Nasi Lemak, Filipino style? Only in St Giles Makati

Typical Malaysian street favourites such as nasi lemak, char koay teow and more in downtown Manila

By V. Sivaji

With Malaysian favorites like nasi lemak, Hokkien mee, laksa, naan, chapati and even masala dosa, one is never far from home at the St Giles Makati in Manila, Philippines.

The located smack in the heart of the city’s business district is a popular haunt for Malaysians and other globetrotters.

The hotel’s Bayleaf Restaurant also serves Char Koay Teow, Chicken Rice , Singapore Laksa , sayur lodeh , bak kut teh just to name a few on their a la carte.

Their buffet also offers favourites like Roti Canai, samosa , vegetable briyani , aloo ghobi and many more.

The chefs behind the tasty dishes are Chef Ba’oy and Chef Joseph for Asian cuisine and Chef Ariel for Indian cuisine.

It all began at an Indian restaurant, says talented chef

Chef Joseph started his career from young age and by 23 he was an apprentice of Chef Samson Ngoho, a mentee of one of the Philippines renowned chef and entrepreneur Chef Gene Gonzales.

His authentic style in creating Asian dishes made his way on becoming the Head chef of Kuting Reef Resort in Leyte.

Chef Ba’oy started at Rapsa Pinoy as cook, his skills was acquired by experience as he work on different Asian Restaurants.

His distinct style on preparing Malaysian and Singaporean dishes lead his way on becoming St Giles Hotel Demi Chef.

Meanwhile, Chef Ariel, started as helper in an Indian Restaurant in Makati Avenue, he acquired his skills by studying Indian spices while assisting the head chef and the owner of the restaurant.

Driven by his willingness to learn and passion for food, in a span of seven months Chef Ariel became the assistant chef of H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant.

Probably the best Malaysian food in Manila

“We make sure that there is early preparation for all our dishes we want to put out including proper inventory listing and the most important key is choosing the right suppliers.

“Most of our ingredients are imported thus the taste is quite near to the original,” said chef Ariel adding that most of their guests were surprised to know that the chefs were Filipinos and not a chef of Chinese or Indian origin.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s general manager, Derrick Tan added that there are many guests traveling both for business or leisure from Malaysia and Singapore to Manila.

“Even some locals have taken a liking to these dishes which may be spicy but still delicious to food lovers,” he added.

The St Giles Makati, the first St Giles to debut in Asia, is strategically located along Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue in the heart of Makati business district.

The hotel has a total of 512 rooms comprising of 356 Superior and 156 Deluxe.

The all day dining BayLeaf Restaurant and Bar is located at the 2nd level which offers wide selection of cuisine from Western, Asian and Filipino dishes.

They have seven function rooms complete with audiovisual equipment and other amenities conducive for meetings, conferences, and social events.

Meanwhile, the swimming pool and gym located at the rooftop of the hotel is a perfect retreat for guests who want to cool down and shape up while enjoying the bird’s eye view of the stunning Makati skyline.