Tags: Exotic Food, Food Establishments, Truly Pinoy Food and Drinks
By KC Santos
MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA – With two pot-bellied pigs serving as guards in the restaurant’s facade, who wouldn’t be interested to know what’s in store inside?
Established in 1888, Ambos Mundos, which means “both worlds”, is considered one of the oldest restaurants in Manila. It is owned by Greg Gaudinez, a Spanish mestizo and his wife Kathy Leung who is of Chinese descent.
As the fourth generation successor of the family business, Greg decided to move Ambos Mundos from its original location in Lacson Street to a new one along Florentino Street where it would be made more visible to the curious.
Franco of Table for Three Please saw a mishmash of Hispanic, Chinese and Old Manila influences in the interiors adding that the idea of dining in a place where his ancestors dined back in their youth made him extra excited.
The reptiles and arowana-filled aquariums on display make for added unique features of the restaurant.
“Rizalian” is the term used by Carlos Celdran in his blog Walk This Way to describe the restaurant’s menu which is written on a chalkboard. The dishes served are decidedly a fusion of Philippine and Iberian staples like the Paella Ambos Mundos (P370), which said to be the restaurant’s bestseller.
Another paella selection is called the Paella Manileña (P325), described as “excellently cooked” by blogger Biyay. Every bite gives that rich starchy flavor one would want in a paella. She also found the callos (P240), a somewhat exotic stew of ox tripe and legs, chorizo, and chickpeas, all in a rich, spicy tomato sauce a “dreamy” fare. Check out her photos at Lunchbox Chronicles.
Although Ambos Mundos has minor flaws in terms of amenities, people tend to overlook these due to the restaurant’s historical feel and the clash of old and new.
Take a trip to Manila and experience Old Manila dining at Ambos Mundos.
Get more information about Ambos Mundos
(Photos used with permission from Francis Gaerlan)
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