Taste the World’s Best Churros as Chocolatería San Ginés Opens at The Podium
Manila foodies, your newest weekend budol just dropped at The Podium. Chocolatería San Ginés officially opened its doors to serve its legendary churros to eager Filipino crowds. You no longer need to book an expensive flight to Madrid to taste this 132-year-old culinary institution.
Food experts at the global food guide TasteAtlas currently rank this iconic brand as the top place for churros globally. Entrepreneur Shaan Chainani partnered with the Spanish headquarters to bring his childhood favorite directly to Metro Manila.
The European Cafe Vibe Hits Mandaluyong
The brand’s first Asian flagship store sits right on the ground floor of SM Podium in Ortigas Center. Step inside, and you instantly transport to a classic European café complete with pine green accents, marble finishes, and warm gold touches.
A mini hall of fame decorates one wall, showcasing photos of international icons like Dua Lipa and Naomi Campbell enjoying the famous treats. Keep in mind that the intimate space only seats about 65 people. Expect a bit of a queue during peak lunch, dinner, and payday weekends!
What to Order at San Gines Manila
Bring your appetite and your wallet, because these authentic Spanish treats demand a spot on your cheat day menu. Here are the absolute must-tries when you visit:
- Churros con Chocolate: You get six massive, perfectly deep-fried churros boasting crisp ridges and a light center. Dip them straight into the tiny cup of thick, 132-year-old recipe signature dark hot chocolate.
- Patatas Bravas: These bite-sized, twice-cooked potatoes feature a crunchy exterior and a fluffy core. They arrive paired with a tangy housemade brava sauce and a rich garlic confit aioli.
- Gambas al Ajillo: A classic Spanish tapas staple. Enjoy plump shrimp swimming in a savory bath of olive oil, garlic, and chili.
- Pistachio Ice Cream: Do not skip this dense, earthy, and nutty dessert. The thick consistency borders on cookie dough, making it the perfect cool-down treat for Manila’s humid weather.
Exciting Local Flavors and Expansions Coming Soon
The Madrid headquarters currently enforces strict adherence to traditional Spanish recipes to guarantee brand authenticity. However, the Manila team plans to roll out exciting Philippine-exclusive items very soon.
Watch out for a new churro dip inspired by local flavors and hefty rice bowls perfect for the Filipino palate. San Ginés also plans to sell their signature hot chocolate in a convenient powdered format so you can whip up a bougie champorado at home.
The brand also confirmed plans to launch three more branches across Metro Manila. You will soon have more chances to grab these legendary treats closer to home.
Will you be braving the lines at The Podium to try these world-famous churros, or are you waiting for a branch near you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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