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If you’re a twentysomething or in your early 30s, then you’re a millennial. It’s a demographic that’s both influencing and dictating the signs of the times. Game changers in their own right, millennials sieze the war with a weapon they know they can greatly use to their advantage: their youth.
Below are 13 restaurants in Metro Manila that definitely captures the millennial market — based on a few culinary characteristics millennials are exhibiting, as studied and researched by the Center for Culinary Development.
Because millennials want to personalize their food:
If the Baby Boomers are the ‘Me Generation’, and Gen X are the ‘meh’ generation, then the millennials are the ‘me, me, me’ batch. Raised valualing individuality, millenials want to be able to customize their food according to their preference. If it’s mass produced, it will most likely be ignored.
1. Project Pie. If you can’t pick from the 7 pizza flavors on offer, choose to build your own pie instead! (515 Shaw Boulevard, cor Laurel Street, Mandaluyong; +63 2 6500925
2. Tuan Tuan Chinese Brassiere. Fancy designing your own noodle soup? From Soup base, to topping, to type of noodles, all the way to the side dish! Tiresome? Ah, but millennials would love this sort of thing. (3/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 6327483)
3. 8Cuts Burger Blends. Mix and match from the 3 buns and the 5 meat cuts on offer! (2/F UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City; +63 917 8182139). (Lamb burger from 8Cuts photo: foodspotting.com)
Because they value authenticity but welcome diversity:
This demographic is pretty well traveled and appreciates authenticity more than anything else. If you serve Thai curry, it better be made with galangal and lemongrass. But even so, they also enjoy food mash-ups — as long as they’re composed of authentic elements and don’t come off as trying hard.
4. Tempura Grill. The Ramen Burger (PHP245) from Tempura Grill has been attracting these kiddos who keeps raving about the pan-fried ramen noodle buns! (located nationwide)
5. Chez Karine. This popular patisserie offers the delicious macaron ice cream sandwich (PHP70). Homemade ice cream replaces the ganache! (G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 3232845)
6. Nolita. Ah, who hasn’t heard of the cheeseburger pizza? Perfect food for drunken souls. (Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig; +63 2 5478661)
7. Bronuts. Cronuts but fitted to a bro’s taste and appetite! Imagine: cream cheese, bacon, and strawberry (PHP110). We know, right? (4/F Food on Four, SM Aura Premiere, McKinley Parkway cor 26th Street, Taguig) (Bronuts photo: therelsherose.wordpress.com)
Because millennials are socially conscious:
The millennials are sensitive beings and feel for a number of causes including our producers and farmers, animals and nature. Given this, they embrace efforts to be hormone-free and grass-fed, among many other hyphenates.
8. The Farm Organics. Millennials are sure to go crazy for The Farm Organics. They offer the only certified grass-fed beef in the country! Meat comes from their Masbate farm. (Landmark Supermarket, Makati Avenue, Makati; +63 2 5562478)
9. Green Pastures. In this restaurant, Chef Rob Goco champions our local farmers, using local produce to create his French-inspired dishes. (4/F East Wing, Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 6543219)
10. Grace Park. Gaita Fores has long been a huge supporter of local farmers, preferring to use local produce over those flown-in from abroad. Grace Park is her farm-to-table restaurant that’s highly dependent on what’s available in the market. (G/F One Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Makati; +63 2 8437275) (Photo: Broccoli soup with poached egg from Grace Park)
Because millennials watch what they eat — most of the time
This generation is hard to define because they’re this, but also that. As in: Millennials are mindful about their health and welcome nutritious alternatives, but they also indulge and have fits of careless bingeing, from over-the-top fast food items to the most decadent sweets.
11. Juju Eats. Salads at Juju Eats don’t taste like salads at all! Crunchy vegetables beautifully coated with tasty dressing, amplified with generous servings of meat. (G/F BCS Building, 2297 Chino Roces Ave, Makati; +63 2 5513968)
12. Corner Tree Café. A restaurant that champions vegetarian cuisine, you’ll find hipster twentysomethings here devouring its walnut burger. Yum! (150 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati; +63 2 8970295)
13. The Wholesome Table. Ah, Bianca Elizalde’s BGC restaurant is popular for its organic, healthy cuisine. Dishes like the roast pork sandwich (PHP490) are pretty much how you know them, except it’s made with organic pork and there’s arugula! (30th Street cor Avenue, Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig; +63 2 8670000).
(Organic mushroom fritters from The Wholesome Table photo: jinlovestoeat.com) (Header photo: sarinatjie.com)
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