Zoy’s Top 5: 2025 Dishes and Meals (Honorable Mentions)

Last Monday, I gave you my top five food destinations for 2025 (read it here). Now, I’m listing down my top five dishes and meals for 2024. These are food that I have tried for the first time.

As I always do, I have an objective and a subjective criteria. Objectively, the dish or meal has to be flavorful (meaning, it has different flavors) and has a variety of textures. They are the ones I refer to as “a world of flavors and textures.” But I will make a few exceptions to those that blew my mind away in spite of the lack thereof.

Subjectively, the dish or meal has to be enjoyable, something that is forever etched in my memory and making me want to have more of it. Well, it wouldn’t make this list if I didn’t enjoy it.

But it’s hard to condense my favorites into a list of five. So let me give you my honorable mentions in this article, and give my top five on a separate article.

So in alphabetical order, here are my honorable mentions for 2025 (click on the link, if applicable, to read more about the dish/meal):

717 Cheeseburger at 717 Deli (San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines)

This cheeseburger’s patty is thick, beefy, and ultra juicy (that's the advantage of thick patties over smashed ones). Then it's topped with melted cheese and tangy sauce. My only wish is for it is to have more elements, like fresh veggies or caramelized onions.

Overall, the 717 Cheeseburger is a simple yet great burger, and possibly the juiciest I've ever had here in the Philippines!

Address: 53 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-7PM | Contact No.: 0917-7900717 | Facebook | Instagram

Bak Chor Mee at Tai Wah Pork Noodle (Singapore)

Bak Chor Mee (BCM) or minced pork noodles is an iconic Singaporean noodle dish is mainly composed of noodles, minced meat, and different pork ingredients such as meatballs and pork slices. It’s also available in dry and soup versions.

One of the popular BCM stores in Singapore is Tai Wah Pork Noodle. Their version has al dente noodles topped with different pig parts (minced pork, slices of pork, and pig liver). It’s rightly sour due to the vinegar, and also stay-in-the-mouth spicy.

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Address: #02-16 Hong Lim Market and Food Centre, 531A Upper Cross St., Singapore | Operating Hours: Daily, 6AM-8PM

Bibingka Galapong at Chef RV Cafe (Biñan City, Laguna, Philippines)

Bibingka Galapong is a Filipino rice cake made with galapong or ground glutinous rice, usually served in Christmas season. This is the specialty of Chef RV Cafe, which boasts of making the best bibingka galapong in the city of Biñan of the province of Laguna.

The bibingka is creamy, moist, and not as dense as I thought it to be. I also like that the salted egg isn’t overpowering. And let me say this: It’s easily the best bibingka I’ve ever tried in my life!

Related Article: Chef RV Cafe: Baking Delicious Cakes and the Best Bibingka Galapong in Biñan City (Laguna)

Breakfast Buffet at Balay Dako (Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines)

Literally “big house” in Negrense, Balay Dako is a restaurant that proudly serves Filipino food. They offer a breakfast buffet on weekends and holidays, available from 7AM to 11AM.

The buffet has a wide variety of good food. It’s worth your money, and is the best breakfast buffet I’ve had so far.

Build-It-Yourself Panini at Passione (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong’s Passione offers a build-it-yourself panino (which I learned is the singular form of panini). I got pepperoni, pesto, sundried tomatoes, and, for an extra fee, burrata.

The burrata is creamy, the pepperonis are spicy, and the pesto and sundried tomatoes add another layers of flavors, all sandwiched between crisp and fluffy focaccia bread. This is easily the best Italian sandwich I’ve ever had!

Address: Shop B, 237 Queens Rd., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11AM-7PM (or until sold out); Saturday, 11AM-5PM (or until sold out) | Facebook | Instagram

Carinderia Meal at Marino’s Eatery (Biñan City, Laguna, Philippines)

A carinderia is a Filipino eatery. Last year, the best carinderia meal I had was in Marino’s Eatery.

I’ve tried twelve dishes from Marino’s, and most are outstanding! Check out my review by clicking the link below.

Address: 257 General Malvar St., Biñan City, Laguna, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8AM-6PM | Contact No.: 0956-6896684 | Facebook | Instagram

Lechon Ramen at Ramen Yushoken (Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines)

The Lechon Ramen is a branch exclusive of Mendokoro Ramenba’s Cebu branch. To the uninitiated, lechon (roast suckling pig) is popular in the province of Cebu. Thankfully, the Lechon Ramen is also available in the Alabang branch of Ramen Yushoken, Mendokoro’s sister ramen shop.

The Lechon Ramen replaces the usual chashu (Japanese braised pork belly) topping with lechon. By its look, I thought it would just be a Lechon Kawali (deep-fried pork belly), which is not bad. However, it uses an actual lechon that’s fatty, tender, and with actual lechon flavors, in which lemongrass is the most prominent.

The broth is also amazing. I thought it would just be a normal tonkotsu (made with pork bones) broth. To my surprise, it also has lechon flavors, with a hint of lemongrass taste. I just wish that the lechon skin would be crispier. Thankfully, that’s compensated by the pork cracklings at the top. And of course, the noodles are perfectly al dente.

Ramen Yushoken Alabang Address: Unit 20 Cluster 3 Molito Lifestyle Building, Zapote Rd. cor. Madrigal Ave., Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10AM-10PM; Friday-Sunday, 10AM-11PM | Contact No.: (02) 8808-7424 | Facebook | Instagram | Website (Nippon Hasha)

Lok-Lok Skewers at Fa Ge Lok Lok (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)

Literally “to dip”, Lok-lok is a Malaysian street food experience similar to like hotpot or steamboat except that the items are on skewers. But Fa Ge Lok Lok specializes in deep-fried lok-lok.

All skewers are masterfully deep-fried. My favorites are the bacon-wrapped sausages, pork belly, intestines, broccoli (yes, they also fry vegetables), and wood-ear mushrooms.

Address: 32 Jalan Harimau Tarum, Taman Abad, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | Operating Hours: Daily, 8PM-3AM

Mac’s Burger at Mac’s Diner (Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines) [CLOSED]

This burger is made with two hundred grams of char-grilled beef patty, sandwiched between two sesame buns, and topped with cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and white onions.

The patty is beefy and juicy, and has a nice char flavor. Even though that it’s not a smashed burger, the patty has a slightly crisp exterior, which helps, I think, in keeping all the juices. The cheese is mild, the veggies are crisp, and the white onion add sharpness. Though the patty may need a bit more salt (I think it’s made the American way where you season your food), I think Mac’s Burger is one of the better burgers I’ve had in the Metro!

Note: Mac’s Diner has officially closed in January 12, 2026.

Martha Stewart’s Pumpkin Soup at 717 Coffee (Clark Freeport, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines)

This pumpkin soup is garlicky and buttery—a flavor bomb! The croutons are also garlicky as well.

This soup is so good that I think it’s the best I’ve ever had. I can’t believe that I’ll taste my favorite pumpkin soup in a cafe. So we ordered another one for takeaway. I guess when Martha Stewart’s name is attached to a dish name, you better order it! LOL!

Address: Unit 103-104 West Aeropark, Clark Global City, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8AM-11AM; Friday-Sunday, 8AM-12AM | Contact No.: 0917-1242717 | Facebook | Instagram

Olivia’s Signature Cheesecake at Queic by Olivia

This cheesecake went viral for being creamy and savory. But is it worth the try?

Absolutely! It’s made with a mix of bleu cheese and cream cheese, which explains that nice, funky cheesiness. The crust is made of almond sablé. It’s is so good that our group easily finished it in seconds!

Flagship Store Address: 41 Kreta Ayer Rd., Singapore | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-7PM | Contact No.: +65 8068-5525

For other store locations, check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as their Website.

Signature Nasi Lemak at The Coconut Club (Singapore)

Literally “rich rice”, Nasi Lemak is a dish consisting of boiled or fried egg, cucumber, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), peanuts, sambal (chili paste), and of course the rice, which is cooked in santan (coconut milk). It’s usually paired with a viand, in which ayam goreng (fried chicken) is the most popular.

One of the best, if not the best, in Singapore is The Coconut Club’s Signature Nasi Lemak. Its rice is fluffy and aromatic, and I can really taste the coconut. The other components add texture, while the fried egg adds creaminess.

Make sure to pair their nasi lemak with their Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah (Malay-style fried chicken), which is so aromatic and flavorful. I can certainly taste the lemongrass and turmeric. It’s also juicy and tender. Let’s not forget its crispy skin and the crunchy bits that come with it.

Related Article: The Coconut Club: Serving the Best Nasi Lemak in Singapore? (With MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Recognition)

For The Coconut Club branches and operating times, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as their Website.

Steak & Truffle Shoyu Ramen at Ramen Ron (Various Locations in Metro Manila, Philippines)

This is a limited offering of Ramen Ron, in collaboration with the restaurant chain Mamou, which is popular for their steaks.

This ramen has a thinly-sliced, dry-aged Mamou beef which is juicy (I removed it from the broth so it doesn’t overcook). The broth is thin, soothing, and its truffle flavor isn’t overpowering, while the noodles are crinkly but could be firmer. It also has bits of steak fat. This is perfect in the rainy season!

BGC Branch Address: G/F Central Square, 5th Ave. cor. 30th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 11AM-9PM; Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-10PM

Rockwell Branch Address: RS-103, G/F Edades Tower, Amorsolo Dr., Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM; Sunday, 11AM-9PM

Social Media Accounts: Facebook | Instagram