Zoy’s Top 5: 2021 Food Destinations

Every start of the year, I’ve been listing down my top 5 food destinations and top 5 dishes of the previous year. But due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to do the former last year as I didn’t get to try new food spots like before.

Thankfully, the situation improved last year and I got to discover more food spots than 2020. So again, I’m listing down the 5 food destinations that blew my mind (and enlarged my stomach) in 2021. These are places that I’ve never been to or haven’t fully explored yet. It could be an eatery or restaurant, a food court or food hall, or an area in a city or even an entire city…or island. So starting with Top 5…

But wait! An honorable mention first: Pink’s Manila

When my wife and I discovered Pink’s Manila, we kept coming back for it’s chill al fresco area and, more importantly, its delicious food.

Pink’s Hot Dogs was founded by Paul and Betty Pink in 1939. It started as a pushcart selling hotdogs and eventually burgers. It then moved to a building that accommodated 80 customers and branched out to other states over the decades. In 2016, the Wildflour group brought the Hollywood icon to the Philippines, the first one outside the U.S., inaugurating its first branch at Shangri-La The Fort. It recently opened its 2nd branch at the Okada casino.

When Pink’s Manila opened, I wasn’t eager to try its food because an American friend said that its quality is not the same as the ones in the U.S. But my attitude changed when I watched Erwan Heussaff claim that Pink’s burger is his favorite and one of the best in Manila (compared to its similarly-priced counterparts). So I went there to try their burger and yes, it’s one of the best!

My favorites here are the Cheeseburger (don’t forget to add bacon), The Hollywood Legend (the iconic chili hotdog) and Buffalo Chicken Wings. Check out my Pink’s Manila experience here.

For Pink’s Manila branches and operating hours, check their Facebook and Instagram accounts. You can also check their website.

5. Cochi Loco Manila

Now, the Top 5!

Cochi Loco Manila used to be an online business, popping up at the Salcedo Market weekly, and now permanently located at SM Aura (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City). It’s helmed by the luchador mask-wearing Mexican Chef Johnny Rodriguez, a.k.a. “Chef Cochi”, and his business partner Marissa Buenaventura, who are both friendly. They offer a variety of tacos (such as Al Pastor, Baja Fish, and Carnitas), burritos, quesdillas, and other Mexican street food.

My favorites here are the tacos (almost every kind), Breakfast Quesadilla, and their special Mole Poblano (which is included in my Top 5 dishes and meals for 2021; check it out next week!). Check out my Cochi Loco experience here and read about their Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”, a Mexican holiday) specials here.

Address: 4/F SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-9PM | Contact No.: 0917-6830503 | Facebook | Instagram

4. ZAR South African Grill

ZAR prides itself as the first South African food spot in the country. It’s being run by a South African chef and his Filipina wife, who were based abroad and went to the Philippines during the pandemic. Their original plan was to start a business outside their field (food and beverage) but ended up opening ZAR. And I’m thankful to God for such turn of events! Else, my tummy won’t be filled with delicious South African food! LOL.

My favorites are Bobotie (a meat casserole topped with…drumroll…custard), Boerewors (South African sausage), the Legendary Bunny Chow (nope, there’s no rabbit in it), and their Shisa Nyama (South African barbecue) items. To learn more about these dishes, check out my ZAR article here.

ZAR South African Grill truly gives a unique experience; it’s NOT your Filipino barbecue. I highly recommend that you pay it a visit. And when you’re there, don’t forget to talk to the chef and his wife. Along with the food, their friendliness and stories are other reasons I love visiting ZAR!

Address: 2/F K-Center, Felix Ave. cor. Kaginhawaan St., Karangalan Village, Pasig City | Operating Hours: Wednesday-Monday, 12PM-9PM (8PM on Sunday) | Contact No.: 0915-0492727 | Facebook | Instagram

3. Krapow MNL

If the pandemic didn’t happen, I could’ve visited Thailand already. But for now, Krapow MNL will do.

Krapow MNL opened in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. While they specialize on their namesake dish, Pad Krapow (holy basil stir-fry), they also offer not-so-usual Thai dishes. And unlike in many Thai restos, they don’t serve Pad Thai, the stir-fried noodles that has reached global fame. (As of this writing, I’ve seen them offer it once as a daily special.)

My favorites are the Gai Tod Hat Yai (fried chicken Hat Yai-style), Pad Krapow Moo Sub (stir-fried holy basil with minced pork), and Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage). Check out my Krapow MNL experience here.

*Gai Tod Hat Yai*—my favorite of all Krapow MNL dishes!

Address: 5648 Don Pedro Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City |Operating Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM; Sunday, 11AM-6PM | Contact Nos.: 0956-2517150 | Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

2. Antonio’s

Antonio’s is the Tagaytay restaurant is considered the best in the country by many foodies. It placed 84th placer at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (congratulations!), so you know that the food will be good!

They’re best known for their steaks so that’s what I tried there. Check out my 40 Days Dry Aged Charcoal Grilled Angus Rib Eye Steak experience here.

Address: Purok 138, Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City, Cavite | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11AM-1:30PM; Friday-Sunday, 11AM-1:30PM & 5:30PM-7:30PM | Contact No.: 0917-8992866, 0918-8992866| Facebook | Instagram | Website

1. Boracay

My wife and I went to Boracay for our honeymoon. I first thought that the island is about its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters and that’s about it. But I was surprised by the plethora of amazing food spots!

My favorites include barLo Resto Lounge’s (Two Seasons Boracay Resort) Four Cheese Pizza, Doz Mestizo’s Spanish food, and the buffet at Henann’s Sea Breeze Cafe, among many others. And yes, Boracay articles are coming out soon!

I’m just glad that I got to explore more food destinations last year. I’m hoping that this year will be better than the last 2 years. Stay safe, everyone!

What are your Top 5 food destinations for 2021? What food did you try there? Comment them below! I might visit those destinations next.