Friday, July 30, 2010

Quezon City: Where to eat in U.P. Diliman


The University of the Philippines, Diliman has been a big part of my life. I spent nine years in U.P. as a student, finishing three degrees. And now, I'm a member of the faculty, teaching tourism courses at the Asian Institute of Tourism.

And U.P Diliman food has definitely been a big part of all those years. I was a dormer for close to four years and had my share of isaw, fishballs and dirty ice cream, as well as food from the U.P. Shopping Center, U.P. Coop or aristocart when I missed my meals at the dorm. Some of the restaurants we used to eat at have moved to other places like Mommy Thai.

Contrary to popular notion, U.P. Diliman is not just about fishballs, isaw and dirty ice cream. I spent one afternoon and evening after class roaming around U.P. with friends and even celebrities to rediscover the food I've always enjoyed. So here's a list of things and places to eat in U.P. Diliman:


1. Beach House Canteen
This small hut beside the U.P Main Library and Sunken Garden is already an institution. They are most known for the Pork Barbecue (Php25 a stick), Pork Chop (Php50 a serving) and other grilled dishes. Beach House Canteen is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are looking for affordable and delicious barbecue, Beach House is the place to get it.


2. R.O.C. (Restaurant of Choice)
This is the newest restaurant in U.P. Diliman located at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni. It's my favorite hang-out because of its great food and free WiFi Internet. R.O.C. is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Among my favorite dishes at R.O.C. is the R.O.C. Burger, 100% quarter pound beef patty, aioli, lettuce, tomatoes and onions served in a sesame bun (Php158), Garlic Chicken, boneless chicken thighs, ROCs herb-garlic sauce, garlic rice and chefs veggies (Php185), Quattro Funghi, four-mushroom melange, garlic ream sauce and linguine (Php166), and the Bourbon Burger, 100% quarter pound beef patty, aioli, Bourbon glazed onions, lettuce and tomatoes served in a sesame bun (Php175). Also try out the Buco Sherbert (Php78) which is among their best-sellers.


I had lunch there with former U.P. Diliman USC chairperson Kris Ablan (few people know he was a FAMAS-nominated child actor who went by the screen name Kris Banal) and dinner with blogger Anton Diaz, and former actress Paula Peralejo of Tabing Ilog fame and a U.P. Diliman magna cum laude graduate herself. Being a vegetarian, Paula tried out the Margherita Panniza (Php228) and Quattro Funghi.


3. The Chocolate Kiss Cafe
This restaurant opened at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni when I was a freshman and was a regular lunch or afternoon break hangout of my block. They started with the second floor and opened another branch on the first floor of Bahay ng Alumni. The 1st floor branch opens at 7 a.m. and is closed by 6 p.m. The 2nd floor branch opens later but closes later as well at 10 p.m.

My all-time favorite snack is the Chicken Asparagus Sandwich which is grilled chicken with mayo and asparagus strips served in French bread (Php158). But The Chocolate Kiss is most known for its cakes. I personally like their Carrot Cake (Php70 per slice) and Blueberry Cheesecake (Php105 per slice).



4. Khas Food House
I like Middle Eastern food. Which is a good thing there's Khas Food House at the U.P. Arcade where the U.P. Swimming Pool is located. While Persian and Indian food are their specialties, Khas serves an array of international dishes such as Vietnamese and Korean, owing to the fact that it's located right across the International Center, U.P.'s foreign students' dorm. My personal favorite would be the Keema, minced beef with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, ginger, herbs and spices (Php45) which I partner with Pita Bread. Another best seller would be the Biryani Beef, vegetable rice cooked in imported spices served with beef (Php135).



5. Rodic's Diner
Another institution in U.P., Rodic's has been serving its very popular Tapsilog at the U.P. Shopping Center for decades. Today is the 61st anniversary of Rodic's if you didn't know! I was accompanied by Nico Ibaviosa, a member of the UP Diliman University Student Council and a Star Magic talent who is currently part of the cast of BFGF which shows every Sunday, 4:30 p.m. on TV5. We ordered their famous Tapsilog (Php70) of course!


6. Mang Larry's Isawan
Few people know that Mang Larry's Isawan has been grilling isaw in front of the Kalayaan Residence Hall ever since the 1986 People Power Revolution. So that makes Mang Larry's Isawan more than two decades old! The stall, which is open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, has definitely grown by leaps and bounds. Having lived in the Kalayaan Residence Hall during my freshman year, I was initiated to isaw at Mang Larry's. (Update: Both isawans have now moved to the empty lot beside the UP Chapel and College of Law)

They serve Isaw Manok (Php3), Isaw Baboy (Php3), Goto (Php6), Tenga (Php6), Atay (Php6), Botsi (P6), Balun-balunan (Php6) and Pork Barbecue (Php8).


And guess who I saw buying isaw while I was there! It turns out Alessandra de Rossi is a regular of Mang Larry's together with other celebrities and friends who journey all the way to U.P. Diliman to savor Mang Larry's famous isaw. While I prefer Mang Larry's, others prefer the isawan beside the U.P. College of Law (which used to be beside Ilang-Ilang Residence Hall when I was still studying).



7. Lutong Bahay
If you're looking for cheap and affordable home-cooked meals, Lutong Bahay beside the U.P. Post Office is the place to be. I was joined by U.P. student Martin del Rosario, a Star Magic talent who played Johnny on ABS-CBN's Rosalka. Martin shares that he always hangs-out with his block in Lutong Bahay for lunch. Aside from the home-cooked meals, Lutong Bahay is also popular for it's really large fruit shakes which are very cheap. The Mango Shake just costs Php30.


8. Long Island
I was not familiar with Long Island since it's on the College of Engineering side of the U.P. Main Library which I rarely visit. But Nico Ibaviosa suggested that we try out the food there too. Their best-sellers used to be the chicken meals. But that is no longer in the menu due to some changes in rules for U.P. food stalls. Canteens complained that stalls competed with them. So stalls were disallowed from selling full meals. But Long Island serves really affordable pizza and pasta. If you're craving for some, Long Island is for you.


9. U.P. Manininda
I've already mentioned the isaw. But there are a lot of really yummy snacks which are available from the different U.P. Manininda. You'd see some of them walking around with Lumpiang Gulay, Turon, Banana Cue and Carioca (Php12 each), Taho, Monay with Cheese and Dirty Ice Cream. Siomai at the College of Fine Arts is cheap and delicious. And don't forget the Fishball, Kikiam, Squid Balls, etc. at your friendly fishball stand located all over campus.

There are more restaurants such as Likha Diwa sa Gulod and the Museum Cafe at the U.P. Vargas Museum. So this list will continue to grow. I wonder if I'll include the U.P. TechnoHub since it's technically inside the U.P. Campus.

I didn't mention college canteens and CASAA anymore since concessionaires come and go. While the famous Mang Jimmy's is outside U.P. Unfortunately, some favorites like Chateau Verde and Oz Cafe (I never got to try their legendary Lava Cake), are already closed.

Did I miss anything? What is your favorite U.P. Diliman food experience?

59 comments:

  1. Jojo Ayson30.7.10

    sige... I will lakwatsa to UP tomorrow

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  2. Have fun tomorrow Jojo!

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  3. It was my first time to eat at ROC. It wasn't there when I was studying. They have great food and great prices. And next time, I'll bring my laptop since there's free wifi.

    Thanks for introducing me to ROC, ivan.

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  4. Juan Kalayaan30.7.10

    kaiskong ivan...bakit wala si mang jimmy's?...dahil ba siya's nasa labas ng ating mahal na unibersidad?

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  5. Yes, dapat in campus yung kainan. Hehe!

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  6. just when i was missing my UP walks & the roving tinderas (#9)!

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  7. brings back fond foodie memories... thanks pare...

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  8. Nice one, SB Ivan! I want to sneak to Diliman just to sample all of these all over again...pula notwithstanding.

    Kulang ata ako sa barok! =)

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  9. Kiyoboy30.7.10

    What about the Lamb chops in ISSI? solid din yun! Great list Ivan! miss ko na yung Beach house at Rodic's!!

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  10. I used to stay a lot at Oz Cafe before, the lava cake was indeed yummy but I loved their coffees too- local blends from Batangas, Kalinga, etc.

    There also used to be a vintage store/restaurant in the basement/groundfloor of Vinzons (at the back where the parking lot is)- I think it was called Manila something- which had great thin crust pizzas.

    Another one is the Tearoom inside the College of Home Economics- they have great sandwiches and main course meals. I think Figaro also serves coffee there.

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  11. 33 years ago we had the coop or maybe vinzons hall if you had a little extra money.... cant believe the choices the students have nowadays

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  12. I always enjoy reading your posts. This one makes me want to have a food trip in UP Diliman tomorrow. I haven't explored Diliman since we only go there whenever we need to use the main library. Nakakainggit talaga ang Diliman campus. UP Manila only has Robinson's Ermita. Hay...

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  13. Anonymous30.7.10

    Have you tried eating at the Tearoom (in CHE)?

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  14. i superlove the isaw beside UP College of Law, chocolate kiss' kalbi chim...yummy! Gusto ko rin mgfood trip sa UP Diliman

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  15. you forgot the hot monay with cheese! :)

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  16. and mang jimmy's too...

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  17. Manny S Gaerlan30.7.10

    had wanted to make a food trip in UP Diliman coz they say there are good food outlets there. will try to do that one of these days.

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  18. Nori Gopez30.7.10

    thanks for this info. sana noong kapanahunan namin andun na rin sila para medyo hindi mabigat sa bulsa kapag may date. binibinis won't mind anywhere you take them basta masarap, malinis, & newly cooked food. importante sa kanila iyung sincerity ni binata & enjoying his company. also, they know that binata's allowance is limited kaya sometimes they won't mind either they pay for it or dutch treat.

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  19. JJ Portugal30.7.10

    Ivan, when did Chateu Verde close? This is the one along Apacible street right? Two months or so ago, my foks had a meal there...its' closing must be recent...?

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  20. There was news it was closed. So I checked. When I got there, the parking lot was blocked with plants and the gate was closed. I'll check again

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  21. Yosef Laudencia30.7.10

    It closed around late May. The owner, an old lady, had a small chat with my mom the last time she dined there. Apparently, her kids wanted her to retire and close the place down.

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  22. This is Mrs. Cervantes right? Sayang naman!

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  23. Tokayo,

    Now that you have spilled out your food hunts, I am seeing (expecting!) another round of U.P. Food Walk from you!!

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  24. I've been thinking of doing this in UST/Sampaloc area!

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  25. Wow. I'm glad I got to read your post, and discover the new places where we can eat at UP. It's been ages since we've been there. If not for this article, I would never have learned that Thai Canteen is still open. Thanks. I am now going to bookmark your blog and add it to my bloglist.

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  26. Anonymous31.7.10

    sir may masarap na siomai sa kanto na pa-LB (lutong bahay) :D

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  27. @Bikoy, game! Let's do it! Haha!
    @Mys, there's a rumor the Thai Canteen closed again. I'll double check

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  28. Lynn Romero Ventenilla31.7.10

    i miss the baked mac at casaa

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  29. Tatum Hontiveros31.7.10

    Yes, Ivan, how about the tearoom? its affordable & delicious there tsaka the Philvolcs canteen at CP Garcia, have you been there? I like your blog

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  30. Let me check if the Tea Room is still open. What do they serve at Phivolcs? :)

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  31. Anonymous2.8.10

    open pa ba yung Chateau Verde? sabagay more than 5 years na yata since huli ko sya nakita.

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  32. whatever happended to mama thai? last time i ate there it was relocated a few meters from up tandang sora gate. but now apparently its not there anymore.. does anyone know where they are now?
    it has the best pinoy version of thai food...

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  33. Sa College of Public Administration, may masarap na carinderia, partly because they focus on lamb. (I know the owners, so I'm biased LOL)

    I also went to TreeHouse, the ambience is what sells the place more than the food. It's in ISMED. I'm not even sure if TreeHouse is the right name but it's in a tree, so.

    There used to be a carinderia inside the Engineering parking lot. It wasn't technically in a stall, so, you had to wait until it came out, at around 5 or 6 in the evening. Good times.

    The sisig inside the Faculty Center canteen used to be the best sisig in town, but I haven't been there in more than a decade.

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  34. Re: Long Island chicken meals

    Actually what you said wasn't accurate. Long Island never served Chicken-Rice meals, they served pasta + chicken and the admin claims that stalls aren't allowed to serve "Full Meals" and the chicken-pasta meal fell under this category. So they stopped Long Island from serving chicken.

    The weird thing is, Long Island is allowed to serve sausages with the pasta which, I think, could also be considered a full meal. And what about the other kiosks which serve Pancit Canton + siomai/sandwhich/egg? Isn't that also a full meal?

    :| It's such a shame that the admin would change it's rules and keep Long Island from serving healthy food for the students. One of the reasons people love Long Island is because it offers an affordable-yet-healthy alternative meals for the students.

    Anyway, great blog. =D

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  35. Yup, that's why I said chicken meals. Anyway, to remove the confusion, I changed the term rice meals in the next sentence so it now reads full meals. Thanks!

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  36. Odessa5.8.10

    oh my.. naabutan ko pa na P31 lang yung tapsilog sa rodics.. tanda ko na! na-miss ko na ito lahat. ROC sounds new.. ma-try nga sometime! thanks for this wonderful post.

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  37. allanref20.8.10

    Do I still need a UPD sticker (worth P300) to go on this food trip?

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  38. Denise20.8.10

    I find Mang Larry's Isaw a little tough and dry which makes it hard to chew. I prefer the one near the College of Law building.

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  39. UP stickers and IDs are only required for the side gates. The main gate does not require stickers.

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  40. Lamb chops in NISMED, Chimichanga and Roast beef with mashed potatoes at the yellow-orange-purple-green house along the AS walk (the color changed so much during my 5-year stay), Mongolian stir-fried bowl at the college of law, authentic lemon iced tea (they make it with teabags, not that icky instant powder)from the casaa stall next to the loo (eww, but the iced tea is really yummy!), liempo at matchpoint (tried this on my first year lang, then they closed, boooo!), Phivolcs canteen (forgot lang their specialty), pesto pasta from Cantina in Eng, and of course isaw from the Ilang-Ilang branch (it's not as tough as the Kalayaan side) and the BBQ + Red egg combo from beach house. I miss UP!

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  41. Anonymous25.11.10

    Khao Pad (Formerly U.P. Thai Canteen)is in Ortigas Home Depot now.

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  42. Wow naman po. 2nd year na po ako di pa ako nakakakain dun sa ibang places na namention niyo. Thanks for sharing! Dapat matry ko silang lahat before ako grumaduate. :)

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  43. Anonymous25.6.11

    meron ng Via Mare @ GT TOYOTA ASIAN CENTER.

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  44. We are planning to go to UP for some morning walk. We'll do it for the first time, so thank you for this post. Now we know where to grab out lunches. Exciting! :D

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  45. Is Kahs still open? I went there once when I visited my CMC prof, pero closed sila eh. By any chance would you know the operating time? Will be trying out ROC very very soon. :)

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  46. Anonymous19.8.11

    I still go for the food sa me CASAA,it has become an institution for students who can't afford to pay out for a luxurious meal..and it also is a fave hang out of people who want to get a taste of the real food in UPDil

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  47. Yes, CASAA is a must-visit. But hard to feature food there since concessionaires change

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  48. @Gee Conde/RB Balinas, I think it is. Let me check when I got to UP this week

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  49. Anonymous12.1.12

    Your blog brings back memories of my college days...Too sad, closed na Chateau Verde. I love that place...It's been more than 3 years since I visited UP. Reading the posts makes me want to go on a food trip there next week...Marami na sigurong bago.

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  50. erick11.3.12

    College of Fine Arts' siomai is the best. :) hehe at some 50pesos, busog na busog ka na!

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  51. Anonymous30.4.12

    Hmmmm... I was kinda surprised that Sarah's in Krus na Ligas isn't being talked about here. Hahaha! =)

    I miss the taste of home, especially the food in Beach House, Rodic's and LB. If I get the chance to be in Diliman on a weekday and with an on-target budget, I'll do a food trip of my own (with Chocolate Kiss, Mang Larry's Isawan and the turon from my suking UP manininda near Econ included in my list of stops). =)

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  52. San na po lumipat ang Mommy Thai? Thanks!

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  53. Saan po yung Snack Shack? Natikman ko kasi yun kahapon, yung rastafari at chemical engineering students yung nagbebenta

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  54. RALZARAP which is just passed the Bahay ng Alumni is a small eatery which gives you that "Feel-at-home" feeling because, erm...technically, it's actually IN the house of the owner. When we ate there, they even turned on their LED tv and let us watch ABDC while eating their famous Tapsilog. Other "-silog" dishes are also sold there, each at 50php. Btw, for all the guys out there, I recommend getting "extra rice" because one cup of rice just isn't enough. \m/

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  55. Anonymous26.11.12

    Dear Sir,
    I am contacting from Japanese television.
    Can I introduce your blog on our information corner related to information of University of Philipines in our news information program ? I'd like to contact you in this regard through "hotasia@hotmail.co.jp"
    Fukiko in Japan

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  56. Anonymous22.6.13

    by the way do they still swerve meals at vinzons- canteen style?

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  57. Para sa mga dormers na laging Master Showman (Walang Tulugan!!) sa pag aaral, may Bermonts, Vicky's at syempre, Tinapay at Bogchi (09167702260) sa Pook Dagohoy.. Special and out of this world ang Footlong ni Kuya Onze sa Tinapay at Solid sulit naman ang Adobo at POrkchop in a box atbp ni Bogchi na ide-deliver kahit nasaan ka sa Campus na open from 4pm to 1am Mon-Sat... me internet shop din na pwedeng pasyalan pag nagsara na ang shopping at pag pumalpak ang dilnet nyo..

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  58. Anonymous16.9.13

    IAM A PASTA LOVER AND I HEARD N MERON PO DAW STREET GOURMET THAT SELLING GREAT VARIETY OF PASTA SAME AS EXPENSIVE DINNING FLAVOR BUT WORTH FOR A STUDENT.ANY INFO FRIENDS??

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