Subic Food Trip: 5 Food Spots to Try
The Meats of Meat Plus!
This is my last article for the year before I take a blogging break. See you next year on January 13! Have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year! :)
Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a free port located in Zambales, a province in Central Luzon. Simply called Subic, it used to be a U.S. Naval Base (that’s why American traffic rules and discipline are implemented until today) and was converted into an economic zone. It has also become a destination for local tourists, as it has attractions (like Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari), beaches, and duty-free and outlet stores. It’s just a 2-3 hour drive from Metro Manila, perfect for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’re planning to visit, make sure to visit some food spots, most of which are institutions and have not made it to Manila yet. Here are 5 food spots you can visit and what to try there:
Meat Plus Café for Meats!
Meat Plus Café is a fast casual restaurant that specializes on affordable steaks and other kinds of meat. Founded in 1993, this food spot is an institution in Subic.
Meat Plus Café Subic
At the counter
I’ve already tried many of their meats except their steak (bummer!). They are: Baby Back Ribs (fall-of-the-bone tender and smoky), Grilled Chicken (tender and also smoky), and Porkchops (not too tender and underwhelming). But my favorite is the Oven Baked Beef Belly, which is melt-in-the-mouth tender.
Try the Meat Platter to sample different varieties of meat
Meat Plus opened its first Metro Manila branch in SM Mall of Asia (MOA) earlier this year. But if you’re visiting Subic, don’t miss out on this amazing meat haven!
Address: 65 Sampson Rd., Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-9PM | Facebook
Texas Joe’s House of Ribs for Barbecue
Texas Joe’s prides itself to be the original real American smokehouse in the Philippines. They claim that their meats are smoked in real hickory wood, never boiled or dipped in hickory smoke.
Texas Joe’s House of Ribs
In my recent visit, I got their Tennessee Trio so I can sample 3 of their meats: Beef Brisket, Smoked Chicken, and Spare Ribs, which are all nicely smoked and tender. The Trio also comes with Roasted Garlic Green Beans and 2 sides (I had Baked Potato and the Corny Corn Bread Loaf). Everything is nice!
Tennessee Trio (P789) and Pumpkin Pie (P139)
Seoul Korean Restaurant for Korean Food
Like Angeles City, which is just an expressway away, Subic has experienced an influx of Korean nationals. Thus, Korean restaurants abound.
At Seoul Korean Restaurant
To satisfy your craving for Korean food, Seoul Korean Restaurant is an excellent place to do so. Granted, it’s not unlimited Korean barbecue. But the quality of their meats will greatly compensate for it. Quality trumps quantity anytime…or most of the times! I hope I can have both all the time! Anyway…
Korean Barbecue (left) and Korean Fried Chicken (right)
Another recommended dish is the Korean fried chicken, which is plump and crispy.
Address: Labitan St., Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11AM-10:30PM; Sunday, 10AM-10PM | Facebook
Wimpy’s for Burgers
This food spot is named after burger devouring character in the cartoon Popeye the Sailorman. It is an institution in Subic and its neighboring Olongapo City, existing as long as I can remember. Obviously, this fastfood joint specializes in burgers (and rice meals).
Wimpy’s
Don’t expect to get premium burgers here. Theirs is like the Filipino homemade type—a burger with cucumber and tomato slices, mayonnaise, and processed cheese all sandwiched between 2 soft buns. And I love it!
Address: Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales | Operating Hours: TBA
Xtremely Xpresso for Pizza
If there are 2 spots (it had to be 2!) that you shouldn’t miss on this list, it’s Meat Plus and Xtremely Xpresso. This food spot is an American-Italian restaurant known for its humongous pizza.
At Xtremely Xpresso
I tried the Big Ben pizza, which has nice thin crust and is loaded with lots of meat and vegetables. Pair it with their pastas; they have plenty of variety.
Big Ben Pizza
Address: Dewey Ave. cor. Sta. Rita Rd., Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales | Operating Hours: Daily, 6AM-12AM | Facebook
Are there other food spots in Subic that I missed? What should I try there? Comment them below!