(SPOT.ph) Whether you’re shopping, trying out their Olympic-sized ice skating rink, checking out the Science Discovery Center, or watching a concert at the MOA Arena, you’re bound to find yourself taking a breather or grabbing a bite or two at Mall of Asia. To save you from getting tired from searching for just the right restaurant for your current craving, we’ve made it easier for you by rounding up a few great restaurants (some of them even have Michelin stars!) scattered all over the huge mall.
Also read:
Your Guide to No-Fail Dining Spots at SM Megamall
Your Guide to No-Fail Dining Spots at UP Town Center
Your Guide to No-Fail Dining Spots at Trinoma
Your Guide to No-Fail Dining Spots at Eastwood City
Your Guide to No-Fail Dining Spots at Uptown Bonifacio
Here are restaurants to check out if you find yourself in the Mall of Asia area:
Entertainment Mall
Hawker Chan
Hawker Chan lures every kind of foodie with their affordable but tasty meals. How could anyone resist the Soya Sauce Chicken with Rice (P128), which isn’t only lip-smacking but easy on the wallet as well? One bite of its tender chicken coated with a sweet and savory glaze would make you realize why so many people are raving about it and why this Singaporean brand is world-famous. If pork is more your thing, then the Char Siew with Rice (P148) won’t disappoint either, especially with its signature smoky-barbecue flavor. You won’t find a cheaper Michelin-starred meal elsewhere!
Hawker Chan is at G/F Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Blue Posts Boiling Crabs & Shrimp
Expect to get messy at Blue Posts Boiling Crabs & Shrimp—there’s no better way to eat crustaceans than with your bare hands. You’ll have a pretty unique dining experience here because they don’t offer the customary plates and silverware. Instead, you’ll be provided with bibs, plastic gloves, and a long piece of paper in lieu of plates. Take in the restaurant’s nautical vibe as you enjoy the Captain’s Catch and choose your preferred seafood. Order Crab (market price), Shrimp (P573), or Mussels (P589) with your desired heat level—regular, mild, or super spicy—and cooking method. You can also eat these with their wide assortment of sides such as corn on the cob, potatoes, rice, or sausages.
Blue Posts Boiling Crabs & Shrimp is at G/F Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Abe
If a delicious Filipino meal is what you’re craving, count on Abe to deliver. Don’t skip the restaurant’s Bringhe (P325), Abe’s trusty version of the arroz valenciana, which could satisfy any rice fan. Its festive-looking platter will also add a lot of color to your meal. Pair this with an entrée like the Knockout Knuckles (P695), commonly known as crispy pata, or the Binukadkad na Pla Pla (P425), or fried and butterflied tilapia, and you’ll feel like you’re having a fiesta yourself.
Abe is at 2/F Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
North Wing
Morganfield's
Known for their fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, Morganfield's is a haven for meat lovers in the Metro. Zoom in on their sticky bones or spare ribs, which is available in a big sampler platter that’s good for feeding a big group. Prepare yourself for some finger-licking goodness: The Hickory BBQ Spare Ribs (P845/half slab, P1,495/full slab) is a slow-cooked wonder, with a glistening sweet-spicy glaze to round everything out. If this doesn’t bring out your inner carnivore, we don’t know what will. Wash it all down with some beer and call it a night.
Morganfield's is at G/F North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Basil
When Thai-food cravings hit while you’re in this side of town, don’t worry because Basil can keep those hankerings at bay (They have a garden-themed branch in Quezon City, too!). It won’t be hard to imagine yourself on the streets of Bangkok once you sample their authentic dishes—the spicy-sour combination of the Tom Yum (P350) is a winner, while their Pad Thai (P360) is a stir-fried noodle dish you’ll love for its nutty, spicy, and zesty kick. Find other Thai treats here like spring rolls, curry, and the ever-popular Sticky Rice with Mango (P130), a classic dessert—and perhaps the perfect ending to your meal.
Basil is at G/F North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Main Mall
Lugang Café
Xiao long bao is one of the most popular Taiwanese treats out there (not to mention milk tea), and you’ll find it at Lugang Café. The restaurant’s elegant and modern interiors provide a nice setting as you indulge in more than just dim sum and soup dumplings. Besides waiting for their unlimited xiao long bao deals, don’t leave this Taiwanese joint without trying the Steamed Crab Roe & Pork Xiao Long Bao (P360), which boasts an umami enhanced by crab roe. You can likewise try their house specials like the Three-Cup Chicken (P380) and Spicy Beef and Tendon Noodle Soup (P320) for an extra-satisfying time, or their excellent roasts selection, which includes chicken, duck, and pork.
Lugang Café is at G/F Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Yabu
Is there any surprise that this popular homegrown tonkatsu restaurant will leave you hankering for their succulent pork cutlets whatever time of the day, wherever you are (thank heavens for delivery apps!)? Treat your taste buds to the Rosu Original Katsudon (P440/180g), which stars a thick and juicy pork loin with a trimming of fat. It’s also served with refillable white or brown rice, miso soup, cabbage salad, and fruits so better come here hungry!
Yabu is at 2/F Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan is one of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in the world and the wonderful thing about is its presence can definitely be felt in the Metro—yes, even in Pasay. Make sure to order their famous Baked Buns (P145/three pieces) and sink your teeth into its pillowy soft bread that’s filled with their signature sweet and saucy char siu. You can take your pick from their selection of steamed or deep-fried dim sum, too, or find comfort in their rice toppings, like the Spare Ribs Rice (P170), which boasts succulent pork atop steaming hot white rice.
Tim Ho Wan at G/F Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
South Wing
Flatterie
They say that “flattery can get you everywhere” and you can’t help but say good things about Flatterie, an offshoot of Todd English. The name itself gives you a clue about what to expect here—flatbreads, which are similar to pizza except they’re thinner, crispier, and have lighter toppings. Warning: You might have a hard time choosing from the restaurant’s interesting varieties. There’s the Carbonara (P200/selfie, P300/groupie) flatbread, which is topped with bacon, cream, egg, and Parmesan cheese. The more luxurious Indulgence (P890) lives up to its name with toppings like truffled steak and foie gras. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised with their dessert flatbreads, like the S’mores (P270), which has a sinful combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and crusted grahams—ideal for those who can’t live without sweets.
Flatterie is at G/F South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Manam
It's easy to find your Pinoy favorites like sisig and sinigang anywhere in Manila, but where else can you try these dishes with fun and modern twists? If you haven't heard of Manam before, this might be the sign you've been waiting for. The House Crispy Sisig (P140/small, P255/medium, P395/large) is a sure-fire hit that's made with a mayo-like sauce to make each bite creamy. Another crowd favorite is the Sinigang na Beef Short Ribs & Watermelon (P245/small, P455/medium, P795/large), a tangy-sweet soup that’s especially comforting on rainy days. And if you want to eat like a true local, cap off your meal with any of their tasty kakanin offerings.
Manam is at G/F South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
