We’re all familiar with it: post-gimmick hunger attacks at 3am. It’s a hassle, especially when you’ve risked driving to the nearest drive-thru and — surprise, surprise — it is closed. Two things: First, never drink and drive. Second, save those calories for something more remarkable, like a plate of tapsi or a shawarma. We’ve gone out enough number of times to know which good grub hubs are open at the ungodliest of hours.
Café Adriatico (1790 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila; +63 2 7388220. Mon-Sat 7am-6am, Sun 7am-4am)
A long-time, all-time favorite in the Malate scene, Café Adriatico is something of a respite for many a drunken head trying to get sober, and get some people-watching done, too. We’re giving away extra points for the dimmed lights and dark interiors; bright lights are just terribly annoying for a set of drunken eyes.
Order: The wholesome pair of kesong puti pan de sal with hot chocolate (PHP145) is best enjoyed by the windows on the second floor—it’s warm and sobering. Warning: it can get smokey but the delightful view of the Malate crowd makes it worth it.
Recovery Food (G/F Crossroads, 32nd St cor 8th ave, BGC; +63 2 5117312. Daily 24/7)
Thank god for Recovery Food! This small restaurant in BGC, open 24 hours, is a respite for all nocturnal revelers wrapping up the party and/or the burners of the midnight oil looking to fuel their second wind. The undeniable energy steaming off the kitchen — god how spritely the staff is! — is infectious, but it’s the good food that will surely wash away that nasty film of alcohol, or sleepiness, in your system.
Order: You can’t go wrong with RF’s Tapa de Morning Rice-a-Bowl (starts at PHP180), while the nice kick of S.S.T. Rice-a-Bowl (starts at PHP180), is most welcome in the morning. If you’re only looking to tide that hunger over, the Amadobo Sandwich (PHP125) is highly recommended. The Cheese Pimiento Sandwich (PHP155) is cute.
Beni’s Falafel (4364 Valdez St., Poblacion, Makati; +639063491300. Daily 24/7)
With the thick crowd that gathers outside Beni’s Falafel, you wouldn’t think this is an all-vegetarian fare. But it is, and nobody really cares. Everyone is loving it: from dressed up revelers of 71 Gramercy to shabby backpackers of nearby hostels to Makati yuppies and expats. Beni is a dude from Israel making good food that his friendly and efficient staff proudly and happily serves to their growing list of diners.
Order: The hearty Shakshuka (PHP260) will shake you up well and good. Note however that given the small space and the big crowd, it might be hard to eat, especially when you’re happily abuzzed. The Falafel Sandwich (PHP135) is the easier option.
Whistlestop (28 Jupiter St, Bel-Air, Makati; +63 2 8961989. Daily 24/7)
Thankfully, Whistlestop didn’t remain closed for long. In 2010, the establishment reopened their doors, and it hasn’t closed since. A hyperbole, we know, but you do get what we mean, right? With the right amount of alcohol, the vintage interiors could make you feel like your traveled back in time. The smell of old sizzling plates should bring you back in no time.
Order: The Goto Arroz Caldo (PHP110) is a nice panghimagas, we’ve heard very many good things about the All Tokwa (PHP85); the Buffalo Chicken Wings with Bleu Cheese (PHP225) is already deboned (thank the almighty!) while the hainanese chicken rice (PHP220) is stellar.
Rufu’s (G/F A.Venue Mall, Makati Ave, Makati; +63 2 8994207)
Would you believe Rufu’s is already 30 years old? Yep, Rufu’s has been feeding people and giving them second wind since 1984. It only recently branched out, when a loyal customer since from it’s original location on Salamanca street in Makati, decided to buy it out and open it to franchise. Which only means yay yo! Rufu’s is spread out across Metro Manila! We don’t need to crawl all the way to Makati for a fix.
Order: While we’re super happy about the growing breakfast meals—cheers to the Tocino (PHP104) and Longaniza meals (PHP89), the original tapa (PHP108) remains our favorite. Manamis-namis!
Maty’s (Quirino Ave Don Galo, Paranaque; +63 2 8540889. 7am-4am)
Definitely an establishment in the so-called Dirty South, Maty’s has been around since the 1960s. Legend has it they were the first the serve tapsilog in Manila, something too easy to believe, as you take a first spoonful of its famed tapsilog. It’s well portioned and the beef well seasoned, not to mention nicely prepared—definitely liking the shredded beef!
Order: The tapsilog (PHP70), bar none. The perfect mix of grease and meat and salt and sweet is exactly what your body, probably drowning in alcohol, needs.
Tapsi ni Vivian (32 Gil Fernandez Ave, Brgy San Roque, Marikina; +63 2 6450125)
There is something about Vivian’s tapsilog that elicits a craving so strong people will brave driving all the way to Marikina. A really stupid idea, if you ask us. But such is the fare: comfortable, affordable, and filling.
Order: While the Bulalo (PHP225) is something we’d recommend before Friday night walwalan, the tapsi (PHP80) has inspired many a trip to Marikina to get that magical himagas. Yet another discovery: The chichasilog is so deadly (PHP80).
Partners Pares and Mami (54 Kamuning Road cor Judge Jimenez, Kamuning; +63 2 4103236. Daily 24/7)
Habitues of 77 Bar and Café know the thrill of crossing Kamuning very late in the evening—or early in the morning, however which way you look at time—to sober up at Partners Pares and Mami. The longstanding kiosk is the favorite choice for after-hours grub, thanks to its super affordable meals and its location; near a gas station, you are assured there is a cabbie at any time of the night. Or morning.
Order: Why, the pares meal, of course! The well-seasioned less-than-chewy beef litid pairs excellently with the fried rice it comes with. You’ll be tempted to pour the soup on the rice, but you aren’t really missing out if you don’t.
Mr. Kabab (95A West Ave, Quezon City; +63 2 2632736. Daily 24/7)
An unofficial establishment in QC, Mr. Kebab has clearly gone a long way from its original Quezon Ave beginnings. Its West Ave location is bigger, better lit, and well, the prices have all gone up. Many early fans obviously prefer the “good ol’ days,” but it’s hard to argue with that Chelo Kebab, especially in the wee hours of the morning, when almost nothing else is open!
Order: Again, the Chelo Kebab (starts PHP155) is yumazing. Pair it with an order of Ox Brain (PHP135) and a yogurt shake (PHP70) and you should be good in no time.
Photos of Cafe Adriatico and Maty’s are from their respective Facebook pages. Photo of Partners from Tapsilogan Atbp
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