Lola Cafe at The Podium: Comfort Meals Straight From Grandma’s Heart
In every Filipino household, our grandmothers have always been the light providing us comfort, love, and tales of both old and new. Truly, without them, a home is dull.
And as an ode to loving lola of each Filipino family, Lola Cafe is best known as a hidden gem that serves modern Filipino cuisine in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Established in 2012, the restaurant started in a humble house that, as they explain it, “holds the warmth and love of a grandmother or lola, in Tagalog, within its walls.” It has then expanded its reach to the south of the metro and opened a new home at The Podium in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The restaurant’s name also has a story to tell. In fact, it was named after the old lady who owned the old house in Tomas Morato, paying homage to the grandmother.
With that, Lola Cafe goes back to the roots of having a lola and promises to share their story that’s too good not to tell—but in this case, it’s shared through classic Filipino cuisine.
Food that transcends time
Holding on to its promise, Lola Cafe carries the best of well-loved Filipino dishes but of course, with an unexpected twist that works not only for the older generation but also for millennials and younger ones.
“We make sure that all our dishes are balanced that even with the twists, these can be appreciated by the lolas and aunts,” Corporate Executive Chef Wowie Alipio said.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
A popular choice for diners is Lola’s Truffle Lengua. Upon serving your table, you can instantly smell the distinct truffle from the velvety cream sauce that makes this dish indeed pleasing to the taste.
What’s more, the slow-cooked ox tongue is so tender that it kind of melts in your mouth with a bit of crunch from the oyster mushrooms.
Truffle Lengua / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Another bestseller from their menu is Pasta Negra. This seafood spaghetti is made with al dente pasta saturated in squid ink sauce and topped with fresh baby squids. It also has aligue or crab fat for some added flavor.
Pasta Negra / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
As you know, Pasta Negra has a black sauce so you need to be extra cautious as it definitely stains your teeth (or perhaps your whole mouth).
If you are looking for something spicy, Lola’s Cafe has a classic Filipino dish that could wake up your senses.
The deconstructed Lola’s Bicol Express is composed of frizzled pork belly in a butter-based coconut beurre blanc sauce. Placed on top are a spread of bagoong (Filipino shrimp paste) and a copious amount of chili.
Lola’s Bicol Express / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Don’t forget to mix the sauce with the bagoong so you can get the full potential of the dish’s piquant flavor.
A perfect meal-ender or afternoon snack is the offbeat version of the classic cheesecake recipe. The Kesong Puti Cheesecake is a hodgepodge of sweet and salty as it highlights the mild tart flavor of the Filipino white cheese.
Kesong Puti Cheesecake / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
This cheesecake is garnished with salted latik (coconut milk residue) and toasted bukayo (caramelized coconut strips) on top for some added crunch and sweetness. We assure you that its palatable zest is almost irresistible that you could not let it pass without a good cup of coffee.
New dishes
Aside from their bestselling dishes, another thing to anticipate at Lola Cafe is their new addition of dishes and luckily, Philippine Primer got to sample some of their latest offerings that one should definitely try.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
A one of a kind fare is the Pork Ribs Adobo that takes on the all-time favorite Filipino entree. Good for sharing, this dish is made with slow-cooked pork ribs in thick Lola’s adobo sauce.
Just like any good rib dish, expect the tender meat that literally falls off the bone.
Pork Ribs Adobo / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Meanwhile, the Chicken Inasal Sisig will give a treat of two kinds of Filipino dishes in one. Made with sizzling chicken sisig served with chicken aioli on top, this dish is a pure delight with the goodness of chicken inasal in sisig form.
Chicken Inasal Sisig / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Take note that it is best eaten while it’s still sizzling hot and with a cup or two of rice. Just make sure to mix it immediately upon serving so that everything will be cooked evenly.
A particular choice in their small plates menu is the Honey Bagoong Wings. This fried chicken wings will have your mouth full of sweet and savory flavors as every wing is tossed in Lola’s in-house bagoong and honey coat.
Honey Bagoong Wings / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Last but not the least, enjoy some good old’ Pinoy merienda with LoLa Cafe’s Streetfood Sampler. This platter is comprised of isaw sticks (chicken intestines), kwek-kwek (battered, deep-fried quail eggs), squid balls, fish balls, and slices of green mango and jicama.
Streetfood Sampler / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
A reminiscent of a traditional house, Lola Cafe’s interior boasts a homey yet modern ambiance that’s not hard to miss.
Although it speaks modern and industrial, there are still touches of an old traditional house like the capiz windows, wooden accents, and garden elements. The dining area, which can seat at least 120 people, is accented with fairy lights giving it a laid-back feel.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Further, Lola Cafe is also open for events, meetings, or special occasions. In fact, there is an area further inside that is meant for small gatherings where diners can spend private time enjoying Lola Cafe’s modern Filipino dining.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Apart from their branches in Tomas Morato and The Podium, Lola Cafe recently opened another home at S Maison, which will surely delight people in the south!
Indeed, Lola Cafe’s hearty meals are a celebration of love and life that proves there is nothing greater than a grandmother’s touch.
How to get here
• Lola Cafe is located on the 5th floor of The Poduim in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.
• From Ayala, get on EDSA Avenue going northbound to Ortigas Center. After passing by SM Megamall, make a right turn onto Guadix Drive and merge at ADB Avenue in San Antonio where the entrance at The Podium will be on your right side. The nearest landmarks around The Podium are SM Megamall and St. Francis Square.
• The Podium has a basement parking available for mall guests.
General Information
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