Tropicalia Family Suite

"Toyo", Tagalog for "soy sauce", hints at the restaurant's appreciation of apparently simple items that in fact take time and are complex to craft. Ingredients are sourced exclusively from the Philippines; fermenting and preserving is done on site. The chef balances seasoning – soy, vinegar and fish sauce – to enhance the dishes and highlight the natural flavours. For a traditional experience, try kamayan: a shared meal served on banana leaf, eaten with your hands.

Inside The Alley at Karrivin, this stylish ramen shop shares premises with a café, making it a good bet for noodle and coffee enthusiasts alike. A young internationally trained chef brings his love of Japan to the table – eg Billy's pork rib ramen in a rich pork bone broth, offering an endless depth of flavour. The three types of noodles on the menu are homemade. Order a side of deliciously smoky edamame grilled with sesame oil. Curved wood creates a wave-like ceiling in the modern interior.

Led by chef Fernando Alcalá Garaizábal of Kava in Marbella, Bolero charms with its Spanish soul. The largely Spanish menu is laced with Mediterranean notes and the odd global influence – built for sharing, generous portions make for great value. Start with a cocktail from the extensive list. Dishes such as coal-grilled Ibérico presa and ribeye empanadas impress, but the highlight is a decadent, molten-centred cheesecake – an award-winner in Spain.

Culinary excellence meets environmental integrity at Gallery by Chele, from local sourcing and waste reduction to educating diners. They forego à la carte in favour of three carefully crafted tasting menus – a lunch set menu, plus a six or 10-course menu in a vegetarian or fish/meat variant – that showcase Filipino ingredients through indigenous produce and partnerships with local farmers and fishermen.

Located on a corner of BGC, this restaurant brings typical Filipino flavours into a modern setting. The menu includes a well-balanced selection of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, but their signature dish is cochinillo (hence "Cochi"). This roasted suckling pig marinated in 12 herbs and spices and slow cooked for 3 hours is served in generous portions – a festive, shareable dish that comes with a little tableside theatre for good measure.

Exposed brick, bright colours and warm lighting make this a vibrant and inviting setting. The menu hones in on North Indian cuisine – rich, spiced and hearty fare. Ranging from traditional snacks to a variety of curries, dishes include butter chicken, dal makhani and the standout mutton bhuna masala, which is slow cooked to tender perfection. Don't miss the naan baked in a tandoor for a chewy texture and smoky aroma that complements the flavours beautifully.

This modest, family-style eatery in Taguig brings the charm of Hanoi to Manila with a menu of Vietnamese favourites. Expect comforting bowls of phở gà, a crisp nem rán appetiser and fragrant rice noodles with grilled pork. There aren't any desserts, but the bánh mì makes for a speedy, satisfying takeaway. Its name, an affectionate nod to Vietnam's capital, reflects the warmth and soul you will relish in every bite. Simple, sincere and quietly memorable.