The chef life is a demanding one, where running around on your feet for hours and catering to a nonstop influx of orders is just part of the daily grind. Reaching the end of the dinner shift is thus enough reason to celebrate, even on a regular weekday.
As chefs work long hours, their days tend to end late in the evening or even in the wee hours of the morning. We asked some of the most well-loved chefs in Manila where they refuel and find solace after midnight, especially after a long day in the professional kitchen.
Edward Bugia of Flipside Burgers, Easter Coffee Club, and Bean & Yolk
“If I’m hungry, Good Luck Hotpot is open 24 hours. I love their tomato broth! I’m also a beef pares guy through and through. I eat at the [spots] I grew up with such as Cocoy’s and D’Original Pares. Basta crucial you get siomai on the side!”
Kel Zaguirre of Locavore, Kampai, Mabuhay Craft Coffee, and Binondo Boys
“I have a list of go-to places for when I’m hungry after midnight. For Chinese or Chinoy comfort food, I go to Binondo Boys, open 24/7 in the Scout area of Quezon City. There’s also Maki ni Allan open 4am onwards in San Juan—I love their maki and kiampong. For hotpot, I love Good Luck Hotpot, open 24/7 in Poblacion.
For Korean, BBQ my go-to is Ogane BBQ, open 24/7 in Tomas Morato. Then for Japanese, I go to Shonan Izakaya in the Creekside Building near Makati Cinema Square.
If I’m looking for Indian, I visit Royal Indian Curry House. Then for Persian, it’s Mister Kebab or Uncle Moe’s. And for coffee and pastries, there’s Mabuhay Craft Coffee, open 24/7 in San Juan.”
Tina Legarda of Bamba Bistro and Kumba
“This list could go on, but these are my go-to’s near work in BF Homes, Parañaque. Depends on how bad my munchies are but usually my default is a toss-up between dim sum, noodles, a sandwich, or hot pot.
First is Andok’s Spicy Dokito Burger. Must be freshly made and make sure you tell kuya you want the softest buns he has. I love that there’s an Andok’s branch located right beside Bamba.
At Eat Fresh, I love the siomai and Hong Kong-style noodles. Get all their sauces—the sweet one, the peanut sauce, and the chili garlic—and toss them into the noodles for best results.
When I’m starving (and stressed) I always crave Jiang Nan. Nothing like piping-hot hot pot after a tiring day. Best part? The BF branch is conveniently stationed in front of Kumba.”
Mikee Lopez and Alex Tan of Tandem
“We love Kenshin, near Tandem in Arnaiz. It’s like a budget Japanese restaurant, and it’s usually open ‘til late. The simple stuff, they do really well, and it’s good value for money also.”
Him Uy de Baron, consultant for the Sunny Side Group, Caravan Black and Casa Luisa
“Nowadays, I’m fast as sleep way before midnight. But when I used to run service, after closing, I’d stop by Mien San in San Juan, Goto Tendon in Araneta Ave., or Goto Monster if the event is in Makati. Somewhere I can have something warm and quick. Braised tendon is my go-to; arroz caldo always hits the spot; and spicy noodles greatly satisfies.”
JP Anglo of Sarsa and Kooya Filipino Eatery
“Last time I was in Manila, I actually went to Baka Ramen. I guess as a chef, you still wanna eat something good even though nakainom ka na. The ramen was good, it was clean, it hit the spot. You know when you’re hungry, you want something tasty. It had a pretty cool space too, like super hip with good music. Everyone’s just minding their own business, everyone also just came from a night out.
Also Jollibee Chickenjoy. I love a good Chickenjoy tapos leg and thigh, tapos sasabihin mo ‘willing to wait’ and you’ll wait 20 minutes for a brand new, freshly fried Chickenjoy. So those two.”
Kalel Chan of the Raintree Group of Restaurants (Saboten, Chotto Matte, Friends & Family, Cha-Cha’s Boracay, Jones All Day, Farmer’s Table), Café Mabini, Lobby 385
“First is Chinese Beef Noodle House, the Makati Avenue branch specifically. I get the braised beef noodles, the Jingjiang chicken shreds, the Chongqing spicy deep fried chicken, and the Sichuan boiled fish.
Then, there’s Taiwan Kitchen on Dela Rosa Street, Makati. I love their Taiwan rail way bentos with a little bit of everything, the red misua with pork intestines, the Sichuan pork xiao long bao, the fried radish cake, and the Taiwanese sausage.
Last but not the least is RJ Bulalohan in Mandaluyong for their bulalo of course, kilawin kambing, and papaitan!”
Chef Pat Go of Your Local, Lazy Suzy, Mono Beef Bar
“On a busy day, a hot, hearty, and savory bowl of beef noodle soup is the best after-service meal. Chinese Beef Noodle House doesn’t miss with its flavors. They also have an extensive menu of Chinese dishes to choose from.”
Mauricio Noel of the Tasteless Food Group (The Underbelly, Tsuke-Men, Gatsuman, Bored & Hungry, Lah Lah Lah, 50/50)
“I go to Taiwan Kitchen and get the Lu Rou Fan bento. The spicy version specifically is the best! It’s like Taiwanese crack, hahaha. The bento comes with Taiwanese sausage, a breaded cutlet, scallion chicken, green beans, and pickled greens. It’s a complete meal (and then some)—plus they have milk tea too, so pwedeng isabay.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Manila chefs have a wide range of late-night favorites, including Good Luck Hotpot, Binondo Boys, Baka Ramen, Chinese Beef Noodle House, Taiwan Kitchen, Kenshin, and RJ Bulalohan.
Their choices range from hotpot, ramen, beef noodles, pares, and dim sum to burgers, Chickenjoy, Japanese food, and Taiwanese comfort dishes.
Some of the chefs featured recommend 24-hour establishments including Good Luck Hotpot, Binondo Boys, Ogane BBQ, and Mabuhay Craft Coffee.
JP Anglo recommends Baka Ramen as a satisfying option after a night out, while other chefs favor hearty dishes such as beef noodles, hotpot, and pares.
Taiwan Kitchen is recommended by both Kalel Chan and Mauricio Noel, with favorites including Taiwanese bentos, Lu Rou Fan, sausage, and other comfort-food dishes.
