Siklab+ ignites your love for boldly Filipino food
For decades, The Bistro Group has been Manila’s culinary passport—bringing international dining experiences to local tables without leaving the city. From fall-off-the-bone American ribs to Italian pasta, Brazilian churrasco, and even Korean pastries, the group has introduced Filipinos to global flavors while shaping the way we eat out.
Now, the same group that taught us to dine internationally is turning its focus inward with the revival of Siklab+, a proudly Filipino concept.
A homegrown vision
Siklab+ first opened in 2014 at Greenbelt, but the original concept quietly closed after a few years. For Paul Manuud, The Bistro Group president, it was always meant to be a personal project—a chance to create a dining experience that celebrates Filipino cuisine from the ground up.
While Manila’s Filipino-focused dining scene is competitive, Siklab+ distinguishes itself by combining culinary creativity with cultural storytelling. It is a space that honors tradition while inviting diners to explore and taste innovations
“The Bistro Group excels in a lot of things, but we don’t have our own Filipino restaurant. And I feel it’s about time,” he says.
Unlike Bistro’s foreign concepts, which had ready-made models, Siklab+ had to be built from scratch.
“The first attempt didn’t succeed, but it taught us valuable lessons,” says Guia Abuel, chief operating officer. “We learned what diners wanted, how to elevate traditional dishes, and how to create a space that feels both modern and authentically Filipino.”
The relaunch, which opened at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in 2025, took two years of careful planning. Abuel explains, “We wanted more than just a menu. We needed an entire dining experience—pricing, authenticity, innovation—all had to come together.”
A menu born from collaboration
To create the menu, all of the group’s chefs took part in a friendly competition, each reimagining classic Filipino dishes. The winners’ creations now form Siklab+’s official offerings, blending tradition with modern flair.
Signature dishes include Gising-Gising Na!, spicy long beans with ground pork that wake up the palate; Tortalong, roasted eggplant layered with savory fillings and rich sauce; GinisAmpalaya, bitter melon stir-fried to highlight natural umami flavors; Bet Na Pinakbet, a playful, colorful take on the classic vegetable stew; Lumpiang Ubod ng Sarap!, fresh heart-of-palm spring rolls with a savory filling; Kuhol ni Tanggol, snails simmered in rich coconut milk, a nod to traditional Filipino flavors.
One of the standout dishes is the Paboritong Sisig, perfectly seasoned and sizzling on arrival. I noticed a twist I didn’t see coming—the addition of mayonnaise, despite the chef being from Pampanga—a departure from the traditional Kapampangan staple. But it worked beautifully. It’s a subtle innovation that works beautifully and left a lasting impression on me.
Other favorites include Pinatisang Fried Chicken, with its crisp, tangy, savory exterior; and Bonggang Bibingka, a modern take on the beloved holiday rice cake that manages to feel festive without being heavy.
Designing the dining experience
Building on the success of its Shangri-La Plaza Mall location, Siklab+ just opened a second branch at S Maison, bringing its Filipino flavors to a wider audience.
The new location reflects the same attention to detail, seating 265 guests and featuring three fully equipped function rooms that can accommodate 30 to 100 people. Thoughtful interior design, layout, and service standards highlight Filipino hospitality, creating an environment where dining becomes a shared experience.
“In a short time, Siklab+ has resonated with guests seeking bold yet familiar Filipino flavors,” Abuel says. “Our biggest branch is more than a restaurant—it’s a place where people gather, celebrate culture, and enjoy local cuisine in a welcoming, spacious environment.”
Filipino cuisine in the spotlight
Siklab+ arrives at a time when Filipino food is gaining renewed attention, both locally and abroad. From modern interpretations of traditional dishes to a focus on regional ingredients, restaurants like Siklab+ are helping diners rediscover the diversity and richness of the country’s culinary heritage.
While Manila’s Filipino-focused dining scene is competitive, Siklab+ distinguishes itself by combining culinary creativity with cultural storytelling. It is a space that honors tradition while inviting diners to explore and taste innovations. And for me, the personal touches—like that unexpected creaminess in the sisig—are what make the experience memorable.
Siklab+ isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reminder that Filipino cuisine has both depth and versatility, capable of surprising even the most devoted fans of traditional dishes. For diners, it is an invitation to celebrate food, culture, and community around the table.
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Siklab+ is open at the Fourth Level, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City; and on the ground floor, S Maison in Pasay City.Visit @siklabph on Facebook and Instagram for information.
