Located at the Ground Floor of The Podium Mall in Ortigas, "Tambayan sa Kanto" not just offers authentic regional cuisines (mostly specialty Ilocano food) it also features great acoustic musicians every weekend. It's a two-floor restaurant that can accommodate around a hundred people. Podium Mall closes around 9PM but you can still enter at Tambayan sa Kanto via the backside entrance because they're open up to 2AM on Fridays/Saturdays.

Formerly called "Kanto" since October of 2011, it undergone an overhaul and now under new management since February 2013. The new owner wants the bar & restaurant to be the next "it" place in this side of town. Place where people can relax, enjoy good food, and hang-out to listen to great acoustic band. When we visited the place we're lucky to have Vince Alaras performing. Former lead vocalist from South Border.

Since my dad is an Ilocano, I'm already familiar with some, if not all of the dishes offered by Tambayan sa Kanto. Some of these are my favorites from way back. Check out what we had that night:












Ensaladang Filipino was just average nothing special in it. I'm afraid to eat the Crispy Ilocano Style Bagbagis at first because of its appearance, (it was pork intestines actually) but surprisingly it was good especially if it's served hot. Felt somewhat disappointed on their Authentic Batac Empanadas, these are my favorite. I even bought a box from Vigan and fly it to Manila. Their version is thicker and not served hot.

Their version of Beef Caldereta is to die for! Instant fave :D While I always think Ilocano food is not good for the heart (mostly) because of too much cholesterol, the Vegetarian Pancit Canton is a happy surprise. The Tinapa Rice is another favorite of mine. Will surely include this on my next visit.

The rare Ipon is another exciting dish. This was made from rare small silver fish from Laoag. These fish are seasonal and not easy to harvest. Definitely a must try. Turon Halo Halo and Turon with Langka Sauce are perfect for dessert! I also had a bottle of The Katipunan Craft Beer Indio Pale Ale and this is my first try and I liked it.

Dining at TAMBAYAN SA KANTO for the first time, is such a happy experience. Will definitely come back to try their other dishes too. I hope they could come up with the new name  because "Tambayan sa Kanto" seems generic. Just my two cents though. Other photos at facebook.com/fo0dtrip

SCHEDULES:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 8:00 am - 2:00 am
Sundays: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

TAMBAYAN SA KANTO
Call: 477-9045 / 09155608618
G/F, The Podium Mall, ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City
https://www.facebook.com/TambayanSaKantoResto