Nothing can be sexier than a Latina’s sun-kissed skin, slender legs and strong sprightly attitude. They can really get heads turning. I’m way far from looking like a Latina but I know how to admire beauty. What gets MY head turning really is what they put inside their luscious lips… mouthwatering Latin American Street Food.
They have made their presence felt at Soderno Market. But their permanent location is now parked at the 5th level of Podium. Brasas, which translates to ‘flaming coals’, lets you experience the finest of what plagues the streets of Columbia, Argentina, Chile and Cuba right here in Manila. It is over coals that orders are grilled to its delicious state.
The restaurant is bright and airy, untailored, ideal for casual dining ready for unique flavors. Their short menu brings to your table a line-up of grilled wraps, rice platters, salads, soups and regional Latin specialties.
On the Table
Patacones P140
Plantain chips fried and topped with smoked pulled pork, tomato salsa and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Positively, the textures and flavors of the Patacones are first tasted here. Take one big bite of the tender fork-pulled pork, refreshing salsa and crispy plantain that it’s sitting on and taste a hint of smokiness from the meat and sharpness from the cheese. Strike while it’s hot.
Arepas P155
Colombian pancake made of corn topped with charcoal-grilled beef, onion slaw and some tomato salsa and drizzled with Chipotle sauce
If you’ve only tried the regular pancake with syrup, I’m telling you, a savory pancake is as good, especially one that’s coming from Brasas. I particularly enjoyed this since I’m on an on-again-off-again no rice diet and the corn pancake was a good alternative for starch to accompany my protein.
It was easy to chomp through the cut-up meat and enjoy its beefy flavor against all the other flavors steaming off the dish, light sweetness from the onions, sweet tart from the tomato salsa and myriad of piquancy and light spice from the Chipotle sauce. I couldn’t get enough of the Chipotle sauce so I kept squeezing more onto my plate, coating every bite with the white red-dotted sauce.
Chicken Rice Platter P180
This was Irene’s order but she let me try it. It’s a good size serving of charcoal-grilled chicken with patacones, South American slaw, and yellow rice with Chimichurri sauce from Argentina.
Puerco Asado P240
This Cuban dish was Maddie’s order. Plate had tender pork belly with a very crunchy skin, roasted vegetables and rice. The rice should have been mixed with beans but since she doesn’t like beans, she opted to change it to their other rice. This dish was also packed with simple interesting flavors but if you like sauces like I do, you can always just put more of the Chipotle sauce.
I also loved the fried banana on the side that adds a caramelized aspect. Mmm. I will order this on my next visit when I’m on the “off” rice diet.
Chilean Pastel De Choclo P210
Richard tried to deviate and ordered something new. This casserole looks like a shepherd’s pie but instead of mashed potato, the top is corn-based crust. Inside was simmered beef brisket, carrots and mash. It’s served with slaw on the side.
Brasas’ specialty is their Carne Asada, thinly sliced charcoal-grilled beef, marinated first in cilantro lime and other spices. Dishes are very fairly priced and with delicious flavors coming out of its kitchen, I’m heading back to Brasas soon. Bravo Brasas! 🙂
Brasas, Latin American Street Food
5th Level, The Podium
12 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
0917 897 4005
Brasas Flickr Album
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