Zoy's Top 5: 2022 Food Destinations

I’m listing down the five food destinations that blew my mind (and enlarged my stomach) in 2022. These are places that I’ve never been to, haven’t fully explored yet, or have been to but needs to be recognized again. It could be an eatery or restaurant, a hawker center or food court or food hall, or an area in a city or even an entire city.

All of the destinations are in the Philippines, as I wasn’t able to go out of the country in 2022. But I’m crossing my fingers that my wife and I will be able to travel abroad this year!

So let’s start with Top 5…

5. Wardo Restaurant (Makati City, metro manila)

Formerly called Warung Indo, Wardo Restaurant serves authentic Chinese-Indonesian food. It’s open twenty four hours, six days a week, and they have a constant stream of dine-in customers and delivery orders.

My favorites here are: Gado-Gado (traditional Indonesian mixed salad composed of slightly boiled vegetables, tofu, and a nutty sauce), Nasi Goreng (fried rice) Ayam Penyet (traditional marinated chicken), and Nasi Goreng Sate (special fried rice with satay, omelette, and prawn crackers).

Address: LPL Manor, San Augustin St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 24 hours open (closes at Sunday, 7AM) | Contact No.: 0926-7055507 | Facebook | Instagram

4. Marudori (Makati City, metro manila)

Marudori is the latest concept of the Nippon Hasha, the group behind Mendokoro Ramenba and Ramen Yushoken (check out the branch exclusives I tried in both ramen spots here). While its older siblings focus on Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen, Marudori specializes on Paitan (chicken-based) ramen. In fact, “Maru” means “whole” and “dori” is derived from “tori” (chicken), conveying that Marudori uses all parts of chicken to make their soup.

Marudori Ramenba at Salcedo Village, Makati City

They opened the first branch in Rockwell and the second one in Salcedo Village (both in Makati City), where Mendokoro used to be.

My favorites here are: Tantanmen (sesame paste-based and spicy ramen), Tori Titan Ramen (ramen with a huge piece of grilled boneless chicken thigh), and Gyoza (Japanese dumplings made with chicken).

Rockwell Branch Address: G/F 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Dr., Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-11PM | Contact Nos.: (02) 8771-1827, 0917-6259326

Salcedo Village Branch Address: G/F V. Corporate Centre Building, Soliman St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-11PM | Contact Nos.: (02) 8771-1792

Facebook | Instagram | Website

3. PINEAPPLE COAST (ANGELES CITY, Pampanga)

Pineapple Coast is a taco spot and bar helmed by Nico Tayag, the son of the renowned chef Claude Tayag. Their tacos are definitely the best in Angeles and are now my favorite in the country!

My favorites here are: Al Pastor (tacos with grilled pork shoulder and pineapples), Birria Campechano (tacos with stewed USDA short ribs and ox tripe), and Gringo (stewed USDA beef belly, cheese, pico de gallo, and lettuce placed in a deep-fried tortilla).

Address: 8A Zeppelin St., Hensonville, Angeles City, Pampanga | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5PM-11PM | Contact Nos.: 0918-431 1715 | Facebook | Instagram

2. Vigan City

Vigan City is the capital of the Ilocos Sur, a province in Northern Luzon. It is the longest surviving historic city, founded in the 16th century. Because of that, Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the historic Calle Crisologo of Vigan City

I have Ilocano roots, as 3 of my grandparents are from the Ilocos region. So I’m familiar with (and I love) Ilocano cuisine. To be back in Vigan (I’ve been there once when I was still a teenager) and to try authentic Ilocano food there is like a dream come true!

Here are my favorites in Vigan City: Pinakbet (Ilocano vegetable dish) with Bagnet (deep-fried pork belly) of Kusina Felicitas, Sinanglao (Ilocano innards soup flavored with bile and kamias) of First Sinanglaoan, and Vigan Empanada.

Kusina Felicitas’ *Pinakbet* with *Bagnet*

1. Chef’s Home (Baguio City)

Chef’s Home is a Southeast Asian (particularly Malaysian and Thai) restaurant located along Marcos Highway in Baguio City. It is run by Malaysian chef Alvin Emuang and his Filipina wife Gina, a lovely couple!

I’ve been here twice before our last trip. While I know that the food is top-notch, my tastebuds need some reminder. And Chef’s Home didn’t disappoint. I’m convinced that this is still my favorite restaurant in Baguio!

My favorites here are: Penang Char Beehon, Squid with Salted Egg, and Thai Crispy Papaya Salad.

Address: 88 Marcos Highway, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11AM-2PM & 5PM-8:30PM | Contact No.: 0916-4445756 | Facebook | Instagram (the IG account says it’s inactive)

What are your Top 5 food destinations for 2022? What food did you try there? Comment below! I might visit those destinations next.