Mangan

Metro Manila is full of little ironies or opposites coming together to produce a new meaning. Such is the irony that a restaurant features stylized Filipino\Kapampangan cuisine with a twist. Mall crowds are greeted by modern art renditions of familiar Filipino pop culture icons like Cory Aquino, Dolphy, and Nora Aunor. The tension between modern and classic finds one pleasantly mystified by what – she feels is a misplaced nostalgia as – she views the menu board which is reminiscent of old-style carinderias.  “Is this the Twilight Zone?” one might ask.

The food is more straightforward, with a menu that is neither dizzying nor intimidating. Go straight to the ‘tried-and-tested’ favorites like Tinapa Rice, which is served generously in US-style portions. The rice is not oily, but clean like the interiors; fluffy like the ambience; and the tastes are balanced and proportioned, not overly salty.

Despite its “arsty-fartsy” exterior, the restaurant does not lose its sense of humor, offering Pinoy versions of the Japanese Bento box, calling them Imbento boxes. These affordably-priced boxes come with condiments such as pickled items.

Mangan gets trendy but spot-on with the salabat or ginger drink with kamote cubes. It is soothing, refreshing and affordable. The Sinigang Salmon sa Miso is homey, yet creatively uses salmon instead of the regular bangus. It feels like an instant classic.

The Kare-kare with Shrimp Paste hits home with both foreigners seeking some­thing exotic and natives who know what they want. The meat, vegetables, and peanut sauce concoction is colorfully orange, and deserves to be framed alongside the art­work on the walls. Before getting lost in the crowd, cool your head with some halo-halo (literally mix-mix), a cool milky drink which gets a Kapampangan treatment.

 

Branches:

L2, Robinson’s Galleria,

Quezon City

Tel. No.: 687-4459

Branches: Q.C. ,

Manila , Glorietta

Monday to Sunday: 10am – 9am

 

Specialties:

Tinapa Rice, Imbento, Sinigang Salmon sa miso, Kare-kare with Shrimp Paste

Attire: Casual

Mode of Payment: Cash/Credit

Parking: Mall/Bldg. Parking

Non-Smoking