There’s something magical about discovering a dish for the first time—especially one that’s smoky, spicy, and sour all at once.
In this episode of Crave and Company, Jeff and Christia take us to Bistro Manila, a cozy Filipino spot that dares to reintroduce Sarabasab—a grilled pork dish hailing from the northern provinces, known for its tangy twist and bold flavor profile.
Christia, a self-confessed foodie and seasoned food show fan, had heard of Sarabasab before—through YouTube, foodie vlogs, and street interviews by the likes of Jessica Lee. But this was different. This was craving meets curiosity—and Bistro Manila delivered.
When the dish hit the table, it was unmistakably inviting: flame-grilled pork belly tossed with crunchy red onions, green chilies, and that unmistakable kick of ginger. Unlike its creamier cousin, kilawin, this version leaned more dry, sharp, and grilled to perfection.
“The ginger hits first,” Jeff remarked, “then the porky richness kicks in—balanced by the bite of raw onion and chili.”
No heavy sauces, no frills. Just honest flavor that speaks of backyard grilling, fiestas, and provincial kitchens.
And yes—rice is life. Every spoonful of meat and onion wrapped in warm rice just made the experience feel more tahanan than trendy.
The surprise? A seafood platter packed with calamari, shrimp, mussels, and sweet corn—all bathed in butter, garlic, and what they guessed was oyster sauce. Unexpected, indulgent, and definitely not your average surf-and-turf.
“Honestly,” Christia said, “this might be a house specialty. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.”
The vibe? Think acoustic nights on Sundays, bingo on Thursdays, and the kind of Filipino warmth you can only find in a place that feels like an extension of your tita’s dining room.
Whether you’re chasing cravings or just curious about what sarabasab really tastes like—Bistro Manila is worth the drive, the bite, and the second plate of rice.
