Experiencing the Yummy Side of Poblacion Makati with Food Society PH

It seems that Food Society Ph heard my prayer. For the longest time, I was wondering why nobody was organizing food crawls in Makati or I’m not just aware. In our neighboring countries, a food tour is a must try for tourists who are curious about the places’ cuisine. A lot of tourists are doing this when I visited Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap.

When I got an invite from Ruth of Food Society Ph, I didn’t have any expectation about the food crawl. For someone living near Poblacion, Makati, I thought it would be just a normal food trip since I’ve been to the area many times.

Poblacion, which is also known as the red-light district of Makati, has always been sparkling in the dark with blinding neon signs and scantily-dressed girls at every bar front. To me, Poblacion is always equivalent to having “FUN.”

It’s the place where people want to party, get drunk,  enjoy and more. But Food Society Ph food crawl changed the way I view the area. Through their weekend food crawl, I had the chance to discover the yummy side of Poblacion behind its colorful lights in the dark.

The food crawl started with a yummy breakfast at Bean and Yolk.

Address: Unit G6 Bel Air Soho Suites Polaris St., Poblacion, Makati City

Operating Hours: Tue-Sat – 8 am to 10 pm, Sun – 8 am to 5 pm

The place is small and cozy. It can probably cater to less than 20 people at a time. I’m not a morning person, so if you invite me to a breakfast date, make sure it’s worth it.

The restaurant specializes in egg and coffee, but I haven’t tried both since I don’t drink coffee. Their Hazelnut Ricotta French Toast (P250) is perfect to start my day. Next time I think about having breakfast in Poblacion, it will be my top choice.

For our lunch, we had a Taiwanese food experience at Nomads BBQ + Refuge.

Address: Ground Floor, Valdelcon Building, 20 Jupiter Corner Antares Street, Bel-Air, Makati City

Operating Hours:  Mon- Sat. – 5 pm to 2 am

The owners want to give Filipinos a Taiwanese food experience that was why they created their version of a Taiwanese street market.

We started our lunch with Hainanese Rice Stuffed Chicken Wings (P280). Whoever created that recipe is so smart. The chicken is stuffed with flavorful Hainanese rice which is clever. Flavored with ginger and other spices, the chicken wings are finger-licking good.

Another favorite is Braised Pork Belly Bao with Crispy Pork Skin (P285). It tastes like your usual Asado Siopao, but it has a twist. Yes, it’s crunchy because of chicharron. But my all time favorite is their Wagyu Nigiri. It’s my first time to try it and I instantly loved it. So if you’re looking for tasty and authentic Wagyu Beef, this restaurant is highly recommended.

Next stop is Commune for coffee/tea break.

Address: 36 Polaris St. Poblacion, Makati City

Operating hours Mon-Sat – 8am to 12mn, Sun – 11am to 7pm

Commune is back! and now even better. I used to visit commune when they are still at H.V. De la Costa St. With their new location at a corner, I find it more spacious, but still homey. The first thing I noticed when I opened the door was their long table. Unlike other coffee shops where space is divided, Commune’s is compact. Well, that explains the name. It’s a place where people can share or work in a common space.

We tried their version of Calamansi Muffin and I loved it! I had tea as usual. When I saw their impressive Latte art, however, I suddenly felt that I wanted some coffee.

Next, we had some snacks at Lazy Bastard.

Address: 22 Jupiter St. Corner Galaxy, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun – 11 am to 3 am

If you’d ask me what my favorite diner is, I’d say Lazy Bastard. The food is ridiculously good. The small restaurant with an ambiance inspired by a typical New York pub is surely worth visiting again and again.

And what I crave for the most until today is their Sloppy Joe (P150), a messy looking sandwich but oh so yummy! It’s made up of ground beef, onions, and Lazy Bastards’ specialty sauce. Another highly recommended food is their Parmesan Hotdog and Onion ring.

If you think the fattening tour ended there, nope, you’re wrong. Because Food Society Ph loves us, they took us to another restaurant. This time, it’s a pizza experience at Crosta Pizzeria

Address:  The Social on Ebro 5770 Ebro St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City                                                                               

Operating Hours: Sun-Thur – 5 pm to 10 pm and Fri – Sat – 5 pm to 12 am

I didn’t know that we now have a food park in Makati. Called “The Social,” it is located across from Senor Pollo. It’s a small food park consisting of probably five stalls.  The moment I saw the place, I instantly liked it. I like the ambiance. The place is clean, cozy and colorful.

One of the stalls that we visited was Crosta Pizzeria. What I love about their pizza is the dough. As the owner explained, it underwent a 48-hour fermentation that results in a puffed and crispy crust. Most of the joiners loved their Basic Bitch Pizza (P200) I first liked their Pepperonley (P250), but when I tried their Cheesy AF (P320) It became my instant favorite. Imagine your pizza with mozzarella, fontina, tallegio, parmesan and goat cheese. Really, WTF!

What’s the best way to end a food crawl? Downing some drinks at Pura Vida.

Address: Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City

Operating Hours: Mon- Sat – 6 pm to 2 am

So you love reggae, chilling and good vibes? This is definitely the place you should hang out at in Poblacion. Pura Vida serves authentic Costa Rican cuisine and all of their dishes are family recipes.

Their cocktails are new to me, so we asked them what their best seller is. They said No Army. I’m giving you an idea of what to order when you visit. You’re welcome. Also, don’t forget to try their Chifrijo (P250) for your pulutan. Although, it’s served with rice.

The next time you plan a hassle-free food crawl, don’t hesitate to contact Food Society Ph via Facebook and Instagram. These people know the best spots and what’s the best food to order. Also, grab the opportunity to meet the owners/chefs behind the restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about their food and business.

It’s also the best way to meet and interact with new friends who share the same interests with your. Food of course! and if you worry about where to bring your foreign friends in Makati, Don’t hesitate to ask help to them. Food Society Ph can arrange everything for you.