Zoy's Top 5: 2024 Dishes & Meals

Last Monday, I gave you the dishes and meals that are honorable mentions for 2024 (read it here). Now, I’m listing down my top five for the past year. Again, these are food that I have tried for the first time.

As I’ve explained in the previous article, I have an objective and a subjective criteria. Objectively, the dish or meal has to be flavorful (meaning, it has different flavors) and has a variety of textures. They are the ones I refer to as “a world of flavors and textures.” But I will make a few exceptions to those that blew my mind away in spite of the lack thereof.

Subjectively, the dish or meal has to be enjoyable, something that is forever etched in my memory and making me want to have more of it. Well, it wouldn’t make this list if I didn’t enjoy it.

So starting with the top five:

Lechon Kawali at Gubat (Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines)

Gubat’s Lechon Kawali (deep-fried pork belly) is probably the best version of the dish I have ever tried! It’s crunchy, fatty, and best dipped in their vinegar, which brings it to another level!

C.P. Garcia Branch Address: Bonsai Society, President Carlos P. Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11AM-9PM

Mayaman Branch Address: 43 Mayaman St., Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila Philippines | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-9PM

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Smash Burger at Scratch Smash Burgers (Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines)

While Flipside Burgers (check my review here) is still my favorite burger spot overall (due to its quality, affordability, and variety), Scratch serves my favorite Smash Burger.

Its patties are beefy and super juicy, and has crisp edges. The buns are pillowy and buttery, the cheddar is mild, the bacon is crisp, and the dressing is creamy and tangy.

Related Article: Coming Soon!

Address: Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 6PM-2AM; Friday & Saturday, 6PM-3AM | Facebook | Instagram

Cantonese Roast Meats at Restoran Wong Mei Kee (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

The Cantonese roast meats of Restoran Wong Mei Kee are one of the best in Kuala Lumpur and maybe even in the entire world!

Their crispy siew yok (pork belly), char siew (honey barbecued pork), and roasted chicken are all top-notch, and will probably the best versions you will ever have. So if you love Cantonese roast meats, this should be on your foodie bucketlist.

Address: 30 Jalan Nyonya, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12PM-3PM | Contact No.: +60 3-2145 2512

**Chinese Carinderia Food at Tony’s Restaurant (Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines)**

It’s not common to find a Chinese carinderia (eatery) in Metro Manila and even in the entire Philippines. So when I learned that Tony’s Restaurant serves Chinese and Filipino food, I made sure to visit it.

While some dishes in Tony’s Restaurant can be improved, the dishes are overall delicious. Check out the food I tried by clicking the link below.

Address: 8th Ave., Grace Park East, Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating House: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-8PM | Contact No.: 0905-2307784 | Facebook

Peranakan Meal at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (George Town, Penang, Malaysia)

To the uninitiated, “Peranakan” refers to a people group with Chinese and Malay heritage. So Peranakan food is a blend of Chinese and Malay cuisines and flavors! And the Peranakan food of Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, a MICHELIN-starred restaurant in George Town, Penang (Malaysia), is one the best I have ever had.

Check out the Peranakan dishes we tried at Auntie Gaik Lean’s by clicking the link below.

Address: 1 Bishop Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia | Operating Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00-2:30PM & 6:00-9:30PM | Contact No.: +60 17-434 4398 | Facebook | Instagram

What dish or meal above would you like to try soon? What’s your top five dishes and meals for 2023? Comment below!