As the Philippines settles into 2025, Manila’s food and beverage scene is buzzing with a renewed energy that mirrors the vibrant chaos of a jeepney ride through the capital’s streets. From the triumphant return of beloved dining spots to innovative collaborations for Valentine’s Day, the city’s culinary landscape is offering a much-needed dose of optimism after challenging times. Add to that a unique wine tour inspired by the iconic jeepney, and it’s clear that Manila is serving up more than just good food—it’s dishing out hope for brighter days ahead.
A Warm Welcome Back to Familiar Flavours
At the heart of this revival is the reopening of Yabu, a katsu favourite among Manila’s food enthusiasts, at its flagship location in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. After a brief hiatus, the restaurant has returned with a bold new look and an ambitious vision. The expanded space, now 50 percent larger, boasts a custom wall of masu cups and a manga-inspired wall, creating an immersive dining experience that blends Japanese tradition with modern flair. Upgraded kitchen facilities and refreshed staff uniforms further elevate the brand’s evolution, while a branch-exclusive crispy rosu katsudon—a playful twist on the classic rice bowl—has already begun turning heads.
John Concepcion, CEO of Standard Hospitality Group, which oversees Yabu, sees this reopening as more than just a return. “Our goal is to set the standard in the restaurant scene, and this expanded flagship store represents our commitment to that vision,” he said. With plans to grow from 45 to 100 stores within five years, Yabu’s comeback is a signal of confidence in the Philippines’ dining sector. “Even as we pursue aggressive growth, our commitment to quality remains unwavering,” Concepcion added, promising that each new location and menu innovation will preserve the authentic Japanese dining experience that loyal patrons cherish. 
Yabu isn’t the only name making waves. Kodawari has opened its third branch at SM Aura, while Deo Gracias in Quezon City is also drawing crowds with its fresh take on local flavours. These reopenings and expansions are a reminder of food’s power to bring comfort and familiarity, even as the world around us shifts unpredictably. For many Filipinos, stepping back into these spaces feels like reconnecting with an old friend over a shared meal.
Sweet Surprises for Valentine’s Day
As February unfolds and Valentine’s Day approaches, Manila’s culinary scene is getting a romantic boost with a standout collaboration between GoTyme Bank and Auro Chocolate. Their limited-time Heart Smash offering—a striking 64 percent dark chocolate heart shell in GoTyme’s signature turquoise, filled with mini 55 percent dark chocolate caramel and hazelnut heart cookies—is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. It’s a creative nod to the season of love, blending artistry with indulgence.
GoTyme Bank cardholders are in for an added treat, with an exclusive 35 percent discount on the Heart Smash (reducing the price from P670 to P435) when paying with their Visa debit card at any Auro Chocolate Café. The offer, limited to one transaction per day and available only for in-store purchases, is a clever way to sweeten the deal for customers. Auro Chocolate’s presence across Manila—from Taft to BGC and MOA Square—ensures that this Valentine’s delight is within reach for many.
This partnership reflects a growing trend of collaborations in the food and beverage industry, where brands are joining forces to create unique, memorable experiences. It’s a sign of innovation and adaptability, as businesses find new ways to capture attention and foster customer loyalty in a competitive market.
A Jeepney Journey Through Wine and Culture
Beyond restaurant reopenings and chocolate collaborations, Manila is also gearing up for a cultural celebration that combines the city’s iconic jeepney heritage with a global twist. On 15 February, the day after Valentine’s, Winedrop, in partnership with AWC Philippines, will host the second annual Jeepney Wine Tour. Inspired by the lively spirit of the jeepney—those colourfully decorated vehicles adorned with everything from religious icons to zodiac signs—this tour promises a unique blend of Filipino identity and international sophistication. Guests will hop aboard for a journey through Manila’s dining hotspots, including Tartufo, Society Lounge, Elbert’s Collective, and Mamou 5, sampling wines from renowned regions such as France’s Domaine Grand Fidèle, Italy’s Tedeschi Wines, and California’s Bread & Butter. Paired with a variety of bites at each stop, the tour also features wine-senses challenges where participants can collect points for prizes, adding an interactive element to the experience. The timing, just after Valentine’s Day, feels apt for those looking to extend the romantic celebrations or simply enjoy a different kind of indulgence. More than just a tasting event, the Jeepney Wine Tour is a celebration of Filipino culture’s ability to adapt and embrace the global while staying true to its roots—a metaphor, perhaps, for the resilience of Manila’s food scene itself.
A Taste of Optimism
In a year that’s already shaping up to be another rollercoaster, Manila’s culinary offerings are providing a much-needed lift. Whether it’s the comforting return of a katsu favourite like Yabu, the sweet surprise of a Valentine’s chocolate collaboration, or the cultural fusion of a jeepney-inspired wine tour, these developments are more than just food trends. They’re a reflection of a city—and a people—determined to find joy and connection through shared experiences, no matter the challenges ahead.
As Manila’s food and beverage industry steams forward with abandon, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures—a warm meal, a sweet treat, or a scenic ride—can be the most powerful harbingers of blue skies ahead. For now, the invitation is clear: come eat, drink, and ride your way through Manila, and let the city’s flavours lift your spirits.
