Halong in Makati: Where Mexican Flair Meets Asian Soul
In the Ilonggo dialect, hálong means to handle with care, treat tenderly, appreciate, and cherish. It is often used as a heartfelt way of saying goodbye, an expression that conveys warmth, connection, and sincerity.
True to its name, Hálong in Makati brings these values to life, embracing diners with an experience that celebrates thoughtful cooking and heartfelt hospitality.
IMAGE from Halong
At the heart of Hálong is Chef and Owner Cara Davis, whose culinary journey spans leading restaurants across the globe. Her extensive international experience, combined with her Asian heritage and seven formative years in Mexico, is what shapes the restaurant’s distinctive identity. The result is a creative dialogue between Asian flavors and Mexican influences, an innovative fusion that feels both refreshing and deeply personal.
Chef Cara Davis / IMAGE from Halong
While Hálong’s menu changes with the rhythm of the seasons, several dishes have become favorites among loyal patrons. Diners return time and again for the Crab Tinga Tostada. Sweet crab sits atop a crisp tostada, layered with garlic chili aioli, carrot habanero purée, carrot escabeche, garlic chive mayo, and a hint of mandarin marmalade, creating a bright balance of heat, acidity, and freshness.
Crab Tinga Tostada (Php 580) / IMAGE from Halong
Other highlights add to the experience, like the Grilled Baby Corn served with chipotle crema, smoked feta, and kettle corn, a dish that elevates a humble ingredient into something unexpectedly luxurious.
Baby Corn (Php 440) / IMAGE from Halong
Finally, the dining experience can be wrapped up on a sweet note with the Sticky Rice Churros made of crisp Chinese five-spice milk crisps paired with creamy Horlicks ice cream and finished with nutty brown butter polvorón for a satisfying, indulgent finale.
Sticky Rice Churros (Php 550) / IMAGE from Halong
Designed to seat up to 36 guests, including bar seating, Hálong’s setting is intimate and inviting. Without the distractions of VIP or function rooms, the focus remains on the food and the shared dining experience.
IMAGE from Halong
IMAGE from Halong
The restaurant’s thoughtful approach extends to its dining policies: walk-ins are always welcome, though reservations are recommended, and guests are encouraged to come in smart casual attire to match the restaurant’s refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Hálong opens its doors from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 6:00 p.m. For those seeking a daytime indulgence, the restaurant offers a special brunch every second Sunday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a chance to experience the menu in a different light.
More than a restaurant, Hálong is a reflection of its name: a space where every dish is prepared and served with genuine care. With its fusion of Mexican vibrance and Asian depth, paired with an intimate dining setting, Hálong has quickly become a destination where flavors are not just tasted but cherished.
