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Cinco de Mayo is one of the biggest holidays Mexicans all over the world observe. Our brothers by way of Spain — the Philippines was under Mexican administration for over two and a half centuries during the Spanish period — pull out all the stops for Cinco de Mayo to celebrate their unlikely Battle of Puebla victory against the French.
While the importance of this historical event tends to fly over our heads, any excuse to eat more Mexican food is always welcome. Below are seven beloved Mexican eateries in Metro Manila where a meal always feels like a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
1. El Chupacabra
5782 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati. Mon 7am-12am, Tue-Sun 7am-3am. +63 2 7293358
Every time we go to El Chupacabra — happy hour til late — the place is buzzing with energy. The staff are brisk, the diners are drunk and/or happy and the food is just right. The wait may be longer but ask to be seated inside — yes, there is an inside! — where the AC is strong, the bar is right there, and the music is always appreciated.
Order: The street tacos. Because they’re so popular, order an Al Pastor (PHP98) or the Carne Asada (PHP98) and you’ll get them pronto. However, If you need something heftier like the Pata de Cerdo (PHP353), get the nacho especiales (PHP403) so you’ll have something to munch on while you wait.
2. Orale
G/F The Fort Strip, 7th street cor 28th street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-10pm. +63 2 5522660
This Mexican eatery hidden on the corner of The Fort Strip in BGC doesn’t claim to be the most authentic — it’s the kind of Mexican food that the owners grew up with in California. But Orale is where Mexican expats and nationals go to get their Mexican fix. Burritos have a nice rice-to-filling ratio. Tacos don’t scare you with too many toppings. And the drinks are amazing.
Order: The barbacoa burrito (PHP315) is filling. The lengua tacos (PHP295) are so tasty. Don’t miss out on their home-made sodas (PHP75).
3. B&T Mexican Kitchen
G/F Sekai Center, Madison Street cor Ortigas Ave, San Juan. 11am-9pm. +63 2 9751850
The food at this restaurant contain big, incredible flavors. Like a cantina, you go to the counter and assemble your food. Pick a dish, decide on your meat and toppings, and enjoy. While B&T can go all out — cheese is overflowing, it has a spiciness factor that can make your ears whistle, the wet burrito is really wet, and the portions are huge — it offers some restraint by way of vegetarian options. Yes, you can taper the calories by removing all the meat.
Order: Jalapeno poppers (PHP210) are a good way to break-in the heat factor. The fish soft-shelled tacos (PHP370) are lovely. While the nine-layer dip (PHP320) with nachos is perfect for that lazy Saturday afternoon hang-out with your friends.
4. Hermanos
27 Granada Ave cor Jose Vera Street, San Juan. 11am-10pm. +63 2 5708425
It’s a pity that Hermanos, born out of a gas station on the border of Quezon City and San Juan, closes early. It can be one of those post-gimmick joints that help you get your bearings and shakes you into sobriety. Its fish tacos (PHP175) remain one of the best to be had in the city: clean, fresh, good and cheap.
Order: Fish tacos (PHP175) are dependable and reliable. If you just feel like munching and picking on something, get the carne asada fries or nachos (PHP220).
5. A’Toda Madre
G/F Sunette Tower, Durban Street cor Makati Avenue, Makati. 5pm-2am. +63 998 9855198
This is more of a tequila place than a food place. However, you’re going to need food to line your stomach for the serious drinking A’Toda Madre offers. Besides, it’s a small joint with a nice fiesta atmosphere. Not eating is not an option.
Order: Line your stomach the simplest way by going for the 3-piece tacos. Chili verde (PHP400) has that nice zing — perfect for your tequila. Can’t go wrong with the nachos higante (PHP450). Try the Mexican chicharon: the Cueritos Enfurtidos (PHP275).
6. Silantro
75 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig. Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-11pm. +63 2 6549657
Silantro is Mexican by way of Filipino. Located in an old converted house, which certainly helps with the street-side feel of the restaurant, luchadors are the chosen Mexican mascots. While indoors feel less sticky than the al fresco, the heat from the kitchen will make you want to have a glass of margarita (PHP160) with your meal.
Order: While there are quite a number of main courses in Silantro, people mostly come here for the lucha tacos. Get the triple meat at just PHP100. Want something with cheese? The beef quesadilla (PHP160) overflows with cheese and meat and the fries that come with it are good.
7. Madeca
5/F Podium Mall, 18 ADB Ave, Mandaluyong. 11am-10pm. +63 2 2345233
Like Silantro, Madeca is Mexican by way of Filipino — the name is short for Manila de Acapulco. Unlike Silantro, Madeca has more sheen and polish to it, which should probably be expected because it’s situated in a mall. In any case, both Fil-Mex eateries are able to marry the flavors of Mexico and Philippines nicely.
Order: While we proclaim the sisig burrito (PHP225) as the hands-down Madeca winner, its lechon kawali burrito (PHP245) has attracted quite a loyal following, too. Whatever you choose — hmm, why not both? — make sure to down it with the dalandan mojito (PHP135). So sweet and refreshing!
Photos: Restaurants’ respective Facebook pages
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