The last time I visited my former neighborhood, Barangay Teacher’s Village in Quezon City, I can hardly recognize my former home during my college years, but in a good way. The once quiet neighborhood has blossomed into a busy foodie haven. New restaurants and cafes continue to open in the area. Moreover, it is constantly being visited by food lovers and weekend warriors who are looking forward to something new for their palate.
Planning to do a food trip in this neighborhood? Modern Dwellings, a local real estate developer in the area, has rounded up a list of go-to places bound to satisfy your cravings.
Vegetarian/Pescatarian/Organic
1. Van Gogh is Bipolar
Location: 154 Maginhawa Street
While researching about his condition, owner Jetro Rafael discovered that food has the ability to affect how one feels. Inspired with his discovery, Jetro soon opened Van Gogh is Bipolar to serve what he describes as “mood-altering food” to make people’s mood better.
Recommended:
- Virginia Woolf Tears (slow cooked organic turkey broth soup with vegeroni noodles)
- Larry Flynt’s Cabbage Experience (freshly-boiled cabbage served with fresh herbs and fruits)
- Mel Gibson’s Darkest Sin (a mixed-herb liqueur with melted dark chocolate, nuts, and wild honey)
2. Little India Healthy Cuisine
Location: 24-F Malingap Street
Little India offers authentic Indian vegetarian fare, which does not use any artificial coloring, flavors, preservatives, and additives.
Recommended:
- Mixed Platter (vegetarian appetizer sampler)
- Vegetable Kofta Curry (vegetarian balls in curry)
- Paratha and Naan (flat breads)
- Lassi (yogurt drink)
Filipino Fusion
3. Pino
Location: 39 Malingap Street
Pino takes pride in its creative take on Filipino comfort food. The bagnet, or the well-loved deep fried crispy pork belly, for instance, is served by the restaurant in unusual yet still delicious food varieties.
Recommended:
- Bagnet Spring Rolls (filled, rolled appetizers with deep-fried pork)
- Binusog na Pusit with Kesong Puti (filled squid with Tagalog cheese)
- Kare-Kareng Bagnet (savory peanut sauce stew with deep-fried pork)
- Coffee Crusted Belly (roasted/fried pork belly rubbed in coffee)
- Tablea Cheesecake (Filipino chocolate cheesecake)
4. Tomato Kick
Location: 19 Malingap Street
This casual dining place serves as a performance space for musicians and spoken word artists. The homey comfort food is best enjoyed with bottles of ice-cold beer.
Recommended:
- Beef Fajitas (strips of skirt beef steak, onions, and bell peppers, wrapped in fresh tortillas)
- Seafood Salpicao (seafood with lots of garlic and seasoning sauce)
- Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges (potato wedges baked in cheese and bacon)
- Senor Sisig (crispy chopped meat with bell peppers, chilies, onions)
Italian
5. Friuli Trattoria
Location: 79-A Maginhawa Street
An unassuming Italian restaurant, Friuli Trattoria is known for its pizza and pasta selection.
Recommended:
- Tre Formaggi (3-cheese pizza)
- Margherita (pizza with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes)
- Viva Venezia (pizza with lean ground beef, olives, mushrooms, green bell peppers, and onions)
Indonesian
6. IndonYaki
Location: 54 Maginhawa Street
Even if it has only four tables that can seat 16 diners, IndonYaki guests don’t mind because the yummy Indonesian food is great for hunger pangs and easy on the budget.
Recommended:
- Ayam Goreng (fried chicken)
- Sate Ayam (chicken satay)
- IndonYaki Rice (fried rice)
- Mango Gulaman (mango gelatin)
American
7. The Burger Project
Location: 122 Maginhawa Street
Arguably among the most popular burger joints in Teachers Village, The Burger Project lets diners build their own signature burgers.
Recommended:
- Western Bacon Melt (Angus beef, bacon, sauteed mushrooms, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onion rings, barbecue sauce in a soft bun)
- Bleu Buffalo (Angus beef patty, blue cheese, pickles, lettuce, onion rings, tomatoes, buffalo sauce in a soft bun)
- Truffle Fries (fries in garlic truffle aioli, parmesan cheese)
Desserts/Sweets
8. Cat Cafe
Location: 189 Maginhawa corner Makadios Street
Take a break from the usual coffee places and sip your latte in this cozy cafe while playing with adorable puspins (pusang Pinoy). As a champion of responsible pet ownership, Cat Cafe is a temporary haven for these stray cats while they find a forever home.
Recommended:
- Paw-reo Cheese Shake
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Red Velvet Cake
- Matcha Cake
9. Snacks & Ladders
Location: 188-A Maginhawa Street
Round up family members and the entire barkada and have fun the old school way! Play board games, foosball, chess, or have a go at karaoke while enjoying their selection of quick bites.
Recommended:
- Twisturon con Chocolate
- But Wait There’s Smores
10. The Baker’s Table
Location: 88-B Maginhawa Street
Take a sweet nostalgic trip down memory lane! The Baker’s Table whips up cakes and desserts inspired by candies popular during the 80s and 90s.
Recommended:
- Butterball Caramel Cake
- Haw Haw Cake
- Lala Crinkles
- Flat Tops Cake
Planning to call Teachers Village home? Townhouse units are available here and here.
