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A ‘Pop Talk’ foodie guide in San Juan
Filipinos love food. I love food. I am taking my chance to dare say that you also love food. Hence, in Metro Manila, sprout food havens such as Maginhawa in North, while Aguirre and Kapitolyo reign high in South. Plus, a plethora of other food strips are rapidly emerging everywhere too!
Needless to say, aside from being a part of our basic and daily essentials, food has also become a source of comfort and happiness to some, if not all, people.
San Juan is known for being a shopping sanctuary, may it be gadgets, clothes, bags, and a whole lot more. But it is also a pleasure to discover that there is a community of restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of food choices. Allow “PopTalk” to help you navigate around the abundant city of San Juan! Prepare your palettes, you lovely people!
La La Fun Land: Where fun and tasty food never stop
Inspired by their travels abroad and their love for food, sisters and owners Haydee and Sharlene Go opened La La Fun Land mid-October last year.
In a place dominated by Chinese cuisine restaurants, Haydee and Sharlene aim to offer food lovers a good balance and choices between American and Asian influences.
Their best-sellers are buffalo poppers, jawcrusher burger, Asian tacos, and steak Dianne. You will have to shell out P200-350 per pax to satiate your hunger and thoroughly enjoy a casual dining experience.
When asked to describe the mantra of their restaurant, the Go sisters answered, “Live. Laugh. Love. These are the words that define what La La Fun Land is all about. Our food is fun and meant to be shared with family and friends.”
Address: 2/F 199 Wilson Street, San Juan City
Contact No.: 02 656 7613
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Oyasumi Ramen: Where delish ramen will lull you to sleep
Oyasumi means "good night" in Japanese. Brothers and owners Martin and Miguel Ledesma initially wanted to name the place Yasumi which means to rest or take a break. However, they thought that ‘oyasumi’ has more appeal and recall, so they decided to name it as such.
The Ledesma brothers opened Oyasumi Ramen last May of 2015 and it features Yokohama-style ramen in a trendy industrial black setting. Serious and eager to flourish in their craft, Martin took a 4-month ramen making course in Japan.
Oyasumi ramen boasts of its best-sellers such as ieki ramen, kara miso ramen, and la paz ramen (Filipino-Japanese fusion). P350-500 per person will surely take your breath away as you indulge in their rich and authentic-tasting ramen.
The trendy set up of the interiors with cold cement finish for the walls, dark-black metal accents, and big glass windows paired with warm lightning, Oyasumi ramen aims to be a hangout place for the younger generation and for them to enjoy the perfect match up of ramen and beer—in which the Japanese are accustomed too.
Address: 308 P. Guevarra st. corner Seaview St. San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 275-0309
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Café Sanso: Where food and art will fill you all at once
Named after the internationally-renowned painter Juvenal Sanso, Café Sanso serves as an ode to the artist, whose personal collection of equally renowned masterpieces are displayed in Sanso Museum next door.
Café Sanso is a small café serving big and popping flavors as manifested in their best-sellers that are chorizo platters, paella, callos, and churros. Aside from these, they also let Filipinos to experience Spanish cuisine at its best from ensaladas, sandwiches, pastas, desserts, cold cuts, and beverages.
While the place is ideal for couples because of its romantic and private atmosphere, it is also ideal for friends and family who love to explore a blast of flavors. It is also comforting to know that the menu is quite extensive for a small cafe, so food lovers are not at all limited to just coffee and pastries.
Location: 32 V. Cruz Street, San Juan City
Contact No.: (02) 275-2200
So the next time that you are hungry or craving for something to eat, you know where to go, Kapuso! The maze-like place of San Juan City will never disappoint, as long as you take note of these newly-opened-but-worth-every-penny-restaurants around the city. Explore untapped streets and be amazed at the explosion of flavors that await you at San Juan.
Eat away!---BMS, GMA Public Affairs
