As a proud, flesh and blood, lazy South kid, I dread going to the northern part of Metro Manila unless it’s for something important like school or a fun gimik (DUH). And as a college girl in Manila who has 30 percent of her friends living in the north, I’ve been looking for other reasons why I should take my time to travel an hour or three just to meet up with them, because let’s be frank, we love them but we HATE traffic more. Aside from that, I think adventurous people out there can back me up when I say that we are ~SOOO~ over the idea of eating again at the same fast-food chains around the metro.
So, I started to look for underrated food spots in Quezon City:
Campfire Burgers
Address: 23 Scout Limbaga Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City
Money to bring: P300/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Zomato rating: 4.0/5
Literally a burger and sausage haven because of their Magnificent Seven Burgers and Campfire Sausages. They have successfully given their customers that American-style, big, juicy, messy with-all-the-toppings burgers and sausages. You would also be surprised with their rates because it’s very student-friendly (happy wallet, happy student!). Burger enthusiasts, like me, can give this store 4.5 out of 5 stars! Also, add extra points for their cozy and casual ambiance. Pastas and wraps are also available. The whole menu = A must-try.
The Hummingbird Rooftop Bar
Address: Stone House Hotel Bed and Breakfast, 1315 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Kamuning, Quezon City
Money to bring: P500/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Sat: 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Zomato rating: 3.3/5
Taking a breather from acads? We all know the best way to unwind is through drinks and sizzling sisig with live music on a rooftop overlooking the busy streets ‘til dawn. Their menu is not only limited to pulutan because they also have rice meals for the heavy eaters. Most of their food is good for sharing so it’s definitely a budget-friendly resto-bar for students. The vibe of the whole place is certified ~chill~.
Khas Food House
Address: UP SURP School of Urban and Regional Planning, E. Jacinto Street, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City
Money to bring: P250/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Sat: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Zomato rating: 3.4 / 5
Located inside the UP campus, this restaurant is certainly a hidden gem for non-UP students. Craving for authentic Indian food? Look no further, Khas Food House will serve you nothing but the best Indian classics. You might also want to look out for their spice meter on the menu because some can hit you big time! The ambiance has this homey aura, making you feel comfortable while eating your satisfying Ox Brain and Fujutas. This resto is suitable for students who have adventurous taste buds and are looking for a new affordable food-trip experience!
Puffy’s Soufflé Pancake House
Address: 4th Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City)
Money to bring: P350/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Zomato rating: new on Zomato
Dream. Come. True. The angels have delivered the Milktea Soufflé Pancake here in the PH! We only see this kind of pancake in Japan and on Tasty and Buzzfeed videos, but now, it’s only an hour or less away from us! Their fluffy pancakes only cost P140 a pair, too. Just add P15 for a soft served ice cream. Super fitting for students who are on a tight budget but still want to have a unique and unforgettable food experience. Come visit them now while they’re still new, be one of the firsts!
Kandle Cafe
Address: 113 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City
Money to bring: P500/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m-12 m.n.
Zomato rating: 4.5/5
Looking for a place to have a chill date or just a casual afternoon with your friends? Kandle Cafe is the perfect place. Drop your usual coffee shops when you’re around Tomas Morato and come here instead. Their menu may be quite pricey, most especially for the food, but it’s certainly worth the it. What’s great about this cafe is that you can also have drinks with your friends if you suddenly decided to have a boozy night out. From coffees to wines, they won’t judge!
Bulaluhan sa Laon-Laan
Address: B8 Bakery Laon Laan Street, Sampaloc, 1021 Quezon City
Money to bring: P200/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 6 p.m.-12 m.n.
Zomato rating: N/A
One of the timeless Filipino comfort foods is one hot, flavorful bulalo. May it be sunny or rainy, day or night, happy or sad, sober or drunk, we can never go wrong with bulalo! And yes, Bulaluhan sa Laon-Laan has one of the best and affordable bulalo in the metro. Not just that, they are also famous for their “pizza bangus,” a big, savory, relish-filled grilled bangus. Plus foodie points, for their open stall because of its hospitable and inviting vibe for the customers. So, the next time you crave for a good bulalo and Tagaytay is nowhere near you, come to QC to get your bone marrow fix.
Oinkster
Address: Maginhawa Suites, 99 Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City)
Money to bring: P400/individual
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Zomato rating: 3.8/5
Along Maginhawa St., one of the famous food crawls in the Philippines, is this all-day breakfast-themed diner. They serve waffles, casseroles, all-time favorite tapa, nachos, and ribs. And for only P299, you can avail of their unli bacon! What a great deal, right? And of course, top your breakfast order with some tea or coffee, or better yet, their Oinkster “Ice” Coffee. It’s definitely a must-try. The ambiance of their restaurant is so homey and relaxing that you might just add this immediately to the list of your “go-to places in QC.”
Aroy Mak: Authentic Thai Food and Drinks
Address: UP College of Social Work and Development Canteen, Magsaysay Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Money to bring: P300/individual
Operating hours: Tue-Fri: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Zomato rating: 3.7/5
Trying out the food on their menu makes you feel that you are actually in Thailand because of its authenticity and zestiness. They’ve got some fresh spring rolls and Pad Thai that are very generous in size and comes with a reasonable price, most especially for students who are cutting down their budget for food but still want to eat at grade A stores. Their meals are also partnered with Thai Milk Tea and other herbal and fruit-based drinks if you are on a healthy diet. Come visit Aroy Mak the next time you catch cravings for Thai food because they will certainly serve you the authentic and best flavors of Thailand.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
