A journey to Filipino culinary traditions at Palenque
Celebrate special days or even an ordinary day by exploring Philippine cuisine’s rich heritage and culinary tradition at Araneta City’s haven of local dishes — Palenque.
Located at the Upper Ground Level of the newly-built Gateway Mall 2, Palenque offers a diverse array of delicious dishes from all over the Philippines crafted by renowned local chefs. Behind the creative mind of Chef Claude Tayag, the food hall features five Filipino restaurants—Tindeli, B.E.L. Iloco, The Original Chicken Fandian, Nasi by Bale Dutung, and Palm Grill—housed together in one area.
Tindeli by Chef Myke Tatung
Inspired by the classic Filipino sari-sari store, Tindeli offers a delightful blend of familiar flavors and innovative culinary techniques. Chef Tatung has meticulously curated a menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of Philippine gastronomy.
It also offers a diverse selection of cured meats, such as wood-smoked bacon, saus including blood sausage or pinuneg, longganisa, cold cuts, and even local dishes like sizzling sisig, classic tapa, palabok, and beef mami.
B.E.L. Iloco by Chef Al Purugganan
The Ilocano restaurant brings its diners back to the heart of the Ilocos region serving authentic, homemade Ilocano cuisine. Although raised in Pampanga, Chef Al proves he is a true Ilocano at heart. Inspired by the women who nurtured him, particularly his grandmother and mother, the chef meticulously crafts each recipe from scratch, ensuring an authentic and heartwarming dining experience.
With his deep-rooted connection to the region, BEL Iloco offers familiar Ilocano dishes such as inabraw, bagnet, and of course the authentic empanada. All-time favorite bagnet is showcased in various dishes like sinigang, kare-kare, dinakdakan, binagoongan, and pakbet. Empanada can also be enjoyed in regular and special flavors.
The Original Chicken Fandian by Albert Uy
Renowned as the birthplace of the iconic Binondo fried chicken, restaurateur Albert Uy shares a glimpse of his family’s heritage through the Filipino-Chinese cuisine on its menu. Originally hailed from Chinatown, the restaurant opens its doors to Araneta City-zens to try its wide array of rich culinary traditions.
Along with its story and legacy, The Original Chicken Fandian brings its signature crispy fried chicken, perfectly cooked oyster cake, tasty quekiam, and indulgent pato misua soup to the City of Firsts.
Nasi by Bale Dutung by Chef Claude Tayag
Translated as “House of Wood”, Nasi by Bale Dutung brings the vibrant flavors of Kapampangan cuisine to the heart of Metro Manila. As a spin-off of the renowned Chef Claude Tayag’s Bale Dutung in Angeles City, the restaurant offers a more accessible dining experience while staying true to the culinary heritage of Pampanga without leaving the bustling life in the metro.
Nasi by Bale Dutung features a curated selection of Bale Dutung’s signature dishes, allowing diners to savor the iconic flavors without the need for reservations. Whether you are ordering Trianggulo (crispy samosas with spinach, tinapa, and pili nuts), the flavorful Lechon Tacos (fried pulled lechon belly in basil coriander sauces), Bringhe (sticky rice with chicken, chorizo, and quail eggs), or Ensaladang Pako (fiddlehead fern salad), all these dishes give authentic flavors of Kapampangan cuisine.
Palm Grill by Chef Miguel Moreno
Specializing in the rich and diverse cuisine of Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, Chef Miguel Moreno’s Palm Grill offers a unique dining experience that transports you to the heart of the Philippines’ southernmost region. Its menu boasts a treasure trove of dishes rarely found elsewhere in Luzon, allowing diners to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other.
One of their signature dishes is the Pianggang Manok, also known as the “Green Chicken”, which is cooked in a special sauce made from burnt coconut, giving it a distinctive taste and aroma. Another must-try is the Tiyula Itum, a black beef soup with a deep, rich flavor. For seafood lovers, the sizzling sambal squid is a crowd-pleaser. Tender squid cooked to perfection and served with a spicy sambal sauce.
