Grill it like it’s Thrilla: Must-try grilling hotspots in Araneta City
As Araneta City lights up once again to celebrate the legacy of the “Thrilla in Manila,” the air around Cubao carries a familiar kind of heat—the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat, the smoky haze of sizzling iron plates, and the unmistakable clatter of chopsticks against side dishes.
Nearly five decades since legendary boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier made history at the Big Dome, another kind of thrill continues to draw crowds, this time to the tables of the city’s most popular grilling spots. Whether you’re craving Korean barbecue, Japanese yakiniku, or a mix of both, Araneta City has turned into a food arena where diners face the ultimate test of appetite.
Tong Yang
Upper Ground A, Gateway Mall 2
Tong Yang ups the ante with its hybrid grill-and-hotpot setup. Patrons mix sauces, sear meats, and dip fresh vegetables into simmering broth—a combination that keeps families and barkadas lingering long after their plates are cleared. For some, it’s not about how much they can eat but how long they can last, a kind of “endurance match” in itself.
Sumo Niku Unlimited Japanese Barbeque
Level 2, Gateway Mall 2
At Sumo Niku, the battle begins with unlimited Japanese barbecue—tender slices of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood ready to hit the grill. The place fills up fast, especially during weekends when groups arrive in waves, drawn by the restaurant’s buffet-style freedom and the comforting smell of meat caramelizing over flame.
Dookki
Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2
For those who like a little twist with their feast, Dookki introduces a unique Korean tteokbokki buffet with optional grill and hotpot pairings. Here, the “fight” is against flavor overload—with sauces, broths, and rice cakes that can turn mild snacks into fiery indulgence.
Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi
Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2
And for diners who prefer premium cuts, Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi delivers the knockout punch. Known for its sweet, marinated galbi ribs grilled over charcoal, it’s a favorite among those who take their barbecue seriously. The restaurant’s ventilation setup may keep the smoke out of your eyes, but there’s no escaping the aroma that hits like a well-placed hook.
Romantic Baboy
Ground Floor, Ali Mall
Meanwhile, Romantic Baboy lives up to its name with its all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue setup, a fan favorite for couples and friend groups alike. Between bites of samgyeopsal and bursts of laughter, diners craft their own version of the Thrilla—one that swaps boxing gloves for tongs and smoke extractors.
Samgyupsalamat
Manhattan Parkview
Samgyupsalamat, a Korean grill restaurant, captures the spirit that ignited Manila’s samgyup craze. With quick refills, friendly servers, and K-pop music, it creates a lively and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of old Araneta moments.
From mall corridors to al fresco strips, Araneta City’s grilling scene channels the same energy that once filled the Big Dome—heat, rhythm, and passion. And just like the “Thrilla” that made the Philippines a global headline, these kitchens prove that sometimes, the most memorable matches aren’t fought in the ring but shared around the grill.
