I am not really big on Filipino food especially when eating out. I feel like it is a dish I can whip up at home with no fuss. So when out, I would normally venture into other cuisines. But that was not the case when Manam Comfort Filipino Restaurant opened its branch at Robinsons Place Antipolo.
Unlike me, my family, regardless of where they are, will always pick Filipino food over any other cuisine in a heart beat. I have dine in at Manam Greenbelt branch and I'm pretty sure my family will love Manam's take on Filipino food.
Manam opened their branch at Robinsons Place Antipolo late last year and up to this day, people are still flocking and lining up especially on weekends. It is best to go there early to secure a table and avoid long line.
Manam has plenty of offerings on their menu, but for this visit, I opted to get some of the best sellers and those I remember liking even before.
First on the table was Manam's Ensaladang Pako (Php165) Fresh and flavorful. I love that there's crunch to the pako that goes well with the texture of the entire dish. This taste healthy in a good way. I remember liking the Ensaladang Namnam, but my father loves pako hence, we opted for this and it didn't disappoint.
We also had the Fresh Lumpiang Ubod (Php105) which is my favorite at Manam. The sauce for this one though taste a tad sweeter than the one I had at their Greenbelt branch. Nonetheless, it's still good and satisfying.
There are only two Gising Gising that I can eat, first is the one that my uncle B cooks - it's a heirloom recipe, I believe. Second, the one that they serves in Manam. Manam's version of Gising Gising (Php165) is on point - creamy and savory, I haven not meet anyone who doesn't like it. No wonder it's one of their must try selections.
A visit at Manam will never be complete for me without having their Sinigang na Beef Short Rib & Watermelon (Php300). The tenderness of the beef plus the blending of sweet, sour, and savory tastes is just perfect it makes this dish heartwarming and comforting in so many different level. It's been said by many but I am saying it still, this dish is highly recommended.
Their Crispy Pancit Palabok (Php250) is another dish that is constant in every visit. I love the simple theatrics while serving it and I love how flavorful it's always been. Here's the video in lieu of the photo I have forgotten to take.
My nephew loves fried calamares hence, we also had Manam's Crunchy Salt and Pepper Squid (Php175) I enjoyed its flavor and crispness, however it is not as palatable when it turns cold. Better finish the entire serving while its hot.
Manam's House Tofu Sisig (Php200) is one of those that is constant and never fails to satisfy. I love its savory flavor and the perfect doneness of the tofu - not too soft nor too crisp. One of my favorites, definitely.
Manam's Butterflied Pla Pla with Buro And Mustasa (Php310) is basically a butterflied Tilapia fish. It's good especially when eaten with buro. I specifically love its crispness giving a "chicharon" vibes to every bite.
A runaway winner during this visit at Manam was the Overloaded Garlicky Chicken and Pork Belly Adobo (Php310) It's a perfect dish if you love adobo. The interplay in garlicky, savory, and sweet flavor elevates the dish further it's something that you would want to have again and again.
For drinks, we had their Hot Green Tea, Calamansi, and their best seller Ube Sago (Php180) which is still as good as I remember it to be. A perfect drink if you love purple yam.
As mentioned, I rarely eat at Filipino restaurants but I am confident that a visit at Manam will be worth it, and thankfully that to this day, I am still right. My family enjoyed the food and are excited to try some other items on the menu. We will for sure revisit but I guess on a different branch because it's always crowded in their Antipolo branch.
Manam Comfort Filipino Food Restaurant is located at the Lower Ground Level of Robinsons Place Antipolo City. They are open from 10AM - 10PM (Monday to Sunday) You may contact them via +63 2 82537911.
