Crosta Pizzeria's Unique Approach to Quality Pizzas
Manila/ Delish/ Reviews

Crosta Pizzeria: Weathering the Pandemic With a Unique Approach to Quality Pizzas

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Located along the quaint and quiet street of L.P. Leviste, Crosta Pizzeria carved itself a space quite small that you could almost miss it - if not for groups lining up and delivery riders constantly going in and out, signaling to the unsuspected passer-by, "There's something about this place."

Founder Ingga Cabangon and her husband Thomas Woudwyk first opened the shop in one of Poblacion's food parks, serving great-tasting pizzas at affordable prices. But when the pizza joint's popularity grew, the couple moved to their current location in the heart of Salcedo for more space to accommodate the influx of orders. This move, along with their decision to go with an unusual business model, soon served as their key in surviving, and even thriving, during the two-year pandemic.



Venue

Crosta Exterior

Surrounded by well-known and well-loved restaurants and bars, Crosta Pizzeria is one of the youngbloods in the area but its bright neon signs and fun, funky colors say they're not fazed at all. Like its fellow food and beverage businesses, it's wedged right in between office buildings and apartments, making it a hotspot for busybodies, and wandering locals alike.

Its small space accommodates four, maybe five, dine-in customers at best. We stepped inside Crosta Pizzeria, and we saw boxes upon boxes of pizzas on the counter near the cashier, ready to be picked up by delivery drivers. We took two seats across from all the hustle and bustle and automatically we filled up almost half of the restaurant's seating capacity.

What sets Crosta Pizzeria apart is that they prioritize take-outs, sacrificing space for efficiency. This proved to be a gamechanger come lockdown as dine-in space became non-revenue generating for restaurants and take-out and online ordering quickly became the new norm.

Food and Drink

Crosta Pizzeria Roni Cups


Of course, the highlight of our visit is the menu itself, and Crosta offers a wide selection to choose from. The pizzeria has round pizzas with 12 flavors, vegan pizzas with eight, and square pizzas with six. But one thing they are known for is their Roni Cup Pizza (P400), popularized by Prince Street Pizza in New York, where the inspiration takes from.

If you love curled pepperoni on your pizzas, you'll go crazy over this one. Its thick crispy crust gives you a crunchy ASMR experience with every bite.

The Spinach Artichoke Detroit Thin (P400) is another bestseller and it comes with homemade spinach and artichoke dip, mozzarella, and a unique cheese crust wall. If you want to veer away from conventions and are up for something unique, we recommend this one.

Vegans will be grateful for the eight different flavors they offer, a more generous set than other pizza places that usually only have one or two options.

The Vegan Basic Bitch (P300) is one for the books as it combines cashew-based mozzarella, Italian plum tomato sauce, garlic confit, and basil into a medley of flavors. As soon as you bite into the garlic, the flavor just explodes in your mouth.

Vegan Shroomed Out (P400) is another must have in the menu, especially for vegans. It consists of fresh (not canned!) mushrooms: shiitake portobello and button, cashew-based mozzarella, and garlic confit.

If you’re a fan of thick dough, you can’t go wrong with their basic Square Detroit Pizza (P520). The richness of the sauce, three cheese mixes, and parmesan shaving are delicately evened out by the fluffiness of its thick sourdough crust.

You don’t really expect a pizzeria to have dessert on their menu, but their Crack Brownie (P200) is something to look forward to. With the sweetness and crunchiness of the meringue on top and the chewiness of the brownie itself, it’s a perfect complement to the salty hints of your last pizza bite.

They also have plans to expand their selection to include sandwiches soon so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Take Out Quality

Crosta Pizza takeaway boxes

After tasting slices of pizza, we grabbed the boxes for takeaway. And as Ingga mentioned to us, they made the recipe so that when it’s reheated at home, the quality is still guaranteed, and we can attest to that. After heating the pizza in the oven, you can still taste the freshness of the ingredients and the crunchiness of the crust, which is exactly what you want for your takeaway pizza to be.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere inside feels very fast-paced where it fits with the hustle and bustle of Makati. Even though it’s not really meant for dine-in because of the small space, you won’t feel that you’re being forced to dine and go.

The staff are very accommodating, and we’ve also seen customers who struck us as loyal patrons of Crosta’s dine-in and takeway.


Verdict

Crosta Pizzeria is one of the rare food and beverage businesses that live up to their hype. From their wide selection and fair prices to their quality taste, Crosta checks all our boxes!

It’s the perfect go-to if you’re craving some takeaway pizza. And if you’re looking to dine-in, it’s better to go early or during dead hours to secure a seat as the place can only accommodate just a handful of people. Either option is great to be honest, as their takeaway pizzas are just as good as their dine-in ones.

Crosta is located at Liberty Center, 104 HV Dela Costa, corner Leviste St., Salcedo Village. You can order through their website or via mobile at +63 977 284 5636. They have plans to extend their location to Alabang, San Juan, and IKEA in MOA, so for people in the South and North, you’ll soon get a taste of their much-talked about pizza.

You don’t even have to wait in line for so long because their service is efficient, and you’ll have your pizza in no time.

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This Week's Event In Manila View more

This Week's Event In Manila

Timeless: J. Moreno
Feb 27 - Jun 29, 2025

Timeless: J. Moreno

Manila/ Delish/ Happenings
Experience the Return of Sake Manila 2025
Sake Manila 1 Photo by Sake Manila 2025/Website

If you’re looking for things to do on a Friday night to decompress, you need to make a mental note of Sake Manila 2025.

The buzzing second edition is back on May 23, 2025, at 5 PM in the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship under one roof. 

This year’s lineup includes over 200 premium sakes, including exclusive bottles flown in just for Sake Manila 2025. And if you don’t like sake, there is also a wide range of premium Japanese whiskies, gins, wines, shochu, and craft beers to try.

Sake Manila
Website/Sake Manila 2025

A highlight is the Meet the Masters segment, where you’ll get the chance to connect with renowned brewers, distillers, and brand ambassadors, learning about their craft and the stories behind the bottles.

You won’t even need to travel to Japan for a true sensory experience; Sake Manila 2025 will feature rare, small-batch sakes that you can only find at the event. 

With more than 40 participating breweries and distilleries, including names like Dassai, Gekkeikan, and Choya, you’re in for a diverse and unforgettable experience.

As you sip and savor, you’ll also be able to network with industry professionals, business leaders, and fellow sake enthusiasts. And if that’s not enough, there will be exciting raffle prizes, including airfare tickets to Japan courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

Get ready to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, with traditional Japanese music played early in the event that will transition into DJ sets as the night unfolds.

The ticket price for entry costs P6,000 and includes full access to the event, all sakes, and food. You can secure your tickets here

For the full list of the participating breweries, stay updated on their website here. For more information, visit Sake Manila 2025 on their Facebook or Instagram

Location: Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City Parañaque City, 1701, Metro Manila

Date & Time: May 23, 2025, from 5 PM onwards

Admission Fee: P6,000 (full access)

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Manila/ The List/ What's On
Raise a Glass and Taste Local Craft Beers at the Mabrewhay 2025 Festival!
20250505 Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival 2025 Photo by Engkanto/Website

Discover some of the finest local craft beers and cultivate your taste buds for the finer things in life at the upcoming Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival this May 16 to 18, 2025, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens

With over 60 unique craft beers from all over the Philippines, this celebration promises unforgettable experiences — from only the finest local craft brews, live performances, masterclasses, and the community spirit

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The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival 2025 is set to be the ultimate celebration of malt, ale, and freshly brewed (and free-flowing!) beer from all the best breweries across the Philippines. These include Engkanto Brewery, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Papa Bolo, Nipa Brew, and much more! You can check out the list of participating brewers here.

A variety of craft beers will be available for guests to taste, each representing the depth and diversity of the Philippine craft beer scene. From fruity pale ales to smooth, deep stouts, there surely will be a drink for everyone!

Live performances, artists, creativity, and more will also be joining in the fun, making the Ayala Triangle Gardens the setting of a vibrant community built on artistry and celebration. Beer masterclasses and beer-related games will be held throughout the weekend, so come join in! 

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Raise a glass to Philippine-made beers and mark your calendars for May 16 to 18, 2025! Register here.

The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival is co-presented by Ayala Land and Make It Makati, and is sponsored by Ayala Land Premier, Ayala Malls, BPI, GCash, Grab, and Yakima Chief Hops. 

Follow Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram for more upcoming events and updates! 

Location: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, Philippines

Opening Hours: 4 PM to 1 AM (Friday), 10 AM to 1 AM (Saturday), 10 AM to 8 PM (Sunday)

Admission: Free

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings
Where to Treat Mom: Hotel Dining Offers to Check Out This Mother's Day
Mothers Day hotel dining offers Photo by Conrad Manila/Facebook

This Mother’s Day, go beyond the usual bouquet and treat the queen of your life to an indulgent dining experience she’ll never forget. From lavish buffets and elegant afternoon teas to thoughtfully curated set menus, some of the city’s top hotels are rolling out exclusive offers designed to celebrate moms in the most delicious way possible. 

Whether she’s craving international flavors, classic local favorites, or luxurious sweet treats, there’s something to match every taste and mood. Here are the best hotel dining experiences to spoil your mom with on her special day!

Honor the Queen of Your Heart at Conrad Manila

Honor the Queen of Your Heart at Conrad Manila
Facebook/Conrad Manila

Celebrate Mother’s Day in grand style at Conrad Manila with indulgent dining and sweet surprises fit for a queen. Treat Mom to a sumptuous buffet at Brasserie on 3 on May 11, 2025 for P3,800 nett per person — plus, she dines for free with every four paying adults

For something more refined, China Blue by Jereme Leung offers an elegant lunch and dinner set menu from May 11 to 12, 2025 at P4,998 nett per person (minimum of five guests). Looking for a take-home treat? Swing by Bru Coffee Bar from May 1 to 11, 2025 for themed cakes and decadent pastries starting at P120 nett.

MOMents of Love at Okada Manila

Moments of Love at Okada Manila
Facebook/Okada Manila

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Okada Manila with specially curated dining experiences across its signature restaurants. At Yu Lei, indulge in refined Chinese cuisine with a special set menu available from April 15 to May 11, 2025 (12 NN to 11 PM, Tuesdays to Sundays) for P6,000 nett per person.

La Piazza promises a cozy yet elegant family dinner with a 7-course Italian feast for four, featuring dishes like Tartare di Tonno and Iberico Pork Chop, from May 10 to 11, 2025 (5 PM to 11 PM) for P10,000 nett. Over at Enbu, enjoy a festive Japanese set menu for four that highlights bold robatayaki flavors for P5,088 nett from May 9 to 11, 2025.

For those who love variety, Medley Buffet offers a Mother’s Day-exclusive spread on May 11, 2025, priced at P4,500 for adults and P2,250 for children. Buffet hours are 11:30 AM to 3 PM for lunch and 6 PM to 11 PM for dinner. Don’t forget to stop by the Lobby Lounge Pastry Shop as well from May 1 to 15, 2025 for exquisite sweets, whether as a thoughtful gift or dessert finale, starting at P450.

Celebrate Mom Like a Queen at Savoy Hotel Manila

Celebrate Mom Like a Queen This Mother’s Day at Savoy Hotel Manila

Celebrate Mom like royalty this May 11, 2025 with a festive Filipino buffet at Savoy Café, Savoy Hotel Manila. In honor of Mother’s Day, their “Pistang Pinoy spread gets a special twist, featuring iconic dishes from beloved local festivals. Highlights include Lumpiang Sariwa from Bulacan’s Singkaban Festival, Cebu Lechon Belly from Sinulog, Chicken Binakol from Ati-Atihan, and Sinuglaw from Mindanao’s Kadayawan Festival, among other regional delights. 

To make the day even more memorable, all moms will receive a complimentary flower cupcake and be serenaded with live entertainment. Dine as a group of four paying adults and get one guest in for free.

Mom's Blissful Journey on Mother's Day at The Peninsula Manila

Mom's Blissful Journey on Mother's Day at The Peninsula Manila
Website/The Peninsula Manila

Celebrate with an unforgettable day of luxury at The Peninsula Manila this May 11, 2025. From indulgent dining to pampering spa experiences, every detail is crafted to make Mom feel cherished. Take to the skies with Old Manila’s Fly & Dine package, combining a breathtaking aerial tour with a decadent four-course French meal for lunch or dinner. For a classic fine dining experience, Old Manila also offers its signature four-course French set menu for a more grounded, yet equally exquisite, celebration.

You can also treat Mom to a refined afternoon tea at The Lobby, complete with delightful pastries and a special gift with every tea set. Or gather the family for Escolta’s lavish Sunday brunch featuring global and Asian favorites, where Mom dines for free with every four paying guests.

Enjoy a Weekend of Indulgence at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Enjoy a Weekend of Indulgence at Solaire Resort Entertainment City
Photo by Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Treat your Mom to a weekend of indulgence at Solaire Resort Entertainment City! Start her special day with Afternoon Tea at Oasis Garden Café, featuring a delightful selection of sweet and savory treats, from chamomile macarons to cranberry salmon gravlax. For brunch, enjoy a feast at Finestra, offering delicious dishes like Radicchio Risotto and Pan-fried Mackerel, along with unlimited champagne or spritz

If Mom loves seafood, Red Lantern serves an all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet, while Yakumi features eight live cooking stations offering everything from grilled lobsters to Japanese sake-steamed seabream. For a more casual vibe, Waterside offers a traditional boodle fight with a vibrant spread of Filipino dishes, and Fresh provides an expansive buffet with a global selection.

Celebrate Your Mom and Only at EDSA Shangri-La, Manila

Celebrate Your Mom and Only at EDSA Shangri-La, Manila
Website/EDSA Shangri-La, Manila

Celebrate Mom in style at EDSA Shangri-La, Manila, with delightful dining experiences this May 11, 2025. At HEAT, enjoy a festive lunch buffet featuring Angus Beef Striploin, Roasted Spring Chicken, seafood, and global dishes for P3,800, along with live entertainment and surprises. 

For a relaxing afternoon, the Lobby Lounge offers a charming Afternoon Tea set of sweet and savory treats paired with premium teas, available until May 31, 2025 for P2,100 nett (good for two). Craving Japanese? Senju’s Matsuri Buffet features fresh sushi, sashimi, and grilled favorites at P3,800 nett per person.

Have a Seafood Feast with Mom at Hotel Okura Manila

Have a Seafood Feast with Mom at Hotel Okura Manila
Website/Hotel Okura Manila

Celebrate Mom with an elegant seafood feast at the Kisetsu Buffet in Yawaragi, Hotel Okura Manila, this May 11, 2025. Available for both lunch (12 PM to 3 PM) and dinner (6 PM to 10 PM), the buffet features a wide selection of gourmet dishes, perfect for honoring the most important woman in your life. 

All Moms who will dine in will receive a complimentary Mother's Day mocktail and a special gift. Purchase a bottle of Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Rosé and receive another exclusive gift just for her! The buffet is priced at P3,950++ per adult and P1,975++ per child (ages 6 to 12). Reserve a table now!

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings
MUJI Finally Opens their Flagship Store in Manila at Glorietta 3
20250430 MUJI Ph Photo by MUJI Philippines/Instagram

Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI has finally opened their 8th and flagship store in Manila at the Glorietta 3 mall! 

It is the brand’s largest outlet in the Philippines, spanning three floors of the Glorietta mall and filled with all their cult favorites and essentials — from stationery, home décor, skincare, clothing, travel, and more. 

Along with the opening of this new branch, MUJI also introduced their first MUJI Bakery in the Philippines, which also includes a huge dining area and a coffee counter

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MUJI Bakery + Coffee Counter at MUJI Glorietta 3

Located on the Ground Floor of the MUJI Flagship Store in Glorietta 3, the MUJI Bakery offers a wide array of sweet and savory bread and other baked goodies that you can enjoy in-store at their expansive dining area. 

Their bread options include Plain Pandesal (P10), Ube Pandesal (P35), Salted Butter Bread (P45), Plain Croissant (P85), Plain Ensaymada (P95), Ube Ensaymada (P115), Sausage Bun (P135), Red Bean & Butter Croissant (P135), Chocolate Croissant (P155), Almond Croissant (P155), Bacon & Egg Round Croissant (P195), and Shoku Pan / Whole Loaf (P195).

The bread menu at MUJI Bakery
Courtesy of MUJI Philippines/Website

MUJI Bakery bakes their bread fresh daily, only offering the best to their patrons. 

Much like their other Coffee Counters in SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, and other branches, the Coffee Counter at Glorietta 3 has the same offerings and refreshments that can be served hot or iced. 

MUJI Glorietta 3 also offers their curry rice meals, soft serve, and other go-to Japanese snacks in-store too. 

The coffee menu at MUJI's Coffee Counters
Courtesy of MUJI Philippines
The coffee and tea menu at MUJI's Coffee Counters
Courtesy of MUJI Philippines

Don’t miss out and check out the MUJI Flagship Store at Glorietta 3 to try out their newest offers! 

Follow MUJI Philippines on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates. You can check out their online catalog here.

Location: Levels 1 to 3, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati, 1226 Metro Manila

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM (Sundays to Thursdays), 10 AM to 10 PM (Fridays to Saturdays), MUJI Bakery (opens at 8 AM daily). 

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings
Celebrate Your Mom at Solaire Resort with Afternoon Tea and Brunch Buffets
Solaire Photo by Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Celebrate the woman who sheds light into our homes by giving her the ultimate special treatment at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.  

This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a special weekend filled with relaxing stays, lavish brunches, and luxurious spa treatments. Solaire Resort invites you to make your mom feel like a queen by availing some of their special offers, such as booking a Sky Studio room using the Weekend Family Fun offer, which includes a complimentary buffet breakfast at Fresh for two adults and two kids up to 12 years old. By booking a stay, you can also enjoy P2,000 worth of F&B credits at the Pool Bar, and treat mom to a Solaire Signature massage or a soothing facial that will surely make her feel refreshed and relaxed throughout her stay.

Exciting Dining Offers

One thing to love about Solaire Resort is their wide range of culinary delights that satisfy every craving. Make the most of your indulgent stay by starting with a delightful afternoon tea session with mom at Oasis Garden Café, where you can enjoy an assortment of sweet and savory delights from a chamomile macaron and cassis white chocolate petit to a flavorful Salami Milano croquette and cranberry salmon gravlax topped with dill cream cheese. 

Afternoon Tea
Courtesy of Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Other restaurants also offer a delightful brunch buffet perfect for Mother’s Day morning. At Finestra, you can savor an array of recommended dishes such as the Radicchio Risotto with caramel walnuts and guanciale and the Pan-fried Mackerel with broccolini and lemon sauce. The restaurant also offers sweet desserts and unlimited flutes of champagne or Aperol and Campari spritz from their roving aperitivo trolley. You can also have a grand seafood tower, as well as hand-carved roast beef and a curated selection of cold cuts and luxurious desserts served directly to your table. Talk about a feast fit for a queen!

If mom is craving for some Chinese food, Red Lantern has an all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet and offers a variety of dishes from Crystal Skin Lobsters to their Baked Signature Black Pepper Wagyu Beef Tarts. 

For meat lovers, there are eight interactive live stations at Yakumi offering a great selection of seafood and red meats from grilled Boston lobsters and scallops to Kinross lamb chops and US ribeye steak. The marinated miso foie gras teppanyaki and the Tai sake mushi (Japanese sake-steamed seabream with seasonal vegetables) are also a must-try!

Beat the heat at Waterside with a traditionalboodle fight” and savor a vibrant spread of your favorite Filipino dishes. For an even wider selection, Fresh offers diverse buffet stations featuring the finest seafoods and meats, alongside a variety of cuisines including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese. What’s even more awesome is that moms will be served exclusive drinks on the day, right at their table!

boodle fight
Photo from Solaire Resort Entertainment City/Website

What are you waiting for? Plan a weekend of indulgence for mom by booking a room via their website. For reservations, call ahead at 8888-8888 or email [email protected].

Discover more celebratory perks and offers by following Solaire Resort on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings
AF Hospitality Launches Collab with Dubai Chocolate’s Chef Nouel Catis
Dubai choc Photo by AF Hospitality/Instagram

Ever wondered who’s the mastermind behind the original Dubai Chocolate that’s taken the dessert world by storm? 

Meet Chef Nouel Catis — the Filipino chocolatier making waves in Dubai, who’s bringing his award-winning creations home for the very first time.

From Apr. 11 to June 11, 2025, AF Hospitality welcomes Chef Catis for an exclusive collaboration across a mano, Steak & Frice, and Ramen Ron. 

Each restaurant will showcase a one-of-a-kind creation featuring elements of Dubai Chocolate.

At Italian restaurant a mano, indulge in a decadent Dubai chocolate burrata soft serve swirled with melted dark chocolate and served in a dark chocolate-dipped waffle bowl, and finished with pistachio-kataifi crunch.

Dubai Chocolate
Instagram/AF Hospitality

For something a bit more filling, Steak & Frice wraps it all up with a Dubai chocolate crêpe, filled with pistachio-kataifi, topped with dark chocolate and pistachio cream, finished with toasted crunch and roasted kataifi

Finally, Ramen Ron offers handmade mochi filled with pistachio-milk chocolate namelaka, oozing with pistachio sauce, crispy kataifi, and crushed pistachios.

AF Hospitality is also offering a sweet bonus: the Dessert passport program. If you try the imaginative desserts at each of the three restaurants, you can earn a stamp on your Dessert Passport to score a complimentary SNA’AP chocolate bar.

A portion of proceeds will support the Dumagat Cacao farming community through MAD Travel’s AgroForestry Program, bringing Catis’s journey full circle: from local roots to global acclaim, and back home to give back.

For more information, visit AF Hospitality on their website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Manila/ Delish/ Reviews
Where to Get Fresh Poke, Sashimi, and Sushi for Takeout
Snapinst app 471395645 2052699621830498 6876414079073174476 n 1080 Photo by Umi Sushi/Instagram

There’s a reason why sushi, sashimi, and poke bowls are so popular: simply put, they’re delicious. This is especially true when the product is fresh and expertly prepared, as it is in these Manila eateries that specialize in takeout. When you’re craving food to indulge in at home, there really is nowhere better than these delightful eateries that are sure to leave you wanting more. 

Ono Poke

Poke bowls
Poke bowls | Instagram/Ono Poke

Popularizing the Hawaiian favorite, Ono Poke serves up fresh poke bowls with a diverse menu of customizable food options. Their signature flavors include tuna and salmon in sauces that range from creamy (aburi garlic) to tangy (ginger ponzu). 

Customers have the option of choosing to have their order in a bowl or in a poke wrap. They can choose to have their fish raw (poke) or torched (aburi). Finish it off by customizing the base (white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, cabbage, quinoa, Adlai, or soba noodles) and toppings (spicy kani, regular kani, wakame, or kimchi) for a meal that’s completely tailored to you and for you! 

Location: Multiple Branches

The Golden Catch

Salmon sashimi
Salmon sashimi | Instagram/The Golden Catch

Walking past a Golden Catch kiosk will instantly tempt the eye – and the palate. Known for fresh, farmed Norwegian salmon, The Golden Catch guarantees fresh fish daily, never frozen. Apart from the usual favorites of tuna and salmon, The Golden Catch also offers clients steelhead trout, which is known to be sweeter than salmon, but with slightly less fat and calories. 

And though The Golden Catch is known for their sashimi, we definitely recommend trying their other items too, such as their spicy tuna or salmon salad for a filling snack or appetizer. 

Location: Multiple Branches

Salmon HQ

Sushi cake
Sushi cake | Instagram/Salmon HQ

If there’s one thing that’s put Salmon HQ on the map, it’s their sushi cake. The brand was among the first to release this fun food innovation that eventually became a huge trend in the mid-2010’s. Today, they continue serving sushi cake and have even upped the ante by introducing salmon cake, made from salmon sashimi slices. 

Salmon HQ is also your best bet for parties as the brand has huge platters made for sharing. From sushi boats to sushi boxes, Salmon HQ introduces mixed platters that include favorites such as poke bowls, gunkan, sushi rolls, and nigiri

Location: Salmon HQ, The Corner Marker, Podium, 12 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Konbini Store

Sushi takeout
Sushi takeout | Instagram/Konbini Store

A Japanese supermarket that’s also opened its own restaurant, sausage stand, and sushi bar, Konbini Store prides itself in bringing Japan closer to its customers. They serve fresh and delicate sushi and sashimi, with sophisticated cuts, such as Akami (lean tuna), O Toro (fattiest part of bluefin tuna), and Chu Toro (fatty tuna). 

After nearly two decades in Greenhills, Konbini Store has also opened another branch in Robinsons Magnolia which gives customers the option to bring home fresh sushi. Their open-kitchen also allows clients to see the chefs freshly prepare this takeout daily. Simply pick one out from the display and take it home to enjoy! 

Location: Konbini Store, UGF, Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City

Taste and Tell

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An online business that boomed during the pandemic, Taste and Tell is famous for its rich sushi bake. Since then, the food supplier has expanded to cover more Japanese dishes such as rice bowls and noodles, plus desserts. They’ve also opened up two restaurants to serve a la carte dishes for individual diners. 

Apart from the sushi bake, we recommend their Shimesaba (vinegared mackerel) sashimi, Hamachi belly, and Hokkigai (saltwater clam) sashimi for a taste of authentic Japanese flavors. Consider getting their sets too, each of which can feed anywhere from four to 16 guests, depending on the size. 

Location: Multiple Branches 

Zuki

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Zuki’s menu is pretty straightforward: fresh poke bowls and sushi rolls. Located in Quezon City, Zuki’s menu boasts bright flavors that are fun and complex. They transform ingredients such as salmon, ebi (prawns), and tuna into rolls that refreshing on the tongue, marrying them to ingredients such as spicy mayonnaise, crunchy panko, sweet mangoes, and indulgent cheese. 

Zuki is a particularly good option for those who love spice. Their spicy salmon and tuna rolls deliver on heat, as does its poke counterpart, which is topped with cucumbers and tempura flakes.

Zuki is available for order online

Umi Sushi

Sushi for sharing
Sushi for sharing | Instagram/Umi Sushi

A lunch favorite for those in Makati, Umi Sushi is popular for its varied menu. Aside from the usual salmon and tuna, Umi Sushi also plays around with Hamachi, Snapper, Ika (squid), and Uni (sea urchin roe). Their recipes are bright, vibrant, and playful, with a focus on textures such as creaminess (such as in their Philadelphia maki made with salmon and sesame), crispness (such as in their crispy tempura maki), and tenderness (such as in their soft-shell maki). 

Location: Umi Sushi, 102-103 Air Residences Yakal Street San Antonio, Makati City

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