Where to Eat in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas: Mesa Filipino Moderne
Nothing speaks home more than being with family and sharing a good Pinoy comfort meal. A few years ago, my aunt who lives abroad recently came home to celebrate her 50th birthday with family and friends. Of course, it had to be Filipino food. That was my first time to try Mesa Filipino Moderne. And it was just wonderful – hearty, well-cooked Filipino classics done right indeed! And more recently, Mesa opened their 39th store in the Philippines – right smack at the metro center at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas. Come and rediscover the best of Filipino Cuisine with Mesa Filipino Moderne!
Modern Filipino Ambiance at Mesa Robinsons Galleria
As soon as we stepped in, we were greeted by happy smiles of their staff. The restaurant itself was not big but offered a cozy ambiance that was a homey mix of traditional-native vibes and modern-eclectic designs. Mesa Robinsons Galleria has a dining area fit for up to 70 guests at a time, with a few seats located in the mall’s hallway outside. For private parties, Mesa Galleria also offers a private function room that can fit 12 guests. Get the best seats in the house located by the windows for an obstructed view of Ortigas Extension. The place could do away with the low lights though and use brighter lights instead.
Our Top Picks at Mesa Filipino Moderne
It was a night reserved for us foodies and after Mesa’s friendly staff ran down their food recommendations, our table was ready to order. Raina, Miguel, Mark, and I all had our picks. But we narrowed it down to a good selection of classic favorites and new exciting Filipino flairs. Here’s what we had:
Sisig in a Pouch (PHP 205.00)
Appetizer: Sisig in a Pouch (PHP 205.00)
First stop, starters! And we had these! Savory pork sisig wrapped in crispy money pouches. Loved how the thick and crispy wrappers balanced the savory taste of their sisig.
Baked Scallops with Garlic Butter (PHP 240.00)
Appetizer: Baked Scallops with Garlic Butter (PHP 240.00) – HTD Favorite!
I’m big on seafood so I ordered this one without batting an eyelash. They were fresh, juicy, well-complimented by the eternally-perfect pairing of butter and garlic on top.
Pomelo Salad (Php 280.00)
Appetizer: Pomelo Salad (Php 280.00)
To balance the savory flavors, we also opted for the Pomelo Salad of Mesa Filipino Moderne. Fresh pomelo chunks tossed with toasted grated coconut and house dressing. It was so-so for me, could have used more dressing to bring out the sweet-sour flavor of the pomelo. 🙂
Kare Kare Short Ribs
Mains: Kare Kare Short Ribs (PHP 395.00) – HTD Favorite!
Now for the real deal, Mesa’s main dishes. And it’s a sin to skip on their bestseller Kare-Kare. Also available in Beef and Tripe and Oxtail, Mesa’s Kare-Kare is simply one of the best in town! It was thick, had real peanut flavor, and definitely mouthwatering. This one’s boiled and deep fried short ribs cooked in a rich creamy peanut sauce. Mapaparami ka sa kanin, ika nga!
aing Fried Rice (PHP 175.00). Good for 2-3 persons
Mains: Laing Fried Rice (PHP 175.00)
And speaking of rice, we had Mesa’s Laing Fried Rice. Personally would have gone for plain rice to go with all the savory flavors (especially the Kare-Kare). But this one’s also a clear winner! Stir-fried rice with gabi leaves and coconut cream (served dry).
Crispy Boneless Tilapia (PHP 395.00)
Mains: Crispy Boneless Tilapia (PHP 395.00)
Foodies, you cannot miss out on this one. Crispy and flavorful, the Crispy Boneless Tilapaia is cut up into easy-to-eat nuggets. They can be eaten as is or dip into their 4 curated sauces: soy sauce, vinegar, patis, and sweet sour sauce.
THE BEST CRISPCHON EVER! Crispchon wrapped in pandan crepe with wansuy, cucumber and leeks
Mains: Crispchon (Crispy Lechon) – HTD Favorite!
Last but definitely not the least, the star of the show: CRISPCHON! Obviously this is one of Mesa’s bestsellers and I won’t be surprised why! It’s basically a lechon de leche, roasted to a crisp served two-ways: 1) Wrapped in soft pandan crepe and 2) Tossed in Chili Garlic. Of course you can always have it as it is but adding texture to it makes the experience even more delightful.
Best part of the Crispchon: Ribs!
It also comes in three (3) delicious dips: hoisin sauce, spicy pork liver sauce, and garlic mayo. I think all four of us enjoyed the hoisin + pandan crepe combination best. It had a thin slice of crispy skin wrapped in the pandan crepe together with wansuy, cucumber and leeks. Definitely tasty and refreshing at the same time.
Mesa’s Crispchon is available in the following sizes:
-PHP 4,995.00 Whole Crispchon
-PHP 2,600.00 Half Crispchon
-PHP 1,500.00 1/4 Crispchon
-PHP 1,100.00 ⅙ Crispchon
Crispy Leche Flan (PHP 75.00) for 4 pieces
Dessert: Crispy Leche Flan (PHP 75.00) – HTD Favorite!
After all the savory flavors, dive into dessert heaven with the Crispy Leche Flan from Mesa Filipino Moderne. We all enjoyed the innovative combination of the crispy lumpia wrapper and the sweet creamy flan in the inside. The best ending to a good Filipino meal! #RoadTo50 #MesaPH
Our other foodie friends had their own versions of fiestas at Mesa Filipino Moderne. Check out what they had:
Crispy Boneless Pata (Php 535.00). Deep fried pork leg with the same great taste without the bone.
Tinapa Roll Wrapped with Lettuce (Php 165.00). Flaked smoked fish with tomato, onion and salted egg
Been here? Comment down your favorites!
CONTACT
Mesa Filipino Moderne
Level 3 (Veranda), Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City, Philippines
Store Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Daily
Contact: Luzon: 0917-852-MESA | Vis-Min: 0917-327-MESA
Follow Mesa: Facebook | Instagram
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