The Tatler Dining Guide Philippines
Café Ilang-Ilang
WHY GO
A classic in the Philippine dining scene, the historic Manila Hotel's Café Ilang-Ilang is known for old-time favourites.
TATLER TIPS
It is one of the original restaurants where the crêpes samurai craze began decades ago. Order the crêpes the same time as your mains since the crêpes are only cooked upon ordering and the kitchen requires 45 minutes preparation. The club sandwich wows, and it is literally hidden inside a generous-sized rye bread bowl. Liver pâté is provided, to be enjoyed with the bread “wrapper.” Presentation aside, all the ingredients of the sandwich are cooked to perfection. Brave traffic for the well-known kare-kare (an ox-tail and tripe peanut stew made of freshly ground peanuts, which is served with native vegetables) and then indulge in crispy pata (perfectly crisp, fried pork knuckles).