Travelling Doc
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The two Major Negatives:
The two main issues were the waiting/non-bookable policy and the disorganised service.
Manam is a modern Filipino bistro located in Greenbelt 3 on the upper ground toward the end of the row of restaurants .
Unfortunately, they do not take reservations, meaning you have to queue to get a table. At around 7:30 PM, we waited about 10 minutes.
They take your orders while you’re in line, but the process felt disjointed, with staff easily distracted by multitasking.
We were seated at the second table near the door, which was uncomfortably hot due to the door constantly being left open. After placing our order, our food arrived before the drinks — a sign of the service issues throughout the evening.
Aubergine and Okra Vegetable Dish: Very good.
Sinigang na Beef Short Rib & Watermelon: An interesting, sour soup (similar to tom yum) with beef and watermelon cubes — unusual, but surprisingly enjoyable.
Gising-Gising: Sautéed winged beans and kangkong in a creamy sauce; an average dish.
Squid in Olive Oil and Garlic: Very good.
Shrimp Bicol Express: Shrimp in a creamy, flavorful sauce — another excellent dish.
Beef Salpicao: Cooked like a stew or curry; tasty, but the beef pieces were tough and difficult to cut.
Buko Cake: A light, enjoyable dessert made with the white flesh of coconut.
Service was abysmal. Besides food arriving before drinks (including the pandan iced tea, iced lemon tea, and mango pomelo sago), staff were consistently disorganised — clearing tables halfway through service and then getting sidetracked seating new guests. Overall, the service lacked coordination and focus.
While the food at Manam is excellent and well worth trying, the poor service and chaotic organisation significantly detract from the overall experience. If you’re patient and willing to overlook the service flaws, the food itself makes it worth a visit.
