Cover Chef Franci Lim shares the best places to eat and what to get (Photo: courtesy of Yamazato)
Chef Franci Lim shares the best places to eat and what to get (Photo: courtesy of Yamazato)
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Chef, F&B director and restaurateur Francis Lim shares his insider tips
Welcome to Foodie Finds! This is an article series by Tatler, chronicling where and what to order according to the food-obsessed—this time, we talk to chef, F&B director and restaurateur Francis Lim.
Food has a way of bringing people together, whether around restaurant tables, home kitchens or conversations that linger long after the last bite. The places we return to often say just as much about us as the meals themselves—comfort dishes become rituals, neighbourhood cafés become second homes and favourite restaurants become part of our everyday stories.
This time, we catch up with Francis Lim, chef, F&B director and co-founder of Chairman Fu Hotpot Bar, Tipple Cafe in Molito and Katipunan and Tayotayo Fili Cafe.
Read on to learn more.
Above Chef, F&B director and restaurateur Francis Lim
Chef, F&B director and restaurateur Francis Lim
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What are restaurants you enjoy going to on your day off or in your free time?
Tao Yuan. Always their Hainanese chicken—it’s the best chicken rice there is for me. I also love their egg drop soup, and even their boiled peanut appetiser is the bomb.
Where do you get your favourite dessert?
The creme brûlée cake by The Pastry Cart. It’s just so light yet so filling, and has just the right amount of sweetness. I also love Sebastian’s Ice Cream because they always have new flavours to try. I love how dense their ice cream is.
Where is your favourite cafe? What is your coffee order?
I recently went to Apologue in Binondo. I always go for an iced or hot latte.
What is your go-to spot for a nightcap?
I like places that carry draft beers. Pierre’s Reserve is my favourite.
What is your favourite restaurant for breakfast or brunch?
I like Apéro Neo Bistro, Pancake House and UCC.
See also: These are the best Italian restaurants in the Tatler Best Philippines Guide 2026
What is your favourite restaurant for late-night eats?
I love hotpot and shao kao BBQ, so mostly anything that’s really Chinese.
Where do you order your favourite Filipino food from?
I enjoy Trellis for sisig and Abé too.
Where do you order your favourite bread from?
I get bread from 28 Derby!
Where do you go for your favourite steaks or meats?
Ruth’s Chris and Mamou have great steak.
See also: The best meals of your life might be in cities you’ve never considered
Where do you go for your favourite seafood fix?
Dampa Macapagal!
Where do you go if you want to dine solo?
I like really simple places. Usually Chinese. Mann Hann for maki, clams and beef ampalaya rice; Ted’s Batchoy; Mezmar; and Mau’s Pecho Inasal.
Where do you go for date night?
Kate, my girlfriend, likes Japanese restaurants or tasting menus. Yamazato and Daimasu too!
Where do you go for your favourite noodles? From pasta to ramen? What do you order and where?
For ramen, Mendokoro’s bonito tsukemen and Hanamaruken’s rib ramen. For pasta, Va Bene in Petron.
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