Manila at Semaphore is taking Filipino street food to a new level.
With their grand opening on October 1, the new restaurant is plating up authentic Filipino street dishes that owners Cherizza Filamor and Kasiel Panlilio grew up with in their homeland Manila.
Cherizza says they are taking Filipino street food to a new level through not just cooking amazing food, but doing so with the experience of growing up with it.
“We are taking this experience to a new place with a different environment and different people,” Cherizza says.
“Even if you are in a new place, the heart and soul of the food is still there – every bite will take you back home.”
Cherizza has run several restaurants and catering services in the Philippines, however, this is her first time running a business in Australia.
“My business partner, Chef Kasiel Panlililo is one of the best and coolest chefs I’ve worked with and very down to Earth,” Cherizza says.
“We share the same vision of sharing Filipino cuisine to other cultures in Australia.”
The menu features authentic dishes including BBQ pork skewers, beef stew and ‘Filog’ which is fried garlic rice with egg and grilled meats.
Cherizza’s favourite and a star dish is the iconic ‘Kwekwek’.
“It’s made from boiled and battered quail eggs, fried to perfection. It is usually served with mildly spiced coconut vinegar,” she says.
“For the drinks, I love the simple, refreshing flavour of ‘Samalamig’, which is made from palm sugar syrup, grass jelly, and tapioca pearls.”
After Manila’s liquor license is approved, they will also be offering Filipino beer to enjoy with the food.
Cherizza wants those who dine at Manila to feel like family and those from Filipino to be taken on a trip down memory lane with every bite.
“Even for people who are not familiar with Filipino culture, I want them to experience what it’s like to be in a Filipino household and experience our hospitality,” she says.
“Customers can expect to see a lot of smiles from our team members’ faces.”
Cherizza says their main goal at Manila is to share the Philippines’ rich and diverse cuisine with Australia.
“We hope to be the first choice that will come into people’s minds when they think about wanting to eat Filipino comfort food.”
With future plans to expand their menu with famous dishes from other regions of the Philippines we can’t wait to check out Manila.
Bookings are recommended.
Manila is located at 114-A Semaphore Road Semaphore.
To find out more and keep up to date, follow Manila’s Facebook and Instagram.
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