Stop no. 26 on our Project Michelin Philippines journey happened last January 13, a Saturday. This passion project, one Im happily undertaking with the handsome hubby, has become our way of exploring the country’s dining scene with intention and the curious foodies’ sense of adventure
The goal?
To eventually dine our way through all 108 Michelin-recognized restaurants in the Philippines, one bite at a time.
One of the unexpected perks (if you can even call it that) of having a fractured ankle is suddenly finding yourself with tons of time on your hands. Time to slow down, reflect, and dig through past Michelin stops we’ve already ticked off the list but somehow never got around to sharing on our socials or the blog.
Your Local was one of those. Long on our radar, repeatedly postponed, and quietly waiting its turn. With its Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction and our long-standing curiosity, now felt like the perfect moment to revisit the experience and finally tell the story the way it deserves to be told.
It was a Saturday morning , and in what has become our quiet little ritual, we take our first meal of the day at around 11 a.m. We arrived at Your Local right on time, only to realize the doors wouldn’t officially open until 11:30. No reservation, no backup plan, just us and a slightly premature arrival.
Thankfully, the restaurant manager kindly welcomed us in ahead of schedule, which was a small but much-appreciated gesture, especially since there’s no proper waiting area outside where one can comfortably sit and pass the time. Sometimes, it’s these simple acts of hospitality that set the tone for the experience.
First impressions matter
…and Your Local delivers a strong one. The space is clad in classic white subway tiles, while wooden floors lend warmth and balance to the otherwise industrial setting. An exposed high ceiling enhances the airy, warehouse-like atmosphere, giving the room a sense of openness and ease.
Dominating the room is a huge open-kitchen counter, framed by black chalkboards highlighting the restaurant’s bestsellers. It offers a front-row seat to the quiet choreography of the chefs at work, where you can perch at the counter and watch the action unfold , from the steady rhythm of plating to the final, thoughtful touches. Alas, we didn’t do this. Regretting it now, as it would have undoubtedly added another layer to the experience.
Wooden tables, black chairs, and what appears to be a hulking stainless-steel industrial freezer stamped with the Your Local logo complete the theme, reinforcing an industrial aesthetic that feels clean, unfussy, and confidently modern.
WHAT WE ORDERED
Miso Tuna Tartare 390
To kick off our gastronomic adventure, we followed the Michelin Guide’s recommendation and ordered the Miso Tuna Tartare
This instantly brought to mind one of my all-time favorites, classic beef tartare , only lighter, brighter, and turned up several notches. Finely minced tuna is layered with savory miso, a measured kick of gochujang, and a squeeze of calamansi that cuts through with a lively citrus pop. Roasted peanuts lend a subtle nuttiness, while crisp rice chips do the heavy lifting, scooping up every last morsel. Each bite delivers crunch, heat, acidity, and umami in perfect harmony, a truly glorious mouthful that disappears far too quickly.
Triple Cooked Hamonado Fries – 360
Thrice-cooked potatoes, pork hamonado flakes, mushroom aioli, burnt nori
Next comes the fries to tide us over while waiting for our mains. The potato wedges are first boiled until tender, then fried twice to achieve a crisp, golden exterior with a pillowy center. On top, torched and diced pork chashu hamonado brings a sweet-savory richness, followed by pickled onions for brightness and a cloud of mushroom aioli, finished with a dusting of burnt nori.
There’s real pleasure in that first bite, the shattering crunch giving way to soft, fluffy insides. The hamonado adds depth and gentle sweetness, neatly balanced by the acidity of the fermented onions. Creaminess from the mushroom aioli ties everything together, while the burnt nori lends a subtle smokiness that contrasts beautifully with the dish’s lightness. A satisfying opener and a promising preview of what’s to come.
Satay Chicken Salad 450
Pinoy-style satay grilled chicken, black vinegar pesto, peanuts, toasted rice, seasonal greens
I needed something green, so this felt like the sensible choice. The greens arrived fresh and crisp, providing a clean, refreshing base. The black vinegar pesto leaned a little sweet, wishing for a brighter jolt of acidity to sharpen the overall profile. The satay-grilled chicken was aromatic but edged toward chewy. All told, it was a pleasant, comforting opener, perfectly fine, though one that could benefit from tighter balance and a bit more lift.
Indo Smashed Chicken 520
Smashed fried chicken, sweet sambal terasi, pickled cucumber, coconut rice
Evoking Indonesia’s beloved ayam penyet, this dish features fried chicken gently smashed to loosen the fibers and enhance tenderness, a technique that ensures maximum flavor in every bite. The chicken emerges with a deeply crisp exterior that gives way to succulent, yielding meat beneath.
A glossy smear of sweet sambal terasi delivers a measured heat that is aromatic, savory, and laced with the umami depth of shrimp paste, while pickled cucumber provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing contrast. The coconut rice, fragrant and softly rich, anchors the dish and tempers the spice.
Robust yet comforting, this is the kind of dish that lingers on the table, quietly urging you to reach for another spoonful of rice.
Roast Beef Bun 320
This was one of those dishes that immediately grabs your attention. The roast beef belly was tender and full of flavor, sandwiched between fried mantou bun that was crisp on the outside and soft with a gentle sweetness inside. The hoisin sauce added that familiar savory-sweet depth, while the sesame slaw brought in a bit of crunch and freshness to balance everything out. It’s rich but not heavy, indulgent without feeling over the top
I barely had time to process my first bite before the handsome hubby was already halfway through his. Blink and it’s gone. Consider this your warning: order one for yourself—or be prepared to share very, very reluctantly.
Chili Crab Bun 340
Local blue crab, sweet chili, cucumber, herbs, fried mantou bun
I have a soft spot for mantou, and this version hits all the right comfort notes. The fried bun cradles generous flakes of local blue crab tossed in sweet chili and fresh herbs, with cucumber lending a cool, crisp counterpoint. It taste of the sea , unmistakably briny
Choco na Gatas 390
Toasted Milk Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Pudding, Banana Chips
For the sweet ending, we gave in to curiosity. and I’m glad we did. This is comfort dessert at its best. The toasted milk ice cream is quietly delightful, its gentle nuttiness melding seamlessly with the deep, velvety chocolate pudding. Crisp banana chips add just enough texture and contrast, rounding out a dessert that feels familiar, soothing, and deeply satisfying.
Final note
Overall, dining at Michelin Bib Gourmand Your Local for the first time was quite delightful! Service was a standout: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cheerful. Prices felt fair for the quality delivered. A well-earned Bib Gourmand, and one that lives up to the recognition.
YOUR LOCAL is located at 106 Esteban Street corner VA Rufino Street G/F, Universal LMS Building, Makati Philippines
Pigoutmanila 