Siklab heats up with new dishes that celebrate the bold Filipino palate
The Bistro Group's only Filipino restaurant unveils new dishes that deepen its commitment to bold, comforting flavors rooted in tradition
Pinatisang Fried Chicken
At Siklab, the only Filipino-themed restaurant in The Bistro Group’s portfolio, comfort food is set ablaze with unapologetic flavor. During an intimate lunch on July 30, we revisited the beloved dining spot at Shangri-La Plaza to preview their newest lineup. The meal was an assertive mix of updated classics and creative twists on familiar favorites.
Since it first opened, Siklab has stood out in a roster of global and fusion concepts by staying grounded in Filipino tradition. It is, for many including this writer, one of the most reliable go-tos in the Bistro lineup. Dishes like the Dulong ng Palad, a creamy and briny appetizer built around tiny silver fish; Salted Egg Rice, with its golden grains studded with salted yolk; and the Sizzling Bulalo Ala Eh, a bone marrow-laced sizzling plate inspired by Batangueño beef soup, are the must-tries in the new menu.
These dishes are joined by a fresh wave of offerings.
Among the starters, Lumpiang Ubod ng Lutong delivers a delicate crunch. Its heart of palm filling is wrapped in a shell that strikes the right balance between crispness and tenderness. Honey My Love So Chick, a playful name for an equally engaging dish, features fried chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet honey sauce, ideal for both young diners and adults seeking comfort food.
For dessert, Siklab introduces Bang Bang Halo-Halo, a colorful and indulgent take on the summer favorite, and a smooth, dense Leche Flan with deep caramel notes that bring richness and depth.
The drinks deserve attention. Pulutpukyutang Pakwan, a watermelon-based refreshment with a name as tongue-twisting as it is charming, stands out as a tropical crowd-pleaser. For a more adventurous pairing, Tsokolate Kalamansi blends rich chocolate with bright citrus in a combination that surprises with its balance.
The core menu continues to showcase Filipino heritage dishes. Kuhol ni Tanggol offers snails stewed in coconut milk, while Trio Sinigang highlights the sour flavors of sampaloc, kamias, and bayabas in one bowl. Paboritong Sisig brings pork head cuts to the sizzling plate, crackling and savory, with every bite hitting the mark.
Group diners can take advantage of the Handaan Platters, which include options like Boy Binagoongan, Crispy Dinuguan, and Palitaw. Solo diners have the Siklabox meals, portable and practical, with options such as Pinatisang Fried Chicken or Bet na Pinakbet for a meal that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to bring on the go.
The interiors are modern and minimal, using tones of brown, gray, and beige to create a warm, unpretentious space. With its flagship branch at Shangri-La Plaza, Siklab is now expanding south, opening a new 110-seater at EVO City in Cavite. More locations are set to follow in Pasay and Taguig.
Whether you stop by for merienda with Bonggang Bibingka, share a family-style lunch of Klasikong Kare-Kare, or grab a Siklabox on a busy weekday, Siklab continues to serve Filipino cuisine with confidence and clarity. It is a place where the food speaks boldly, with no need for extra flair.