The Tatler Dining Guide Philippines
Homare
WHY GO
Homare offers a taste of authentic Japanese fare down South within the comforts of a hotel.
TATLER TIPS
• The Homare Special Maki is truly a must-try with its blend of textures balanced enough to avoid overwhelming the palate.
• A staple in any Japanese menu is the chicken teriyaki. Homare’s rendition of the classic dish is grilled to perfection and doused with just the right amount of sauce to bring life to its chargrilled flavour.
• Try the hitsumabushi and enjoy the rich flavour and unique texture of their perfectly barbecued eel.
• Cap off your meal with the anmitsu and its medley of fruit and jellies, and a scoop of matcha ice cream.
WHY GO
Modern and refined (and barely a year old!), Hua Yuan offers Shainghainese cuisine, and is an unexpected gem in the bustling Newport City.
TATLER TIPS
The meal starts at the hands of a very knowledgeable server to guide you through the menu.
• Opening with a complimentary amuse bouche, the spiced hot rice cake with dried scallops sets the tone from the first bite.
• The freshly hand-made fried pork buns, soft pillowy wraps then pan-fried to a crisp, are quite special.
• Each bite of the fragrant tea smoked duck, the chef’s signature dish, is a nuanced flavourful delight. On the side, order the French beans with salted egg— crunchy, lightly salted, and very addicting.
• To end the meal, the red sugar glutinous rice rolls are the way to go.
WHY GO
Chef Kenneth Villaluz takes Louisiana recipes to the Philippines’ own southern regio. He marries the comforts of Davao eats with those of the southern US state in a menu of simple yet deep flavours.
TATLER TIPS
The five-year-old Huckleberry transforms into Davao’s busiest bar during the weekends. Make a reservation and come earlier for Friday night dinner—or, stay and transition to rum-infused mango cocktails after the meal.
• Cut into the crisp, peppery skin of the juicy Southern fried chicken and waffles for a taste of the kitchen’s soul.
• Indulge in the tender pork ribs, which are braised in a homemade barbecue sauce. The sweet and savoury dish comes with salty fries for an addictive combination.
• It will be tempting to gorge on the squid ink pasta, but take care to wipe away any leftover delicious blackness from your teeth before taking happy snaps.