Lola Helen in Marikina gets listed in Michelin-selected restaurants in the Philippines!

In the recent announcement, Lola Helen Panciteria in Marikina is included in the 2026 Michelin-selected restaurants.

IG/locavore.eats

The website describes Lola Helen:

Noodle lovers! Don't miss this humble spot opened 20 years ago and known for Filipino-Chinese stir-fried noodles. Diners can choose from rice vermicelli, egg noodles, or a mix of both. With its moist, springy noodles and crispy pork, the aromatic bihon canton con litson deeply satisfies. Generous portions, fair prices, and a well-ventilated upstairs area – make it a constant favourite among locals.

Its name comes along with: 12/10, Abli, Aida's Chicken, Antonio's ATO-AH, Aurora, Automat, Aya, Benjarong, Blackbird, BUTCHER BOY, Cantabria By Chele Gonzalez, Canton Road, Carmelo's Steakhouse, Chie Chie's Pancit Batil Patung, China Blue, Cirkulo, COCO, Cru Steakhouse, Deo Gracias, DIP, El Poco Cantina (Malate), Ember, Enye By Chele Gonzalez, Esmeralda Kitchen, Fong Wei Wu, Fresca Trattoria, Ginza Nagaoka, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Goxo, House of Lechon, Jai, Juniper, Kamakura, Kei, Kodawari (Salcedo), Lantaw (Compostela), Locavore (Taguig), Lore, Lusso (Legazpi), Mamacita, Man Ho, Maya, Metiz, Mireio, MODAN, Now Now, Oak & Smoke, Offbeat, Old Manila, Origine, Osteria Antica, Pablo, Papillon, Pares Pares (N. Escario Street), People's Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Sialo, Socarrat, Spices, Steak & Frice, Summer Palace, Super Uncle Claypot, Tandem, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, The Test Kitchen, Txanton, Uma Nota, Umu and Yamazato.

Chicken and Mushroom Claypot Rice from Super Uncle Claypot

More local restaurants have been included in the list with recipients of 2-Michelin Stars for HELM and 1-Michelin Star for the following restaurants:

Gallery by Chele

Celera

Hapag

Inato

Kasa Palma

Linamnam

Toyo Eatery

Asador Alfonso

The Bib Gourmand list includes:

Abaseria Deli & Cafe

Bolero

Brick Corner

Cabel

Cochi

Cur8

Em Ha Noi

Esmen

Halong

Kumba

La Pita

Lampara

Lasa

Los Tacos

Manam at the Triangle

Morning Sun Eatery

Palm Grill (Diliman)

Pares Batchoy Food House

Pilya's Kitchen

Sarsa

SOME THAI

Taqueria France

The Pig & Palm

The Underbelly

Your Local

It's a Proud Marikeno moment for Lola Helen and I'm so happy that I've already dined to another 4: Benjarong (Dusit Thani Manila), Spices (Peninsula Manila), Super Uncle Claypot and Gallery by Chele. Congratulations to the list and let's set our feet to these Michelin-recognized restaurants.

Read More

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

Read More

brunch at RUSTIC MORNINGS

A bright Sunday morning when I immediately got out of bed and washed to catch the 11am meeting with friends in a place called Rustic Mornings in Marikina. A humble home converted into a restaurant with great ambiance with both al fresco and dine-in facilities that can accommodate small groups and families.

It was my very first visit to the restaurant and they jokingly asked how come I was never ever get to come to the place when I was the one most accessible to it. I just ignored and looked at the menu beside me and hailed the waiter for a blueberry pancake, some sliced kiwi and roasted almonds on the side.

As it arrived, butter melts down the pancake and the blueberry syrup drips down the side which made it look more appetizing. I thought that they are just toppings but the batter also has blueberries in it. I drizzled over the maple syrup and began to enjoy the rich and creamy pancake for my brunch. One slice of kiwi at a time and crunch on some toasted almonds made the blueberry pancake more interesting.

Finishing it with matcha latte and then I'm ready to take an afternoon nap.
 
RUSTIC MORNINGS is located at 11 I. Mendoza St., San Roque, Marikina City.

Read More

Gladecover

I visited the new lounge and coffee place beside Kutis Filipina in invitation by the owner, Dr. Laurence Tan. Though the place is in its soft opening, I enjoyed my stay sipping a cool blend of Java Chocolate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Other than enjoying your tall glass of blends, lattes or warm cups of coffee beverages, you may like to stay for longer while playing their in-house games which you can borrow for FREE when you order a beverage. I'll be bringing my friends for some games here soon.

They have lots of games and for starters and even advanced gamers. I'm considering myself a newbie again after not playing board games for a long time. Dr. Tan and I played Fold It and Animal upon Animal which took more than 3 tries to perfectly stack up all animal pieces on a stable tower.

 

The place is very cozy and would accommodate I think around 30-40 pax full. They also have very good internet and they can also accommodate corporate meetings.

Image from Gladecover Facebook Page

Gladecover is located just beside Kutis Filipina, above Omakase corner of Redwood St and Gil Fernando Ave in Marikina City. Call 0917 583 7586 for private party hosting reservations.

Read More

Beeffalo by Hot Rocks

My first time at a new dining place which is surprisingly near to our house. Just located within 1km from my place and it's so easy to locate. The place is called Beeffalo -- the backyard grill by Hot Rocks. Owned by foodies, Louie Abad and wife, the idea and experience of putting up a business in Marikina is a surprise. They are not from Marikina and the risk of placing the business there is a blessing. Funny thing is that even the residents themselves don't know such place exist.

Unnoticeable at first, the cozy ambiance of Beeffalo is often mistaken as a humble bungalow with a nightly party and barbecue setup on weekends. Just like the old times, you can relax in the al fresco or enjoy the cool air-conditioned interiors. Go vintage with record labels and the Vespa motorcycle and have that Grease feel. The best of it, the place is guaranteed clean.

Beeffalo interiors

Beeffalo Barbecue Backyard

Serving originally American cuisine, the business expanded by adding Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. What's more amazing is that they added isaw to the list. Don't see it as a posh diner because the price list is so affordable. Click here for the menu: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.537101966392548.1073741844.107743755995040&type=1

Their best-selling Baby Back Ribs and Steak are really to dine for! The marinade is very tasty and it sinks in the meat. Side dishes are served fresh and soups are not too hot to slurp in. Enjoy it with their Java rice or bread and you'll be very satisfied. Louie also told us that one guest frequents the place and orders a huge slob of ribs for himself. I envy that guy.

Beeffalo is truly one great discovery in Marikina. Take Marikina Sports Park, along Sumulong Highway, as your starting point. Go straight and turn the first left to Gil Fernando Avenue. Move along until passing Marikina Engineering Dept, and find Beeffalo at your left. From Marcos Highway, take Gil Fernando Avenue. Go straight passing Blue Wave Mall (Marquinton) and Marikina Engineering Department.

Read More

cruising at Lilac St in Marikina

It was an afternoon food tripping with Ana and Mark, and I've finally got to stroll along the famous Lilac street in Marikina City. We hopped at 2 food stops and they were unlike any food stalls that I've eaten to. They are just along the street and easy to find.

We had our first bite at Burrito Brothers. The place was just right for upto 20 people in an al fresco setting. I ordered Chimichanga as I found it as a good Foursquare tip. So might as well try it.

The fried burrito filled with chicken, tomatoes and cheese (I think) and the best to eat it is with the salsa. Served in straw basket with a paper napkin that doesn't tear so you won't worry about the mess. Price: Php 105 -- not too pricey for a big and filling burrito. Plus, it is not too hot so you can enjoy the taste more.

For dessert, just walk around 40-50 steps to Pink Chiffon. A small apartment where every thing is pink - the walls, tables and ceiling. If you want a good dessert with relaxing environment and if you want to get the Hello Kitty feels, this is the place to hangout. They said that Piolo Pascual's favorite cake came from here.

I got Oreo Cheesecake and I'm almost speechless when I tried it. Worth the waiting time for a cupcake made of cream cheese on Oreo crust topped with cream. Best to taste it when cold and it's not too sweet. Price: Php 50.

I still have a lot to try at Lilac st. Got any suggestions?

Read More