Joanna Marie O. Santos
June 17, 2022

While Metro Manila is not the best place to find peace, it can still provide some relief, particularly during the rainy season.   If you need a warm hug of hot coffee or a bowl of hearty soup to keep you warm, look no further than this handy list of perfect food spots in the Metro where you can feel snuggly even when you’re not at home.  

Mendokoro Ramenba

  Mendokoro Ramenba, which opened in 2014, is the country's first ramen restaurant to adopt the popular Japanese ramen bar concept, which puts customers closer to the kitchen and provides a satisfying ramen experience.  

Photo from Mendokoro Ramenba

  Because one of their three most active Japanese chefs, Hideaki Aoyama, created their ramen specialties, you won't find anything like it anywhere else. Mendokoro's ramen specialties are more than enough of a reason to visit, and people are prepared to wait in line for up to an hour at various times of the day speaks volumes about how special their ramen is.  

• Address: V Corporate Center, Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
• Business Hours: 11 am to 12 am, daily
• Facebook: facebook.com/mendokororamen/

Antipodean Coffee Manila

  Antipodean Coffee Manila by coffee-expert Alun Evans has nestled away in the crannies of Makati City. Antipodean, which is housed in the Ayala Paseo 111 Building, will undoubtedly become one of your favorite hangout areas.   Antipodean coffee is roasted in-house. They use Merdeka Coffee, a fair-trade coffee that they buy directly from Indonesian producers. Their Flat White (Php 150), Cappuccino (Php 140), and Latte (Php 120) are among the must-try beverages.  

Photo from Antipodean Coffee Manila

  Apart from being a go-to spot for a caffeine fix, Antipodean Coffee Manila also offers a diverse cuisine ranging from breakfast to dinner—and everything in between! They provide the best of New Zealand food, which goes well with coffee.  

• Address: G/F 111 Paseo de Roxas Building, Paseo de Roxas cor., Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
• Business Hours: 7 am to 10 pm (Sunday to Thursday); 7 am to 11 pm (Friday to Saturday)
• Website: antipodeancoffee.com/
• Facebook: Â facebook.com/AntipodeanCoffeeManila/

Manam

  The Moment Group's Manam is another successful restaurant concept. They provide both basic and traditional Filipino cuisine, as well as some with a twist.  

Photo from Manam

  Top cuisine and travel websites have given this Filipino-themed eatery excellent marks. Some of their famous dishes are Crispy Pancit Palabok, and Ube + Sago. But their House Crispy Sisig and Sinigang na Beef Short Rib and Watermelon are two of the restaurant's top dishes that are truly perfect for cozy weather.  

• Address: G/F South Wing, Seaside Blvd, SM Mall of Asia, Brgy 76, Pasay, Metro Manila
• Business Hours: M-F: 11AM-9PM; Sa-Su: 10AM-10PM
• Website: The Moment Group (momentfood.com)
• Facebook: Manam Comfort Filipino | Facebook
• Instagram: Manam Comfort Filipino (@manamph)Â

Oink at Rockwell Sheridan

  Located at Rockwell Business Center Sheridan in Mandaluyong, Oink is a restaurant serving "mainly Filipino dishes with carefully crafted, flavorful twists.  

Photo from Oink at Rockwell Sheridan

  Their menu has a wide variety of cuisine options. If you don't want to drink coffee but still want a warm drink, this eatery has you covered with Oink Rich Chocolate! With their waffles in a variety of flavors, you'll undoubtedly enjoy your rainy day as much as others do. The raindrops and drizzles may not even bother you!  

• Address: Level 2, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila
• Business Hours: 11am - 12mn (dine-in, takeout, and delivery)
• Website: Oink at Rockwell Sheridan (oinkrestaurant.com)
• Instagram: Oink at Rockwell Sheridan (@oinkatrockwellsheridan)Â
• Facebook: Oink at Rockwell Sheridan | Facebook

Panaderya Toyo

  Panaderya Toyo, which launched in 2017, revolutionized how we think about and consume the bread. But aside from their bread, Panaderya Toyo's Tsokolate is a hidden gem you should taste if you order from their drink, bread, and spread menu. You'll like it, especially if you enjoy dipping your pastry into your beverage, making it the best rainy season food!  

Photo from Panaderya Toyo

• Address: The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
• Business Hours: Tuesday—Saturday, 11:00AM - 4:00PM (pickup & takeout), Dine In-Saturday onlyÂ
• Instagram: Panaderya Toyo (@panaderyatoyo)Â

  These restaurants’ rainy-day comfort food can be an alternative to the warm embraces you long for to cozy up your cold and rainy days. All you need is a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup to feel safe and warm. Sending you all the coziest hugs!Â