Volcanic Grill is a tiny and unpretentious food spot along the residential row at Florida Street in Palanan, Makati City. Its “popularity” comes from diners who drool for good Filipino food in a no frills-no nonsense ambience and not peppered by some social media hype and fancy designs.

Being savory is one of the characteristics of Filipino cuisine. The fusion of its long heritage of culinary traditions influenced by its European and Asian roots give it a distinct space in the plate world. However it is prepped—grilled, stewed, fried or braised, this Southeast Asian cuisine is always amazingly flavorful.

I have lost count how many times I have dined at Volcanic Grill and each time I come I always keep the essential eating guide: surrender to food. The V, as it is otherwise known captures the complexity of time-honored flavors and the happy vibe of Filipino dining culture. It takes pride of its aromatic and well-seasoned grilled specialties and other delightful choices of regional favorites.

Travel Trilogy with fellow world nomads, hosts & DJ Yabis of Dream Euro Trip.

Travel Trilogy with eating buddies and Tin Francisco of Volcanic Grill.

I am an insatiable eater (my 40-inch waistline shows) and a big fan of fluffy white rice (my diabetologist can attest to this)! I just love how Volcanic Grill pampers my love for food. The menu offers selections that are mindful of the Filipinos’ dining tradition, that being a happy ensemble of dishes with balanced flavors, portions and prepped in various ways.

Below lists some of my favorites and food pairing recommendations. These too are undoubtedly the stars of Volcanic Grill.

Pan-fried Liempo (pork belly) best served with shrimp paste condiment or Kinilaw (ceviche).

Sizzling Sisig is an all-time favorite beer partner. Made from minced parts of pig’s head & liver, seasoned with calamansi & chili

Kinilaw is the Filipino version of fish ceviche. Perfectly paired with grilled pork belly.

Chicken Adobo sa Gata, chicken stew in coconut milk. It’s a must-try dish in V!

Gising Gising, finely chopped water spinach (kangkong) and green beans in coconut milk spiced by chili and shrimp paste will surely wake you up!

A novelty dish in Manila, Halang-Halang is a super spicy beef stew popular in Visayas & Mindanao as hang-over dish!

Volcanic Grill keeps an al-fresco chill-out atmosphere. Here you can eat with bare hands or bring your legs up on the bench. If it makes you comfy and if it tickles your fancy, they’ll be more happy. The V gathers yuppies on a quick after-office loose-button dinner, foodies and foreign backpackers. This only means you’re in a good but not intimidating crowd.

Another great thing about Volcanic Grill that sets it commendably apart from other Filipino food hangouts in Manila is its food pricing. A generously portioned single dish ranges between less than P100 to about P150 ($2-$3 USD) while its extravagant sharing platters come in between P250 to P500 ($5-$10 USD). So whether you come alone or with a hungry pack, it won’t hurt your pockets at all.

Its open-kitchen type allows diners to take a peek at how The V prepares the food.

The place is run by young entrepreneurs (who are not celebrity restaurateurs) and keeps kitchen masters that are mother-trained in their regional cookery. At Volcanic Grill, it’s just an everyday fiesta!

Special Notes

• Side street parking only.
• Only about 12 tables that sit 4 pax at a time.
• Restrooms are small but super clean.
• Non-airconditioned but there are fans.
• Open kitchen so you can check prep.
• Cold beer. Yeah, cold beer.

Please follow and like us: