Ever wanted to travel around the world? With the current conditions and the pandemic going around today, it may be hard with all the health and safety concerns. Worry not, we want to take you on a food escapade where you’ll feel that you’re going on a little trip around the world.

If you wanna feel like having a trip to Japan? Korea? The Middle East? Taiwan? Or Mexico? Then read on! Here in this article are 5 authentic restaurants that are #WIRMustTry.

1. JAPAN – ABCT Kitchen and Store Eastridge

Irasshaimase!

ABCT Kitchen and Store – Eastridge is your go-to if you want to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Plus, they also have both Korean and Italian cuisines too! This is a relatively new restaurant and store that opened its doors just last October 2021. The restaurant prides itself on its 100% fresh, handmade, and from-scratch menu. Everything is made-to-order, this way you are guaranteed the freshness and quality of their food.

Here’s our #WIRRecommendations:

• ABCT Ramen Special
• Ebi Tempura
• Tori To Mango
• Salmon Lover Set
• 5 Kinds Nigiri

They also have a Japanese-Korean store where you can find all kinds of foreign essentials, snacks, food, and beverages to satisfy your midnight cravings!

Be sure to check out more photos from our visit here: https://www.facebook.com/wheninrizal/posts/1050979675747976

Address: Eastridge Golf Club, Eastridge Ave., Binangonan, Rizal, Binangonan, Philippines

Business Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCTEastridge/

Note: A reservation is required to be booked before dining. You can easily do so by messaging them on their official Facebook page above.

2. KOREA – Kimchi Kingdom

Wanna live out you’re K-Drama dream? Let us take you one step closer to experiencing just that! If you’re one of those who binge-watch K-Dramas late at night, I know you’ve at least once had those late-night cravings for Korean food. I mean, what is a K-Drama without at least one scene where they’re like having the best meal of their life, right?

At Kimchi Kingdom, you’ll be able to satisfy those cravings with authentic Korean dishes prepared by a Korean chef! You’ll feel the Korean vibes with, not only the food but also the interior design and surrounding mountains and nature where you’ll feel you’re in a foreign country. The open-air dining provides a chilly atmosphere where you can comfortably enjoy your meal and the view.

Here’s our #WIRRecommendations for ABCT Kitchen and Store:

• Jap Chae
• Bulgogi Kimbap
• Samgyup Kimbap
• Tansuyuk
• Tteokbokki
• Jokbal
• Bossam

You can also check out more photos from our visit in Kimchi Kingdom here: https://www.facebook.com/wheninrizal/posts/1033154824197128

Kimchi Kingdom is also available for delivery through GrabFood and Foodpanda.

Address: Aqua Huts Private Resort, Taktak Road, Sta. Cruz Antipolo Rizal

Landmark: Before Christina Villa

Business Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimchiKingdom/

3. TAIWAN – Wok It Out

When you think of Taiwan, you think of street food. Wok It Out is your place to go when you want to experience Taiwan. The restaurant serves some of the best and most affordable authentic Taiwanese food you can find in Rizal. From dumplings to noodles, to other Taiwanese menus, you’re sure to find it here.

What’s good about this restaurant too is that their dumplings are individually hand-made from scratch by their dumpling masters. You’re sure to find the best quality dumplings here!

Here’s our #WIRRecommendations for Wok It Out:

• Small Platter (This is perfect for groups of 5-8 pax as you’ll be able to try different dumplings)
• Xiaolongbao
• Prawn Salad
• Chow Mien
• Fried Noodles

Check out more from our visit to Wok It Out Taytay branch here: https://www.facebook.com/wheninrizal/posts/1032423997603544

Available for dine-in, take-out, pick-up, and delivery.

Address: 97 E. Rodrtiguez Avenue Brgy. San Isidro Taytay, Rizal

Business Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wokitouttaytay/

Contact Number: 0916 4164 570

Other Branches: Vista Verde Cainta | Muntinlupa | San Fernando, Pampanga

4. MEXICO – LEON Authentic Mexican

Mexico is famous for its food such as burritos and tacos that are wrapped and filled with the most amazing flavorful sauces and spices.

LEON Authentic Mexican is a small Mexican cantina known for their “closest to home” flavors. What’s more is that it is called as such by foreign customers, meaning, it is guaranteed to have the true, authentic flavors of Mexico. The restaurant makes their own homemade sauces such as sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, pineapple jalapeno sauce, red salsa, taco chile sauce, salsa, and their own brand of hot sauce. You can have a true Mexican experience here in LEON Authentic Mexican, mi amigo!

Here’s our #WIRRecommendations for LEON Authentic Mexican Restaurant:

• Steak Burrito w/ Sour Cream
• Asada Burrito
• California Burrito
• Lamb Chops Sizzling Fajitas
• Birria-Style Tacos
• Chimichanga

LEON Authentic Mexican is available for limited indoor and al fresco dining, take out, pick up, and delivery.

Address: 2nd Floor Okinari Arcade,L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City

Business Hours: 12 PM – 8:30 PM

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeonAuthenticMexican/

Contact Number: 0921 948 6255

5. MIDDLE EAST – A&R Sawaya Mid Eastern Food

A&R Sawaya Mid Eastern Food will take you straight on a trip to the Middle East. The savory, bold, flavorful, and spice-filled food from this restaurant is surely one of the best, if not the best, Middle Eastern food you can find in Rizal. If you are fond of food that is filled with spices and aromas, then this will surely fit your tastes. We can assure you that their products and meats taste fresh, and are of excellent quality.

Taste true, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with A&R Mid Eastern Food now!

Here’s what we got to try:

• Biryani
• Kabsa
• Kebab

Among these, our #WIRReccomendation is the Chicken Biryani.

As of writing, the restaurant is only available through delivery. Just message them for orders and reservations. For more details, be sure to check out their official Facebook page which I’ll provide down below.

Address: #27 DOLLAR ST. MERALCO VILLAGE, TAYTAY, RIZAL

Note: Same-day orders are accepted from 8 AM to 9 AM and delivery from 5 PM – 6 PM.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawayaeasternfood/

Contact Number: 0998 259 8944

So, are you ready for your little trip around the world? Experience the world a bit with these restaurants and have a taste of what they can offer while we wait for the world to heal a bit. For further details, orders, reservations, and such, be sure to visit their official Facebook pages that I have provided above.

Disclaimer: Credit to the rightful owners. We do not intend copyright infringement with these photos.

© Carlo Emmanuel Posadas

WIR Intern

De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Antipolo Campus