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.
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 Shrimp Aguachile, a vibrant dish of roasted peppers, calamansi, and kropek that balances zest and spice with striking finesse.
Shrimp Aguachile (Php 750) / IMAGE from Halong
The Cold Sesame Noodles offer a comforting counterpoint, while the Lapu-Lapu, infused with lemongrass, yuzu kosho, and coconut, showcases how the restaurant reimagines fresh seafood with subtle yet exciting flavors. To end on a sweet note, the Sticky Rice Churros never fail to delight with their playful texture and familiar indulgence.
Lapu-Lapu (Php 1,600) / IMAGE from Halong
Newer highlights add to the experience, like the 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
The Smoked Pampano Tostada brings layers of smokiness and spice with chipotle honey, habanegro, and salsa macha, while the Uni Toast with umeboshi, cilantro, and umami butter is an indulgent bite that lingers on the palate.
Smoked Pampano Tostada (Php 450) / IMAGE from Halong
Uni Toast (Php 520) / 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.
