Class is back in session! So it means that it’s time for the usual routine: early mornings, surprise quizzes, questionable sleep schedules, and of course, the challenge of figuring out where to eat after a stress-filled day of class!
Luckily, the biggest universities always have some of the most interesting restaurants waiting just outside their gates. From loaded subs in Maginhawa and Michelin-recognized tacos in Taft to Japanese-inspired fried chicken around Katipunan, and spice-filled Middle Eastern meals in Sampaloc, these spots may not always be the cheapest option, but they’re the kind of spots worth taking a bite out of your baon for.
1. Between Subs (near UP Diliman)
When you’re busy in between classes, there’s no beating the convenience of a sandwich. It’s simple, easy to carry, and just as filling as an overloaded rice bowl. And if you’re in the Diliman area, there are few places with sandwiches as good as Between Subs.
And trust us, this Maginhawa favorite always has something for every kind of sandwich craving or preference. Their Philly Cheesesteak, for example, is a savory, cheese-filled sandwich made with sourdough bread and the choice of either shredded beef or a chicken fillet for the meat. It also comes with a colorful assortment of vegetables like lettuce, peppers, onions, and bright red tomatoes for added texture, nutrition, and of course, flavor.
So whether you’re craving something cheesy, meaty, or simply filling, Between Subs makes choosing between your next sandwich a pretty easy task.
Between Subs is located at 33 Malingap, Diliman, Quezon City.
2. El Poco Cantina (near De La Salle University)
It’s not everyday that you get a chance to dine at a Michelin-recognized restaurant, so when one happens to be just right by one of the biggest universities in De La Salle, you might as well take advantage! But even before all the awards and Tiktok videos, El Poco Cantina was already a Taft favorite because of great Mexican comfort food, serving up tacos, nachos, tostadas, and more.
You’ve probably heard about their quesobirria or birria tacos—and for good reason. These 5-inch tortillas are packed with either beef barbacoa or pork carnitas before being bombarded with a roster of toppings that range from staples like onions and cilantro to gooey mozzarella cheese and bright pico de gallo. You can also give their Birria Nachos a go, which piles that same rich, savory goodness on top of a crunchy, cheesy base.
It may seem like a splurge compared to your usual campus meal, but with food this good, sometimes lunch is worth the little extra fiesta.
El Poco Cantina is located at 945 Estrada, Malate, Manila. They also have branch at 2073 Pinagpala Bldg, C. M Recto Ave, Sampaloc, Manila.
3. TETSUO (near Ateneo de Manila University)
If you’re a Blue Eagle, wings are already kind of your thing. So why not add a few more to the plate? TETSUO, a spot known for Japanese-inspired comfort food, recently left its longtime Esteban Abada nest, but thankfully, the fried chicken we’ve all been flocking to over the years is still very much along for the ride.
And there’s a perfectly good reason for why their chicken has stuck around! Served typically as a thigh and leg, this substantial bird is marinated in buttermilk and spices so you get a satisfying combination of crispy, flavorful skin, and juicy meat even after hours of being fried. There’s also three spice levels to choose from so you can keep things citrusy, mild, or hot and smoky.
Whether you’re enjoying it with their nori rice or in between a soft mantou bun with ponzu mayo, kaneda spice, and spring onions, you’re in for fried chicken that’s always worth flying back for.
TETSUO is located at regis Center, 327 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City. They also have a branch at 8483 Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati.
4. Al Jograts Persian Grill (near University of Sto. Tomas)
Between the honking cars, crowded streets, and constant rush of Manila, sometimes you just need to slow down and enjoy a proper meal. For UST students looking for a break from the usual school-day chaos, Al Jograts in Sampaloc serves heart spice-filled Persian plates that aren’t just fragrant, they’re also filling!
Their beef and chicken shawarma are easy recommendations. It doesn’t matter if you get them as a toasted wrap or served over rice, they’re guaranteed to fill you up in the most flavorful way possible. But if you’re extra hungry, their rice meals are probably a better pick—letting you choose between kebabs, grilled chicken, and unbeatable beef.
![Kebab Rice for Al Jograts [PHOTO COURTESY OF Al Jograts Official Instagram]](https://assets.delish.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kebab-Rice-for-Al-Jograts-PHOTO-COURTESY-OF-Al-Jograts-Official-Instagram-2240x2240.webp)
It may only be a short detour from the busy streets outside, but a good plate from Al Jograts makes it pretty easy to forget about the Manila rush for a while.
Al Jograts Persian Grill is located at 1226-A Concepcion St, Sampaloc, Manila.
At the end of the day, school is stressful enough without having to settle for a sad lunch. Whether you’re craving an on-the-go sandwich, a cheesy taco feast, crispy fried chicken, or a hearty Persian plate, these spots prove that sometimes the best way to survive a trying semester is to eat your way through it.
So go ahead and reward yourself with a meal that’s worth skipping class for—just don’t make us explain your absence to your professor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Between Subs in Maginhawa is a sandwich spot near UP Diliman known for options such as its Philly Cheesesteak.
El Poco Cantina in Taft serves Mexican comfort food, including tacos, quesobirria, birria nachos, tostadas, and more.
TETSUO serves Japanese-inspired comfort food, including its popular fried chicken, nori rice, and mantou sandwiches.
Al Jograts Persian Grill in Sampaloc serves Persian-inspired meals including shawarma, kebabs, grilled chicken, and rice meals.
Between Subs, El Poco Cantina, TETSUO, and Al Jograts Persian Grill each offer a different type of meal, making them good stops for a food trip around Manila’s university areas.
