(SPOT.ph) Let’s get this out of the way—no one enjoys waking up early, unless they’re fitness nuts who get their power from morning dew and birdsong. (We are ostensibly not those people.) But as Nigella Lawson once said in Nigella Express, “Sometimes, the only thing that gets me up in the morning is the prospect of a good breakfast,” and we won't be surprised if you feel the same.
Some of you may not even be breakfast people (yet), but we’re willing to bet money on these specials from Your Local sneaking their way into a special place in your heart—perhaps a designated space in your stomach, too. They know how to make breakfast exciting again; it’s certainly not your average eggs-and-bacon affair, and it's worth getting up to head there at 8 a.m.
Hit the ground running with their Salmon Otak Otak (P500), which is one dish we have to keep ourselves from gushing about. There’s just something so appealing about the idea of waking up, walking down Esteban, and ordering the spicy and soft salmon cakes, given even more life by the ginger rice. If you’re more of a bread person in the morning, though, the Smoked Salmon and Egg Sandwich (P690) is a hearty go-to. The bun, dark with squid ink, has enough give to play nice with the salmon, and the fries on the side have just enough cheese and pepper to make sure they stand up to the sandwich.
Looking for something heartier? The Beef Rendang Eggs Benedict (P480) makes however you normally have your eggs look a little sad. There’s nothing wrong with the classic fry or scramble, of course, but the buttered sourdough topped with tender beef in that spicy coconut sauce will throw you for a loop. And don’t get us started on the hollandaise sauce that’s got the kick of sambal.
For something with a touch more sweetness, you can look to the Glazed Pork Nasi Lemak (P450). The name alone’s a mouthful, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the actual dish: Coconut rice, braised pork belly, and spicy-sweet anchovies with peanuts and fried eggs on the side. There’s a richness to this number that doesn’t overwhelm, which is perfect for early morning eating.
But the actual sweet treats are the Coconut Gula Melaka Pancakes (P380), which feature a nigh-glorious kaya jam and are topped with fresh mangoes. Not everyone is a sweets-for-breakfast sort of person, but this might be the exception to the rule for the savory camp. But those who want to meet in the middle will love the Feel Good Waffles (P380), because that whipped pandan butter is no joke. The accompanying fried chicken is prepared with shrimp paste, the salinity of which sinks into the meat—and then you’re hooked.
For these breakfast items, we’ll gladly modify the old saying: “Early to bed, early to rise, your reward is coconut rice.” It rhymes enough for us—we’re just content to eat.
Your Local is at G/F Universal LMS Building, 106 Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Photos by Kai Huang
