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Sandwiched between the major roads and high-rise buildings of Pasig City is Barangay Kapitolyo. With EDSA, Pioneer Street, Shaw Boulevard and Pasig Boulevard at its borders, this residential hub is walled by towering establishments like hotels, malls, schools and corporate offices.
Life in the Kapitolyo neighborhood is just as vibrant as the city life outside it. The major routes like United Street, East Capitol Drive and West Capitol Drive are bustling with motorists navigating through the town. But as some motorists come and go, some stay. Parked cars dot the streets marking the most happening Kapitolyo spots. For residents, there's no need to exit the neighborhood for some amazing finds. For non-residents (especially foodies), Kapitolyo is certainly worth the travel.
Chow points
If you're looking for a quality bakeshop, you should check out Globake. The shop has everything from the classic pandesal to some special flavored buns like the Pepperoni Bun (P29.75) and Tuna Bun (P17). Other must-try Globake creations are the Pork/Chicken Empanada (P16) and Choco Cream Puff (P28.25).
Those who enjoy dining American-style should visit The Big Dip Diner and try the bestselling Fish N' Chips basket meal (P150)—“fish fillet with crispy fries and choice of dip. Another must-try is the Pinoy B.L.T. (P145)—“a triple-decker sandwich with lettuce, cheese, tomato and tapa meat.
Beside The Big Dip Diner is the Persian bar restaurant Uncle Moe's Shawarma Hub. Patrons keep coming back for the Chicken Kebab with Butter Rice and Salsa (P115) and the heavy All Beef Shawarma (P110 to P150). You're sure to enjoy the really tender meat.
Next to Uncle Moe's Shawarma Hub, to complete the United Street chow trio, is Slice N' Dice Steakhouse. This joint boasts its P99 and below char-grilled steaks—“heaven for diners who want some juicy and affordable T-Bone or Tenderloin. For a budget of about P120-P150, guests can walk out full and satisfied.
Now, here is a place for the hungry and adventurous. Hungry Boss is a small, open-air, buy-one-take-one pizza and pasta store. Yes, you read it right. Buy one pizza or pasta and get another one free. The rules are pretty simple; you have to pay for the more expensive dish. The meals are quite affordable with pastas ranging from P120 to P190 and 10-inch pizzas priced from P260 to P310. A must-try pasta is the Baked Zitti (P165) and for the pizza, the Bacon Burger Mushroom Pizza (P310).
Because of its continuing success, Cafe Juanita moved to a new spot from their former space at United Street. Among the must-try dishes are the Sisig on Tofu (P279) and Kare-Kare ni Juanita (P483). The prices are a bit steep but their pool of regulars should be enough to prove that dining here is worth every peso.
Next to the old Café Juanita is Kainan au Gusto. The place is an alternative spot for diners who want to save some bucks. The interiors are softly lit with decorations like disco balls (yes, disco balls), eccentric pieces and antiques (which are also for sale). The cafeteria set-up has a spread of home-cooked meals priced P50 and above.
There's a spot along East Capitol Drive that's always packed with guests feasting on heavy burgers. Ask for locations to Charlie's Grind and Grill and you'll probably get something like, "down the street, beside a carwash". The fact that it's beside a busy carwash doesn't turn off customers who adore the Black Angus Burger with Fries (P175), Fish and Chips (P180) and Cheese Steaks (P220-P380).
Health-conscious burger lovers can enjoy their burgers with either chicken or veggie patties at Good Burgers. The Persian Burger (P75 to P100) and Bacon Mozza Melt (P95-P120) are some of the must-try selections. Diners can also add some Veggie Meat Strips (P35) to their meals.
If there's dining spot in Pasig that has stood the test of time, it has to be the Three Sisters Restaurant of Pasig. Since 1941, this restaurant (formerly called Three Sisters Refreshment Parlor and used to be located at the poblacion of Pasig) has been serving Filipino dishes in Lola Rosa's (founder) original recipes. Bestsellers include the Beef Kaldereta (P170), Pancit Bihon (P240 and up) and Pork Barbeque (P35).
Gourmet food and froyo fit perfectly together at Poco Deli. Aside from the must-try dishes like the U.S. Steak Sandwich (P180), Pomodoro Pasta (P155) and Quattro Formaggi Pizza (P300), customers can also try Dave's Naturals Premium Frozen Yoghurt. There are many flavors to choose from but the Premium Pistachio (P80 and up) and Intense Chocolate (P80 and up) are highly recommended.
Near Poco Deli is Lia's Cakes in Season. The shop's signature creation is the original Avocado Cake (P85 per slice and P670 per whole cake)—“avocado flavored sponge cake in rich icing topped with pistachios. Other locally inspired cakes are also recommended like the Ube Cheesecake (P75 per slice and P620 per whole cake) and Calamansi Tea Cake (P45 per slice and P340 per whole cake).
