It was after Christmas and my family was about to go on our Vietnam vacation. Our airplane was scheduled to leave in the wee hours of the morning. And coming from Antipolo, we decided to leave around 8:00pm so that we can avoid being late, even with the factor of traffic in Metro Manila. But part of our agenda was to have a relaxing dinner and chill vibes, as we wanted to dine in a restaurant that has a Michelin-star review. Lo and behold, our luck brought us to Lampara.
Tucked away in the vibrant, eclectic streets of Poblacion, Makati, Lampara stands as a beacon for those who crave a sophisticated yet soulful twist on Filipino cuisine. While the neighborhood is famous for its gritty, high-energy nightlife, the restaurant offers an elevated sanctuary that has caught the attention of international food critics and globetrotting tourists alike.
Stepping inside, the transition from the humid Makati streets to the restaurant’s interior is instant magic. The “Neo-Filipino” aesthetic is palpable, feeling less like a traditional ancestral home and more like a chic, mid-century modern apartment where every light fixture—every lampara—is a curated piece of art. For a family about to embark on a long journey, the “chill vibes” we were looking for were met with soft lighting, warm wood accents, and an atmosphere that felt both exclusive and welcoming. It is easy to see why foreign tourists flock here; it captures the “New Manila” spirit perfectly—bold, creative, and deeply rooted in heritage.
The menu at Lampara is a love letter to Filipino flavors, reimagined through a lens of technical brilliance where every dish serves as a conversation starter. We began our meal with signature starters that redefined familiar flavors, utilizing a balance of textures from crispy to creamy that perfectly prepared our palates for the main course.
The meal unfolded with a series of dishes that proved exactly why this spot is a favorite for international foodies. We started with the Croquetas, which were perfectly crisp on the outside with a rich, velvety center that melted instantly. The Soft Shell Crab followed, offering a delightful crunch and a briny sweetness that felt incredibly fresh. For the centerpiece of our dinner, the Lamb Shank Kulma was a revelation; the meat was fork-tender, falling off the bone into a deeply aromatic, spiced sauce that paid beautiful homage to Mindanaoan flavors. We ended the night on a high note with the Tres Leches, a dessert that managed to be decadent and milky yet surprisingly light—the perfect final bite before our long journey to Vietnam.
There is a clear reason why the Michelin guide and Lampara are so often mentioned in the same breath, as the precision of the cooking is undeniable. Since we had a few hours to kill before our flight, we leaned further into the relaxed agenda by exploring a cocktail list inspired by local ingredients, offering a refreshing kick that served as the perfect pre-flight nightcap.
What makes Lampara truly special is its ability to bridge the gap between worlds. It is sophisticated enough for a landmark anniversary or a high-stakes business dinner, yet it possesses a relaxed energy that makes a family dinner before a vacation feel like a genuine celebration.
As we eventually made our way to the airport with the flavors of our dinner still lingering, we realized that Lampara wasn’t just a pitstop. It was the unofficial start of our holiday—a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin right in the heart of Makati.
