Food
BEYOND THE gates of Ateneo and the bustling Katipunan Avenue is a culinary map that goes beyond the “Japanese-Chinese-Korean” trinity of Asian cuisine. Just a ride away from the campus reveals various Asian delights tucked away in White Plains, Maginhawa, and Blue Ridge.
From the smoky grills of West Asia to the vibrant street food of the South, this article is your tour guide to finding local spots that bring different flavors to your table. Buckle up for a trip that will awaken your palate and widen your knowledge of Asian grub!
Shiok Shiok (Singapore)
Need a warm hug in the form of hot and flavorful broth, bouncy noodles, and juicy wontons? Or maybe a delightful plate of Kaya Toast (Php 98) and a cup of Kopi (Php 80)? Don’t fret because a jeepney away from the campus is Shiok Shiok, a restaurant known for its Singaporean-famous hawker food. The spot is popular for their Shiok Shiok Laksa (Php 385), a silky spicy soup that includes assorted fish balls and noodles that is sure to bring the heat to your table!
You may opt to pair their Laksa with a rice meal like their Nasi Lemak Chicken (Php 220), bringing a heavily-spiced and umami-packed dish, or a familiar plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice (Php 235) to provide a clean, gentle, and comforting flavor to your stomach. Either way, Shiok Shiok is ready to satisfy your hungry needs, whether it be through comforting or experimental flavors.
Location: 224 Katipunan Ave, Project 4, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
TARA! Filipino Diner (Philippines)
TARA! Filipino Diner can be your new go-to spot for Filipino breakfast with a twist, perfect for both early birds and night owls. The tagline “Your neighborhood spot where every meal feels like home” serves as the restaurant’s guiding principle.
Dig into crowd favorites like The Big Brekky rice meal (Php 485), which ensures you don’t have to choose between team tapa, tocino, or longganisa, served alongside garlic rice and two whole sunny side eggs, or their Filipino Hash Breakfast Omelette (Php 395) with tocino bacon, longanissa, and crispy sourdough toast.
If you are a sweet breakfast person, try their unique array of champorado flavors, such as Belgian Chocolate (Php 295), Ube Cheese (Php 345), Matcha (Php 485), or better yet, get the best of both worlds with their Fried Chicken and Ube Flapjacks combo (Php 395). TARA! Filipino Diner’s charm and great eats will definitely make you feel right at home!
Location: White Plains, 42 Katipunan Ave, West, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Lao Taipei (Taiwan)
This Taiwanese destination in White Plains West is marked by the juiciest Xiao Long Bao and crispiest Chicken Chop. With other locations in Kapitolyo, Pasig, and San Juan City, Lao Taipei certainly lets you “Taste Taiwan in Manila!”
Lao Taipei’s dishes—from their signature Sweet and Sour Pork (Php 330) to their rich, slurpable Beef Noodle Soup (Php 320)—are sure to make your chopsticks pause. Whether you’re enjoying those favorites or their iconic Taiwanese Fried Rice (Php 310), you’ll definitely exclaim “Mmm” in delight.
After all of that savory goodness, make sure to save room for dessert and indulge in their creamy Custard Buns (Php 190) for a happy ending to solve your Taiwanese cravings.
Location: White Plains West, 42 Katipunan Ave, White Plains, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
năm năm 20 (Vietnam)
The warmth and comfort a bowl of pho provides is unbeatable, and năm năm 20 aims to bring hearty flavors with each sip. Nestled in Maginhawa, this cozy hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese restaurant is packed almost daily with customers seeking a taste of its small but delicious offerings.
The Pho Bo (Php 280) and Bun Bo Hue (Php 320) are their main dishes, two soup-based dishes with different ingredients that are the perfect way to warm your tummies. Typically paired with the popular noodle soups are Cha Gio (Php 130), a deep-fried pork spring roll, and Goi Cuon (Php 160), a fresher alternative with shrimp. One can also choose to drink Ca Phe (Php 80), more commonly known as Vietnamese Coffee, to complement this truly Viet experience.
No matter what type of noodle or side dish you choose, one thing is for sure: năm năm 20 will definitely keep you full, warm, and satisfied.
Location: 20 Maginhawa St., Diliman, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pepper Tree Foods (India)
Amid the buzz and energy that fills Katipunan’s The Pop-Up is the quaint Indian restaurant Pepper Tree Foods. Offering a range of classic and vegan options, as well as Indian-Filipino fusions, this restaurant is as authentic as it gets. One can try their flavorful Hummus (Php 189) as a starter, before delving into the rich explosion of spices found in their best-selling Butter Chicken (Php 460) and Chicken Tikka Masala (Php 460).
If you’re looking for something unique, try the Masala Sisig (Php 332), their take on the beloved Filipino staple. Cap off your visit with their Kulfi Ice Cream (Php 159), a traditional Indian dessert made from a delectable combo of cardamom and nuts.
Despite its humble size, Pepper Tree Foods packs a punch. It remains a must-try, especially if a journey through flavors is something you seek.
Location: The Pop Up, Katipunan Avenue, corner Xavierville Ave, Loyola Heights, Diliman, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Al Jograts Persian Grill (Persia)
Tucked away in the vibrant food street of Maginhawa is Al Jograts, a soulful Persian restaurant that serves heavily spiced and dangerously satisfying kebabs, shawarma, and rice meals.
This restaurant is famous for its Beef Shawarma (Php 129) and Beef Kebab (Php 129), both available with rice or in a wrap, capturing the hearts of students and residents nearby for affordable yet high-quality food.
Al Jograts is reliably delicious, whether it be for a satisfying snack in the form of their wraps or a heavy meal to cap off the day through their rice meals.
Location: 164 A Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tori Tori Kushiyaki Snack Bar (Japan)
Despite the abundance of Japanese restaurants in and around Katipunan Avenue, Tori Tori Kushiyaki Snack Bar brings something unique to the table—a keen focus on the grill. Originally based in San Juan City, they’ve brought over their signature grilled dishes for the Katipunan area to enjoy.
Savor their varied kushiyaki (skewered and grilled) options such as Butabara Pork Belly (Php 75 per stick), Angus Mozzarella (Php 95 per stick), Japanese Wagyu (Php 160 per stick), and more! If skewers aren’t for you, their donburi (rice bowl) options, such as Katsudon (Php 295) and Gyudon (Php 310), may prove to be just as filling. Moreover, their sushi and makimono (rolled) offerings may entice those seeking something a little fresher.
Take your time, relish Tori Tori’s plentiful options, and immerse yourself in this authentic Japanese street food experience!
Location: 131 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Mapping your next Asian flavor adventure
The next time post-class hunger strikes and you are feeling a little adventurous during your lunch break, take the time to explore around Katipunan and other nearby areas to discover the various Asian cuisines Quezon City has to offer. Whether you are craving food from all across Asia, there is surely a spot for you and your barkada!
