Manduca Taberna in BGC: Treating Diners to Tempting Madrid Favorites

Since opening in 2021, Manduca Taberna has grown into one of BGC’s well-loved Spanish dining destinations, drawing guests with its generous sharing plates, authentic flavors, and warm, unpretentious atmosphere.

Founded by Spanish Chef Amado Garcia Fernandez, Manduca brings the soul of Madrid to the Philippines through the charm of a traditional Spanish taberna, a casual tavern where locals gather over good food, drinks, and conversation.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

The restaurant’s name carries a personal story rooted in Chef Amado’s heritage. “Manduca” is a slang expression from Asturias, the northern Spanish province where he comes from. In simple terms, it means “to eat,” much like the Filipino expression “kain tayo.” It is a fitting name for a restaurant that centers its identity on warmth, comfort, and the joy of gathering around food.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

This philosophy can be seen across the menu, which features a range of regional Spanish specialties. For a full course experience, start with Manduca’s pintxos selection. We recommend you try the Salmon Pintxo featuring marinated salmon, mango, capers, onion, and fried quail egg, on a bed of homemade brioche bread.

Salmon Pintxo (Php 790/4pcs.) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Another pintxo option is the Jamón Pan-Tumaca, a simple yet flavorful bite featuring Jamón Serrano served on soft brioche bread with garlic and tomatoes. It offers a pleasant balance of savory, slightly salty, and refreshing flavors, making it a delicious way to begin the meal.

Jamón Pan-Tumaca (Php 850/4pcs.) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

For tapas, you can definitely start with Manduca’s Tuna Tartar, a fresh serving of tuna tartare served with creamy avocado, pomelo, and a hint of spicy sauce.

Tuna Tartar (Php 650) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Guests may also try the Mussels ala Marinera, a Spanish-style dish featuring sailor’s mussels cooked in a savory sauce of tomato, garlic, white wine, and a hint of Spanish paprika. Rich, aromatic, and made for sharing, it is a flavorful tapas choice that pairs well with Manduca’s warm, communal dining style.

Mussels ala Marinera (Php 680) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Now for its special mains, the Iberico Pork Ribs (Php 890/6pcs.) is a fitting choice for a hearty dish! It features slow-cooked Iberico pork ribs, glazed in a rich, smoky sauce, and finished on the griller resulting into a caramelized crust, tender, juicy, and full of deep flavor.

Iberico Pork Ribs (Php 890/6pcs.) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Among the many dishes on Manduca’s menu, one continues to stand out as its most talked-about specialty: the Cachopo Asturiano. Chef Amado’s take on this beloved dish from Asturias features veal stuffed with Jamón Serrano and Manchego cheese, then breaded and fried until crisp and golden.

The dish holds special meaning for the restaurant because of its strong connection to Chef Amado’s hometown, where cachopo is celebrated as a regional favorite. To keep the flavors as authentic as possible, Manduca imports key ingredients directly from Spain, including the Jamón Serrano and Manchego cheese used in the dish. This allows guests to enjoy a version that stays true to its Asturian roots while being served in the heart of BGC.

Cachopo Asturiano (Php 2,700) / IMAGE from Manduca Taberna’s Facebook page

The restaurant’s commitment to authentic Spanish cuisine has also earned it recognition beyond its loyal diners. On March 4, 2024, Manduca Taberna received the prestigious Restaurants from Spain certification, a seal awarded by the Government of Spain to restaurants that uphold the quality, authenticity, and standards of Spanish cuisine.

The award was presented by Spanish Embassy representative Silvia Torices de la Varga to Chef Amado Garcia Fernandez and his team, acknowledging their efforts to bring authentic Madrileño flavors to the Philippines. The certification also assures diners that Manduca uses premium Spanish produce, further reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to maintaining the authenticity and quality of its menu.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Beyond the food, Manduca has also become a popular place for gatherings and celebrations. Its mezzanine can accommodate up to 40 guests and is available with a Php 35,000 consumable package for food and drinks.

The main dining area, on the other hand, can seat up to 70 guests with a consumable rate of Php 100,000, while the al fresco can accommodate 12 guests. Finally, the whole restaurant, including its mezzanine, main dining, and al fresco areas is available for a consumable fee of Php 150,000. This makes Manduca suitable for intimate events, family occasions, corporate meals, and special get-togethers in BGC.