Fresh Philippine mangos from Batungbacal Farms
Cover Fresh Philippine mangos from Batungbacal Farms

Welcome to Foodie Finds! This is an article series by Tatler, chronicling where and what to order according to the food-obsessed.

I myself have never understood non-foodies. How can one not love flavours, spices, aromas and all the cultural nuances and memories that come with every bite? Dining is an experience meant to be savoured and is even more fun when shared with loved ones. Dining around a table means sharing, conversing, bonding, and learning. A dish can tell you so much about a person, a culture, and a country. It speaks volumes of a nation's history and is an art form on its own. Skilled hands are trained over years or are born out of pure passion and practice. Professional chefs and home cooks alike, from young stars to grandmothers, have been cooking up meals filled with emotion and have truly made us foodies, happy.

Through Foodie Finds, we ask our epicurean friends to share their favourites. In this feature, we tackle takeout and delivery. Hear what Bettina Osmena, proprietor of Gourmet Corner deli in San Antonio Plaza, has to say. Here, she shares her go-to shops for takeout here. 

Read more: Foodie Finds With Iza Calzado And Ben Wintle

1. Michealle Lee

Tatler Asia
Slices of roast duck | Photo by Los Muertos Crew from Pexels
Above Slices of roast duck | Photo by Los Muertos Crew from Pexels

I started to buy premium raw materials which were hard to find from Michealle Lee. She is a purveyor of fine foods from whom I started to buy Hong Kong style goose, pigeon, duck, and yellow chicken. Because of her, I learned to make my own roast goose, roast duck, fried pigeon, and Hainanese chicken rice. She also sells seasonal items like white asparagus and fresh artichokes.

She may be reached at +63917 808 1999.

Read more: Foodie Finds With Author Angelo Comsti

2. Guillermo Duck

@guillermopremiumpekinduck

I also got acquainted with Guillermo Duck. They raise ducks used for Peking Duck, in particular. They are actually the suppliers of several restaurants. I started to make my own confit de canard from their duck legs.

Read more: Foodie Finds With Mons Romulo

3. Croque Bakery

@croqueph

I also discovered Croque Bakery owned by Joseph Lao. His burger and hotdog buns are premium. You will never buy those supermarket buns ever again after you try these. He sells other breads which are also good.

Read more: Foodie Finds With Kaye Tinga

4. Conspire Foods

@conspirefoods

My other bread and noodle supplier is Conspire Foods owned by Rae Aldrin Lim. He makes super good ramen noodles which I use his baguette is so authentic and we use his brioche loaf often to make French toast.

Read more: Which Home-Bakers Should You Buy Bread From?

5. Batungbacal Farm

Tatler Asia
Fresh Philippine mangos from Batungbacal Farms
Above Photo: Batungbacal Farm Official Facebook Page

The best Philippine mangos are from Batungbacal Farm! They are firm and really sweet. They normally harvest in the month of May and have several dealers, so depending on your area there might be someone quite near.

Check out their Facebook page here

6. Wild Fruit Farm

Tatler Asia
Fresh apple mangos from Wild Farms
Above Photo: Wild Fruit Official Facebook Page

The apple mangos from Mark Cojuangco's Wild Fruit are out of this world; each mango weighs a kilo! You can eat these mangos at every stage: from green to fully ripe! I gave these as gifts to my special friends during my daughter's recent wedding and everybody was raving about it. Mark is a certified gourmand and talks passionately about how he cooks his food. He only puts out products he believes in.

Check out their Facebook page here

Read more: There Farms Deliver Straight To Your Doorstep

7. Shirley Ibanez

Tatler Asia
Hong Kong style roast goose | Photo by Melanie Lim on Unsplash
Above Hong Kong style roast goose | Photo by Melanie Lim on Unsplash

For Hong Kong-style Chinese food, I call my next-door neighbour Shirley Ibanez who is a dealer for a secret five-star Hong Kong chef. The roast duck and roast goose are the real deal!

Contact her at +63917 816 6378.

Read more: Foodie Finds With Photographer MigNac

8. La Despensa

@ladespensaph

La Despensa, is owned my husband's goddaughter Denise Ramos. She is married to a Spaniard and lived in Spain for 20 years. She makes a mean paella, plus her cocido Madrileno is just like that of legendary Madrid restaurant La Bola.

9. Mrs Yulo

For desserts, I still go to the great Mrs Yulo. I love her Turtle Pie, coffee crunch cake and, the strawberry shortcake is unbeatable. There are no shortcuts.

You can reach Mrs Yulo cakes at +632 8812 4961. 

Read more: Where To Order The Best Cake In Metro Manila

10. Cibo Pizza

@ciboph

For high quality pizza I buy Margarita Forés' frozen pizzas. I would rather buy her frozen pizza than order from any pizza joint to be honest! They taste really fresh.

Read more: Foodie Finds With Graphic Designer Dan Matutina

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