyo, which dedicates itself to just that is one of the best places to find matcha treats and drinks. From cakes and cookies to coffee, and even merch, The Matcha Tokyo prides itself in bringing the best of what Japanese matcha has to offer.

Among its must-tries is its soft-serve ice cream (P150) which comes in two flavors: matcha and hojicha. Surprisingly, many people prefer hojicha to the traditional matcha; nevertheless, both are delicious options and can also come wrapped in a mochi sheet for that extra bite.

Location: The Matcha Tokyo, Grand Central Park North, Mitsukoshi Mall, 8th Ave, Corner 36th St, Taguig, Metro Manila

Chebi Webbi

Did you know that the ultimate dessert house is located at Greenhills Mall? Chebbi Webbi, a café that prides itself on its vegan soft serve (P115 to P225), serves two flavors: Horchata and "Coconana" (mix of coconut, pandan, and banana). If you’re lucky you may even come across their limited edition flavors such as matcha or Earl Grey.

Order it plain or as a swirl, which is when they mix up your soft serve with two or three toppings to create a thick, creamy Blizzard-like dessert that’s more unique, and much more fulfilling.

Location: Chebi Webbi, LG/F, Ortigas Ave, GH Mall, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila

Avocadoria

Don’t sleep on Avocadoria! This ice cream stand, founded in 2019, is experiencing something of a renaissance. With new branches around Metro Manila, Avocadoria is forging on, serving customers with mouth-watering avocado treats that are creamy, sweet, and delicious. Their classic is the Avocado Lover (P130 to P140), which features soft serve topped with chia seeds, slivers of almonds, and homemade biscuit crumble. You can also add chewy boba on the bottom for that extra, chewy bite.

Avocadoria has multiple branches

Auro Café

A beloved brand used by home bakers and brands, Auro Café puts Philippine chocolate on the map by using the best ingredients to get the best flavors.

While they’re known for their chocolate bars, Auro Café doesn’t hold back when it comes to recipe development. Here, they serve home-baked goods such as brownies and cookies alongside an incredible Dark Chocolate Soft Serve in a Lengua de Gato cone (from P170)! Definitely worth the few extra calories.

Location: Auro Café, Unit 01, Ground Floor, One Maridien Tower (U/C), 27th Street, Taguig City

Restaurant Background

Funnily enough, Victoria Riingen discovered Warabimochi Kamakura in Singapore. A tech executive and F&B entrepreneur, Victoria is the generous businesswoman who has brought the brand to Philippine shores.

“I used to live in Singapore and in Singapore, people line up for food [all the time],” she laughingly recalled. “But I never did. But one day, my friend told me about [Warabimochi Kamakura], how people would take a one-hour train ride out from Central to queue up for two hours under the sun just to try warabi mochi.”

Her interest sparked, Victoria undertook the journey herself, lining up for two hours for a bite of warabi mochi. “If I could, I would have taken that journey every day just to have a bite,” she laughed.

Since moving back to the Philippines however, Victoria has had to manage her cravings. The only time she got to have warabi mochi again was when she flew out to Japan. Fortunately, she was encouraged by family members and has since managed to bring the respected Japanese brand to the Philippines. She also plans to open another branch of Warabimochi Kamakura in the coming months.

“I was definitely intrigued by how different warabi mochi is,” Victoria said. “Filipinos are often familiar with mochi as a circular ball that could have filling or ice cream inside. But warabi is completely different, it’s so simple but so delicious.”

In Japan, Warabimochi Kamakura already has over 50 branches, and franchises are popping up all over Southeast Asia. As a population that seems absolutely enamored with Japanese food and culture, Filipinos are bound to discover and fall in love with warabi mochi in the same way Victoria has.

Vibe and Venue

SM Megamall is often known as a haven for shoppers; but if you’re looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of busy mall days, then the Warabimochi Kamakura café has what you’re looking for. The place itself is cozy, tucked behind a minimalist storefront. Inside, you’ll find a spacious counter and a handful of tables and chairs, all of which are perfectly in line with the traditional Japanese aesthetic. Wooden furniture and black accents make the place homey and comfortable, while the storefront acts as a shield from the busyness of mall activity.

The Menu

Mochi, mochi, and more mochi! As its name implies, Warabimochi Kamakura celebrates the best of this unique delicacy, both as a snack and a beverage. The snack version comes in two flavors: warabi mochi topped with either kinako (roasted soybean) or matcha (green tea) powder.

What truly stands out, however, are the beverages, all of which have warabi mochi in every serving! At the moment, there are seven options to choose from: those looking for a creamy drink can opt for the Luxury Strawberry Yogurt or Luxury Strawberry Milk. More refreshing (and lighter) choices would include the Lemonade and Matcha Lemonade. The last three choices can be served either hot or cold: these include the Asakawa-en Matcha, the Tenku Hojicha, and the Coffee Milk.

The Cost

Costs at Warabimochi Kamakura will depend on your appetite; servings are priced between P200 to P600.

Warabi mochi, which is made from bracken starch, can be filling so if you just want to try it out then your best bet would be to order a “cup” of mochi. This includes two pieces of either kinako flavor (P180) or matcha flavor (P230). This can be topped with ice cream for an additional P50.

There’s also a dine-in exclusive where you can avail of both three pieces of mochi plus any drink of choice (whether matcha or coffee); it is P380 for kinako mochi and P460 for matcha. If you want to share the mochi love, go for a box of ten, which are priced at P480 for kinako or P550 for matcha.

What We Tried

Traditional mochi is often made from glutinous rice, but warabi mochi is different. This special delicacy is made from warabiko, also known as bracken starch. As such, warabi mochi comes away with a completely different texture. While traditional mochi can be tough and chewy, warabi is the complete opposite – it is soft, smooth, and silky, but still chewy.

From Warabimochi Kamakura, we tried the matcha-flavored mochi, which comes coated in matcha powder and a side of kuromitsu drizzle (sugar syrup). Victoria had mentioned that the warabi mochi had been slightly sweetened to be tailored for the Filipino palate so ordering the matcha mochi was a good choice. The earthiness of the matcha balanced out the sweetness of the mochi; of course, sweet tooths can always add kuromitsu if they want a little more.

Some people might be confused with the concept of a mochi drink. Trust us, we were too! But you may be pleasantly surprised once you take a sip of this incredibly fun drink. While other brands often use mochi as sinkers, they usually do so with circular-shaped mochi balls. At Warabimochi Kamakura, the mochi sinkers are cut into longer strips, making them easy to drink and swallow. Every sip is sure to include some of that silken, chewy taste too!

For the drinks, our favorite was definitely the Matcha Lemonade. This refreshing beverage was incredible; if you’re worried about the usual bitterness of matcha, don’t be! This fun combination balances out in the end, as the earthy tang of the matcha complements the sweetness of the mochi sinker.

We also tried the Asakawa-en Matcha, which – funnily enough – reminded us of Sago’t Gulaman. It was quite sweet, with the taste of brown sugar taking center stage. Of course, there’s also a bit of earthiness from the matcha, but very subtly so. This is definitely one for the milk tea lovers!

Lastly, we had to take a sip of the Luxury Strawberry Yogurt. Made with real strawberries, this creamy and indulgent drink was fruity and filling. It tasted like high-quality yogurt, but with a fun twist: the warabi mochi! It is our assumption that the yogurt comes at a thicker consistency than the milk would so if you’re looking for something lighter – perhaps as an after-dinner drink – then we suggest going for Luxury Strawberry Milk rather than yogurt.

Check out their website and Instagram for more details.

Location: Warabimochi Kamakura Philippines, 3F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA, corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Chinese New Year falls on Jan. 29, 2025, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. As families and friends gather to welcome prosperity and good fortune, sharing a sumptuous meal remains one of the most cherished traditions of the season. From savory Peking duck to plump dumplings, sweet tikoy, and longevity noodles, savoring every bite of these dishes — believed to bring luck and happiness — is a must.

In Metro Manila, you’ll find restaurants that bring these culinary traditions to life, offering authentic Chinese dishes perfect for your Lunar New Year feast. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand banquet, check out some of the best restaurants for an unforgettable Chinese New Year celebration below:

China Blue by Jereme Leung

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style at China Blue by Jereme Leung, Conrad Manila’s signature Chinese restaurant. Known for its refined elegance, the restaurant features a stunning interior with captivating blue chandeliers and breathtaking views of Manila Bay. This Chinese New Year, enjoy the exclusive Feast of Fortune promo, which includes the Pearl Set Menu (Php49,888 nett) and Grandeur Set Menu (Php69,888 nett), each designed for ten guests.

Don’t miss the Prosperity Yee Sang (Php3,888 nett), perfect for sharing. Available from Jan. 7 to Feb. 7, 2025, this is your chance to savor culinary masterpieces in a luxurious setting.

Location: China Blue by Jereme Leung, Conrad Manila, Level 3, Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way, Pasay City

Operating Hours: Lunch – 11 AM to 2:30 PM | Dinner – 6 PM to 10 PM

Canton Road

Canton Road is a premier Chinese restaurant at Shangri-La at the Fort, known for its modern take on traditional Cantonese cuisine. Indulge in signature dishes like the Jiangnan Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, the Flamed Barbecue Trio Sampler, and the Soft Bean Curd Soup, each showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of authentic flavors.

This Chinese New Year, don’t miss their festive treats, including the Prosperity Box, a single layer of nian gao or Chinese New Year sweet rice cake (Php2,888), and indulgent hampers like the Xin Nian Kua Le Hamper (Php6,888) and Gong Xi Fa Cai Hamper (Php8,888).

Location: Canton Road, Level 3, Shangri-La at the Fort 30th Street, corner 5th Ave, Taguig City

Operating Hours: Lunch – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM | Dinner – 5 PM to 10:30 PM

Paradise Dynasty

Experience the best of Chinese cuisine at Paradise Dynasty, a dining destination renowned for its innovative take on traditional dishes. Originating from Singapore, the restaurant is celebrated for its signature Xiao Long Bao, offering eight unique flavors like Black Truffle, Szechuan, and Foie Gras, a world-first for soup dumplings. Beyond its iconic dumplings, Paradise Dynasty features a diverse menu that blends northern and southern Chinese flavors, all served in an ambiance of modern opulence with gold accents and elegant lighting.

Location: Paradise Dynasty, Level 2, The Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Operating Hours: Lunch – 11 AM to 3 PM | Dinner – 6 PM to 10 PM

East Ocean Palace

East Ocean Palace takes pride in its fresh seafood specialties like tiger lobster and abalone, as well as Cantonese classics such as Hong Kong Roasted Goose, the menu caters to the most refined tastes. With private dining rooms and attentive service, it’s the perfect venue for celebrating special occasions with friends and family.

Location: East Ocean Palace, Lot 37 Block 5 Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City

Operating Hours: Lunch – 11 AM to 2:30 PM | Dinner – 6 PM to 9:30 PM

8 Treasures Roasting

8 Treasures Roasting is a go-to spot for lovers of Cantonese cuisine, particularly its expertly prepared roasted meats. Highlights include the flavorful Roast Duck, crispy Lechon Macau, and tender HK Soy Chicken and HK White Chicken. For a feast to share, the 8 Treasures Platter combines their best offerings, perfect for larger gatherings. Pair your meal with classic dim sum or comforting noodle soups for a truly satisfying culinary journey.

Location: 8 Treasures Roasting, EDSA (Petron) corner Arnaiz Ave, formerly Antonio Arnaiz Ave, Makati City

Operating Hours: 10:30 AM to 10 PM

Summer Palace

Summer Palace has been a premier destination for authentic Cantonese cuisine since 1992. The menu features over 180 dishes, including their renowned 8 Treasures collection, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted dim sum. The luxurious yet cozy atmosphere, complete with private dining rooms, makes it an ideal spot for family gatherings, business meetings, and special celebrations.

Location: Summer Palace, EDSA Shangri-La, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Operating Hours: Lunch – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM | Dinner – 6 PM to 10 PM

King Chef Seafood Restaurant

King Chef offers a dining experience fit for royalty, specializing in authentic Cantonese cuisine with a strong focus on seafood. The menu features a wide selection of dim sum, freshly prepared seafood dishes, and classic Chinese favorites, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Every meal is created with 100% love and attention to detail, providing customers with an unforgettable, personalized dining experience.

Location: King Chef Seafood Restaurant, Multiple branches