Upper Bonifacio Food Joints for when you’re too lazy to cook
When school and/or work gets too tiring, cooking your own food tends to consune too much energy, and more often than not, too much money. Here are your lazy alternatives around Upper Bonifacio Street.
- Ali’s House of Shawarma
Hailed as an “if you know, you know” spot for SLU students, Ali’s house of shawarma has become a staple, and almost an initiation if you study or live around Upper Bonifacio. They’ve fed students, workers, and alumni alike. Famously known for their “Big/Small Plate Shawarma” Rice meals, but what makes them is their white and spicy sauce that you pour indulgently onto your shawarma rice and samosa; Then buy a bev from the restaurant or the 7/11 next door because “naumay” ka na.
2. Cafe Leche
One of the more aesthetically pleasing establishments in this list, is Cafe Leche. It was constructed along with 217 Bonifacio Residences, and has been there ever since. It’s a great place to chill and study if you’re a student in SLU because they offer great lighting, charging sockets, and it’s generally just a cozy place to lock in. They serve a diverse mix of comfort food and brunch items along with caffeinated and non caffeinated drinks.
3. Granny’s Kitchen
The best bang for buck option of this list is granny’s kitchen. Located between the stairs connecting Assumption Road and Upper Bonifacio Road, There lies a place there that serves delicious and diverse food options that includes classic Filipino dishes, burgers, and my personal favourite, Buttered Pork with rice. It’s a great place to eat, Not to mention the thought of “How can they offer these cheap prices? Are they still earning a revenue?”
4. Soledad’s Fastfood
The most iconic, and well respected restaurant in Upper Bonifacio is Soledad’s. If your parents are SLU alumnis, they’ve definitely tried this joint. Soledad’s has been operating for 2 generations, and is now run by Gene Michael Cheong. Famously known for their porkchop with rice, served with a hot bowl of soup and the cleanest tableware. They offer simple but very well presented food. The owner is really nice; I saw him giving food to a poor person once and gained a massive amount of respect for him.
5. Abonabil
Abonabil is a popular authentic halal eatery run by a very chill middle-eastern man(He gave me a free extra java rice once). Located in the GAV Building, Abonabil is my go-to-spot when I want to splurge a little as a student. My personal favourite is their Chicken Shish Taouk, paired with their delicious homemade ketchup. To those who know, Abonabil used to be Bonabil in New Lucban near the Sparetime Billiard Hall. Just simply delicious halal food. Try it.
6. Joe’s Own
Also located in the GAV Building is Joe’s Own, a cozy and highly rated food spot known for their hearty western food like freshly baked cheesy calzones, torched pastas, and breakfast sandwiches. Cozy and sulit dining for the food that you get. Their cannoli is quite nice aswell.
7. Smoke Bros
Located literally right next to Joe’s own is Birria Bros, A popular mexican food inspired food joint. They serve tender smoked birria tacos paired with a birria consomme dipping sauce alongside other mexican food staples. Their Horchata is quite nice aswell ! A very solid food joint.
8. But First, Coffee
BFC also shares a building with the last 3 items on this list. It’s a popular cafe that students and remote workers come looking for somewhere nice to do their own things. It’s a solid cafe, equipped with Wi-fi, and power outlets; Acommodating anyone that goes there to chill.
9. Balay by Duca
In my opinion, the most hearty and comforting food in this list is in Balay by Duca. If you miss your mother’s cooking, this place is probably the closest you can get to her. Located near the 7/11 beside Ali’s House of Shawarma, Balay By Duca is there to satisfy your hungry soul.
