Where to Get the Best Bulalo in Metro Manila With the non-stop downpours and the ber months already here, what does one need in this cold weather? Well, there’s only one answer and it’s not your favorite jacket or scarf— it’s bulalo. Some might think that you need to travel all the way to Tagaytay for some of this hot soup filled with beef shanks, but you can get this beefy goodness even without leaving the city. Check our list of the best bulalo places here in Metro Manila!
SARSA Kitchen + Bar
Various branches
The price may be steeper, but it doesn’t deter foodies from SARSA’s bulalo. (Images: SARSA Facebook page) SARSA Kitchen + Bar by celebrity chef JP Anglo is a Filipino restaurant that serves Negrense dishes with a twist. SARSA gained fame because of their Sizzling Kansi, which is priced at PhP350. You won’t find this bulalo dish swimming in soup; rather, it is served in a sizzling plate filled with a buttery gravy sauce infused with batwan. Foodies looking to try new dishes might find this innovative take on kansi worth its hefty tag.
Bulaluhan sa España
2166 España Cor. Josefina St., Sampaloc, Manila
Manileños have been raving about this joint for years. (Images: L, Myrene Academia; R, Jhondale Roxas) Bulaluhan sa España is just a simple eatery along Sampaloc, Manila, but their bulalo is a favorite of locals and even drivers after a long day of work. For PhP155, you’ll get to taste their Bulalo Special, which is their take on the classic bulalo. The broth is simmered for three hours to make sure that the meat will fall off the bones. Patrons also love to combine the bulalo with Bulaluhan’s version of chicharong bulaklak (deep fried pork intestines) and liempo (grilled pork belly).
Patpat’s Kansi
8809 Sampaloc cor. Kamagong Sts., San Antonio, Makati City
This joint’s kansi brings foodies a taste of Ilo-Ilo. (Images: L, @nohardfeeling_s; R, Nathan Esguerra If you’re an Ilo-Ilo native and sourly miss kansi, Patpat’s Kansi might be the place you need to visit. Patpat’s is a down-to-earth eatery that serves a delicious bowl of kansi—the Ilonggo’s version of bulalo which is made sour by adding batwan fruit in the soup. You can opt to try their Kansi Bulalo for Php170 if you’re a fan of tapping the marrow out of the bone, but you can also go for Kansi Laman for PhP145 to get a bowl of meaty bulalo to eat straight with your rice.
Tapsi ni Vivian at Bulaluhan
HDR Building, Gil Fernando Ave., Marikina City; 6 Lauan St., Project 3, Quezon City; and 993 Aurora Blvd., project 2, Quezon City
Aside from their silog, their bulalo is also a head-turner in this joint. (Images: L, Bilab Fontanilla; R, LJ Brazal) Marikina is slowly becoming a food haven next to Makati and Maginhawa, and a good bulalo place can also be found here. Tapsi ni Vivian at Bulaluhan is popular for their silog meals (a combination of fried rice and egg paired with various meats), but their bulalo is also getting a lot of buzz. One order will set you back PhP380, but it’s good for sharing with three people. In case you’ve already slurped all of the soup, just ask for another round (and another, and another) because refills are free. Read: Newly-opened Restaurants in Marikina, Mandaluyong, and Pasig
R&J Bulalohan
602 Boni Ave, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila
Find out what ‘bulalo ng mga artista’ tastes like. (Images: L, Maria Cecile Gregorio Reyes; R, Ralph Villalobos) Foodies near Ortigas need not go too far to have some bulalo because R&J Bulalohan is right around the corner. R&J is a humble, open-spaced eatery so expect to endure humidity especially when you’re dining in the afternoon. R&J takes pride in their version of bulalo which they call “bulalo ng mga artista” (bulalo of the celebrities) as many celebrities have already tried their famous dish. Their Bulalo Special priced at PhP329.00 is what’s been getting rave reviews. Read: 8 New Restaurants to Try in Manila for Avid Foodies
BullChef (The Bulalo Chef)
Kapitolyo #4 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City
This place might be a hole-in-the-wall but their bulalo is huge! (Image: L, @alpotero.kuno; R, @john_inthecity) BullChef or The Bulalo Chef uses the owner’s family recipe in creating their bulalo, so expect a homey, delicious hot bowl of soup when you dine. Although the Ultimate Bulalo, priced at PhP629, is the star of the place, their AsimBullis a serious contender. AsimBull is their version of bulalo with sinigang broth (sour soup). Customers love the thick tangy soup paired with the buttery marrows. Foodies who loved their bulalo can leave a comment and even a photo on the wall of the restaurant.
Bulaluhan sa Ramirez
55 N. Ramirez St., Galas Quezon City, Philippines
Whether it’s the classic nilaga or sinigang, this joint’s versions of bulalo are equally good. (Images: L, June Amiel Palmero; R, Cholo Taguinod) What started out as a small family business selling goto (congee) in a push cart is now a famous bulalo joint in Quezon City. Bulaluhan sa Ramirez has gotten so famous that even stars like Vice Ganda and Boy Abunda have frequented the place. Their version of Special Bulalo, priced at PhP155, is a favorite among patrons because for the cheap price, they can get a hearty bowl of classic bulalo. For those who are itching for something different, their Sinigang na Bulalo, priced at PhP105, is also a well-loved dish. Whether you’re looking for a warm soup for the cold weather or just hoping to satisfy your bulalo cravings, Manila has plenty of bulalo joints for you. Let us know in the comments which of these restaurants are your favorite!