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Tapsilog Craze
Philippines
Filipinos have always been fond of two things: breakfast and unique food combinations, which ultimately gave birth to the well-loved Tapsilog. The name was first coined in the 1980s by cook Vivian Del Rosario who identified it as the bestselling dish to her humble shop’s morning crowd. Since then, the tapa (cured beef), sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (egg), simply tap-si-log, has been a Filipino classic—withstanding the taste of generations. Whether you like your Tapsilog with its usual flavor or with a bit of spicy sass, here are some of the best in Metro Manila for you to try!
Updated 3 years ago
Helmed by the woman who invented the dish itself, expect nothing short of spectacular at Tapsi ni Vivian. Aside from its low-key yet charming atmosphere, loyal patrons come back to this original sweet and savory Tapsilog—the taste of a timeless classic with its flavorful, tender goodness.
- +63 2 8645 0125
Mayor Gil Fernando Ave, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines
Tucked away in an unassuming corner in Quezon City, Angus Tapa Centrale is often praised by local media publications as the best Tapsilog in town. Their imported USDA-certified Black Angus Beef is capable of delighting even the most discerning meat lovers, served with sunny side-up egg and hot garlic rice for If your palate is feeling adventurous, you can even customize the tapa’s flavor to Hot and Spicy or Korean BBQ.
- +63 2 8268 0621
11th Jamboree St Corner, Kamuning Rd, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
Patrons flock to SEx (Sinangag Express) for their breakfast favorites, especially for their version of the beloved Tapsilog. The shredded tapa will leave you no trouble in chewing the meat, coupled with fried egg and tasty buttered rice! The whole meal comes with vinegar in both regular and spicy flavors, giving you that traditional Tapsi version Filipinos have grown to love.
320 Aguirre Ave, Parañaque, 1720 Metro Manila, Philippines
Founded in 1949, Rodic’s Diner is revered by the University of the Philippines’ students for its exceptionally tasty version of Tapsilog. Fine-tuned over generations, the recipe is well known for its signature flaky tapa that resembles the texture of corned beef, giving off a blend of sweet and salty flavors you can enjoy at any time of the day.
- +63029217361
14 Masaya Corner Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
One might expect the gourmet breakfast dishes at Kanto Freestyle Breakfast to be expensive, but it’s shockingly underpriced. Enjoy authentic tapa sourced from New Zealand — high quality and the juiciest in the world. It’s the perfect place for a filling fix of Tapsilog, and comes with garlic rice, tomato pesto, and two eggs cooked however you like!
- +6324002268
548 San Joaqin Street, Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/kantofreestylebreakfast/
If you like your Tapsilog on the saucy side, make sure to check out Rufo’s! Since opening its doors in 1984, it has maintained a solid reputation for its trademark tapa sauce which was given its own tagline “sauce pa lang ulam na” (sauce is the dish itself). Sweet, creamy, and appetizing, the sauce goes perfectly with Batangas beef, which also makes for a satisfying hangover meal.
Harbor Dr, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Renowned chef Edward Bugia dishes up delicious platters of breakfast classics with a twist at Pi Breakfast and Pies. Don’t miss a taste of their Wagyu Beef Sirloin Tapa, the crowd favorite out of all their impressive offerings on the menu. The Wagyu beef is directly sourced from Bukidnon, heaped on top of their signature garlic kimchi rice, which adds a little spice to the traditional dish.
- +6329312337
39 Malingap, Teacher's Village, Lungsod Quezon, 1101 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
For those who have an active lifestyle, a good 10k run or a sweaty gym session calls for a top-notch meal you can gobble up guilt-free! Recovery Food lives up to its name with its Tapa De Morning — bulgogi-flavored meat served on top of organic rice and egg. If you’re into experimenting with flavors, their Talangka rice elevates the whole dish and is worth the try.
Ground Floor, BGC Stopover, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
With a country-style decor and a family who runs the show, Mom and Tina’s serves hearty dishes that hit close to home. A popular offering on the menu is their US Beef Tapa — crispy strips of beef bordering the texture of bacon, packed with a crunch that’s unlikely in tapa offered in most places! The Atchara on the side gives off tropical flavors that bring a refreshing accent to the dish.
- +63 921 573 7710
San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
R&J Bulalohan is a favorite haunt among call center agents and office workers in Manila who are in need of a Bulalo fix, but regular guests know that their Tapsilog is equally worth remembering. Their tapa delivers the signature taste loved on most homemade tapa recipes, crunchy, tender, and served with egg and fried rice on the side — a real bang for the buck considering its affordable price!
- +63 2 8533 4811
602 Boni Ave, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines
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