Hapag
At Hapag, head chefs John Kevin Navoa and Thirdy Dolatre make their own rules. Filipino classics are on full display but are injected with contemporary touches through an innovative play of local ingredients from land and sea. Think silog with burong sinangag, longganisa, egg mousse, and atsara on top of a gamet rice cracker; lumpia with pork and kutchay mousse plus sweet chili gel inside a crunchy cylinder; and bistek shortribs with potato miso puree, lasona chimichurri, crispy fried onions, and bistek jus.
Hapag is tucked inside Balmori Suites, which overlooks the busy streets of Makati and its stunning skyscrapers. Despite its tall walls and spacious area, however, the restaurant stays true to its name that translates to “dining table” in English, a place where people come together and share stories over comforting food. It ensures an intimate experience through its wooden interiors that evidently mirror the warmth of their team. This is why the best seat is at the back, where they can be seen and heard finishing up their architecturally charming dishes before serving them to their guests. Hapag is not just a labor of love but also an exceptional homage to the Philippines—from its rich culture to its people, values, and beyond. No wonder, then, that it landed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021—just two years after it opened—and Discovery’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022.
Hapag is located on the 7th Floor of The Balmori Suites, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It’s accepting reservations at www.hapagmnl.com. You can contact them at 0917 888 5757 or [email protected].
Price range: P7,000 for the tasting menu; P1,500-P5,300 for wine by the glass; P1,200-P64,500 for bottled wines