Where to eat in Tanay: 4 restaurants within reach of Sampaloc Road

More than being a popular getaway for famous mountain views and nature spots, Tanay, Rizal’s Sampaloc Road, also boasts a growing culinary scene that is just as worthy of the trip.

From classic and comforting Filipino food to vibrant international dishes, these restaurants make sure visitors are spoiled for choice.

Here are four dining spots within reach of Sampaloc Road to check out:

Turkesa

Named after the Filipino term of turquoise, Turkesa’s concept aims to evoke feelings of calmness, serenity, and rejuvenation through the restaurant’s cozy, alfresco, and close-to-nature restaurant with a family-style dining concept.

It offers a blend of both Filipino and western comfort food made with fresh ingredients purchased from local suppliers.

Must try Filipino dishes are the bulalo (P799), beef kare-kare (P589), sizzling sisig (P369), and tapsilog (P269), while Western favorites are the chef’s favorite pizza (P399), truffle mushroom cream fettuccine (P359), potato croquettes (P229), and pumpkin soup (P199).

Other recommended dishes are the soy sesame salad (P269), chocnut waffle (P229), and refreshing drinks, especially the strawberry cheesecake milkshake (P199).

Looking ahead, Turkesa has plans to expand their menu to include pastries and cakes. They are also exploring ways to make camping or picnicking more convenient for guests by potentially providing aesthetic picnic setups packaged with food.

Tanto

Tanto is a cozy Japanese restaurant that delivers comfort in every bite, offering a great stopover for those on a road trip, as well as locals craving for authentic Japanese flavors.

Led by head chef Jinno San, the restaurant's reputation has reached even celebrity circles. Kapuso couple Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado are among those who’ve made stops to enjoy Tanto’s offerings.

Tanto’s ramen selection is a standout. The tonkotsu ramen (P389) and the tantanmen (P359) bowls are both generous, flavorful, and soul-warming.

Also recommended dishes are the gyudon bento (P475), kani salad (P295), and takoyaki (P169).

For riders who are looking for a quick meal, Tanto offers rice bowls (P199), including the chashudon and the tori katsudon, which come with complimentary miso soup and drinks.

Perfect for sharing are the mixed sushi platter and the onigiri platter (P999).

READ MORE: 5 rivers and other beautiful spots in Tanay to visit for an aquatic adventure

Kamala

Kamala is an open deck Thai café/restaurant offering authentic Thai food made with imported seasonings and ingredients.

“Kamala is [a] Thai name that means ‘of the heart,’ as we aim to provide service and experiences with full sincerity,” Raddy Ocampo of Kamala said. “Our menu is very short as we wanted to focus more on the quality of our dishes.”

Well-loved dishes are the som tam salad (P235), tom yum soup (P475), Thai red curry with chicken (P355), shrimp pad thai (P325), pad kra pao gai (P295), satay gai (P365), and mango sticky rice (P255).

For beverages, among the popular choices are the cha yen (P185) and oliang (P195).

Kamala currently has limited seating and is service-oriented to ensure guests are able to relax and appreciate the natural scenery, but they are also planning to expand in the future to be able to accommodate more guests.

Gaea’s Kitchen

Just a short, scenic turn from Sampaloc Road is Gaea’s Kitchen, named after the Greek Goddess personifying Mother Earth, which is an integral part of Gaea’s Nature Park.

“Gaea’s advocacy is to protect Mother Earth for the future generations, while using wisely today her resources. We aim to inspire others to do the same for we believe that we are doing this for our own selves,” owner Atty. Pie Sarabia said.

The restaurant has a “farm to table” concept, where ingredients come from inside the farm, in hopes to promote sustainability.

“When you come to Gaea’s, you don’t just eat. You have a chance to know and get up close and personal with what you eat. Guests can also roam around and take the free farm tour guided by our trained farmers. You can stay at any spot in our six-hectare property where you feel most relaxed and just enjoy the view and the cool breeze of the wind,” Atty. Pie said.

The menu features items like the eggplant burger (P295), pansit buko (P280), GK’s pampano with katmon (P685), house salad w/ seasonal vinaigrette (P550), bread basket w/ lemon vine spread (P170), and a variety of refreshing juices.

READ MORE: 5 Tanay waterfalls that can cool you off this summer

—JCB, GMA Integrated News