The Filipino cuisine is a rich tapestry of diverse flavors interwoven with our fondness for fiestas and other family celebrations, where fun and food take center stage. Filipino dishes are also significant parts of the country’s landscape, with almost every province known for having its own festival and of course, its unique signature dishes. But despite the diversity, a common denominator stands out: all Filipino dishes boast of strong, savory, and robust flavors.

Now, a festive fare that’s boldly Filipino can be savored any day of the week (fiesta, or no fiesta!). Say ‘Mabuhay!’ to the newly opened Siklab+, The Bistro Group’s latest homegrown concept. Siklab+ promises a dining experience that is vibrantly exciting with its bold takes on the country’s traditional culinary heritage with an approachable modern touch. Siklab+’s flavors are bold and assertive, teasing and pleasing the palate in multiple ways—from sweet or sour, to salty and at times spicy—but all deeply comforting regardless of the region from where they originated.

The sophisticated casual ambiance of this 100-seater restaurant (with an al fresco area) is evident in its streamlined and graceful design hinged on muted shades of brown, gray and beige. Every nook and cranny has its modern minimalistic take and is so elegantly put together, something any social media savvy foodie would love to take photos and videos of and share away. However, two eye-catching features that stand out are the tropical island décor at the heart of the restaurant (which underscores the cozy, inviting, and laid-back vibe) and the wooden wall patterns that are creatively shaped like flames to symbolize a fire, a blaze, or a spark—which is exactly what the word ‘siklab’ stands for.

“The Bistro Group has been known to bring in and grow giant international brands for several years now, and we believe that it’s high time that we showcase what the Philippine cuisine has to offer. Siklab+’s menu is curated by our team of culinary experts, and every dish is meticulously planned, prepared, and presented,” Guia Abuel, Chief Operating Officer of Siklab+ and other concepts by The Bistro Group, expressed. Even the way the dishes are presented, she said, is boldly done and come served in striking and truly modern Filipino vessels that would make anyone want to dive into the food without restraint.

Siklab+’s Director of Operations Cyril Reyes expressed how happy he is that the restaurant is strategically located at the 4th Level, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. “There are a lot of offices nearby, and we are targeting employees who are out to have the lunch they deserve or those who would love to treat themselves to a post-work meal. On weekends, we want families and mall goers to come visit. And since we have an access leading to the hotel, we also would like to see those people participating in conventions and conferences, and even hotel guests, have their lunch or dinner at Siklab+ so they would know what it means to have a memorable Filipino dining experience,” he said.

The gastronomic journey at Siklab+ starts with navigating through the menu and choosing which appetizers to dig in first. For starters, there’s the famous Kuhol ni Tanggol (golden snails with kangkong, coconut milk and a refined hint of red curry sauce), the crispy OK na Okoy, the butterflied and crunchy Pinalutong na Tawilis, Lumpiang Ubod ng Sarap, and the Anak ng Tokwa’t Baboy, to whet your appetites. Moving on to the mains, indulge in hearty meat dishes and drool over the KKK: Klasikong Kare-Kare, Pinalutong na Tadyang, Pinoy Bistek, Crispy Dinuguan, and of course, the ever-present dish in any true Pinoy restaurant, the Crispy Pata-rrific. Additionally, the standard Filipino fiesta fare kaldereta is given a decidedly different treatment with the use of tender lamb as the main protein in the Kalderetang Kordero—something which any ‘karne-vore’ would love.

And what’s a Filipino get-together without everyone’s Paboritong Pork Sisig? Siklab+’s version which uses crispy pork ear, belly, and liver will truly please any palate. If you’re partial to pork, the Panalong Pork BBQ, ‘Boy Binagoongan, and Bopis ni Ima are sure not to disappoint. Chicken choices include the signature classic Pinatisang Fried Chicken and the grilled Siniklabang Manok; and both come with fried camote chips. The comforting and sour Sinigang (with your choice of Trio Sinigang na Baboy or the Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas) plus the Batangas Bulalo Ala Eh! are truly soups for the soul. And yes, at Siklab+, you can delight in a filling dish of Lola’s Ginisang Munggo (made extra special with a crunchy chicharon topping) any day of the week…and not just on Friday.

Seafood treasures at Siklab+ include Siniklabang Tuna belly, and Garlicky Squid Adobo. And oh, my gulay! Siklab+’s anthology of local produce-based vegetable dishes such as the smokey Tortalong, GinisAmpalaya, and the ubiquitous Bet Na Pinakbet are the perfect pair for every entree. If you are someone to choose spicy any day, the Gising Gising Na—a creamy combination of Baguio beans and kangkong stalks served with hot chili buts—will perk up your palate, just the way you like it. Rice is life, right? Apart from the usual plain and garlic rice, you may stuff-yourselves-silly with Siklab+’s flavor-packed Bagoong, Dilis, and Chorizo rice choices which are the perfect accompaniment to all these hearty Filipino hometown classics.

Mulling over merienda? Siklab+ offers in-between meal-selections such as Siklab Special Lomi, PBG: Pancit Bihon Guisado, and Pancit Palabok, and the unique Pancit Itim which is squid ink noodles with baby squid, calamansi, cabbage, and cherry tomatoes. To cap off a sumptuous Siklab meal, the restaurant offers elevated takes on sweet treats ranging from ‘kakanin’ (Kalamay Sa Latik or Palitaw) to an innovative take on a classic Turon Trio. The Christmas faves Bonggang Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are available for an all-year-round festive Holiday feel. Don’t forget to drink up Siklab+’s specialty beverages presented in pretty glasses: Kamias Pineapple Slush, Tsokolate at Kalamansi, Siklab Gulaman, and its Filipino-themed cocktails such as the Ube Kolada, Sierra Madre and Dalandan ng Ale to complete your truly Filipino dining experience.

“Apart from the heartwarming and delicious dishes that we offer, what sets Siklab+ apart from other Filipino restaurant is its commitment to consistency, complemented with the Bistro Group’s authentic brand of service, evident in every restaurant, behind every dish and with every service rendered with generous hospitality,” Abuel concluded. At Siklab+, every dish is satisfyingly familiar; no wonder guests would often say: “Wow, this is exactly how my Lola and mom would cook this!”. This excitement and comforting nostalgia are reminiscent of the bold yet heartwarming taste of home, and this is exactly what Siklab+ wants you to savor.

Follow @siklabph on Facebook & Instagram. For restaurant concepts and more information about The Bistro Group, visit https://www.bistro.com.ph/

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by Siklab+.