Samba in BGC: Serving Authentic Peruvian Fare and Drinks Since 2016
What is Peruvian cuisine? It’s the result of more than 500 years of fusion of Incan, Spanish, Moroccan, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences with Peruvian culture that made something truly special. It celebrates the country’s diverse geography—from the seafood of the Pacific coast to the grains of the Andes. It’s this unique blend that makes it so exciting and globally admired. And if you want to experience the magic of Peru right here in Manila, Samba at Shangri-La at The Fort is the perfect destination.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Since 2016, Samba has been celebrating the flavors of Peru. Samba offers a unique immersion into authentic Peruvian cuisine by delighting diners with refined dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients from local and international markets such as Peruvian staples like aji (peppers), masa (corn), and quinoa.
Samba showcases authentic Peruvian flavors, with a particularly focus on seafood dishes. The seafood-centric menu highlights the bounty of the ocean. They offer an impressive selection of ceviche and tiradito that perfectly balance the acidity of lime with the heat of Peruvian chilies.
The Anticucho de Pulpo is a smoky, chargrilled octopus dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Marinated in aji panca, the pulpo is grilled to perfection, and is served with roasted potatoes, and finished with a flavorful ocopa sauce. Its combination of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors melds well with the tenderness of the seafood.
Anticucho de Pulpo (Php 775) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
For main courses, Samba boasts their diverse offerings such as the Lomo Saltado, a traditional Peruvian stir-fry with tender beef, tomatoes, and onions, and and a soy-based sauce. Much athe Filipino adobo, it pairs really well with rice that shows the perfect blend of South American and Asian influences.
Lomo Saltado (Php 1,250) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Meanwhile, the Arroz con Mariscos is a Peruvian-style seafood paella packed with calamari, octopus, shrimp, and scallops seasoned with white wine, paprika, Creole spices, and Parmesan cheese. Brimming with vibrant colors, flavors, and textures, this dish is a perfect example of what Peruvian cuisine is mostly about: rice and seafood.
Arroz Con Mariscos (Php 1,475) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
If you want to eat something that will fill your tummy and soul with warmth, their Parihuela is perfect dish for you. Like the French bouillabaisse, it’s a rich and brightly colored stew comprised of fish, shrimp, scallops, and crab meat, infused with aji panca for that restrained heat. Topped with fresh cilantro for an herbaceous note, this lovely, spicy, and hearty dish embodies the coastal areas of Peru. It’s one of those dishes you have when you feel a bit tired to give you energy after a long night.
Parihuela (Php 795) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Samba’s bar offerings are an exotic mix of concoctions, mostly fruit-based mixed with Latin American spirits with a particular focus on pisco and rum—two iconic South American drinks. Pisco-based Pisco Sour (Php 550) is an absolute must-try.
The restaurant’s interiors show the lively and celebratory nature of Peruvians. Samba’s interiors radiate tropical elegance with a warm and inviting vibe that Peruvian households are known for.
Wooden accents paired with woven textures give the space a rustic charm, while artistic masks and statues and colorful fixtures imported from Peru pays homage to its culture.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The bright, airy dining area extends to an outdoor space filled with comfortable wicker seating and lush greenery for enjoying al fresco meals. Spacious, with large windows allowing natural light to stream in, Samba’s ambiance is further improved by its stunning views of BGC’s skyline and lush poolside.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
By focusing on consistency and quality, Samba aims to give their esteemed guests an authentic Peruvian dining experience that they won’t forget for many years to come.
