Want to keep up with the latest in tech?
A Definitive Guide to Eating Your Way Through Poblacion
If you haven’t ventured through the narrow streets of Poblacion yet, let this be your compass
A couple of months ago, friends of mine were in town for around a week to watch a concert in Manila. Having flown in from other Asian countries and across the globe, it was clear what the first order of business was: to get local cuisine in their stomachs. While I was expecting us to venture to the nearest Jollibee or to be dragged along to BGC or a mall, to my surprise, the rest of our friend group decided to take the foreigners in the group to Poblacion.
Years ago, Poblacion may have just been known for its narrow streets and the red light district within it, but one thing’s for certain: this little pocket of Makati is much more than that now.
Today, Poblacion is a melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines—a foodie’s dream. Every street promises a restaurant, bar or cafe well worth trying out. But with so many promising places to eat, where does one even begin?
Don’t fret; that’s where this article comes in. Let this be your compass to the bustling bars and culturally diverse kitchens of the Poblacion area. Ahead, eight must-visit spots for your next Poblacion haunt:
RELATED: The Best Pizzas in Town You Might Not Know About
Khao Khai Thai Chicken House
Forget the pad thai; here, chicken rice and dishes from Thailand’s culinary capital reign supreme
Image via Khao Khai Thai Chicken House
Address: 5772 Ebro Street, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 11AM to 1AM (Monday to Thursday), 11AM to 2PM (Friday to Sunday)
Tambai
Your neighborhood sari-sari store turned yakitori house
Image via Tambai
Address: 5779 Felipe St., Barangay Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 6PM to 1AM (Monday to Sunday)
Pura Vida
The go-to place for Costa Rican cuisine and a good time
 |  |
Images via Pura Vida Manila
Address: Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 6PM to 2:30AM (Monday to Saturday)
Kermit Manila
Arguably a more refined version of the original Siargao pizza place, Kermit’s Poblacion location serves up spirits and Napoletana flavors
Address: Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 5PM to 1AM (Monday to Friday), 11AM to 1AM (Saturday and Sunday)
Gaja Korean Kitchen
Generous portions, rich flavors, and a hidden soju bar await
Image via Gaja Korean Kitchen
Address: 2/F, 8445 Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 11AM to 11:30PM (Monday to Sunday)
YOI Sake Bar and Restaurant
Masterfully plated, mouthwatering dishes for Japanese foodies
Image via YOI Sake Bar & Restaurant
Address: 5579 Alfonso Corner Fermina Street, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 7PM to 2AM (Monday to Sunday)
Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen
The food and drinks at Agimat will convince you that there’s something magical at work in this place
Image via Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen
Address: 2/F 5972 Alfonso Corner Fermina Street, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 6PM to 2AM (Monday to Saturday), 6PM to 12MN (Sunday)
Wantusawa
Say hello to the best oysters in Makati
Image via Wantusawa
Address: Tambai Alley, 5779 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati
Hours: 6PM to 12MN (Monday to Sunday)
RELATED: Bring Out The Cheese! The Must-Try Dishes In Manila For Cheese-Obsessed Foodies
