 Famous BBQs |
There are certain places in Metro Manila that just have to be reviewed if only to validate their status as legends in the food and beverage scene. The quainter (is that even a word?) the place , the more out of the way, the more inclined am I to review it. Countryside, while not out of the way, is a restaurant who has achieved cult status by simple word of mouth. It is frequented mostly by Katipunan-going college people who take the time to cross Aurora boulevard and park their fancy cars on the curb. |
| If you’ve traversed the C-5 Katipunan road at just about dinner time, I’m sure you’ve noticed the unusual taffic build up just before you get to the Industrial Valley turn. That’s Countryside, where the most tender 18 peso barbecue you’ll find in Metro Manila. |  Best Buy: 50 Peso Dinakdakan |
They serve an amalgamation of different Filipino dishes from all over the archipelago. Their grillery serves dishes with a Davao accent. Their papaitans and dinakdakans are Ilocano. The rest are Kampampangan fare. Sisigs and Kalderetang Kambings and such. Note that they are pretty expensive for a non-airconditioned, no ambiance roadside resto. Still, the food is pretty worth it. Not too much to sing to the high heavens about, but consistently satisfying viands nonetheless. A meal (1 viand and 1 rice) will probably set you back by 100 pesos. If on a budget, 2 bbqs and a cup of rice should suffice.
In any case, try Countryside along Katipunan. For the happy eater in you.
 Sweet Kalderetang Kambing |
 Big Bowl of Sotanghon: 150 kesos |
 Nothing special papaitan |
 You’d think there’d be more Lechon Kawali |
Romy Says:
February 2nd, 2006 at 6:28 amVisit Romy
Memories! This is the same country side that’s just a few steps away from what used to have a great view of Marikina in its time, right? Is the after school/office scene still in existence?
E.J. Says:
February 2nd, 2006 at 5:58 pmVisit E.J.
Countryside, a.k.a. “kanto side”. Been there a couple of times for the bbq & a couple of beers when out with the boys. Their prices have always been quite fancy for a not-so-fancy place. I guess, the “added flavor” comes from the exhausts of passing vehicles.
The adjacent establishment (Que Rico, I think) has a much better (terrace) view of the Marikina valley. If you prefer a view of the street and don’t mind tail pipe emissions, there’s Countryside.
ManongGuard Says:
February 5th, 2006 at 7:49 pmVisit ManongGuard
There are still lots of people who frequent the resto but these, I think, are mostly yuppies and the like. Probably the same people who used to haunt the place back when they were still studying in the Katipunan area.
Our live.usa.ph “Man on the Street” says the next door place with the better view is called “Que Rico”.
ambientrider Says:
March 14th, 2006 at 1:06 amVisit ambientrider
hello manong guard/hepa contessa
Philippine vs. Filipino food?
ambientrider Says:
March 14th, 2006 at 1:07 amVisit ambientrider
and Filipino dishes?