First Bite: Sangkap

Filipino cuisine will always have a special place in my heart (and tummy). But I usually save indulging in my favorites at home as I find it easy to make. Then again, on days I feel extremely lazy to buy ingredients, more so to cook, I just visit one of my favorite restaurants. Last weekend though, I felt like trying a new restaurant and thought of trying Sangkap. 

Hello, Sangkap.

Sangkap is no new name in the restaurant industry. It has been a successful venture of The Menu Group since it opened its first store in Pasig City. However, I didn't find the locations of its branches convenient so I never had the chance to visit. So when I found myself near Ayala Malls Vertis North last weekend, R and I decided to swing by around 8 p.m.. 

Warm ambiance brought by the wooden fixtures and smiling faces enticed us to have dinner here instead of just a quick visit to try some small dishes. 

We tried Batanes Ivatan Kilawin (PHP305), Pampanga Bagnet Kare-Kare (PHP340, regular | PHP660, family) and Sangkap Halo-Halo (PHP160). We also had Lychee and Watermelon shakes (PHP100 each).

Service was fast and our bowl of kilawin was served within 5 minutes. 

Packed with tanigue, shrimp and squid swimming in its tangy base, this dish is a must-have as an appetizer as it will definitely whet your appetite. Enjoy it as is or with the salted chips it is served with for extra texture. As a fan of sour dishes, I loved this one a lot. Each seafood had that delectable bouncy or snappy texture that I look forward to when eating raw. Just be careful with the chili bits if you're not into spice. 

The Pampanga Bagnet Kare-Kare was great too. The sweet peanut sauce complemented the seasoned bagnet and salty shrimp paste. Just make sure to complement the peanut sauce with shrimp paste each time you take a mouthful as the sauce tends to be on the sweet side. The greens were fresh too adding extra crunch to the dish. Best to have this with rice as it may be a bit too flavorful to be enjoyed as is. 

And speaking of rice, don't go crazy when ordering rice here at Sangkap as they are very generous with carbs!

I was surprised with the serving size of its halo-halo too! Served in a ginormous bowl fitting as a fruit punch bowl for parties, this halo-halo can serve up to 4 guests. 

Though it was mostly finely shaved ice with milk, there were several beans, jackfruit, jello and ice cream to be shared making it bang for the buck. 

Our drinks were delightful too. Both were flavorful yet not overwhelmingly sweet. Perfect thirst quenchers this summer!

Overall, it was a lovely visit. The servers were very attentive and were smiling the whole time we were there, serving as a perfect example of Philippine hospitality. I'll definitely be back to try its famous Cebu Lechon Sinigang. 

P.S. Thank you, H, for the complimentary appetizer and dessert.

Sangkap is located at 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City.