An educated guess, if you would ask ten people about the first thing that pops into their head when they hear Metro Manila, seven out of 10 would likely answer “traffic” loud enough in a reverberating way. However, holding the top spot this year as the world’s worst traffic in the metro area is not the only thing Metro Manila is known for. Despite the noise and the chaos, the country’s capital region beams with an exhilarating and diverse culture that could go head-to-head with other metropolitan areas not just in Asia but also across the world.
If you were born with an exceptional level of patience, you are likely to discover places that could make traversing the notorious streets of Metro Manila worth it. Blessed are those who wait, they say, and blessed you shall be when you experience the rich food scenes in the metro.
The Metro Manila food scene, sans the glorious street food stalls and fast food chains on almost every street corner, can be described as a mixture of gastronomic and artistic experience—hippy, as many would call it. The setup where one could indulge in unique local cuisines while also basking in various art scenes has become a popular trend that effectively captures the younger customer demographics—the most effective age group to tap into making a business known or viral. This is how we discover some of the amazing places that are truly worth visiting.
New art and appetite hub in the metro
First up, Comuna. If the adage “don’t judge the book by its cover” is a place, Comuna could be it. This creative community perfectly encapsulates the art and gastronomy trend in Metro Manila. For the 90s kids, this could be considered an iteration of the long-defunct B-Side art collective, also in Makati. Whether you’re visiting Comuna for the vibe, art scene, and weekend popups, or you simply want to try out new spots for a dose of caffeine and saccharine, Comuna is the place for you.
We highly recommend you visit Scratch (Goods from scratch) and Baker on East for sourdoughs, donuts, coffee, and wine! Lowbrow Commissary for their Orange Yuzu and Thai Tea, and perhaps our favorite, Ani Cafe, for some laid-back brunch dates or if you want to zone out and just feel at home.
Arguably offering the best Yakitori in the metro, Kappou Nakaji is one of our most recent Izakaya discoveries. Hidden in the quiet street of Adelantado in Makati, Kappou Nakaji offers a wide variety of Japanese staple comfort food at a surprisingly affordable price, considering it’s in one of the most expensive cities in the metro.
Metro’s brand of art and dining experience
The traffic might give you hell, but wouldn’t a glass or two of sake and beer, paired with Kappou Nakaji’s best-selling crispy deep-fried Octopus, not worth it? Don’t forget to try it their famous Baguio Lemon Sour!
Lastly, if you are a fan of Dirty Horchata with delicious treats, Cafe Dalisay is one of the newest places you should visit. Nestled in the vibrant Legazpi Village in Makati, Cafe Dalisay is not just the typical hub you go to for your caffeine fix. It is also a design studio and a wood furniture shop. Their salted peanut latte and chocolate chip cookies from Lily & Flor are such works of art in their own right.
Navigating the chaotic streets of Metro Manila can sometimes feel like an endless battle against time. Traffic jams stretch the daily commute into a test of patience, and the rush-hour gridlock is enough to make anyone reconsider their plans. Yet, amidst the honking horns and creeping vehicles, may you find the silver lining that makes the ordeal worth it: the vibrant art and culinary scene.
So, while the traffic may be a test of endurance, the promise of a delicious meal makes it all worthwhile. In Metro Manila, the culinary delights are more than just a reward—they are a reminder that even amid the chaos, there is always something worth savoring.
