Secrets of Gyud Food UP Diliman! (Food Guide)

(Save this recommendations on your next food trip in Gyud Food.)

Gyud Food is the go-to community food center in Manila and proudly holds the title of the best canteen in any university in the country, proudly situated in UP Diliman Campus. Taking inspiration from Singaporean hawker centers and evolving from the pop-up marketings into Food Market 2.0, Gyud Food, founded by JoMag of Potato Corner fame and curated by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, ensures a satisfying shared culinary experience.

The name “Gyud” reflects its essence, standing for Good YUmmy Delicious. Rooted in the Visayan expression “gyud,” conveying meanings like “really,” “indeed,” “very,” “surely,” or “certainly,” Gyud Food aims to provide an undeniably delightful dining experience. It resonates with the sentiments of “Masarap gyud,” “Namit gyud,” and “Lami gyud,” promising absolute satisfaction and deliciousness. It fulfills this commitment through a diverse array of independent food concepts, startups incubated within Gyud Food UP Diliman, and select franchised concepts that guarantee deliciousness.

Many are still unaware of the existence of Gyud Food, and there’s a common misconception that it operates solely when students are around, given its UP location. However, Gyud Food is open to all, not just students from 7am to 10pm daily. It’s pet-friendly, provides ample free parking, and boasts a diverse menu with offerings at various price points without compromising on quality.

As we mark the first anniversary of Gyud Food, we pay tribute to the 10 Best Food Concepts that will serve as your guide on your next food trip at Gyud Food:

1. MAMONAKU KOHI

Mamonaku Kohi, a Japanese-inspired Coffee Shop incubated in UP Diliman, takes the lead in Gyud Food, capturing both the highest sales and the hearts of UP Gen Z students and the QC Foodie Community. Trailblazing the next era of iced coffee concepts, it promptly serves up your favorite coffee creations with no delays. The name is inspired by Japanese Train Announcements, echoing the reminder that the train is arriving soon or announcing the name of the next station — Mamonaku, (station) touchaku shimasu, or Mamonaku, (station name). O deguchi wa, migi (hidari)-gawadesu.

Every Kohi drink is meticulously crafted, featuring two shots of espresso blended with premium milk and sauces sourced from either Da Vinci or Monin. Recognizing that approximately 90% of your coffee drink is water, we prioritize quality by ensuring the water we use undergoes a thorough 3-stage filtration process. Even our ice is made from the same meticulously filtered water. Our skilled Baristas are trained to craft each drink with Japanese precision, utilizing our exclusive Mamonaku Blend, a rich combination of 100% Arabica beans sourced from Brazil, Papua New Guinea, and Ethiopia.

A must-try from our menu is the Chizu Latte, an enticing fusion of two irresistible delights – coffee and cheese. It is perfectly paired with the glazed Japanese mochi donuts.

Incubated Concept in UP Diliman with a second branch in Benilde Design Arts Center. Co-founded by JoMag and Raymond So of El Kapitan as our coffee master.
Now open for franchise/ business partners. Contact Anton +63 917 5683627.

We recommend:
• Iced Caramel Macchiato (₱189))
• Tres Leches Kohi (₱179)
• Non-Kohi: Ichigo Yogurt (₱209) Iced Matcha Latte (₱159)
• Iced Latte (₱149) or Chizu Latte (₱189)
• Mochi Donuts (₱59)

Follow @mamonakukohi (IG) and Mamonaku Kohi (FB)

2. STEAK TO JUAN

Steak to Juan marks the initial foray into franchise expansion in Manila for the renowned yet budget-friendly steak house concept originating from San Juan, La Union. Offering the finest steaks at remarkably affordable price points, you have to experience it to truly believe it.

Having initially gained widespread popularity in ELYU, the restaurant now boasts record-breaking sales every weekend, courtesy of the influential vloggers and TikTokers who have showcased its offerings. Amidst the plethora of similarly named affordable steak concepts, it’s crucial not to mistake it for Steak to One or Steak ni Juan or other Steak Juan variations.

Our family’s top pick is the Boodle Fight 1, suitable for 3-4 individuals or a family of 6. It features a delectable assortment of grilled porterhouse, t-bone, liempo, pork steak, pork chop, 2 pieces of sausage, unlimited rice, unlimited gravy, and a refreshing pitcher of freshly brewed iced tea. With this option, you get to savor a variety of flavors, ensuring everyone leaves the table content and satisfied.

First Steak Food Truck concept in Manila franchised from ELYU, La Union.
Open for Franchise in other territories for expansion aside from QC.

We recommend:
• Australian Tenderloin (₱265)
• Australian Porterhouse (₱230)
• Boodle Fight 1 (4-5 Pax) (₱899)

Check out the Steak to Juan Menu
Follow @steaktojuan_updiliman (IG) and Steak To Juan, ELYU/ La Union (FB)

3. INIHAWS BARBECUE

Inihaws Barbecue is a charcoal-grilled concept by JoMag to provide affordable good quality barbecue and isaw that is guaranteed clean. In any food market, usually the grill and isaw stalls are the most popular because it’s perfect to eat barbecue during an alfresco picnic in UP. It’s also the most affordable with buy 1 take 1 Pork BBQ for only ₱45 and isaw for ₱15. The concept is frequently juxtaposed with the iconic Mang Larry’s located beside Gyud Food. Food enthusiasts engage in friendly side-by-side comparisons, sharing their verdicts on TikTok and various social media platforms.

Our family’s preferred option is the Boodle Fight Trio, comprising a delightful assortment of 6 pcs. Pork BBQ, 6 pcs. Isaw Manok, 3 pcs. Tenga, 3 pcs. Chicken Satay, 3 pcs. Hotdog, and 3 drinks (MISMO). This hearty feast is artfully presented on a banana leaf, resting atop fragrant Java rice, and complemented by the flavors of salted egg, tomato, vinegar, and peanut sauce. To enhance the hands-on experience, gloves are thoughtfully provided, allowing you to relish the meal with your hands. The cherished tradition of counting down “1-2-3 attack” injects a playful element into the dining ritual, fostering a strong sense of togetherness as we share and relish this delectable spread.

New Concept. Incubated in Gyud Food UP Diliman and concept by JoMag.
Privately owned. Not open for Franchise.

We recommend:
• Pork BBQ Buy 1 Take 1 (₱45)
• Isaw Manor (₱15) / Bituka Baboy (₱30)
• Boodle Trio (₱599)

Check out the Inihaws Menu
Follow @inihawsbbq (IG)

4. FLIPSIDE BURGER

Flipside Burgers, crafted by Chef Ed Bugia from The Burger Project, presents a delectable smashed burger experience delivered through a food truck. Widely acclaimed by food enthusiasts, it’s often hailed as the best burger in Manila, competing with Burger Beast, Hungry Homies, and Sweet Ecstasy. The menu highlights signature burgers, including the Oklahoma-style smashed burgers with pickles and special sauce, and the Umami Burger enriched with shiitake mushroom and umami sauce. For a breakfast option, try the Chori burger. Enhance your order by including Fried Dill Pickles and pickled quail eggs as sides.

This is one of the swiftly developed concepts within Gyud Food, and we are now prepared for expansion, drawing interest from quality-conscious mall establishments and potential business partners.

New Concept. Incubated in Gyud Food UP Diliman, created by Chef Ed Bugia & JoMag.
Now open for franchise/ business partners. Contact Chef Ed +63 918 911-6042.

We recommend:
• Oklahoma Burger (₱235)
• Umami Burger (₱255)
• Breakfast Burger (₱225)

Check out the Flipside Burgers PH Menu
Follow @flipsideburgersph (IG) and Flipside Burgers PH (FB)

5. SALMON HQ

Salmon HQ stands out as one of the premier sushi establishments in Quezon City, enjoying a growing following each year. Notably, they clinched a spot among the top 3 winners at the Ultimate Taste Test 2020 amid the pandemic. Driven by Quennie’s passion for sushi, the brand is dedicated to delivering fresh, premium-cut salmon sashimi right to your doorstep. In 2023, Salmon HQ expanded with its first branch at The Podium and later introduced its Quezon City branch at Gyud Food.

Their fresh and high-quality salmon can be savored either as a hot teppan-cooked dish or as a delightful poke bowl. Salmon HQ offers creative options for special celebrations and healthier family feasts, featuring:
• Premium Salmon Cake (₱1,900) as a wholesome cake alternative,
• Kaito (₱2,750) Large Gift Box comprising Mini Naked Cake, Salmon, Tuna, Philly Salmon Maki, Spicy Salmon Overload, Salmon, Tuna, Wakame, Ikura, Una, Philly Gunkan,
• Prosperity Salad, available as a Half-Platter (₱1,600) or Full Platter (₱3,200) for the Chinese New Year.

This is Salmon HQ’s second branch, following their initial outlet at The Podium.
Privately owned independent restaurant owner.

We recommend:
• Salmon Sashimi (₱290)
• Salmon Teppan Bento (₱250)
• Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl with rice (₱425) or salad ((₱445)

Check out the Salmon HQ Express – Gyud Food Menu
Follow @salmon.hq.express (IG) and Salmon HQ Express (FB)

6. EVERYDAY KNEADS

Everyday Kneads is a homegrown bakeshop concept that originated in Gyud Food, initially in collaboration with Bait Lehem, recognized as one of Manila’s artisanal bakeshops celebrated for their exceptional pita breads, butter croissants, and delectable beef kebabs. Personally, I have love their Danish pastries, pan au chocolat, and sourdough, especially when they are on sale. This bakeshop fulfills our daily bread requirements and has garnered a loyal following within the communities around UP Diliman.

New Concept. Incubated in Gyud Food UP Diliman created by JoMag.
Privately owned.

We recommend:
• Pan Au Chocolat (₱90)
• Butter Croissant (₱70)
• Beef Kebab Wrap (₱280) or with Rice (₱370)

Check out the Menu: Freshly Baked Breads | Turkish Pizza, Rice Plates | Pita Sandwiches, Laffa Wraps | Sandwiches
Follow @everydaykneads.ph (IG) and Everyday Kneads (FB)

7. MA SALA

Ma Sala is the favored Indian comfort food spot at Gyud, having undergone rebranding and concept changes from Little Roti to Kukul Mas with a Sri Lankan influence and eventually settling on the improved Ma Sala concept. We enjoy their Butter Chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh, and Chicken or Mutton Biryani. The branding has improved, service delivery times are better, and we receive many positive reviews from foodies.

New Concept. Incubated in Gyud Food UP Diliman created by JoMag.
Privately owned.

We recommend:
• Chicken Biryani (₱220)
• Lamb Mutton Biryani (₱240)
• Vegetable Samosa (₱130)

Check out the Menu: Appetizers | Main Dish

8. SIAM THAI EXPRESS

Siam Thai, a Thai-Select awarded restaurant in Pioneer Center, has its flagship Siam Thai BBQ and Sports Bar and recently opened Siam Thai Express in Gyud Food. The Thai food is authentic, and we enjoy the Pad Thai and Tom Yum. We often bring Tom Yum to our potluck parties as it makes for an ideal soup starter or palate cleanser between bites. The food is served on boat-shaped aluminum plates, with Tom Yum served hot. Sometimes, we opt for a Thai Mookata BBQ, great for families or gatherings with friends (barkada).

Privately owned from the same owners of Prologue and Dough & Grocer.

We recommend:
• Pad Thai (Original, Chicken or Vegetarian) (₱180)
• Bagoong Rice (₱195)
• Tom Yum (Mild Spicy) (₱420)
• Thai Milk Tea (₱99)

Check out the Siam Thai Menu
Follow @siamthaibbq (IG) and Siam Thai BBQ (FB)

9. INASAL CHICKEN BACOLOD

Inasal Chicken Bacolod is one of the authentic Bacolod inasal outlets in Manila. This is my go-to chicken if we are craving inasal with garlic rice and anato oil. I love their La Paz Batchoy, my comfort food, especially on a cold or rainy day. If you have balikbayans or tourists, this is one of the places where they can taste the real flavors of Negrense food. They were the first store that believed in our Gyud Food concept and officially became tenant #1 as early as 2022.

Privately owned from the original Bacolod family.

We recommend:
• Inasal Pecho (breast) (₱178 solo) with Garlic Rice (₱226)
• Inasal Paa (thigh) (₱165 solo) with Garlic Rice (₱213)
• La Paz Batchoy (₱180)

Check out theMenu: Inasal, Lasang Pinoy | Rice, Beverage, ICB Combo
Follow Inasal Chicken Bacolod (FB) and https://inasalchickenbacolod.com.ph

10. RAFA’S KITCHEN

Rafa’s Kitchen is well-known for its South East Asian specialties, including Hainanese Chicken and Laksa from Singapore, Fresh Spring Rolls from Vietnam, and their unique Bagnet Kare-Kare version. This food truck outlet has a loyal following and can satisfy your craving for hawker specialties. The branding is simple, but there is room for improvement to better reflect the exceptional quality of the food.

(I don’t know their back story but I’m interested to know more about Rafa’s Kitchen.)

Privately-owned Independent Restaurant operator.

We recommend:
• Hainanese Chicken (Quarter) (₱250)
• Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls (₱195)
• Bagnet Kare Kare (₱250)
• Singapore Laksa (₱195)

Check out the Rafa’s Kitchen Menu
Follow @rafaskitchenphilippines (IG) and Rafa’s Kitchen (FB)

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: I’m part of the managing team that created the Gyud Food concept owned by JoMag. I’m also a part owner of Mamonaku Kohi and Flipside Burgers. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.

P.S. You got to check out this bubbly soda drink concept known as Fizzstop by JoMag and Homer.

We recommend:
• Lemon Fizz (₱85)
• Lemon Fresh Fruit (₱85)
• Add on: Yakult (+₱30)
• Lychee (₱55) & Strawberry Soda (₱55)

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