BURP!!! Okay guys, I cannot even describe how giddy I am to write about this restaurant review. I’ve always been a “North Girl”. And for decades now, the Tomas Morato area has always been a go-to for food, drinks, nightouts, and whatnots. Admittedly, however, I haven’t been around the area for quite awhile because events and meetings are mostly held down South. So listen up North peeps, this one’s for you! Finally a hip restaurant and bar worthy of its name and worthy of our patronage: Empacho Restaurant and Bar. And with a tasty, ‘sinful’, empacho-ful new menu to boot too!
Empacho’s Location and Hip Vibe
Located at the 2nd floor of 170 Tomas Morato Corner Don Roces Avenue (beside the joint with the Golden M), this eccentric watering hole is quite a beaut to behold. Mostly characterized by wooden fixtures with dark metal accents, this loft-style restaurant and bar is modern, classy, yet unusually comfy. Downstairs, feel free to sit on one of the cool bar stools to check out how head bartender and co-owner Paolo mixes up those damn-good spirits (more on that on our PART 2 post). While upstairs, enjoy a veranda-like view of the whole place, have a private drinking party, or go people-watching if you must. But whatever floats your boat, one thing’s for sure. You’re in Empacho and you’re going to have a good time! No joke, the resto lives up to its slogan: Come Light, Leave Heavy!
#EmpachoNewDishAlert at Empacho Restaurant and Bar!
So without further adieu, let’s get down to business. Here’s the full ‘NEW MENU’ carefully curated by Chef and Co-Owner Dimchee Nuñez for Empacho Restaurant and Bar.
Chicha-WOW (Php 260.00)
Chicha-WOW
If there’s one sure way to wow a hungry crowd, it’s with size. And this one is just MASSIVE! Sure we’ve all probably tasted the Chicharon (fried pork rind) in spicy, flavored or even with fat on/laman. But nothing like Empacho’s Chicha-WOW! The sheer size of this one will just leave you in complete awe. But don’t tap out just yet, they’re just getting started. Sample the Chicha-WOW’s crunch at just Php 260.00 per pop.
Sisig Fries
First look and immediately I knew the plate was a cool spin-off of one of my favorite snacks, fries. Only these are long (must have been 10 inches each) and had loads of toppings. Not knowing what was inside was another of my favorites: SISIG! Oh what a time to be alive! Priced at only Php 260.00 per order, this dish is highly addictive as they’re fun to eat! Best to consume though right away as they can get soggy and oily inside.
Tri-SAW (Php 350.00)
Tri-SAW
Sounds weird? Nah. It’s just a unique play between TRI for TRIO (or three) and SAW for Isaw (barbecued intestines). Why? Because they’re exactly made of that. Three kinds of Isaw stuffed one into another (beef, pork, and chicken isaw). At Php 350.00 for 3 large sticks, these are your new and soshal pulutan.
Chicha Pop
Remember that crunchy Chicha-WOW you’ve just had? Get the crumbs and coat some chicken lollipops with them. Now you have Empacho’s Chicha Pop! Crunchy on the outside and tasty and tender in the inside, this was easily our group’s favorite! At just Php 280.00 per plate, enjoy a pop or two just like how a kid would enjoy his or hers in a children’s birthday party. Carefree, hand-held, and messy. Don’t forget the Sriracha Mayo for that extra zesty, spicy kick!
Pares Lomi (Php 375.00)
Pares Lomi
It just gets better, doesn’t it? What I love about Empacho is its ingenuity to re-create old favorites and turn them into new flavors. Just like this Pares Lomi (Php 375.00). Reminiscent of the Beef Pares Mami we’ve had in Mongelica’s, this soup hybrid from Empacho is a perfect pick-me-upper for any hungry Juan.
Sizzling Laing na Sugpo (Php 850.00)
Sizzling Laing na Sugpo
I love anything sizzling and just imagine my delight when I found out that hot plate was full of big, yummy-looking prawns! They were just perfect and that laing was so note-worthy! The creamy taste of the laing combined with the flavorful prawns were too good, that we all just has to order rice! An order would set you back by Php 850.00, though. But it was so worth it!
Sinampalukang Tadyang (Php 550.00)
Sinampalukang Tadyang
Saving the best for last is probably a dish I’ll keep coming back to: Empacho’s Sinampalukang Tadyang (Tamarind Ribs Soup). Best enjoyed warm, this dish just had the perfect mix of asim (sourness) and beef savoriness to be your new favorite comfort meal. Enjoy a skillet with a friend for Php 550.00.
Bibingka Cassava Cake
Bibingka Cassava Cake
Of course, no one should go home without a decent dessert, right? Similar to a good slice of classic cassava cake, Empacho’s Bibingka Cassava Cake was an interesting fusion of sweet, salty, and sticky flavors. A little salty for my taste, but I’m pretty sure this innovative sweet-ender will have its own loyal following.
Empacho’s Summer Coolers
Before heading out the door and battling the summer heat, best to opt for one of Empacho’s sweet summer coolers (fruit shakes) or better yet, go for the giant Sago’t Gulaman. I’m pretty biased to the drink to begin with but the size and flavor of Empacho’s Sago’t Gulaman was one for the books. A glass is probably good for two, but I guess a thirsty foodie like me can easily down it on a hot summer day.
So yeah, come back for more awesome drinks (and eats) on part 2 of our foodie feast at Empacho Restaurant and Bar soon, okay?
CONTACT
Empacho Restaurant and Bar
Location: 2/F 170 Tomas Morato Corner Don Roces Avenue, Tomas Morato, Quezon City PH
Contact: (+632) 246-9069 ext. 514 (Accepts Reservations)
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