To some people, the holidays are a special time because it’s when relatives and family friends come home from abroad to spend Christmas! If you’re one of those who are expecting visitors this holiday break, take them to these 8 restaurants serving honest-to-goodness Pinoy food!

Manam

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Budget for two — PHP 700

Manam has become a cult favorite for its wide range of hearty and delicious Filipino comfort food, and it’s that one place you wouldn’t mind splurging your Christmas bonus at if it means indulging in their Sinigang na Beef Shortrib and Watermelon, House Crispy Sisig, and Caramelized Patis Wings. It’s the best restaurant to reintroduce Filipino flavors to your balikbayans!

Don’t forget to try their Christmas specials, like the Bibingkang Ube and the Puto Bumbong with Muscovado Butter.

Lorenzo’s Way

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Budget for two — PHP 1,500

For a taste of Filipino mixed with Spanish cuisine, Lorenzo’s Way is one of the top of mind restaurants to visit. Its homey ambience welcomes families of every size and promises an enjoyable dining experience that will remind you of home. Try the KKK (Kare-Kare Klab), Tenderloin Steak with Grapes, and Paella Marinara.

Charito Bag of Beans

150 Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika East, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City
Open Monday to Thursday 6:30 A.M. to 10 P.M., Friday to Saturday from 6:30 A.M. to 12 midnight, Sunday from 6:30 A.M. to 11 P.M.
(+6346) 483 12 79, (+6346) 413 64 59 | Facebook, Instagram
Budget for two — PHP 1,500

A trip to Bag of Beans is almost customary for any Filipino family travelling to Tagaytay. You should, however, introduce your balikbayans to Charito Bag of Beans to get the same sought-after coffee as well as hearty, quality meals while overlooking the scenic Taal Lake.

Corazon

4F, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Open Monday to Thursday from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M., Friday from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M., Saturday from 10 A.M. to 10 A.M., Sunday from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M.
(+632) 687 19 55, (+63) 917 817 8298 | Facebook, Instagram
Budget for two — PHP 2,400

Corazon does Filipino-Spanish cuisine so well and anyone who tries it is sure to fall in love at first bite. It’s no wonder why it’s always packed with people — families, and couples — in its location at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza. Treat your balikbayans to this unique and vibrant dining experience! Must-tries are the Beef Salpicao, Chorizo Filipino, Sinigang na Salmon, and Grilled Tuna Belly.

Pamana

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Budget for two — PHP 1,200

Its various branches around the country only signify its success as an authentic Pinoy restaurant where you can expect nothing less than home cooked-style meals. Your relatives will keep talking about this restaurant for days, guaranteed!

For a truly festive dinner with the family, order the sinfully indulgent Cebu Lechon Roll.

XO 46 Heritage Bistro

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Budget for two — PHP 1,200

This Pinoy restaurant will remind you of your grandmother’s provincial home as soon as you walk through its doors. Serving Filipino food just as how they made them generations before, you and your family will be filled with nostalgia. Don’t leave without trying the Laing, Lechon Kawali, and the Kare Kareng Crispy Tadyang.

You can also choose to dine in the Visayan Room which serves an all-Visayan menu including Dumaguete Express and Cebu Lechon.

Balay Dako

Tagaytay – Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay City
Open every day from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M.
(+6346) 413 48 66 | Facebook, Instagram, Website
Budget for two — PHP 1,200

A family celebration such as this deserves to be splurged on! Treat your relatives to quality service and a hearty Filipino meal at Balay Dako by Antonio’s Group of Restaurants while overlooking the breathtaking view of Taal Lake. Don’t forget to order the recommended classics: Kare Kare Klasik, Sizzling Bulalo na Baka, and Crispy Pata.

Kusina Alfonso

GF, Classica Condominium, 112 H. V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Open Monday to Saturday from 7 A.M. to 11:30 P.M., Sunday from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.
(+63) 813 70 97 | Facebook, Instagram
Budget for two — PHP 800

This newly opened restaurant in Salcedo Village is worth checking out for your intimate homecoming party. Try the Signature Chicken Pork Adobo topped with Adobo Flakes, Crispy Pata, and Shrimp Gambas.

Where are you taking the balikbayans to this Christmas? Share with us your plans below!