Ambos Mundos, located at 750 Florentino Torres St., Sta. Cruz, Manila, is probably the oldest restaurant in Metro Manila. Established in 1888--or so the story goes--it continues to thrive amidst changes in both eating habits and gastronomic preferences among Filipinos.
My advice, however, is to visit the place without harboring grand expectations. The place is actually owned by the Wah Sun Cantonese Panciteria. You heard it right, it is actually just a panciteria (though pancit is not necessarily their bestseller). It is located in Sta. Cruz, Manila--not exactly the sort of place you would want to find yourself alone.
Also, if you are looking for a fine dining experience, this is not the right place. As for the food, I must admit, I was not so impressed--but that is just me so please do not take my word for it. I also find the price a bit hefty considering the actual nature of the business and its location. My guess is that the restaurant's management is capitalizing on the establishment's historical value. Service is good, though. The paella (shown below) is also good. If you are a foodie and into Manila's culinary history, this is the place to be.
Some of the gastronomic delights you can order at the restaurant. The menu is written on the board, as is typical in a carinderia. I heard this is how it was done in the past. And the place does have that blast from the past feel.
Paella Ambos, one of their bestsellers. It has everything--crab, pork, chicken, clams, tahong, eggs. You may be wondering what the calamansi is for. I am not really a fan of paella, neither do I know the right way of eating this dish. We figured the calamansi has to be mixed with chili sauce and the mixture to go with this rice dish. Who would have thought paella can be very good when eaten like pancit palabok.
Here is purple piglette immediately after the nice waiter served our order.
Here is her awestruck accomplice.
Here is purple piglette sentencing the poor paella to a lifetime of digestive confinement.
The poor paella, after purple piglette's verdict.
Dessert--leche flan. There is no camera trick here. That is not an oversized spoon. But, to be fair, the leche flan was good.
Evidence of the onslaught--exhibit 1.
Evidence of the onslaught--exhibit 3.
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