All it took was one bite of those mythical sisig nachos before I pledged my undying love for Fil-Mex cuisine.
Nestled on the top floor of The Podium Mall, Madeca is a colourful, festive restaurant with an unlikely menu -- that is, a fusion of Filipino and Mexican favourites that creatively (and bravely) merges some of the most popular dishes of both cultures.
Playful as it is delicious, Madeca's culinary fare is definitely worth a trip to The Podium -- with more than enough choices for everyone. Mexican staples, such as soft tacos, burritos and Mexikanin (Mexican rice), can be paired with Filipino favourites -- salpicao, lechon kawali, sisig and more. (Yes, there are also vegetarian-friendly dishes.)
The salpicao soft tacos, in particular, were delicious, tender and tasty, while the nacho chips that accompanied it were heavenly and, clearly, did not come from a plastic bag at a supermarket. It was a flavorful and perfectly-matched combo, although quite filling (much to my dismay, given that I wanted to try everything else. Twice).
The menu also boasts a range of cocktails, including flavoured margaritas and mojitos, as a wonderful companion to a delightful menu. The cozy setting doesn't disappoint either -- a warm, friendly ambiance topped with colourful chairs, quirky coasters and festive lighting makes it a perfect hang-out for friends and families, or for moviegoers before they catch a show next door.
Madeca was definitely a happy surprise, and I predict many, many returns to The Podium in the very near future.