There are quite a few restaurants that have not changed the way they cook and prepare food. One of these restaurants is Milky Way. According to one of their employees, several generations of the Gamboa family have gone to great lengths to maintain the taste and quality of their fare, which is probably why I dine at this restaurant every chance I get.

Compared to most restaurants in its class (informal dining), Milky Way is actually a tad more expensive. They serve Filipino dishes with a distinct Kapampangan flair, but they also offer food for the sensitive and discriminating foreigner. I think Milky Way is a good starter for a foreigner trying to appreciate Filipino and Asian cuisine in general.

Their main branch is the one next to Cirkulo, along Pasay Road, where Chef Jay Gamboa keeps all kitchens in perfect harmony. Food cooked in the main Milky Way branch is delivered fresh for the restaurant’s loyal patrons in the Power Plant Mall. I heard there is also another branch inside Greenhills.

Why do I keep coming back? The food. Nothing else. The service? It’s ok. Though a little pricey, it’s worth every cent. Check out the Milky Way fare.

Choices, choices. What shall I have today?

I answered the call of the pork spareribs. For P180.00 (US$4.05) a plateful (without rice), these wonderfully soft and tender ribs are, by far, the best I have ever had. Compared to a restaurant that serve baby back ribs by the rack, Milky Way‘s is the better choice in terms of taste and price.

Note the achara is also made by Milky Way. They sell it at their restaurants by the bottle. Really, really good!

Noreen’s favorite, the adobong pusit or squid cooked in vinegar and soy sauce. I don’t like eating squid, but this is such the exception. Only P135.00 (US$3.03) per order (not including rice).

The pansit luglog is also a great merienda favorite at P90.00 (US$2.02) a plate.

The noodles are firm, not soggy, with the signature Milky Way chicharon. Delish!

Milky Way’s chicken macaroni salad is also very good. Only P135.00 (US$3.03) per large tub. Perfect for sharing!

No milk and cheese here! Just good old mayonnaise and Spam bits, or should I say, chunks.

A good merienda is best when enjoyed with fresh spring rolls or lumpiang ubod. Milky Way’s fresh lumpia is only P80.00 (US$1.80) for two pieces.

So far, it’s the best fresh lumpia I’ve had in a long time. The garlic is strong and the ubod is fresh and sweet. You can share this with a friend.

Of course, all that needs to be accompanied by a tall one, particularly Milky Way’s sago’t gulaman for only P45.00 (US$1.03) a glass. The ice is so fine, it reminds me of kakigori.

You can visit their main branch at the 2nd Level, Milky Way Bldg., 900 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila or call them (02) 843-7124.