BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Muhammad Ali transcended the world of boxing to become one of the 20th century’s most revered and controversial figures. His career culminated in the legendary third and final showdown against Joe Frazier, the brutal 1975 “Thrilla in Manila,” that took place at the historic Araneta Coliseum, leaving an indelible mark on both sports history and the country’s cultural landscape. 

Sports fans inspired by Ali’s legacy undoubtedly seek to be like him and connect with him on a more personal level—through his diet which consists of chicken, rice, steak, vegetables, potatoes, and fruits. Fortunately, Araneta City is home to dining hubs that offer similar dishes that might have fueled the legend before he stepped into the ring.

a mano 

Ground Floor, Restaurant Collection

One of the essential dishes that fueled Ali was baked chicken, a staple of his favorite simple, performance-focused diet. While the Greatest favored this classic, fans can indulge in an elevated chicken dish at a mano with their al Burro (Chicken with Butter), a Florentine-style main course featuring succulent Tuscan butter chicken with rosemary, served sizzling on a hot plate. This comforting, protein-rich dish offers a rich, European interpretation of Ali’s preferred poultry.

Grace Park by Margarita Fores

Ground Floor, Restaurant Collection

At Grace Park, a culinary jewel of pristine freshness that demands to be ordered is the 3-Page Organic Field Greens with Honey Dijon Dressing. This dish is a vibrant celebration of the farm-to-table philosophy. This commitment to fresh, power-packed greens aligns perfectly with Ali’s disciplined nutrition.

Nono’s 

Ground Floor, Coliseum Plaza

When it comes to chicken, fried chicken always hits the spot, which the legendary boxer knew, as he always loved Southern-style dishes. The Homestyle Fried Chicken at Nono’s can hit close to home as a nostalgic, meticulously crafted piece of comfort food. It’s perfectly seasoned, yielding a crunchy, golden-brown skin and tender and juicy meat. Pairing it with waffles elevates the entire meal by bringing a perfect combination of sweet and savory.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Upper Ground Floor

For the best steak in Araneta City, the top choice is arguably the Porterhouse from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill. This hearty choice aligns with Ali’s protein-rich diet, which was known to include steak as part of his meals. The USDA Prime dry-aged Porterhouse is a signature choice, offering a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that is a testament to the classic New York steakhouse tradition.

Farmers Market

While cooked and prepped fruit-based dishes are great, nothing beats fresh fruits. Farmers Market stands as a bustling, organized sanctuary of produce, particularly fruits, from plump, local mangoes and pineapples to a surprising array of seasonal finds.

The sheer variety and guaranteed freshness at Farmers Market provide the ideal foundation for a diet built on power and natural vitality, enabling shoppers to choose food that helps them, like Ali, feel light, sharp, and ready to face any challenges.

*All Photos from Foodie at Araneta City