My mom is vacationing here in the Philippines this December. This time, my aunt, who hasn’t been home to PH in over 40 years, will be joining her. It was time to look for good Filipino food. Mom said she wants someplace new. We’ve already eaten at Manam and Mesa countless times… she said she wanted to eat somewhere she hasn’t been to before. Then we found Siklab+ in Shangri-la Plaza Mall’s East Wing.
Siklab+ is bright and spacious, very conducive to group dining. It’s a great place to catch up over good food.
We started off with Paboritong Pork Sisig (₱545, for sharing). I’m very picky with sisig. I don’t like them soggy or wet (for reference I like Dencio’s and Manam;s. This one was right up my alley — very crunchy and well-cooked with just the right amount of onions and chilis. Delicious!
Next up was Pinalutong Tawilis (₱350, for sharing). Truth be told I’m also not fond of fish, lol. But these were a surprise. They’re so crunchy it was like eating chicharon with vinegar, except these are much lighter and don’t have lard oozing out when you bite or chew on them. They’re definitely the better option vs. chicharon.
One dish I always look forward to when visiting a Filipino restaurant is Sinigang. Everyone has their own version of this wonderfully soothing sour-savory soup and I love how they’re always trying to one up the competition. The official Siklab+ entry is Trio Sinigang na Baboy (₱785, for sharing). It’s made with fresh juicy guavas! The resulting broth is incredibly smooth and sublime, not hard to appreciate even if it’s your first time eating sinigang (my American uncle comes to mind, he’s coming too!).
Since I’m on a keto diet, I skipped the Dilis Rice (₱295, for sharing). My companions loved it though and I had to admit I was tempted to take a scoop while watching them savor every spoonful.
Tortalong (₱465, for sharing) is hands down the best version of Tortang Talong I’ve ever had. It’s got a nice toasty flavor and it’s so so so good. Best eaten with the ketchup it’s served with.
Of course we had to try the Crispy Pata-rrific (₱1,495, for sharing) since Crispy Pata is usually one of a balikbayan’s most requested dishes. The Siklab+ version did not disappoint. The skin is crunchy, I was picking it off and eating it like chips. The meat is very tender and tasty.
For dessert, I had to try my favorite Puto Bumbong (₱175). It’s got everything I can’t eat on a keto diet but I had some anyway lol. No regrets, it’s SOOO GOOD. Very chewy, very fresh.
Bonggang Bibingka (₱185) was a surprise. I normally don’t give bibingka a second look because I’ve never really had a good one (most taste like generic pancakes) but this is shockingly delicious. I don’t know what they did differently but wow, this is a must-try.
Siklab+ is quite the discovery, serving some of the most delectable Filipino food I’ve eaten of late. Prices are very reasonable too. If I were entertaining foreign visitors or balikbayans, I would definitely bring them here. In fact I’d gladly bring myself here again if I want a nice meal.
Siklab+
4/F East Wing, Shangri-la Plaza Mall,
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
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