Denise Alyssa G. Villamar
Falling in love with Filipino food once again
If you’re tired of eating the same old continental food and you’re looking for something fresh and would remind you of your mom’s homemade Pinoy viands, then Islas Pinas is the place to be.
Located at the ground floor of DoubleDragon Plaza in Pasay, Islas Pinas continues to attract both hungry locals and tourists who wanted to taste an assortment of Filipino food with innovative flavors that both comfort and wow. The whole interior may seem like just another food hall, but Islas Pinas step up their game and brought out a concept of showcasing the flavors of Philippine regions and islands under one roof.
Unlike any other restaurant, Islas Pinas implements a cashless system. You have to get your Islas Pinas access first before entering the premises, where all purchased items are stored, and then pay afterwards upon exit.
The Islas Pinas Experience
Islas Pinas is a collaboration of DoubleDragon group and chef Margarita Forés; billed as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016. They have morphed a 2,500 sqm into themed destinations in the Philippines, from a lifesize Vinta, Vigan’s Calle Crisologo where food stalls are located, the walls of Intramuros with a fountain in the center, the Rice Terraces where kids can play, a replica of the limestone cliff in Palawan, and a Bahay Kubo surrounded with all the vegetable which is perfect for huge groups.
In one corner of the restaurant, there’s also a replica of a sari-sari store with real chichirya displays, and in front is a real-size Sarao jeepney and a tusok-tusok area where you can have barbeques, isaw, and fishballs! You can also check out those witty banters posted on the carts.
Everything here is very detailed, from the cobbled streets in the Vigan area down to the impregnable walls of Intramuros.
Now comes the taste experience.
When we visited here for lunch, the buffet spread was located in a huge faux tree located at the center of the restaurant. There were lots of regional dishes to choose from; there’s kare-kare, lumpia, okoy, lechon, daing, longganisang vigan, different types of pancit served in a bilao or winnowing basket, batchoy where you can customize to your liking, and there’s also a station for the local kakanins (rice cakes) and of course dessert area where you could taste some maja blanca, brazo de mercedes, cassava cake, and mango float. Just a quick tip, try their leche-flan! The best we’ve had so far!
If you’re done eating, you can head over at the Pasalubong Center, and buy variety of Filipino-themed gift items.
Overall, we’d rate it 4 out of 5. It brings a unique experience to the gastronomy scene in the city and brings the rich culture of our country under one roof. Rates ranges from Php 488 (lunch), Php 198 (merienda), and Php 488 (dinner). Don’t forget to bring your camera! This place is definitely Instagram-worthy!
More Information for Islas Pinas:
Address: G/F DoubleDragon Plaza, EDSA Extension corner Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City
Contact details: 0917-534-5700 / +63(2) 4031588
FB: /IslasPinasbyMargaritaFores/
IG: @islas.pinas
Manila Travel and Tour Packages
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- Binondo Food Crawl: Best Places to Eat in Manila’s Chinatown
- IKEA Philippines to Open Two Stores in Metro Manila Soon
