Poblacion may be famous for its nightlife, but did you know that it also houses some of the best food finds in Makati? Whether it’s for a pre-game meal or a weekend cafe-hopping date, there’s a food spot for everyone. Consider this your ultimate Poblacion food guide for the next time you’re in the area.
Matcha Later
This hidden matcha slow bar might seem unassuming from the outside, but they serve up some of Metro Manila’s best authentic matcha drinks–close in taste to the matcha you get in Japan. Their Kumo Matcha (P240) is sweet and served with a cloud of foam, resembling Mt. Fuji’s iconic shape. If you’re a hardcore matcha enthusiast, get their Cold Whisked Matcha (P220) for an unsweetened matcha drink.
Scratch
Photos courtesy of @scratch.mnl
A night of drinking calls for rich and indulgent bites, and there’s nothing quite like a good smash burger. Scratch in Poblacion is a burger joint renowned for their burgers packed with beefy patties and simple but high-quality toppings. Their classic Smash Burger (P360) is made with a double-patty and their signature in-house potato buns; one bite and you can taste the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each burger.
Nolita Joe’s
Good vibes and even better food. Nolita Joe’s is a cool guy’s pizza and beer joint, the perfect place for a pre-game meal. They host game nights and fun events, so you’re sure there’s always something new happening. Try out their 12” Cheeseburger Pizza (P750) for a rich bite to share with your friends, or their Buffalo Chicken Poppers (P360) for a sinful bar chow.
Japonesa
Photos courtesy of @nolitajoes
Good Japanese food is always made better by good drinks and good company. Japonesa is one of Poblacion’s best-kept secrets, and people just keep coming back for their high-quality Japanese-Peruvian fusion food. The La Japonesa (P595) is the perfect bite: crispy rice, fresh tuna, and chili make for a very decadent sushi.
Babaghanoosh!
This kebab joint at the heart of Poblacion is guaranteed to satisfy your post-drinking cravings. Babaghanoosh’s Hummus (P165) is rich, creamy, and executed well, and all their kebabs are worth chowing down on. Don’t miss out on their sauces, too; they’re catered to the Filipino taste, which leaves a rich, umami aftertaste.
These Poblacion eats are tried and tested–we’d never recommend them if we didn’t like them ourselves. The next time you’re in Poblacion, make sure to visit these 5 spots and see what the hype is all about. Trust us–you’ll keep coming back.
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