10 Best Things We Ate in July

(SPOT.ph) If you didn’t already know, here at SPOT.ph, we love food. You need it to live, but we find that there are some dishes that go well past the virtue of necessity. While others content themselves with a deep fryer and the usual salt and pepper, there are some who make—or at least try to make—an art out of it, with delicious displays and even yummier flavors. We believe those that go above and beyond their duty deserve necessary recognition. So here are our top picks among the dishes we ate throughout July.

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

Goryeo Korean Dining’s Sogogi Modeumgui

For the ultimate Korean treat, head over to Goryeo Korean Dining at Okada Manila, where Chef Hojin Lee serves Korean food the traditional way. The Sogogi Modeumgui or assorted beef set with prime rib and brisket is a noteworthy indulgence. An order will not just get you prime beef cuts but also assorted vegetables and a variety of lettuce so you can experiment with different flavors and textures for your wrap.

Goryeo Korean Dining is at Restaurant Promenade, U/GF Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Parañaque City.

IMAGE Majoy Siason

“Deep Purple” Chip from Emack & Bolio’s

At Massachusetts-based ice cream parlor Emack & Bolio’s, you can get out-of-the-box ice cream flavors with fun names like “Deep Purple” Chip, which has the no-fail combination of raspberry and chocolate, with purple raspberry ice cream and white and dark chocolate chips. You can get your scoop in a Marsh “Mellow” Cone or a waffle cone made sweeter and crunchier with sweet cereal like Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, and more.

Emack & Bolio’s is at G/F Ayala Malls the 30th, 30 Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

Jing Ting’s Shanxi Noodles with Minced Pork and Eggplant

It’s easy to stick to your usual favorite Chinese restaurant whenever you’re craving a bowl of noodles, but Jing Ting at City of Dreams is worth a try. Their Shanxi Noodles with Minced Pork and Eggplant has noodles that are so light, they almost melt in your mouth.

Jing Ting is at U/GF City of Dreams Manila, ASEAN Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque City.

IMAGE Vincent Coscolluela

Gelare’s Classic Waffle

While you will go to Australian-based ice cream parlor Gelare for their incredibly thick and creamy ice cream, you will stay for their waffles. An order of the Classic Waffle will get you a plate-sized waffle that’s pillowy soft yet crisp around the edges. Drizzled with lots of maple syrup with notes of sweet vanilla, it will remind you of childhood breakfast pancakes.

Gelare is at 3/F Uptown Mall, Uptown Bonifacio.

IMAGE Majoy Siason

Love Monday Café’s Spamghetti

With colorful murals and quirky knickknacks, Love Monday Café is a delightful coffee joint in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Their menu is equally fun, too. The Spamghetti, named by owner Daene Luna’s friends who are Spam addicts, is made up of al dente angel hair pasta with a rich and herby tomato sauce and Spam chunks, and topped with lots of gooey cheese.

Love Monday Café is at 19 San Rafael Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

IMAGE Vincent Coscolluela

Crosta’s Basic B*tch Pizza

The Basic B*tch Pizza at Crosta is certainly anything but. Its simple toppings of basil leaves and mozzarella lets the crust shine, apt for a food joint named after the Italian word for "crust." The sourdough crust has just the right amount of chewiness with an irresistibly crisp edge.

Crosta is at The Social on Ebro, 5770 Ebro Street, Poblacion, Makati City.

IMAGE Ian Santos

SOUV By Cyma’s Lamb Bowl 

At SOUV, Chef Robby Goco cooks up a straightforward, no-frills menu of Greek food you can eat every day of the week. While SOUV offers different kinds of protein and a vegetarian option on their lunch menu, treat yourself and order the Lamb Bowl. This will get you a bowl of incredibly tender lamb strips and tart pickled radish and red onions add a hint of brightness to the dish.

SOUV By Cyma is at G/F Net Park Building, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.

IMAGE Sandra Dans

Mr. Roboto’s Nori Nachos

It’s hard not to be dazzled by Mr. Roboto, with their Japanese robot-themed interiors that’ll turn any Martial Law baby into puddles of nostalgia. Their Japanese food is just as fun and colorful, like the Nori Nachos, which has crispy-fried nori chips, kani, pickled tuna, and spicy salmon, all topped with cream cheese and wasabi mayo. It’s a sushi-nacho fusion that you won’t be able to stop munching on.

Mr. Roboto is at G/F Alabang Town Center Corporate Center, Muntinlupa City.

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

Blocleaf Café’s Avocado Cheesecake

The Avocado Cheesecake from this hidden café in Malate is a seasonal menu item, so consider yourself lucky if you chance upon it. Each creamy bite of this cheesecake bursts with so much avocado flavor, you’ll wonder if this is the actual fruit disguised as cake.

Blocleaf Café is at 1850 M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila.

IMAGE Ian Santos

Chili Chippy Pie at Early Night?

With Chef Fernando Aracama heading the kitchen at Early Night?, it's no surprise this hip bar sticks to its Filipino roots with innovative takes on classic street food and Pinoy snacks. The Chili Chippy Pie is easily the most unique item on the menu—for one, it's served inside a small Chippy bag. The combination of chili con carne, tomato concasse, chives, spring onion, togarashi, sour cream, and corn chips will remind you of beef tacos and your childhood.

Early Night? is at Fort Bonifacio Unit C, The Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City.