You don’t have to fly to parts unknown just to check out a new food scene. Not when curious foodies on a strict budget can get their kicks at the neighborhood food park.
These trendy food communities sprouting like mushrooms all over Metro Manila offer various kinds of gastronomic experiences—from international flavors to homegrown recipes— that are friendly both on the pocket and on the taste buds.
And this “homegrown” factor is what Super loved about El Neo Garahe, a newcomer in Quezon City’s food park scene.
This Fairview food hub, which opened in April, spoils us with 15 unique food concepts to choose from—the latest Asian fusion cuisines, go-to Pinoy favorites, and familiar comfort food that will look right at home on our lola’s dining table.
It also has a bar (Likido Station), perfect for barkada night-outs when you just want another one for the road. Visit this open-air food park on Saturday nights to enjoy live music and get the full chill-out experience.
Here are some of Super’s must-tries and favorites from El Neo Garahe:
LA CALLE
Experience Vigan in Metro Manila through La Calle’s Ilocano recipes. With ingredients directly sourced from the north, La Calle’s Vigan-inspired menu is the real deal. Enjoy their crispy bagnet (P180) as is or try its much-requested sinigang (P190) and pinakbet (P160) versions.
Check out the empanada stuffed with chopped Vigan longganisa (P85) and dragonfruit shake (P85).
STOMACH AID
Listen up, carnivores, Stomach Aid is where you can get your meat fix. The T-bone and porterhouse steak options are hearty enough, but the bulalo pares (P239) is Super’s top choice. The beef shank is cooked in the traditional sweet and savory pares sauce until it becomes fall-off-the-bone tender.
Super tip: Balance this indulgent dish with a steaming cup of garlic fried rice.
RAPSA PATATA
If you’re someone who worships at the altar of the ever-versatile potato, Rapsa Patata is the answer to your prayers. Their fried potatoes come in all shapes and sizes (standard fries, crisscut, twister and mojos), and flavors (barbecue, cheese and sour cream). For that added oomph, pair your fries with your choice of dip.
VOLCANIC PLATE
Check out Volcanic Plate if you’re in for a beer match or a stomach-filling meal. We loved the multiple textures of the Sisig Pork Pinatubo (P145) with its crispy and flaky pork cheek and velvety toasted liver chunks. As the name suggests, prepare for a bit of zing.
Also try El Gio’s Chicken (P155). With the roasted chicken’s perfectly seared skin and tangy herbed meat, who would believe this recipe was developed by a kid?
THE BRAW (BURGER, RIBS AND WINGS) BARN
Eat with your hands and embrace the mess when you try out The Braw Barn’s savory fare. Their burger menu boasts 10 different combinations— from three-cheese to hot buffalo to an onion ring-topped patty.
If you’re willing to share (or feeling extra hungry—we won’t judge), try the 9-inch beef-bacon-mushroom-cheese burger (P445) or the cheese-filled burger bowl (P230).
For the wing lovers, choose from five different recipes— original, hot buffalo, honey glazed, lemon pepper and bourbon barbecue (P165).
RACING STICKS
Greek pork souvlaki, Serbian pork ražnjici, and Croatian grilled chicken (P99, one meat skewer with garlic rice)—the names may seem a bit complicated, but Racing Sticks’ meat skewers are packed with various herbs to give each its own unique Mediterranean flavor.
Don’t forget to stick around for some exotic street snacks, too. Super dares you to try the grilled chicken head skewer—a real stomach churner for the squeamish eater.
FELIZ COFFEE & SWEETS
We may not have the famed Unicorn Frappuccino in our local Starbucks, but we’ve always had something better— ice scramble. The lone dessert stall in the food park, Feliz, serves the classic street-favorite strawberry shaved ice generously topped with whipped cream, toasted marshmallows, white chocolate chips and white chocolate- coated pretzels.
For the chocoholics, check out the crispy original churros (P90) with chocolate ganache sauce.
ANTOJITOS
Antojitos may be this food park’s go-to Mexican food stop, but this little stall packs a tasty punch. All of your favorites —from burritos to quesadillas to nachos—get that complex Latin American flavor as Antojitos sources its spices straight from Mexico. If you’re drooling for elotes, the popular Mexican corn snack, check out its shredded alter-ego, esquites (P60).
PIZZA STREAT
We’re definitely coming back for more of Pizza Streat’s chicken mushroom pasta (P139). This comforting and uncomplicated recipe has al dente penne pasta enveloped in garlicky cream sauce with chicken chunks.
Another must-try is the S’mores Dessert Pizza (P149) with a handmade and pugon-baked crust. This pizza place offers every imaginable pizza topping in 12-inch crusts. Super tip: If you’re with a couple of friends, request for square-cut pizza slices.
El Neo Garahe Food Park is at Block 176, Lot 22, Commonwealth Ave., Barangay North Fairview, Quezon City (right across from Casa Milan subdivision). It is open daily, 4 p.m.-12 midnight, Sunday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Friday-Saturday.