Griller in Manila 🍲 Shabu Shabu Self-Service

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Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants

Griller in Manila 🍲 Shabu Shabu Self-Service

Welcome to Manila, the vibrant capital city of the Philippines, where history, culture, and modernity converge in a bustling metropolis.

In this article, we take a stroll through the pulsating streets of Manila’s city centre to uncover the hidden gems and rich tapestry of Filipino heritage.

Highlights

 

Discovering Manila City Centre

We tactically avoided a trip into Manila on our arrival in the Philippines, but opted to spend just a couple of days there before taking our return flight home.

Although we didn’t have a lot of time to spare in the city, we visited the older Intramuros area and enjoyed a novel eating experience at a Manila Shabu Shabu restaurant.

Intramuros: A Gateway to the Past

We took a stroll from our Oasis Park Hotel in central Manila to Intramuros. Along the way we were surprised to pass by a golf course. It wasn’t very big, but that’s not the point:

How many cities feature a golf course in the center of the city?

Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants

Intramuros City Centre Golf Course

After this we entered the ancient walls of Intramuros, a living testament to Manila’s colonial heritage. We felt we’d stepped back in time as we traversed cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old Spanish architecture.

In this area you can find iconic landmarks such as Fort Santiago, and dive into the depths of history at the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with ornate baroque details.

Hotel Options in Manila

Manila Cathedral

We then strolled on to Manila Cathedral.

Originally established in 1571, Manila Cathedral has been reduced to ruins multiple times during its chequered history – by fire in 1583, by earthquakes in 1600, 1645 and 1863, and by Allied bombing at the end of the 2nd World War.

Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants

Manila Cathedral

From the majestic Manila Cathedral to the charming Casa Manila, every corner of Intramuros exudes a timeless charm.

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Rizal Park & National Museum

Venturing beyond the walls of Intramuros, we found ourselves amidst the lush greenery of Rizal Park, a sprawling oasis in the heart of Manila.

Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. It is a favorite leisure spot, especially on Sundays and National holidays. The park is named after the Philippine national hero José Rizal who was executed here on December 30, 1896, fanning the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain.

We took a leisurely stroll along the manicured gardens and tranquil ponds, finally visiting the iconic Rizal Monument. The park is animated and lively, with lots of people and activities, and numerous places to get snacks and drinks.

Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants

A giant M&M in Rizal Park

Nearby, you can also find the National Museum Complex, with its treasure trove of art, history, and culture.

From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the museum offers a diverse tapestry of Filipino heritage, spanning millennia of civilization.

Culinary Delights in Binondo, World’s Oldest Chinatown

No exploration of Manila is complete without exploring Binondo, the ultimate gastronomic paradise.

Here, you can embark on a culinary journey through the labyrinthine streets of the world’s oldest Chinatown, where the aroma of sizzling noodles and savory dumplings fills the air. Sink your teeth into mouthwatering delights such as steaming hot siopao, crispy pork belly, and delectable hopia pastries.

Whether feasting at a humble sidewalk stall or a century-old restaurant, every bite in Binondo is a symphony of flavors that celebrates Manila’s multicultural heritage.

Filipino Food 🥢

The Urban Oasis of Makati

You can escape the hustle and bustle of Manila City Centre by venturing into the sleek and cosmopolitan enclave of Makati Central Business District.

Here, towering skyscrapers stand as symbols of progress, housing multinational corporations, upscale shopping malls, and chic dining establishments.

You can also indulge in a shopping spree at Greenbelt or Ayala Center, where designer boutiques and trendy cafes abound. Afterward, unwind amidst the lush greenery of Ayala Triangle Gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban jungle.

From high-end luxury to serene natural beauty, Makati offers a glimpse of Manila’s modern allure.

Sunset Serenade along Manila Baywalk

As our day drew to a close, we wandered down to Manila Baywalk and strolled along the palm-fringed promenade. If you’re in the mood, here you can enjoy freshly grilled seafood at one of the seaside eateries.

As night falls, Manila Bay transforms into a glittering spectacle, and if you’re lucky you can watch the Manila Bay sunset painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.

Griller in Manila – Try ‘Shabu Shabu’

After our walk we ended up again at Robinson’s Mall where we ate at a Shabu Shabu restaurant.

Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants
Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants
Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants
Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants
Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants
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These are restaurants where you can eat and drink as much as you want – including beer. You cook your own soup and grill food at your own table.

Not bad for 599 pesos per person.

Shop at the Mall of Asia?

When we checked out of our hotel we still had time to kill, so we headed across town to the Mall of Asia – supposedly the biggest mall in all of Asia.

It sprawls over a huge area, with far too many fast-food eating places all selling dishes which basically taste the same (chicken, pork or beef cooked in a sweet marinade, served with noodles or rice).

The shops are the most expensive we found in the Philippines, so we wouldn’t recommend this place for souvenir shopping.

Manila Airport & Exit Fees

At the end of an extended trip like this, it can be tricky to calculate exactly how much local currency you will need on your last day to cover final costs.

We knew there was a Terminal Exit Fee to pay at Manila airport, but had no accurate information on how much this would be.

The good news is you can pay the terminal fee by credit card (550 pesos). You’ll also need around 200 pesos taxi fare to get to the airport.

Get from Manila to the Airport

After you pass through to the gates at the airport, there are a few cafes and a limited number of souvenir shops where you can spend your last pesos.

It’s better to have done your shopping beforehand though, as there is not much of interest to buy here.

Manila bomb jokes

Our trip through the Philippines finally ended with a return flight home (via Rome) with Emirates.

… and our overall Philippines impressions? It wasn’t quite what we’d expected…

Our Philippines Impressions

From the historic streets of Intramuros to the bustling energy of Makati, Manila captivates with its rich tapestry of experiences and warm Filipino hospitality.

So why not embark on your own adventure? and discover the pulse of the Philippines in Manila’s city centre.

Hotel Options in Manila


If you enjoyed Griller in Manila Shabu Shabu Restaurants, check out Central Philippines – Cebu & Bohol. You may also like:

 

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1 Comment

Amit

September 11, 2015at 2:01 pm

We ate at Giuseppe restaurant several times during our stay in Panglao Island and my husband and I absolutely loved it. Pretty much everything on the menu is delicious and the service is outstanding.

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