MANILA, Philippines – “#NotYourAverageLocal” – these words, written like calligraphy on glass, greet you upon entering 7107 Culture + Cuisine, and these also best describe what the restaurant offers.

Tucked in a corner of Bonifacio Global City near C-5, 7107 serves a modern take on Filipino dishes.

But it also labels itself as a “restaurant museum,” meaning that it’s not just about the food, but even the space itself celebrates Filipino culture. 

Its vibrant tropical motif that fills the space is designed by a renowned local illustrator, Daryl Feril. There’s a retail corner or sari-sari store selling local artisan wares and delicacies. In the future, local contemporary art will also adorn its walls.

“We want to represent the multiple facets of our cuisine and how they are deeply rooted in our culture – from the simple street food born out of our ancestors’ resiliency to the colorful fiestas that celebrate fruitful harvests,” said 7107’s owners, Gerwyn and Sheryl See, in a press statement.

Indeed, while there are touches of tradition to anchor its menu – filled with Pinoy classics – there are twists to suit contemporary tastes.

There are 4 different food sections in its menu: Kanto (street food), Dampa (literally: hut; seafood and summer dishes), Talyasi (literally: a huge metal pot used in fiestas; includes mains, noodles, pastas, and all-day breakfast), and Himagas (desserts).

Kanto

#WhenInPH (P370)

When in the Philippines, you need to have a taste of the street food.

Perched on a miniature weighing scale – for a quirky touch – #WhenInPH is a sampling of popular Pinoy street food: fish balls, squid balls, kwek kwek, dynamites and kropek.

As you would with your favorite street vendor, you can skewer a piece and dip in kalamansi aioli, “manong” sauce (soy anise), and pepper garlic pinakurat.

Sisig nachos (P355)

Nachos with good ol’ spicy sisig – pretty straightforward, but if you love sisig, then pairing it with nacho chips instead of rice is worth a try.

Talyasi

Malunggay Pestocino (P275)

The malunggay Pestocino pasta dish mixes basil and malunggay leaves. The tocino bits make it better – giving it that sweet, juicy edge.

Pinoy pancakes (P265)

The Pinoy pancakes may remind you of bibingka. It’s fluffy and has the taste of Christmas in the Philippines.

Find bits of salted egg in these pancakes, and then drizzle the entire thing with maple syrup.

Chocolate binagoonan (P370)

Bagoong and chocolate are unlikely bedfellows, and indeed, this sweet and savory combination works well in the chocolate binagoonan.

In this dish, the grilled pork is tossed in bagoong from Pangasinan. Then, you must drizzle it with dark chocolate mole from Batangas.

Tonkatsu Bicol X (P370)

If you fancy Japanese food with a Bicolano twist, try the crispy and spicy tonkatsu Bicol X – breaded pork cutlets swimming in a spicy Bicol Express sauce.

Dampa

Pakbet to the #NextLevel (P195)

Pakbet to the #NextLevel is that vegetable stew you’ve always loved – made with squash, ampalaya, okra, tomatoes, white onions, ampalaya, and eggplant. However, it’s generously sprinkled with parmesan cheese – just like parmagiana!

Himagas

Maja blanca panna cotta (P115)

To cap off your feast, the maja blanca panna cotta is a creamier, silkier version of a Pinoy classic dessert.

If you’ve had a rich, sumptuous feast, wash it down with refreshing drinks like the minty lemonade (P175) or the Filipino mojito (P295).

Will you be trying out the food at 7107 soon? Have you been here? Tell us about your what your favorite is, or what you’re interested in – in the comments. – Rappler.com

7107 Culture + Cuisine is located at Treston International College, 32nd Street corner C-5 Road, University Parkway District, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is open on Monday to Saturday at 9am-9pm and Sunday at 9am-6pm. | Facebook 

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