Siklab+: A Bold and Modern Take on Filipino Flavors
Are you looking for a dining experience that brings the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Filipino cuisine right to your table?
Look no further than Siklab+! Located in the heart of Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, this latest gem from The Bistro Group invites you to savor classic Filipino dishes prepared with love, care, and respect for time-honored culinary traditions.
Whether you're craving familiar comfort food or seeking a taste of home, Siklab+ offers the perfect blend of cozy ambiance and flavorful dishes that will transport you straight to the heart of the Philippines.
Warm and Inviting Ambiance
The ambiance at Siklab+ is designed to evoke a sense of home—a space where family and friends can come together to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals. The interiors are a blend of modern minimalism with warm, muted tones of brown, gray, and beige, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The carefully curated design elements allow the focus to remain on the food while also providing a comfortable environment to share and savor each meal. Whether you’re dining with loved ones or enjoying a meal on your own, the space at Siklab+ makes you feel right at home.
A Journey Through Bold, Comforting Flavors
The menu at Siklab+ is a love letter to the diverse regions of the Philippines, with dishes that range from sweet and sour to savory and spicy. Each dish is a comforting reminder of the Philippines' culinary history, using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. Every bite is designed to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, offering bold flavors that are both familiar and satisfying.
Traditional Filipino Starters
Filipino meals are often a communal affair, starting with a variety of appetizers to share. Siklab+ excels in offering a selection of traditional Filipino starters that will excite your taste buds and set the tone for the meal to come.
It was my first time trying Kuhol in Tanggol (snails in savory broth), and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it definitely turned out to be a delightful surprise. This beloved Filipino delicacy features tender snails simmered in a rich, savory broth that’s packed with deep umami flavors. Each bite offers a satisfying, comforting taste that’s both unique and incredibly flavorful—making it a perfect appetizer to kick off any meal.
OK na Okoy (shrimp fritters) is a traditional Filipino snack that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Paired with a tangy vinegar dip, this dish is a perfect balance of crunchy and savory, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients prepared with care.
Paboritong Sisig is a classic Filipino favorite, made from crispy, seasoned pork in which the pork is finely chopped and mixed with onions, chilies, and other seasonings, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Lumpiang Ubod ng Sarap (spring rolls with heart of palm) offers a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes, with the soft, tender filling of heart of palm wrapped in crispy rice paper and served with a sweet dipping sauce. It’s a light yet flavorful dish that showcases the fresh ingredients of Filipino cuisine.
Pinalutong na Tawilis (crispy fried freshwater fish) and Anak ng Tokwa’t Baboy (tofu and pork) are also excellent choices for those looking to start their meal with traditional flavors. These dishes offer a balance of crispy textures and savory flavors that are sure to please any palate.
Vegetables Steeped in Tradition
No Filipino meal would be complete without vegetables, and Siklab+ offers a wonderful selection of vegetable-based dishes that showcase the diversity and richness of local produce. Filipino cuisine places great emphasis on the use of fresh, seasonal vegetables, and these dishes are a tribute to that tradition.
Gising-Gising Na! is a spicy vegetable dish made from chopped green beans cooked in coconut milk, seasoned with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) and chilies. It’s a perfect balance of creamy and spicy, with just the right amount of heat to excite the taste buds.
Tortalong features tender, sautéed eggplant mixed with savory minced pork, creating a harmonious combination of textures and flavors. This dish is a staple in Filipino households, bringing together earthy vegetables and rich meat in a way that feels both comforting and satisfying.
Ginisang Ampalaya (stir-fried bitter melon) is another classic Filipino vegetable dish. Known for its slightly bitter taste, the bitter melon is sautéed with garlic, onions, and pork or shrimp, making it a unique and flavorful dish that many Filipinos love. The bitterness is balanced perfectly by the savory seasonings, making this a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Bet Na Pinakbet is an iconic Filipino vegetable stew made with a medley of vegetables like squash, eggplant, and bitter melon, all simmered in a flavorful shrimp paste broth. This dish is rich in umami, offering a taste of home with every bite.
Hearty, Soul-Warming Soups
No Filipino feast is complete without a comforting bowl of soup, and Siklab+ offers a variety of soups that bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. These traditional soups are perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to special gatherings.
Sinigang is a Filipino favorite, known for its tangy, sour broth that’s balanced with savory flavors. At Siklab+, you can enjoy this classic soup with either pork or milkfish, each version offering a distinct taste. The combination of sour tamarind, fresh vegetables, and tender meat makes for a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day.
We enjoyed the Asim Kilig Sinigang, a delightful twist on the classic Filipino sour soup. This version features Trio Sinigang Na Baboy, made with three different souring agents: guava, sampaloc (tamarind), and kamias (bilimbi). The soup is simmered with a mix of vegetables including okra, string beans, eggplant, green chili, radish, tomato, and kangkong (water spinach), all cooked together with tender pork shoulder, creating a bold and flavorful bowl that's both comforting and refreshing.
Batangas Bulalo Ala Eh! is a traditional beef shank soup that’s simmered to perfection, with tender beef and bone marrow swimming in a rich, savory broth. This comforting soup is often enjoyed with rice and fresh vegetables, making it a well-rounded dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Lola’s Ginisang Munggo (mung bean stew) is another comforting soup that’s deeply nostalgic for many Filipinos. The hearty mung beans are cooked with pork and seasoned with fish sauce, then topped with crispy chicharon (pork cracklings), giving it a satisfying crunch and added flavor.
Fresh, Flavorful Seafood Dishes
Being surrounded by water, the Philippines has an abundance of fresh seafood, and Siklab+ brings the best of the sea to your table with dishes that highlight the delicate flavors of local fish and shellfish.
Siniklabang Tuna Belly is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring fresh tuna belly cooked in a tangy, savory broth. The tuna’s rich, meaty texture pairs beautifully with the bright, sour broth, making it a perfect representation of the Filipino love for sour soups.
Garlicky Squid Adobo is a delightful take on the classic adobo, with tender squid cooked in garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves. This dish is a perfect example of how Filipino cuisine can elevate the simplest ingredients to create deep, bold flavors.
Meat Dishes that Satisfy
For meat lovers, Siklab+ offers a wide range of hearty, flavorful dishes that will leave you feeling fully satisfied. These traditional Filipino meat dishes are packed with bold flavors and are perfect for any feast.
KKK: Klasikong Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino dish made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich peanut sauce. The combination of tender meat and creamy sauce makes this dish a comfort food staple that’s perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Pinalutong na Tadyang (crispy ribs) is a dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering the perfect contrast in textures. The tender pork ribs are fried to a golden crisp and served with a side of dipping sauce, making it a favorite among Filipino food lovers.
Pinoy Bistek is a classic Filipino beef steak, marinated in soy sauce, calamansi (local lime), and onions. The result is a savory and tangy dish that’s packed with flavor, perfect for pairing with rice.
Crispy Dinuguan (crispy pork blood stew) and Bopis ni Ima (spicy pork lungs) are two offal-based dishes that will delight adventurous eaters. Both dishes are rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, representing the heart of Filipino comfort food.
Rice and Noodles to Complete the Meal
Filipino meals are never complete without a heaping serving of rice, and Siklab+ offers several rice dishes that complement the main courses perfectly. Bagoong Rice and Chorizo Rice are both flavorful options, with the salty sweetness of the bagoong or the smoky richness of chorizo adding depth to every bite.
Of course, my favorite had to be the delectable Dilis Rice. This savory dish features crispy fried dilis (anchovies) paired with scrambled egg, fresh cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and onions. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible—crispy, savory, and light, yet hearty enough to satisfy. It’s a perfect balance of umami and freshness that makes every bite a delightful experience.
For noodle lovers, Siklab+ also serves up classic Filipino noodle dishes like Pancit Bihon Guisado, Pancit Palabok, and Siklab Pancit Special Lomi—each one a celebration of the flavors and textures that make Filipino noodles so irresistible.
Sweet Filipino Desserts
To cap off your meal, Siklab+ offers a selection of traditional Filipino desserts that bring a sweet ending to an already satisfying meal. Kalamay Sa Latik (sticky rice cake with coconut syrup) and Palitaw (sweet rice dumplings) are classic kakanin (rice cakes) that have been enjoyed by Filipinos for generations.
Turon Trio is a creative take on the beloved merienda snack of caramelized banana wrapped in spring roll wrappers. Siklab+ elevates this with three different variations, making it a fun and flavorful treat.
And for those who crave the festive flavors of Christmas all year round, Bonggang Bibingka (rice cake) and Puto Bumbong (purple sticky rice cake) are available all year long, offering a taste
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