Cover Xandra Rocha | Photo: Regine David

Where does this foodie love to eat and where does she order food from?

I myself have never understood non-foodies. How can one not love flavours, spices, aromas and all the cultural nuances and memories that come with every bite? Dining is an experience meant to be savoured and is even more fun when shared with loved ones. Dining around a table means sharing, conversing, bonding and learning. 

A dish can tell you so much about a person, a culture, and a country. It speaks volumes of a nation’s history and is an art form on its own. Skilled hands are trained over years or are born out of pure passion and practice. Professional chefs and home cooks alike, from young stars to grandmothers, have been cooking up meals filled with emotion and have truly made us foodies, happy.

Through Foodie Finds, we ask our epicurean friends to share their favourites. In this feature, we tackle takeout and delivery. Hear what foodie, mother, host, and social media influencer Xandra Rocha has to say. Take a look at some of her go-to brands for takeout.

See also: Have you Tried These Fried Chicken Styles From Around the Globe?

Tatler Asia
Above Xandra Rocha | Photo: Regine David

1. Made By Nadine

@nadinerhowell

Nadine started making fresh pasta as a hobby during the lockdown and decided to sell it. Her sweet corn and ricotta agnolotti is absolutely delicious! Perfect with brown butter sage sauce.

See also: Where to Order Fresh Pasta in Metro Manila

2. Casa Luisa

@casa_luisa

I love this empanaderia and provincial kitchen from a heritage home. I was intrigued by Casa Luisa’s interesting empanada flavours. I love their unique flavours – French onion soup, beef rendang, mango sampaguita and cheese, to name a few. It’s fun to order all their different flavours to share with loved ones.

See also: Where to Order Empanadas and Meat Pies

3. Gourmet Budbud

@gourmetbudbud

They make the most amazing budbud! So soft and fragrant from being wrapped in banana leaves, with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for merienda with coffee of hot tsokolate! My favourite flavours are the classic budbud, tsokolate, and champorado.

See also: Where to Order the Best Chocolate Cakes in Metro Manila

4. Lola Nena's

@lolanenas

This is to die for! The best pichi pichi! Pillowy balls of love. With the cheese and shaved coconut…It’s such a winner!

See also: JP Anglo Opens Kooya in Dubai

 

5. Kikufuji

@kikufuji_izakaya

I enjoy ordering take out from Kikufuji. Their spicy tuna (or salmon) sashimi is always satisfying and their prices are reasonable for their portions.

See also: Where to Order Sushi and Chirashi in Metro Manila

6. Brasserie Sagana

@saganabgc

My favourite go-to spot! I’m a creature of habit my order is usually a rotation of the following: duck foie gras terrine (or pan-seared foie gras with salad), steak tartare (hands down my favourite in the country), French onion soup, or their seared beef onglet. Their chocolate mousse dessert is a winner for chocoholics!

7. Hackensack Burgers

@hackensack.ph

I ordered their frozen take home burger kits a lot during the lockdowns. Their burgers are really juicy and tasty and so convenient! It comes with everything you need including the trimmings.

See also: Tatler's Guide to the Best Burgers in Town

8. House of Bao PH

@houseofbaoph

My favourite thing to order from them is the original pork jian bao. They do have other flavours, but I suggest only ordering the pork ones–they are addicting! I can easily eat four of them in one go.

See also: The Best Al Fresco Dining in Muntinlupa and Paranaque City

9. Cochinillo Manila

@cochinillomanila

Excellent customer service and crowd-pleasing cochinillo! They deliver on the dot and it arrives perfectly, and still warm! You can expect flavourful, tender, juicy meat and skin so thin and crispy that you can hear it crackle with each bite! It comes with yummy chimichurri sauce or a nice sweet spicy vinegar. They come in various sizes depending on how many people you want to feed. A must-try for your next fiesta!

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