You deserve a little treat from these April 2024 fave food, café, and restaurant picks.
Related: NYLON Manila Picks: Our Favorite Food and Restaurants of March 2024
Something about this heat got us craving for some delightful snacks, drinks, and dishes. And we know we’re not alone! If you’re looking for something hot and spicy, something filling and hearty, or something sweet and refreshing, we’ve got a list for you. From snack combos to poke bowls, the NYLON Manila team has rounded up our faves this April so you can have new things to add to your café hopping list, delivery app faves, and grocery shopping carts. As usual, let us know some of your delicious picks from this April, too!
JAMBA JUICE’S WANGO TANGO AND KRAKEN TAKOYAKI – Maggie Batacan, Editor-in-Chief
A combination of watermelon, mango, and peaches with a dash of frozen yogurt, this limited edition beverage is refreshing AF and I have been indulging myself every chance I get (especially in this heat). Plus, the natural flavor of the fruits is enough to make the drink sweet without any additional syrups or sugar (I asked) so I can have it relatively guilt-free (if you don’t count the cost).
Relatively inexpensive but highly addictive, their original flavor takoyaki just hits every flavor profile I could ever ask for in a savory snack. The sauce is salty-sweet, the dough has just the right amount of chew, and the bonito flakes really tie everything together. Just make sure to be patient and wait a bit before eating so you don’t burn your mouth (totally not speaking from personal experience whatsoever).
KODAWARI – Raf Bautista, Managing Editor
Whenever I have the funds to splurge on a nice meal, I go to Kodawari. Their take on Japanese cuisine is a 10/10, with a personal favorite of mine being their Gyudon with a side of their Karaage. I’m already getting hungry just thinking about it.
CARAMIA SALTED S’MORES CAKE – Gelo Quijencio, Multimedia Artist
Caramia’s Salted S’mores cake has the perfect balance of sweetness. The chocolate moist cake, the saltiness of the marshmallow on top, and the crunch of the graham crust is truly a blast in one bite.
STARR’S FAMOUS SHAKES – Nica Glorioso, Features Writer
Throwing it back to my high school days when Starr’s reigned supreme, I recently found myself going back to it, trying out their new flavors and shakes. And they’ve still got it! They’ve got a wide selection of drinks that border on dessert territory—who isn’t down for that? They’re also available on GrabFood and FoodPanda, which means I’ve indulged in more Choco Banana Split milkshakes than what’s probably recommended.
FOOD COMBO: PORK & BEANS WITH TOSTILLAS CHIPS – Precy Tan, Beauty Writer
I used to turn up my nose at pork and beans, but then a friend introduced me to Tostillas chips paired with Hunt’s Chili Con Carne, and now I can’t get enough! If you’re into walking nachos, these are your best bet for a tastier and budget-friendly snack.
DRIP KOFI’S MATCHA FLOAT – Shane Sy, Social Media Associate
My food pick of the month has got to be Drip Kofi’s Matcha Float. Their matcha has always been a favorite of mine since my college days, and for a good reason. I like how the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream balances out the matcha flavor. And in this scorching hot weather? There’s no better pairing than a good matcha and ice cream.
LA CHICKS – Jasmin Dasigan, Editorial Assistant
I’m a big fan of chicken tenders and burgers in general. So when I discovered about LA Chicks serving both in a combo, it really made me so happy! Plus, it’s very affordable, too! What I love about their food is it has enough of a kick of spice to still taste the savory flavor of the chicken, burger and fries.
ONO’S MISO SALMON POKE/ABURI BOWL – Bianca Lao, Brand Associate
It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s a great dish when you want to treat yourself. It’s definitely worth your money, especially if you’re a miso and poke bowl lover. This dish checks all the boxes, will leave you full and happy. I’ve recommended this dish and the place to different people, and I’ve never received negative feedback. So, go. Treat yourselves.
MOD COFFEE – James Jacinto, Art Contributor
Discovering MOD Coffee during an unexpected stroll around Salcedo was *chef’s kiss*. Apart from literally having great coffee and food choices, the overall ambiance reminds me of cozy apartment therapy vids online.
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