BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

There is an almost primal, universal language spoken between fire and meat, one that transcends cuisine and culture to become one of the most beloved cooking methods in the world. In the Philippines, this love affair is practically a national tradition. Filipino barbecue is a ritual of communal dining with a unique flavor profile, a sublime and addictive balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and salty, that leaves a nostalgic taste of home and celebration. 

This same magnetic pull draws crowds into the sprawling culinary landscape of Araneta City, where a diverse selection of restaurants in Gateway Mall 2 has elevated the simple grill into a sophisticated, international experience.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Upper Ground Floor

For those whose tastes run toward the classic American steakhouse experience, the grill takes on a stately, refined persona. The wood-fired grilling at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is an ode to minimalist perfection. Grilled at an extreme temperature, the best-selling Porterhouse Steak develops a beautiful, crisp char outside, while the intense heat locks in the juices of the 28-day-aged meat. What arrives at the table is a rich, buttery mahogany slice of beef, its flavor a pure, clean expression of umami, needing no accompaniment other than its own sublime, smoky essence.

Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi

Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2

At Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi, the main event is the unlimited meat experience, transforming the communal ritual of Korean barbecue into an endless feast. The restaurant proudly offers a bottomless supply of high-quality cuts, ensuring your grill is never empty. One popular option is often a richly marinated meat, soaked for days in a complex blend of savory and sweet ingredients that tenderize it completely. As the meat hits the searing hot grid, the marinade drips and caramelizes instantly, creating fragrant puffs of smoke that cling to the beef, inviting the diner to indulge in yet another round.

SUMO NIKU

Level 2, Gateway Mall 2

Another beacon for the samgyupsal and yakiniku enthusiast is SUMO NIKU, which offers a pan-Asian take on the self-grilled barbecue. While pork belly is a favorite, one must look toward the Japanese-style beef cuts for a truly memorable experience. Their Wagyu Beef option, even when thinly sliced for grilling, presents a buttery marbling that melts into the heat of the grill. The objective here is not char, but the swift, beautiful rendering of fat, creating pockets of rich, beefy flavor. 

Palm Grill 

Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2

Venturing away from the familiar East Asian barbecue is the unique, regional cuisine of the ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi), served at Palm Grill. Their use of exotic spices and robust flavors offers a fascinating new dimension to grilling. The must-try dish is the Beef Satti, a distinctively Southern Philippine take on the skewered, grilled meat. Unlike the local street barbecue, the Satti’s marinade is laced with an irresistible turmeric-heavy curry powder and chili. The charred beef skewers are served drenched in a thick, fragrant gravy, transforming the dish from a simple grill to a deeply aromatic, complexly spiced stew. 

Inasal Chicken Bacolod

Level 3, Gateway Mall

No tour of Philippine grilled food is complete without the iconic Chicken Inasal from Bacolod. At Inasal Chicken Bacolod, the chicken is marinated in a vibrant yellow mixture consisting of calamansi, annatto oil, and a medley of herbs, giving it a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the typical barbecue. Grilled over hot coals, the chicken skin becomes beautifully taut and kissed with char, while the basting of annatto oil ensures the meat remains juicy and fragrant. 

Shinshima

Level 4, World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2

Venturing into the expansive World Kitchens, Shinshima Yakiniku offers a focused, premium Japanese grilling experience. The emphasis here is on the quality and cut of the meat, allowing the diner to appreciate the nuances of the beef. When cooked briefly over the scorching grill, the edges crisp up, leaving the center juicy and tender. Dipped into a traditional sweet-savory tare sauce, it provides a light, elegant, and deeply satisfying bite that celebrates the finesse of Japanese yakiniku that’s deserving of its world-class status.

*All Photos from Foodie at Araneta City