The ultimate “pulutan” guide to celebrate Oktoberfest in Araneta City
The arrival of October ushers in a festive spirit felt globally, most famously in Germany’s Munich, where Oktoberfest celebrates the world’s most beloved golden brew. Yet, in the Philippines, the beer-drinking tradition finds its own powerful, year-round rhythm. Here, the experience is defined not just by the frosty glass of beer, but by the array of bold, savory, and flavorful bar chow locally known as “pulutan.”
As the season of cheers arrives, there is no better place to explore this delicious local tradition than within the bustling gastronomic hub of Araneta City, where a diverse selection of restaurants offers the perfect local twist on the global festivity.
Mangan
Upper Ground Floor A, Gateway Mall 2
For those seeking robust, classic Filipino flavors, the journey must begin at Mangan, a restaurant well-known for showcasing the best of Kapampangan cuisine. A phenomenal partner for any cold beer is their Mangan’s Sisig ni Mely, a popular serving of finely chopped pork and chicken liver, seasoned with calamansi, green chili, and onions, for a complex bite best paired with a cold brew.
Abé
Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2
Another stellar choice of pulutan can be found at Abé, which offers a rustic yet refined take on provincial comfort food. Their Crispy Tadyang specialty dish features marinated beef ribs deep-fried to a state of magnificent crispiness, boasting a rich, savory crust that gives way to tender, flavorful meat. The dish is popular for its textural complexity and heartiness, offering a satisfying and salty complement to a chilled glass of beer.
Via Mare
Upper Ground Floor A, Gateway Mall 2
Those who prefer a lighter, yet equally flavorful pairing, Via Mare provides an elevated take on Filipino staples with its signature Tokwa’t Baboy. This dish presents perfectly fried tofu cubes and tender yet crispy pork slices submerged in a classic, tangy-savory garlic-soy sauce. The contrast between the crunchy tofu and the succulent pork, drenched in a sharp, complex sauce, is a guaranteed palate refresher, making it an ideal choice for sustained feasting.
Shinshima
Level 4, World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2
For an upscale, high-impact pulutan experience, head to Shinshima and savor the finely sliced Tenderloin Steak Teppanyaki. Grilled by expert chefs, the tender slices of premium beef are served with a signature house sauce. The savory beef, perfectly seared to a medium-rare finish, bursts with an umami-rich flavor, a luxurious bite that is both elegant and profoundly satisfying with a cocktail or a cold beer from Lepak.
Giligan’s
Ground Floor, Manhattan Parkway
The communal spirit of pulutan is perfectly captured by the offerings at Giligan’s, a local favorite known for its casual, festive ambiance. Their Inihaw na Pusit, or grilled squid, provides a smoky, succulent counterpoint to beer. The squid is marinated in a savory-sweet blend, grilled over hot coals until tender, and often served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce that provides a necessary sharp contrast to the rich meat and a light body that pairs wonderfully with a lighter beer.
Gerry’s Grill
Ground Floor, Ali Mall
While the full menu is extensive, the undisputed king of their bar chow is the legendary Crispy Pata. This Filipino classic features a whole pork knuckle that is deep-fried to a crackling, golden-brown perfection, boasting shatteringly crisp skin that gives way to tender, juicy meat underneath. Served with a tangy, soy-vinegar dipping sauce and built for sharing, this rich and savory dish provides the ultimate, heavy-hitting contrast to a cold mug of beer, making it the indispensable centerpiece for any drinking session or celebration.
Then get the finest wine and liquor at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Gateway Mall 2, and Lepak in World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2, and the hardest hitting beer at Beer Plaza in Farmers Plaza, and Oyster Boy in Fiesta Carnival Arcade.
