XO 46 Heritage Bistro

This ode to heritage cuisine is a refreshing addition to Manila’s culinary scene. While other new establishments strive to combine foreign techniques with local recipes (an approach that works in varying degrees of success), X0 46 highlights traditional cooking methods. The eatery serves dishes like kare kare: stewed oxtail in a savory peanut sauce, which is prepared by roasting and grinding peanuts (as opposed to the popular and time-saving trick of adding spoonfuls of peanut butter). The experience is a deep dive into Philippine culture; not only is the food authentic, but the servers dress in national costume and speak formal Tagalog to the patrons.