Ready for a gastronomical adventure after quarantine?
When it comes to native delicacies, the Philippines absolutely has so much to offer. From sour stews to sweet and sticky desserts, Filipino food will always leave you wanting more. And when one says “Filipino food,” one of the best places to go to is Pampanga. The province takes pride in being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines because of its notable dishes, including the all-time favorite sisig (Kapampangan dish made of pig head and chicken liver) and kare-kare (peanut stew sauce).
Just the thought of these yummy dishes is enough to tempt one to hit the road and take a trip all the way to Pampanga—especially to its modernized hub, Clark. This might be a challenge since most establishments are still closed for dine-in services, but with a never-ending list of restaurants in Clark to visit once better days come, you have a food trip to look forward to. This list rounds up the five best restaurants in Clark to go to, so read on to find out what they are!
1. Koko Buri
Location: Berthaphil III, Clark Center, J. Abad Santos Ave., Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga
The restaurant’s sauteed bulgogi beef deserves lots of finger hearts!
Image: Koko Buri Facebook Page
Calling all Korean food lovers: this one’s for you! Koko Buri boasts a menu inspired by Korean dishes. From mouth-watering appetizers including fresh potato chips and chicken popcorn to main dishes like soy garlic chicken and Koko Buri fried chicken, the restaurant is sure to satisfy your K-cravings. Koko Buri offers not only Korean-inspired cuisine, but also Thai and Italian ones like the Bangkok chicken fried rice and pizza con gambari. The resto is open for delivery around the Clark and Angeles area and accepts a minimum order of PhP500 with a fixed delivery fee of PhP50.
Just because you are staying at home by having your food delivered to you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. There are safety measures for food delivery that must be observed to lower the risk of transmission. When receiving food in plastic bags, remember to disinfect the plastic bags but be careful not to touch the food. It is also advisable to transfer the food onto a plate or a bowl and get rid of its original containers at once to prevent cross-contamination. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your food.
2. Amare by Chef Cris
Location: G/F, Royce Hotel and Casino, Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Corner, Ninoy Aquino Ave, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Amare” means “beloved” in Italian.
Image: Royce Hotel Casino Website
Have a taste of Italy at Amare by Chef Cris! The savvy restaurant located in Royce Hotel and Casino is home to classic Italian-Mediterranean dishes that can take your taste buds on a trip to Europe. Swiss Chef Cris Locher showcases his signature invention “rolliza” or “panizza,” a pizza-like dish served with prosciutto di parma, sun-dried figs, and tomato plus gorgonzola cheese. You can choose to have a full-sized serving for PhP790 or a mini-sized one for PhP410. Other unique dishes like the spaghetti Therese (a pasta dish with salmon fillet with shrimp in virgin oil) and ricotta gnocchi (cheese dumplings braised in Pomodoro sauce) are also worth a try.
Accommodation establishments are now slowly reopening, and strict safety measures in their facilities like restaurants are doubled to ensure the safety of their guests. Before entering a restaurant, check if the employees are wearing protective gears like face masks and shields. When queueing, remember to maintain at least one meter distance from the person in front of you. As much as possible, sit on a table with only the same people in your household and always wash your hands before and after dining.
3. Spanglish
Location: Pavilion Mall, Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Just a bite of these buffalo wings is enough to take your taste buds on a fiery ride!
Image: Spanglish Restaurant Facebook Page
Spanglish serves fusion Mexican-American inspired dishes. One of its well-known starters is the nachos supreme: a generous serving of tortilla chips with ground beef, olives, jalapeno peppers, cheese sauce, and sour cream. Another must-try dish is the paquitos, a Spanish version of jalapenos wrapped in spring rolls partnered with red jelly sauce. You can also enjoy their buffalo wings which comes in two versions: sweet & spicy and mild & hot. This is a perfect go-to dish if you’re craving for something with a little extra kick of spice.
Since these Mexican dishes are eaten using the hands, it is very important to remember to wash your hands before and after eating. If you’re planning to visit the resto as a group, be sure to sit at a table with chairs placed at a safe distance. Lastly, avoid sharing your food, dip, and beverage with others as much as possible.
4. B&B Grill
Location: SM City Clark, Treepark, Pampanga
Get your hands on these tasty street-famous treats after quarantine!
Images: B&B Grill Facebook Page
There’s no other street food like Filipino street food! If you miss the taste of your all-time favorite isaw (grilled chicken intestine) or pork barbecue, then B&B Grill is the place to go! The rustic dining spot offers classic grilled delights that are usually best enjoyed with alcoholic beverages like beer. The place serves classic pulutan (dishes eaten with beer) including crispy pata (deep-fried pig trotters), kare-kareng bagnet (peanut sauce stew with crispy pork belly). You can also order an alcoholic beverage of your choice to match with your pulutan.
Just like other restaurants, B&B Grill is also open for food delivery. When ordering food, opt for touchless payment options like online bank transfers or virtual wallets like GCash. When receiving your order, wear protective equipment like disposable gloves to minimize direct contact. If not avoidable, minimize sharing of food like condiments and dips. Always wash your hands before and after eating.
5. Susie’s Cuisine
Location: SM City Clark, Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, Clark Freeport, Pampanga
Experience authentic Kapampangan cuisine at Susie’s!
Image: Susie’s Cuisine Facebook Page
When it comes to serving the best kakanin (Filipino native delicacies), Susie’s Cuisine sits on top of the list. The restaurant has become a favorite among locals and tourists over time because of its scrumptious menu that is sure to give you a taste of home. Some of its famous dishes include the pancit luglug (Kapampangan version of palabok, a dish of thick noodles cooked in shrimp sauce topped with several ingredients) and a huge bilao (winnowing basket) full of assorted kakanin. You can take a piece of Susie’s Cuisine with you by purchasing various pasalubong (gifts) items from their store.
Since Susie’s is a well-known restaurant, expect it to be flocked with tourists after quarantine. To stay safe and protected, observe social distancing by maintaining 1 or 2 meter distance when falling in line. If you’re planning to dine in, be sure to sit at a table that’s located far from other tables. Keep your chairs at a safe distance as well, and do not share utensils. Minimize sharing of food and beverages, too.
Go to Yoorekka to discover more wonderful spots you might want to visit when it's safe.
These are only some of the best restaurants to visit and the best safety measures to observe to keep yourself safe. Try to make these precautions a habit so dining anywhere can be as fun as before. Stay safe!
