As a foodie living in the Philippines I’m always on the hunt for delicious new dishes to try. And as a beef lover beef wellington has long been on my must-eat list. This classic British dish of tender beef wrapped in pastry is a showstopper, but not always easy to find done well here. After searching metro Manila, I uncovered some spots that truly impress with their takes on beef wellington. Here’s where to find the best versions of this regal dish in the Philippines.
What Exactly is Beef Wellington?
For those not familiar with it, beef wellington is a decadent dish made of the finest ingredients It consists of
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Beef fillet – The tenderloin is used, which is the most tender and expensive cut of beef. It’s flavored with mustard or herbs and seasoned.
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Mushroom duxelles – A finely chopped mushroom mixture sautéed with shallots and herbs. It adds an earthy flavor.
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Prosciutto – Thin slices of dry-cured ham offer a touch of saltiness.
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Puff pastry – The beef is wrapped in sheets of flaky, buttery puff pastry and baked until golden brown.
When done properly, the result is a crisp, flaky pastry encasing a perfectly cooked piece of beef in all its rich, meaty glory.
Where to Find It in Metro Manila’s Top Restaurants
While many places serve cheaper beef wellington made with inferior cuts or dough instead of pastry, there are a select few spots that do it right in Manila. Here are the restaurants where I’ve discovered extraordinary beef wellington worthy of special occasions:
Sala Restaurant (Makati)
Their take on classic beef wellington makes for an ultimate celebratory meal. It’s made using only USDA prime tenderloin and topped with foie gras for added decadence. Served with truffle béarnaise, it’s a thing of beauty.
Pablo Bistro (Makati)
With an extensive menu, their beef wellington shines for its perfect doneness and expertly seasoned mushroom filling. Paired with red wine, it’s a world-class dining experience. Portions are generous for the price.
Gallery Vask (Taguig)
Expect creative twists on traditional dishes at this contemporary spot. Their sous vide tenderloin wellington is coated in a soy-glazed pastry and served with Asian chimichurri. Innovative yet refined.
Paper Moon Cafe (Makati)
A charming Italian place perfect for date night. Though not always on the menu, their beef wellington is compact but flavorful. Ask if they have it available when you dine.
Hemingway’s (Makati)
The oak room in this stylish steakhouse offers old world ambiance for indulging in their appetizer-sized beef wellington bites. Worth ordering alongside a proper steak entrée.
M Dining (Pasay City)
Part of the posh Sofitel hotel, M Dining’s beef wellington believes the sauce makes the dish. They smother it in a madeira wine reduction that takes the flavors over the top.
Nook Cafe (Mandaluyong)
For breakfast or brunch, try Nook Cafe’s unique riff with corned beef replacing the traditional tenderloin. Topped with a fried egg, it’s a hearty and comforting morning meal.
Maya (Makati)
Maya’s modern Filipino menu features locally-sourced beef wellington rolled with ube and served with a inventive calamansi hollandaise. A uniquely Pinoy twist perfect for special celebrations.
Purple Yam (Makati)
High-end with sophisticated plating, Purple Yam’s beef wellington combines both Filipino and British cuisines. It’s stuffed with tapa (cured beef) and topped with lechon sauce.
Tips for Enjoying Beef Wellington in the Philippines
Beef wellington may have originated in England, but these restaurants prove Filipino chefs can also master the sophisticated dish. When ordering beef wellington in the Philippines, keep these tips in mind:
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Opt for lunch or early dinner to try beef wellington at its peak freshness. The pastry doesn’t hold up as well later.
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Look for it on holiday menus like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day when specialty ingredients are brought in.
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upscale hotel restaurants are a good bet for finding quality beef wellington in Manila.
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Order at least medium rare to properly appreciate the tender beef fillet at the center.
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Share beef wellington as it’s very rich. And leave room for dessert after!
So next special occasion, gather your loved ones and indulge in beef wellington at one of these fantastic Manila restaurants. This luxurious treat is sure to impress and delight.
