ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD in Makati: A Taste of San Pablo, Laguna in Manila
Staying in the province for a bit of respite offers a lot of surprises. For one, you’ll see traditional panaderias with their glass counters, carrying an array of traditional bread and pastry favorites like pan de coco and kabayan.
A cup of hot coffee often complements these treats, often enjoyed peacefully while sitting on the terrace or under a mango tree.
Pan de Coco / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
This is the image Margarito “Ito” Kish has in mind when he opened his own cafe inside ITO KISH, a furniture brand in Makati that offers his own adaptation of the design traditions in the Philippines.
Now, the cafe he opened in December of 2021 at the showroom, has expanded into ITO KISH DINE, borne not just from a love of soulful food and coffee, but also out of a passion to tell stories and to connect.
What started out as a little cafe tucked inside the ITO KISH showroom is now a food and coffee concept called ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD, a place to experience Ito Kish’s hometown favorites, hailing from rural San Pablo City in Laguna.
A Peek Inside
Entering ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD at Paseo Parkview Suites along Sedeno Street in Makati will make you feel all sorts of things.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
More than a cafe-restaurant, it is also a haven of timeless design pieces from his collection and a serene garden for those who want to sample delicious coffee and sumptuous dishes filled with depth and history.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
A 24-Year-Old Story
The carefully-curated offerings at ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD tell the story of the 24-year-old brand—a story that celebrates the Philippines, as well as other cities around the world. This story is translated into food, designed to spark curiosity, to satisfy, and to inspire diners.
For their local entries, try their iced Pandin coffee! The brew features espresso, coconut milk and nata de coco, inspired by the tree-lined Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna. The result is an ensemble of sweet coconut flavor and strong local coffee that will surely energize you throughout your workday!
Pandin / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
For an appetizing, light offering that will prepare you for the heartier meal, sample their rich and creamy Wild Mushroom Soup, before trying their Filipino favorite dishes, just like the Tapang Kalabaw Silog. It uses marinated carabao meat and comes with garlic rice and egg, perfect for breakfast!
Tapang Kalabaw Silog / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
In case you want to try something different, ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD also plates up Wild Tilapia Sinugno, a delicacy often found in Quezon Province and Batangas. Their version uses wild tilapia fish from the lakes of Laguna, grilled on a banana leaf with burnt coconut, making each bite both aromatic and flavorful. Don’t forget to partner it with rice to balance the rich flavors of the fish delicacy!
Wild Tilapia Sinugno / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
What’s more, ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD also has sweet Filipino-inspired treats aside from their Panaderya Favorites! This includes classic desserts like Buko et Nata made from nata de coco or coconut gel mixed with buko or coconut and milk.
Buko et Nata / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
Aside from local favorites that you wouldn’t usually find in the Metro, ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD also offers Omani, Indonesian, and Moroccan staple dishes, including Omani Braised Lamb Shank with Pita and Garlic, Chicken Satay with Rice, and Moroccan Chicken Tagine.
Omani Braised Lamb Shank with Pita and Garlic / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
Chicken Satay with Rice / IMAGE from ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD
No plating is the same at ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD; each and every offering is distinct, making your dining experience truly worth-while.
Explore the rich flavors of Filipino food from Laguna and be inspired by the stories hiding in every cup, plate, and bowl at ITO KISH DESIGN FOOD, open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays!
