The Podium Mall has become an enclave for foodies to discover new dining experiences you, most often than not, wouldn’t find anywhere else in the Metro. One restaurant in particular that has called The Podium its second home is Panco Cafe, which has successfully made its mark in the local food scene with its first branch in Legazpi Village, Makati.
Panco Cafe is a Melbourne-style restaurant that offers hearty dishes with a Pinoy twist as well as delicious Australian coffee. One thing you notice right away is that its new spot in The Podium has a refreshed look that offers a much cozier vibe that’s conducive for both remote working and catching up with friends.
Enjoying a cup of hot Vanilla Bean Latte while writing articles for WhenInManila.com
The menu at Panco Cafe features a wide selection of Australian-Filipino fusion dishes, from all-day brunches to noodles and veggies. Depending on what you’re particularly craving that day, you can choose between having your viand “Melbourne Style,” which is presented to you in a soft and buttered-up pandesal sandwich, dangerously addicting root crop chips, and pickled atsara, or “Manila Style,” which pairs it up with rice, house side, and a pickled salad.
Because there were so many mains to choose from, my friends and I decided to trust the “stars” (the chef’s recommendations) and go for the Breakfast Brisket (Manila Style), Char Siu Pork Belly (Manila Style), Spicy Gambas (Melbourne Style), Honey Cured Chicken (Melbourne Style), and Cheesy Kaldereta (Manila Style). We absolutely loved all of it! The serving sizes were huge for the price, the brisket and the pork belly were so satisfyingly tender, and they definitely didn’t hold back on the spice for the gambas.
Char Siu Pork Belly
Honey Cured Chicken
Cheesy Kaldereta
Though you might go here for the Australian coffee (which truly is a must-try!), I urge you to try their special iced drinks as well, particularly the Strawberry Lychee, Ube Pinipig, and the Kalma—fresh calamansi with matcha.
As a person with a dedicated stomach for sweets, we couldn’t leave without sinking our teeth into some desserts. Unfortunately, the Blackout cake ran out as soon as we asked so we went for the Ube Turon ala Mode and Panco’s Kakanin instead which were just as good as we had hoped.
Panco Cafe delighted us completely, from the overall vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere of the place to the flavorsome dishes we got to eat. If ever you find yourself around Ortigas, stay a while and have your fill of great Australian-Filipino fusion comfort food here!
Panco Cafe
5th floor, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
(+63) 929 365 1396
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