Where to eat when...in Ermita, Manila

Most Filipinos know Ermita from a line from one of The Eraserheads’ hit songs ("taga-hugas ka raw ng pinggan sa may Ermita") or may have the misconception of being THE red light district (sorry folks, that’s Malate) but the for yours truly, Ermita has been and will always be home.

Ermita is home to a lot of government offices. After running your business, you're sure to be hungry. Here are a few suggestions. All photos by Stanley See

It’s a commercial and tourist district that houses the Rizal Park, Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the U.S. Embassy, National Library, National Museum, the Supreme Court and several government offices, and a number of hotels, hostels, and inns.

Ermita may not be known as a culinary hotspot nor feature new and exciting cuisines but there are a number of establishments that are worth serious consideration, one just need to know where to look.

Shawarma Snack Center is a favorite post-inuman joint.

Shawarma Snack Center (SSC). A favorite post-inuman joint, the SSC serves three pita-wrapped varieties: chicken (P60 regular, P70 special), beef (P65 regular, P75 special), and mixed shawarma (P75) that are served with creamy yogurt and chili sauce on the side. There are also shawarma meat-based dishes like sizzling, with rice, and with hummus and pita bread that range from P165-P200.

The BBQ Combo Grilled plate, consisting of a stick each of grilled beef kebbab and chicken tikka, rice, a big bread, sautéed vegetables, and a grilled tomato and onion, is a practical choice at only P200. Both beef and chicken pieces are moist, tender, and full of flavor because of the spices and herbs used. Hot tea with milk (P65) completes the whole Middle East dining experience. 484 Salas St., Ermita, Manila. 24/7. +632 5212121. 

Yes to eat-all-you-can Korean!

Hwangso-Ga. One of the two sister Korean joints, Hwangso-Ga features all-you-can-eat Samgyupsal (pork belly) and Chadol Baegi (beef brisket) for lunch and dinner (P499/person). 1535-1551 Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. +632 4050100.

Makchang. The other of the two sister Korean joints, Makchang has a wider selection of meats from beef and pork Galbi (grilled ribs) to Samyupsal. Dishes are ordered and served a la carte but like most Korean establishments, vegetable side dishes (banchan) featuring kimchi, soybean sprouts, potatoes, radish, and cucumber are available in unlimited servings. 1547 Adriatico St, Ermita, Manila. 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. +632 3948612

A beautiful plate of Emerald Garden's birthday noodles

Emerald Garden Restaurant. A staple in our dining table especially during special occasions like birthdays and Chinese New Year, Emerald Garden is famous for its Chinese bestsellers like birthday noodles with pink quail eggs, fresh crabs cooked just the way you like (Chili Crab, salt and pepper, Typhoon Shelter with lots of garlic, or with sotanghon), Emerald Chicken with kropeck, minced pork with lettuce wraps, and steamed lapu-lapu, Emerald has been an Ermita institution since the 1980’s. Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila. 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. +632 5238519

Seeing a photo of Hizon's ensaimada, it's easy to see why this restaurant is the late Dolphy's favorite.

Hizon’s Cakes and Pastries. Aside from their signature Cheese (P85 small, P115 big) and Quezo de Bola ensaymadas (P95 small, P130 big), patrons also rely on Hizon’s for the mocha cakes that serve as the perfect birthday cake (P1550 for the rectangle variety).

The cheese (cheddar or quick-melt) ensaymada has a smoother texture compared to the nuttier, crunchier Quezo de Bola variety. Both are perfect pasalubongs and can be warmed over the toaster/oven the following day for a crunchier top. The ensaymada and mocha cake go well with hot coffee, chocolate, or tea as well. 1197 J. Bocobo cor Arquiza Sts., Ermita, Manila. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. +632 5363993. — LA, GMA News

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