Where to Eat in Tomas Morato: Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar
Whenever I hear the words Tomas Morato, only one thing comes to mind: Foodie Paradise! Though many food hubs have sprouted all over Metro Manila, no doubt Tomas Morato still reigns king for us here ‘up north’. And most recently, we’ve discovered a modern Filipino Gastropub in the area that will surely leave a mark in your Manila dining diary. Say hello to Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar!
Reinventing Filipino Classics at Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar
Much has been said about Filipino food: the variety, the savor, the hearty feeling with every bite. But as times dictate it, the key to standing out is innovation. And this is where Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar is noted for. Tiyo serves a thoughtfully curated menu of local Filipino fare, featuring the best of regional dishes with a twist. Think Corned Beef Caldereta or Nachos Sisig. Who wouldn’t want to indulge on those?
Alongside the reinvented Filipino classics at Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar is their impressive bar. A vast collection of craft cocktails that use premium local ingredients. As well as a nine-tap craft beer system plus the biggest collection of craft beer in Quezon City. All the while being surrounded by outstanding interiors that’s a mix of industrial and modern Filipino elements. Sounds like a new favorite hangout for the millenial tita in me, if I must say!
Bestsellers at Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar
Manila Ensalada (Php 180.00, Appetizer)
Okoy (deep-fried shrimp fritters) fried to a golden brown served with green mango, unripe papaya, and greens. Loved how light yet flavorful this starter was.
Lengua Kaldereta Nachos (Php 380.00)
I love food crossovers! And the famous Mexican nachos is about to get a creamy, savory twist. Crispy corn chips, generously topped with tender ox tongue bits, kaldereta sauce and kesong puti sauce. Mixed in with homemade salsa and malunggay chimichurri. Perfect with beer and drinks, just wished there were more chips.
Corned Beef Kaldereta (Php 460.00) – HTD Favorite!
Easily the best Kaldereta I’ve had by far! A rich a savory stew of tender corned beef chunks, tomato puree, liver, and grilled veggies. You definitely need rice rice and more rice for this one. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t resist not ordering some for takeaway. (Alongside the next dish, of course!)
Inihaw na Liempo Sinigang (Php 420.00) – HTD Favorite!
Inihaw na Liempo and Sinigang are two of my favorite Filipino classics. So imagine my pure joy when I heard them combined into a delicious deconstructed dish. Aaaah pure perfection!
On one hand, the liempo (grilled pork belly) was seasoned well, tender, and had a smoky flavor to it. Made even more delightful with the tangy tamarind gravy on the side. And the sinigang soup? Deliciously comforting! A hearty combination of sour and savory flavors, made without preservatives, just fresh ingredients like real tamarind.
Dagupan Bangus Bistek (Php 290.00)
Love bangus? Take your tastebuds for a spin with this tasty version from Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar. Deboned milkfish marinated in soy calamansi sauce, garnished with red onion on top.
Maranao Piyanggang Manok (Php 390.00) – HTD Favorite!
If you love chicken, this one’s for you. Tender chicken pieces served with sakurab, coconut cream, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, onion and ginger. Imagine a marriage of grilled chicken and creamy laing! Kanin, po!
Palitaw Mochi (Php 185.00 for 6, Dessert)
Glutinous rice rolled into mochi-like balls with delicious fillings of Malagos chocolate from Davao, Dulce de Leche or Ube (purple yam). Served with latik, cashew crumble, and coconut. While I loved the texture of the mochi balls, the filling was to little to add flavor to the dessert. But it still brought nice childhood memories to me!
Turron ala Mode (Php 195.00)
Turon on your mind? Then you’ll definitely get a run for your money with this outstanding version by Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar! The best version ever, no joke. Take your classic (banana spring rolls) but infuse it with some gabi (taro) ice cream and caramel drizzle on top. Heaven!
Cocktail Drinks
Sadly, I had to go home early and wasn’t able to try their cocktail drinks. But I should have, because I heard they’re quite interesting! Starting with those interest-piquing names. Pedro’s Uprising (basi, lemongrass, brandy and mint), Jai Alai (basil, white rum, brandy-infused cinnamon, tea, calamansi and honey), and Blame It on the Barako (coffee liquer, cream, coconut rum, syrup and orange wedge).
Beer lovers are very much welcome as they can indulge in Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar’s nine-tap craft beer system. Don’t know where to start? Go for the Sampler Flight (Php 150.00) to try three of their bestselling brews. And their iced tea? Simply addictive. A light and tasty houseblend served with an edible tapioca straw. The first of its kind anywhere!
Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar Promos
For the month of July, go crazy with Tiyo’s Buy 1 Take 1 promo on all craft cocktail drinks. You can also get 3 Gin Tonic drinks for only P280.00. And on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, go vino crazy with their unlimited wine for P799.00. Ladies get a free craft cocktail drink of your choice every Wednesday.
Overall, I enjoyed my first dining experience at Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar. A wonderful mix of good ambiance, delicious food, and good service. Will definitely be back soon!
Overall HTD Rating: 4.3
Price: 4 stars (Php 1000-1500 for 2 pax)
Taste: 4.5 stars
Service: 4.5 stars
Where is Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar?
Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar is located at 2/F CKB Centre, Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Rallos, Quezon City. For promos and reservations, follow Tiyo PH on Instagram or Facebook.
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