Savor New Food Finds at SM Malls in the East this September

September is all flavors at SM Supermalls in the East! SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown are offering exciting new food destinations and much-loved favorites that would make each visit a sensory experience. From hearty Filipino dishes to international eats, there's always something fresh to try for every appetite.

SM City Marikina: Flavors Entwined and Favorites Rediscovered

Food enthusiasts can expect new flavors and trendy comebacks. Stuff'd serves up warm wraps and kebabs, while Pepper Lunch reintroduces its sizzles to the fore.

Cult Filipino eatery Kuya J opens its doors once more, Chapter Coffee and Antro Kitchen & Tap introducing hip hangouts into the scene. For round-the-clock dining, The Morning After treats breakfast as any time food, and Nanyang lends a delicious Singaporean twist to your cravings.

Salad and coffee pairings from Chapter Coffee Roastery and Café at SM City Marikina

Explosion of Latin flavors on this hefty Fiesta Platter from Antro Kitchen & Tap SM City Marikina

Zullo Coffee and Loaves for every caffeine craving at SM City Marikina

SM City San Mateo: Wishes, Convenience, and Chill Treats

From ramen bowls to sweet treats, San Mateo has your cravings satisfied. Boteyju whips up traditional Japanese fare, and Buffalo Wings & Things tempts with its spicy, saucy wings. In the mood for something sweet? Brownies Unlimited provides your dessert needs, and Llaollao chills you out with its cooling frozen yogurt. For family meals, Pizza Hut and Kuya J are prepared to serve up comfort food choices.

Best versions of Takoyaki, all in one platter. All-Star Takoyaki is available at Boteyju SM City San Mateo and SM City Marikina

Yogurt-your-way with llaollao at SM City San Mateo and SM City Marikina

SM City Masinag: Asian Comfort in Every Bite

Masinag is turning into a haven for Asian comfort food. Romantic Baboy serves up unlimited Korean BBQ for grill-all-you-can feasts, while Thaiwadee offers a taste of authentic Thai cuisine. Quick cravings? Tokyo Tempura delivers crispy goodness, and Ramen Kuroda warms your soul with Japanese ramen classics.

Fullness from Korean BBQ samgyeopsal guaranteed at Romantic Baboy SM City Masinag

Tummy-filling Pad Kra Pao from Thaiwadee at SM City Masinag FoodCourt

SM Center Antipolo Downtown: Everyday Eats, Elevated

At the center of Antipolo, there are fresh bites to discover. HapChan offers classic Chinese family fare for those who crave it. Bulawan Bakery offers fresh, homey baked treats, and K-Egg Toast is great for Korean street food enthusiasts on-the-go. And finally, Kanzen joins the mix with its delicious Japanese bowls and bento sets—just right for anyone who wants filling meals full of umami flavor.

Kanzen Sushi Roll Prime Platter available at SM Center Antipolo Downtown and SM City Masinag

This September, the SM Food Fest is your ticket to a delicious adventure. Whether you’re dining with family, catching up with friends, or simply treating yourself, there’s always something new to savor at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown. Don’t miss the chance to explore these exciting new food finds—visit your nearest SM Mall in the East and make every meal a feast!

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KANTO FREESTYLE: Pinoy best breakfast all day

If you are looking for the best all-day breakfast in Marikina, Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is a spot you should not miss. I have passed by this restaurant countless times on my way to work, and finally, I got to try it. What I found was a casual yet elevated dining experience that takes well-loved Filipino breakfast classics and gives them a gourmet twist.

The interiors are cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer. We went during a quiet time, but staff mentioned that weekends usually draw the biggest crowds. Whether you choose al fresco or indoor dining, the place is a great spot for casual meals, family gatherings, or even a late-night food run.

 

interiors

al fresco dining

We started with the Lucban Longganisa, a true Filipino favorite. The longganisa was a satisfying mix of meaty and garlicky goodness, served with garlic rice, two sunny-side up eggs, and roasted tomatoes drizzled with pesto sauce. The modern plating added a nice touch, and while I wished for a bit more rice, the flavors were spot on, savory, comforting, and very satisfying.

Lucban Longganisa Kanto Boy Breakfast

Chocnut & Goya Ganache Pancake

To balance the savory flavors, we tried the Chocnut & Goya Ganache Pancake, a creative take on dessert that brings together two nostalgic Pinoy chocolate classics. The plate was beautifully styled with a brush of chocolate, and the pancake stack was topped with a generous dollop of ganache. It was as heavenly as it looked, rich yet familiar, and the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

What makes Kanto Freestyle Breakfast stand out is how it combines accessibility with a touch of gourmet. Despite the fancy plating and upgraded flavors, the dishes remain affordable and approachable. Whether you are craving silogs, pancakes, or sandwiches, this is a place where Filipino breakfast favorites are served with style all day, every day.

✅ Budget-friendly yet elevated
✅ Open any time of day
✅ Ideal for both solo diners and groups

If you are searching for a restaurant that serves the best Pinoy breakfast all day in Marikina, Kanto Freestyle Breakfast is definitely worth a visit. Come hungry and leave satisfied. Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kantofreestylebreakfast

📍 Location: Guerilla St., Sto. Niño, Marikina. They also have other locations in Mandaluyong, Kapitolyo, Makati, Morato, La Salle, BGC, USE, Angono, Alabang and Manila
🕒 Open 24/7: Perfect for early risers, night owls, or anyone craving breakfast comfort food any time of the day.
📋 Menu

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Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with The Manila Hotel’s Mooncake Box of Four

The Manila Hotel ushers in the Mid-Autumn Festival with the return of its highly anticipated, handcrafted mooncakes. A timeless delicacy symbolizing harmony and prosperity, these premium mooncakes make for the perfect gift to share with family, friends, and colleagues during the festive season.

This year’s refined selection features a variety of indulgent flavors: Single Yolk Red Bea, Single Yolk Pure White Lotus, Milk Golden Sand House, Black Sesame, and Passion Fruit.

Each set is presented in an elegant commemorative box that pays tribute to the iconic façade of The Manila Hotel, making it a delectable gift and a timeless keepsake. The Mooncake Box of Four is priced at Php 3,888 nett. Guests may enjoy an early bird offer of 30% off until September 15, 2025, bringing the price down to only Php 2721. 60 nett. Regular selling price applies from September 16 to October 6, 2025. Pick-up of orders starts on September 16. The early bird offer is subject to terms and conditions.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-229154 Series of 2025.

To place orders or for further inquiries, please contact +632 8527 0011, +632 5301 5500, +63 998 950 1912, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

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Houses of Hogwarts Doughnuts arrive at Krispy Kreme

 Attention, witches, wizards, and doughnut lovers alike! Something enchanting has bewitched Manila—and it’s not a Patronus charm. Krispy Kreme has unleashed a limited-edition “Houses of Hogwarts” collection, delighting Harry Potter fans across the globe—and yes, it’s here in the Philippines too.

Starting August 18, the four signature Hogwarts houses come to life through doughnuts that blend flavor, flair, and fandom. There’s a house to match every personality: the bold Gryffindor, cunning Slytherin, loyal Hufflepuff, and wise Ravenclaw, each represented by a doughnut bursting with magical ingredients and topped with the iconic house crest. You can order them in-store, via the app, delivery, or even score themed six-packs at local grab options. GrabFood lists a box of six "Back to Hogwarts Collection" doughnuts for Php 530, a mixed box (half Original Glazed, half Potter-themed) for Php 410, and even a dozen of the Harry Potter doughnuts for Php 1,065—perfect for a mini House Cup gathering without the homework stress.

• Gryffindor Doughnut is an unglazed shell packed with cookie-butter Kreme, dipped in bold red icing, sprinkled with Biscoff cookie crumble, and crowned with golden drizzle and the Gryffindor crest. Brave at first bite.

• Slytherin Doughnut features the classic Original Glazed base, with artistic swirls of chocolate and green buttercreme, dusted with chocolate cookie sugar, and marked with the Slytherin crest. Cunning indeed.

• Hufflepuff Doughnut charms with a brown-butter-toffee custard center inside an unglazed shell, dressed in sunny yellow icing, highlighted with black chocolate drizzle, cookie crunch, and the friendly Hufflepuff crest. Cozy as a hug from a badger.

• Ravenclaw Doughnut keeps it cool with an Original Glazed base dipped in blueberry icing, finished off with Ravenclaw-themed sprinkles and crest. Intelligence never tasted so good.

Then, there's the pièce de résistance—the Sorting Hat Doughnut. Imagine a filled doughnut hiding a surprise Kreme color inside, representing one of the four Hogwarts houses. It’s dipped in chocolate icing, sprinkled with shimmering gold stars, and topped with a Sorting Hat replica. Bite in and discover your destiny—no incantation required.

Whether you're Gryffindor bold, Slytherin sly, Hufflepuff loyal, or Ravenclaw wise, these doughnuts are more than a treat—they’re a mini Midnight Feast. They bring together flavor, fandom, and fun in one limited-time magical box.

If you'd like, I can add tips on where to share your doughnut haul photos best for that Insta-worthy vibe—or even suggest Harry Potter-themed décor and party ideas to go with your doughnut feast. Let the magic—and the sprinkles—begin!

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From elegant boxes to bold flavors: Manila’s mooncakes you can’t miss

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of those special times of the year when family and friends gather, share stories under the glow of the full moon, and indulge in the sweetest symbol of togetherness: the mooncake. This season, some of Manila’s most iconic hotels and resorts are rolling out their own takes on this beloved delicacy, blending tradition with creativity and elegance. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect box to enjoy or gift, here’s where to find the city’s most tempting mooncakes in 2025.

The Manila Hotel is putting heritage at the heart of its offering. Its Mooncake Box of Four is crafted with premium ingredients and presented in a commemorative box inspired by the hotel’s iconic façade. It’s the kind of gift that’s both delicious and timeless, a perfect blend of flavor and nostalgia. Normally priced at Php 3,888 nett, the set is available at a special early bird rate of Php 2,721.60 nett if ordered before September 15, 2025. Pick-up begins on September 16, just in time for the celebrations. Orders can be picked up starting September 16, with inquiries available through +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 and restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com

At The Peninsula Manila, tradition gets a luxurious upgrade. Their signature Hong Kong mooncakes from The Peninsula Boutique are known for their silky texture and refined flavors, making every bite feel like a celebration. Beautifully packaged and perfect for gifting, these mooncakes are priced at Php 4,988 nett for a box of eight Hong Kong Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes. Whether you’re sharing them at home or sending them as a gesture of good fortune, Peninsula’s mooncakes add a touch of elegance to the festivities. Orders can be placed through their online boutique or via PenChat, with inquiries accepted at +63 2 8887 2888 ext. 6694 or through PenBoutiquePMN@peninsula.com.

Over at Shangri-La The Fort, mooncakes from the celebrated Shang Palace take center stage. Each beautifully designed box holds flavors that are true to tradition yet made with the refinement the hotel is known for. Priced from Php 4,288 nett per box of four, these mooncakes are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. They’re an ideal choice if you’re looking to impress loved ones or business partners with something extra special.

Makati Shangri-La is daring to be different this year with a bold new twist on the classic. Imagine the rich depth of red wine meeting the tart sweetness of dried raspberry—all wrapped up in one indulgent mooncake. This striking flavor marks the start of their new collection, with more surprises still to come. Priced at Php 4,200 nett per box of four, Makati Shangri-La’s mooncakes are perfect for those who love a mix of tradition and adventure in every bite. Orders and inquiries can be made through +632 8813 8888 ext. 7084 or +63 927 124 0817, or by contacting ian.menes@shangri-la.com or jennifer.wang@shangri-la.com

Solaire Resort’s Red Lantern is also serving up something for everyone, from timeless staples like white lotus paste with double salted egg yolk, pandan lotus paste, and red bean paste with almonds, to modern favorites like lava custard, matcha, and even liquor-infused mooncakes paired with premium spirits. It’s a collection that feels festive, fun, and undeniably indulgent. A box of four starts at Php 3,988 nett, with special liquor-infused varieties priced higher. Pre-orders placed before August 15, 2025 come with up to 20% off, and pick-up begins September 1 at both Solaire Resort North and Solaire Resort Entertainment City. Orders may be placed at shop.solaireresort.com or through +63 8888 8888.

Whether you’re drawn to Peninsula’s elegance, Manila Hotel’s timeless charm, Shangri-La’s refinement, Makati Shangri-La’s daring new flavors, or Solaire’s playful mix of tradition and innovation, one thing is certain: this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival will be filled with moments worth savoring. With mooncakes this good, celebrating under the moonlight in Manila has never been sweeter.

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The Manila Hotel expands its vegan and vegetarian culinary selections

The Manila Hotel, long regarded as the Grand Dame of the Philippines, broadens its culinary offerings with an enriched selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes now available across all dining outlets. Led by executive chef Konrad Walter, with the support of consultant Riza Shanti Lim, the initiative reflects the hotel’s commitment to inclusive, ingredient-driven, and sustainable cuisine.

This development comes after an intimate dinner hosted at the Champagne Salon, where members of the media were served an elegant vegetarian set menu. The experience was met with glowing feedback, proving that meat-free dining can be both refined and indulgent.

“Our menus are rooted in freshness and balance,” said executive chef Konrad Walter. “We focus on seasonal produce and non-processed ingredients to create dishes that are not only nutritious, but also full of flavor. We’ve seen guests try them out of curiosity, and walk away surprised at how satisfying and complex vegan cuisine can be.”

Vegan and Vegetarian Selections Across The Manila Hotel
From light bites to full-course meals, the hotel’s restaurants now offer a wider range of vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired by global flavors and classic techniques.

At the renowned buffet restaurant Café Ilang-Ilang, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of vegan dishes, primarily available at the Halal station, with additional vegan-friendly offerings thoughtfully incorporated across various stations. Diners can still indulge in the diverse international flavors Café Ilang-Ilang is known and loved for, ensuring a well-rounded, globally inspired dining experience for everyone.

Champagne Room, the hotel’s premier fine dining restaurant, elevates the vegan experience with a Vegan Degustation Menu that changes monthly. Each rotation showcases a refined selection of meat-free courses, crafted to highlight seasonal produce and elegant presentation.

Vegan Degustation Menu at the Champagne Room

At the hotel’s Chinese fine dining restaurant, Red Jade, meat-free dishes take center stage with a Vegetarian Set Menu featuring Vegetarian Peking Duck, Hot and Sour Soup with Vegetable Dumpling, Braised Potato Eggplant, and Chilled Coconut Jelly with Avocado, to name a few. A la carte dishes like Vegetable with Bean Curd Soup and Stir-Fried Vegetables and Mushroom in Crispy Taro Ring further expand the meat-free repertoire.

Vegetarian Peking Duck

Hot and Sour Soup with Vegetable Dumpling

Braised Potato Eggplant

At the Lobby Lounge and Tap Room, diners can enjoy vegetarian favorites such as Pizza Bello Giardino, Vegetable Samosa, Spring Rolls, and Fresh Grilled Tofu Salad. Vegan options include Whole Wheat Penne Primavera, and a hearty new addition, the Vegan Portobello Mushroom Burger.

Whole Wheat Penne Primavera

Vegan Portobello Mushroom Burger

At the Delicatessen, guests will find a line of handcrafted vegan pralines in flavors like strawberry, mango, peanut butter, and fruits and nuts. These are joined by the luscious Vegan Almond Chocolate Cake, a sweet yet guilt-free indulgence.

Vegan Almond Chocolate Cake

For guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room, In-Room Dining also features an existing array of vegan and vegetarian options, including Vegetable Spring Rolls, Pizza Bello Giardino, Vegetable Maki, Vegetable Samosa, Mezze Plate, Matar Paneer, Tofu and Vegetable Chopsuey, among others.

Vegetable Maki

Tofu and Vegetable Chopsuey

A Distinctly Vegan Banquet Experience
For private functions and celebrations, The Manila Hotel now offers a Vegan Set Menu, developed by consultant Riza Shanti Lim and executed by The Manila Hotel’s culinary team. This multi-course menu includes Fresh Garden Spring Rolls in Peanut Cream Sauce, Papaine Moringa Soup with Crisps, Pako Fern Salad with Watermelon, Vegan Skewers, 8 Spice Curry, Creamed Buko Pandan Plaintain with Chia Seeds.

Vegan Skewer

Creamed Buko Pandan Plantain with Chia Seeds

Fresh Garden Spring Rolls with Peanut Cream Sauce

8 Spice Curry

To complete the experience, guests are served two signature beverages: the JL Blend, inspired by The Manila Hotel’s president Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., and Amrutha Tea, a gently brewed herbal infusion.

A Continuing Legacy of Excellence and Inclusivity
With the expansion of its vegan and vegetarian offerings, The Manila Hotel embraces the global shift toward plant-based dining without losing sight of its rich culinary heritage. This direction reflects a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, one that welcomes evolving guest preferences while setting a new standard for conscious, world-class cuisine.

For more information or reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

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Dragon Court elevates hot pot dining with new sets and individual stations

Hot pot season is officially in full swing at Dragon Court, the signature Chinese restaurant of Manila Prince Hotel.

Beginning August 1, 2025, guests are invited to gather around the table for a feast of simmering flavors with its new hot pot sets, now made even more enticing with the addition of individual hot pot stations, offering a fully customizable dining experience.

Elevated Indulgence: Premium Hot Pot
For those with a refined palate, the Premium Hot Pot set is now available at a special rate of Php 1,088 nett person, regularly Php 1,288. This set includes premium ingredients such as beef tenderloin, sausage, shrimp, oyster mushrooms, and squid balls, among others. All served alongside an abundant serving of vegetables and noodles to complement the broth of choice and dipping sauces.

Comfort in Every Simmer: Regular Hot Pot
For a more classic yet satisfying option, the Regular Hot Pot set is offered at just Php 888 nett per person, regularly Php 1,088. This set includes well-loved staples such as U.S. fat beef, beef strip, chicken breast, and shrimp balls, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal. Each set also comes with a generous variety of fresh vegetables, noodles, broth of choice, and house-made dipping sauces.

Your Hot Pot, Your Way
Adding to the excitement, Dragon Court now features individual hot pot stations, ideal for diners who prefer their own pot, own broth, and a more personal pace. Available for groups of 10 or more, this setup reimagines the traditional communal hot pot with added comfort and flexibility without sacrificing the joy of shared dining.

The Manila Prince Hotel's Dragon Court

Dragon Court’s Unlimited Hot Pot is available daily, lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with a maximum duration of 2 hours per diner. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 5328 2222 or 09088991912, or email fnb@manilaprince.com.

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-232427 Series of 2025.

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