Galli Village Cafe’s Famous Paella Valenciana
As someone who enjoys eating paella, it’s a little hard for me to find places in Metro Manila that offer paella dishes that really tickle my tummy. Usually, I find the good ones in food markets and bazaars such as Mercato or the recent Yummy Eats 2013 which you can read here.
A lot of old Spanish restaurants come to mind whenever I hear the word “paella” but one that I recently discovered was Galli Village Cafe in San Antonio Village, Makati.
I instantly fell in love with this quaint, little restaurant tucked in the more hidden streets of Makati City.
Galli Village Cafe actually has two branches—its first one in Makati, and its newer one along Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, where so many other good restaurants are getting their names. While the one in Quezon City caters to a younger market of chic and bohemian personalities, its older branch is more visited by church goers and professionals working along the stretch of Ayala Avenue (which is a good 2-3 minutes away).
As soon as we arrived last Saturday for lunch, we were eagerly greeted by Chef Linda Aznar who immediately invited us to take a seat as the food was already prepared. Galli Village Cafe, which boasts images of small village cafes scattered across Europe, Asia, and America hanging on white and apple green walls and windows serving as makeshift bookshelves, served us their most popular dishes: Paella Valenciana, Beef Salpicao, Tuna Salpicao, Shrimp Gambas, and Angus Beef Tapa.
Paella Valenciana (Php 255) — Takes 45 Minutes to Prepare
Tuna Salpicao (Php 210)
Beef Salpicao (Php 210)
Shrimp Gambas (Php 210)
Angus Beef Tapa (Php 190)
Despite its simplicity, Galli Village Cafe in Makati is very rich in character. The dishes are unpretentious and priced within reason. It’s also a great escape away from the busy city. Since their location is right beside a church, people often reserve the restaurant for baptism and wedding receptions. It’s a tiny place that can accommodate 40 people—20 inside, and 20 outside on the porch. The restaurant is also located right beside Purple Oven.
If you’re looking to plan an intimate get-together with family or friends this Christmas When in Manila, Galli Village Cafe in Makati is definitely a great venue to look into. I’m really excited to go back and have another round of their Paella Valenciana!
Galli Village Cafe
Galli Village Cafe in Makati
7am to 8:30pm
G/F YMCA Hotel, 7 Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village, Makati
0927-391-4655
Galli Village Cafe in Quezon City
11am to 10pm
154 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Makati
(02) 434-6716
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalliVillageCafe?fref=ts
Written by: Gretchen Gatan of Greta’s Junkyard
Photography by: Cayo Fragada
To read more about Galli Village Cafe, you can also visit https://gretasjunkyard.com/galli-village-cafe-makati/
