Earlier this week, the World Health Organization added processed meats such as bacon, ham and sausages to group 1 carcinogens, alongside tobacco, alcohol and asbestos. But we Filipinos love our meat and we reckon it’s too good to part with. We traverse the metro to find the most detrimentally-delicious dishes.
1. Apt 1B Big Breakfast
We know what WHO said no to bacon, sausages, and ham, but true rebels can tick off all three in one plate. Apartment 1B’s Big Breakfast (PHP590) is a mega-meaty portion that comes with crunchy smoked bacon, English-style sausages and slices of Canadian ham — with home fries, toast and two eggs cooked to your liking on the side. Apartment 1B, One Lafayette Square, Unit 1B, 132 LP Leviste (corner Sedeño) Sts, Salcedo Village, Makati City; +63 2 8434075, +63 2 7035494, www.apartment1b.com. Visit website for operating hours and other branches.
2. Bacon and Waffle Milkshake
The sweet and savory flavors of candied bacon and maple syrup are played up in Cupcakes by Sonja’s Bacon and Waffle Milkshake (PHP195). This meaty, milky blend is the perfect balance of flavours and a welcome dose of bacon in between mealtimes. This bad boy is topped with pieces of fluffy Belgian waffles and yup — you guessed it — more bacon! Cupcakes by Sonja, Power Plant Mall, P1 Level, Rockwell Center, Makati; +63 2 9498046; www.facebook.com/CupcakesBySonjaOfficial. Visit website for other branches.
3. Eggs Benedict
Bizu Patisserie & Bistro does justice to the classic American brunch dish of Eggs Benedict (PHP375). Here, two golden brown English muffins are topped with salty, smokey ham, runny poached eggs and a luxuriously rich Hollandaise sauce. Sure it’s decadent, but at least you’re getting in your fruit and veg with less sinful sides of leafy green salad and mixed fruit salad. Bizu Patisserie & Bistro, Greenbelt 2, G/L, Ayala Center, Makati; +63 2 7572496, www.bizupatisserie.com. Visit website for operating hours and other branches.
4. Pepperoni Pizza
S&R Pizzas are no fun sans pepperoni and it’s a classic pairing that shouldn’t be tampered with. S&R’s New York-style Pepperoni Pizza (PHP109 per slice; PHP629 per pizza) delivers consistent deliciousness starting with a perfectly baked thick crust which is crowned with the holy trinity of tart tomato sauce, stringy cheese and piquant pepperoni slices. S&R Shopping, West Gate Development, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang-Zapote Rd, Alabang, Muntinlupa; +63 2 7719999, www.snrshopping.com. Visit website for operating hours and other branches.
5. Nürnberger
Traditionally from the Germany city of Nürnberg, these bratwursts are made of coarsely ground pork (which lend to its juicy texture) and subtle spices and seasonings. Brotzeit’s Nürnberger (PHP470) is authentic: grilled to warm brown perfection and served with the classic accompaniments of sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and mustard. Köstlich! Brotzeit, Shangri-La Plaza, G/F, Shaw Boulevard cor EDSA, Mandaluyong; +63 2 6311489, www.brotzeit.co. Visit website for operating hours and other branches.
6. Taglierini al Profumo di Tartufo in Camicia di Prosciutto
Who can resist the delicate saltiness of cured ham — especially prosciutto? Bonifacio Global City’s Italian spot, Balducci Ristorante, gives you even more reason to tuck into this charcuterie with their Taglierini al Profumo di Tartufo in Camicia di Prosciutto (PHP540), a dish that consists of al dente ribbons of egg noodles coated in a creamy truffle sauce and wrapped ever so gently in paper thin sheets of prosciutto. Balducci Ristorante, Unit C104, G/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; +63 2 8560676, +63 2 8560865. Daily 11:30am-11:30pm.
7. Longganisa
These native sausage specialists offer some of the best longganisa sourced from all over the country. Eat your way through Vigan, Laoag, Baguio or Alaminos and try the Longganisa Platter (PHP380) or, if you’re dining solo, order a set meal (from PHP99) which gets you your chosen sausage served with garlic rice and an egg. Longganisa Sorpresa, 16 United St, Bgy Kapitolyo, Pasig; +63 2 6967514. Daily 7:30am-10pm.
8. The Cebuano
Mr. Graham’s Filipino take on the cult classic, the Cubano, is epic. The Cebuano (PHP290 regular, PHP490 large) starts with an authentic pan Cubano that’s halved and filled with ham, cheddar, pickled ripe and underripe mangoes, lettuce, aioli — and here’s where it gets really interesting — slices of juicy lechon, crispy lechon skin and flavor-rich lechon drippings. Oh my! Mr. Graham’s Sandwich Shop, 51 Scout Rallos St, Diliman, Quezon City; +63 906 5316406. Mon-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am.
9. SPAM Fries
Let’s face it, SPAM is somewhat of a delicacy on our shores. This sodium-drenched processed meat is actually pretty versatile: Eat it on a burger, with rice and egg, or even on pasta. But The KEG offers something else: fries (PHP280). Here, SPAM is cut into chunky strips, deep-fried, and served in a cup filled with potato fries. This is a dish you must try — even the trendy Manila Social Club in Williamsburg serves it. The KEG, The Fort Strip, G/F, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; +63 2 6595984; www.facebook.com/thekeginc. Visit the website for operating hours.
10. American All-Star
Few things hit the spot like a juicy burger and Zark’s Burgers have a way of going absolutely over-the-top with their creations. Their American All-Star (PHP120), however, is a classic combination of streaky bacon, melted cheese and a juicy beef patty. Make sure to load it up with more bacon — you know you want to! Zark’s Burgers, Archer s Nook, 2464 Taft Ave, Malate, Manila; +63 2 3921211, www.facebook.com/Zarks-Burgers. Visit the website for operating hours and other branches.
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