A gastronomic journey all under one roof
If you're hungry for a staycation, go where you have many options to eat
Published Jun 8, 2023 02:17 am
In the bustling area of Metro Manila that is Bonifacio Global City, the aptly named Shangri-La always felt like a luxurious oasis that one can quickly escape to. I have a fondness for hotels, even when I’m not traveling. You get that feeling of escape the moment you enter one. Yet, what truly sets Shangri-La The Fort apart and keeps drawing me back is its array of gastronomic destinations within. Each restaurant takes discerning palates on an extraordinary journey, exploring diverse flavors and culinary traditions from around the world, all without having to leave the city. It’s a place where elegance meets innovation and the art of indulgence is perfected.
During my weekend stay, I embraced the challenge of trying each restaurant for every meal, knowing fully well that my commitment would be tested during my Pilates sessions in the days that followed. But trust me—it was all worth it.
THE BREAKFAST CLUB From freshly baked croissants and pastries to customizable eggs cooked to perfection, High Street Cafe's skilled chefs showcase their mastery as they whip up breakfast in front of you
Commencing the day at High Street Cafe proved to be an excellent decision. Frequented by hotel guests on business trips and families seeking a staycation, the restaurant boasts a breakfast buffet that caters to every palate. The live cooking stations, manned by skilled chefs, showcase their mastery as they whip up breakfast in front of you. From freshly baked croissants and pastries to customizable eggs cooked to perfection, it offers a delightful range of options.
Notably, High Street Cafe sets itself apart by placing a spotlight on Asian cuisine. Guests can savor noodle dishes, dim sum, and traditional Filipino breakfast favorites. I was delighted to witness the serving of taho, a silken tofu delicacy infused with vanilla and tapioca, as well as arroz caldo and champorado, comforting dishes that evoked nostalgia. “We encourage foreign guests to give these dishes that are new to them a try, sharing our way of eating along with stories on how we would have them while growing up,” said sous chef Leandro Pineda. It was at High Street Cafe that I discovered the best champorado in the city, rightfully served with milk and anchovies, prompting me to indulge in it more than once in a single sitting.
Later that day, I found myself enjoying a fulfilling lunch at Canton Road. The deep-rooted ties between Filipinos and Chinese culture stretch far back in history. Manila proudly hosts the oldest Chinatown in the world, which has greatly influenced our cuisine as well. Canton Road, with its elevated treatment of known Chinese dishes and exquisite dim sum, has become my go-to destination in BGC to satiate cravings for Chinese food.
The US Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras, prepared in a crispy garlic pepper sauce, won me over with its sinful indulgence, leaving a lasting impression. The Crispy Wasabi Coated Prawn Balls, Slow Baked Honey Glazed BBQ Pork Bun, and Xiao Long Bao also proved to be exceptional. Canton Road’s emphasis on sharing further enhances the experience, making it an ideal choice for a delightful lunch with a large group of companions.
I once walked past Raging Bull Chophouse with a friend. When we stopped to read the menu, she remarked that I seemed to be more interested in the sides, salts, and sauces. There’s truth in that. A steak is pretty straightforward to me. I know what flavor profile and texture I should be getting based on the cut. But not all steakhouse sides are created equal.
On my actual visit, I ordered the grain-fed Tajima Wagyu from Australia, medium rare. It said on the menu that it was good for one but I shared it with my husband and it left us stuffed. The marbling was absolutely beautiful and so was the gradient of the meat as it transitioned from pink to red. I enjoyed the blue cheese sauce or just a plain sprinkling of sea salt for my meat, a true testament to its quality. The Raging Bull Salad with its light vinaigrette, crab cakes, and the potato gratin with Gruyère were all stellar. I downed everything with a Cowboy “Old Fashioned,” which came with hickory smoke, adding to the ambiance of the dinner.
Last night, I was seated next to a self-confessed steak guy from the US Embassy. As I eagerly told him about Raging Bull, he asked: “Do they have creamed spinach?” I felt validated, knowing that I’m not the only one who puts a lot of importance to the role of the sides. And in case you’re wondering, yes, they do.
Ah, Samba. One of the restaurants I’ve been to the most since moving back to the Philippines. It’s the closest I’ve been to Peru and I already know I will love it there. I always have the Piqueo Tres Ceviches because having just one of Chef Carlo Huerta Echegaray’s ceviches is practically criminal.
The Lomo Saltado is also a huge favorite of mine. Previous visits had me enjoying the Arroz con Mariscos (cheesy, spiced rice with seafood), which I now prefer over paella, and its healthier cousin that uses quinoa—Prawns Quinnoto.
The High Street Lounge serves the hotel’s famed afternoon tea, with proper low tables and beautiful armchairs. Coming for lunch, however, gives you access to the Curry Laksa everyone raves about. I lived in Malaysia for almost three years, and the bowl I got here satiated my long-time cravings. If you can’t decide on just one dessert, they have a dessert platter that I really enjoyed. Order the Blonde Bombshell cocktail if you like bergamot-infused vodka with citrus notes. It’s great place for a relaxing and intimate meal.
Whether you’re staying in or just coming to dine, the feeling at the Shangri-La is always the same. Every bite and every moment truly become a cherished memory.
During my weekend stay, I embraced the challenge of trying each restaurant for every meal, knowing fully well that my commitment would be tested during my Pilates sessions in the days that followed. But trust me—it was all worth it.
High Street Cafe
Commencing the day at High Street Cafe proved to be an excellent decision. Frequented by hotel guests on business trips and families seeking a staycation, the restaurant boasts a breakfast buffet that caters to every palate. The live cooking stations, manned by skilled chefs, showcase their mastery as they whip up breakfast in front of you. From freshly baked croissants and pastries to customizable eggs cooked to perfection, it offers a delightful range of options.
Notably, High Street Cafe sets itself apart by placing a spotlight on Asian cuisine. Guests can savor noodle dishes, dim sum, and traditional Filipino breakfast favorites. I was delighted to witness the serving of taho, a silken tofu delicacy infused with vanilla and tapioca, as well as arroz caldo and champorado, comforting dishes that evoked nostalgia. “We encourage foreign guests to give these dishes that are new to them a try, sharing our way of eating along with stories on how we would have them while growing up,” said sous chef Leandro Pineda. It was at High Street Cafe that I discovered the best champorado in the city, rightfully served with milk and anchovies, prompting me to indulge in it more than once in a single sitting.
Canton Road
Later that day, I found myself enjoying a fulfilling lunch at Canton Road. The deep-rooted ties between Filipinos and Chinese culture stretch far back in history. Manila proudly hosts the oldest Chinatown in the world, which has greatly influenced our cuisine as well. Canton Road, with its elevated treatment of known Chinese dishes and exquisite dim sum, has become my go-to destination in BGC to satiate cravings for Chinese food.
The US Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras, prepared in a crispy garlic pepper sauce, won me over with its sinful indulgence, leaving a lasting impression. The Crispy Wasabi Coated Prawn Balls, Slow Baked Honey Glazed BBQ Pork Bun, and Xiao Long Bao also proved to be exceptional. Canton Road’s emphasis on sharing further enhances the experience, making it an ideal choice for a delightful lunch with a large group of companions.
Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar
I once walked past Raging Bull Chophouse with a friend. When we stopped to read the menu, she remarked that I seemed to be more interested in the sides, salts, and sauces. There’s truth in that. A steak is pretty straightforward to me. I know what flavor profile and texture I should be getting based on the cut. But not all steakhouse sides are created equal.
On my actual visit, I ordered the grain-fed Tajima Wagyu from Australia, medium rare. It said on the menu that it was good for one but I shared it with my husband and it left us stuffed. The marbling was absolutely beautiful and so was the gradient of the meat as it transitioned from pink to red. I enjoyed the blue cheese sauce or just a plain sprinkling of sea salt for my meat, a true testament to its quality. The Raging Bull Salad with its light vinaigrette, crab cakes, and the potato gratin with Gruyère were all stellar. I downed everything with a Cowboy “Old Fashioned,” which came with hickory smoke, adding to the ambiance of the dinner.
Last night, I was seated next to a self-confessed steak guy from the US Embassy. As I eagerly told him about Raging Bull, he asked: “Do they have creamed spinach?” I felt validated, knowing that I’m not the only one who puts a lot of importance to the role of the sides. And in case you’re wondering, yes, they do.
Samba
Ah, Samba. One of the restaurants I’ve been to the most since moving back to the Philippines. It’s the closest I’ve been to Peru and I already know I will love it there. I always have the Piqueo Tres Ceviches because having just one of Chef Carlo Huerta Echegaray’s ceviches is practically criminal.
The Lomo Saltado is also a huge favorite of mine. Previous visits had me enjoying the Arroz con Mariscos (cheesy, spiced rice with seafood), which I now prefer over paella, and its healthier cousin that uses quinoa—Prawns Quinnoto.
High Street Lounge
The High Street Lounge serves the hotel’s famed afternoon tea, with proper low tables and beautiful armchairs. Coming for lunch, however, gives you access to the Curry Laksa everyone raves about. I lived in Malaysia for almost three years, and the bowl I got here satiated my long-time cravings. If you can’t decide on just one dessert, they have a dessert platter that I really enjoyed. Order the Blonde Bombshell cocktail if you like bergamot-infused vodka with citrus notes. It’s great place for a relaxing and intimate meal.
Whether you’re staying in or just coming to dine, the feeling at the Shangri-La is always the same. Every bite and every moment truly become a cherished memory.