Hide and seek, the popular game during my childhood years. I used to be fond of this game because of my love for “searching” things. The challenge of finding people hiding gave me the competitive spirit to put my game face on and be as fast as I can to find my playmates. The love for searching grew up with me. I guess that’s why I’m called “The Food Scout“. Now I’m an adult, it’s more about searching for anything related to food.

Recently, I went all the way to the small streets of Makati to find out more about this place named Galli Village Cafe. Not a newbie in the restaurant industry, but a newbie to my eyes. The usual, not too much expectations. I just had to taste and see what Galli Village Cafe has to be.

Search for the best beef tapa? This is not what you are looking for. Breakfast food at night still works for me. Although I would comment that the entire beef tapa meal is average. I do like the thin slices of beef, easier to cut and munch. The serving is just enough for 1 person. So as you can see, this hole in the wall restaurant sets their price at that range.

Oh classic paella is very dear to my heart. Paella is just one of those dishes I couldn’t say no to. Galli Village Cafe’s version of Paella Valenciana honestly didn’t wow me. Given that it is patterned after Alba’s paella, their version didn’t just add a “wow” moment to my tastebuds.

Shrimps, chorizo and egg, the few ingredients that satisfy my paella already. It honestly lacks seafood like mussels for example. But to get through my paella cravings, this is acceptable.

What’s a hit to me is, it had that burnt ends I’m always looking for. I’m glad they didn’t miss out on this. My paella is incomplete without these burnt ends!

Out of all dishes I tried at Galli Village Cafe, their Shrimp Gambas is my favorite. I was just disappointed with the amount of serving. It isn’t the ideal amount of serving for a hole in the wall restaurant considering its price as well.

But on the good side, the flavors of its marinade sank into the shrimps added with garlic bits and spices that made me love eating more of their gambas.

Specialty of Galli Village Cafe that captured every person I dined with. The softness and tenderness of the tongue made it easier for me to chew and slice. It’s very creamy that I felt the rich buttery flavor right through my throat. Another must-order although you have to be prepared with your serving size expectations. The serving size is just enough for 1.

A sweet selection of main course you should also try. Raisins, not the usual favorite. A percentage of people I know refuse raisins in any part of their dish. If you are part of those population who don’t demand raisins, it’s not a bad idea to at least try this Pork with Raisin Sauce. The raisins emphasized on the pork’s sweetness and it actually did a good job to create a tasty dish.

Sadly, my dessert wasn’t satisfying enough. I grew up with my dad or grandmother making leche flan for our family parties. It’s a favorite dessert in our home. The one I tasted didn’t leave a toothsome mark. I just think the leche flan can improve more when it comes to texture and sweet Filipino taste.

Evening takes place for hot chocolate drink instead of the usual mornings. I had to try their hot chocolate for something hot and sweet to keep me awake.

It’s simply lemonade, only it’s like soda.

A hole-in-the-wall set-up that looks like home.

Books are everywhere to keep you out of boredom if you wish to stay still and spend your time chilling.

Outside, there’s a small garden where you can either eat, drink or smoke.

This friendly hole-in-the-wall restaurant doesn’t look far from someone’s home.

There aren’t difficulties in calling your servers, that’s an advantage of this small restaurant.

Most of the dishes are good for 1 person only, excluding the paella of course. The serving size is only good for sharing if you’re on a diet. Just please don’t expect big servings.

I recommend Galli Village Cafe if you are on your search for quiet and hidden restaurants in Makati that serves decent Spanish food. FYI, this restaurant is away from the busy tall buildings of Makati.

Cheers,

Location: G/F YMCA Hotel, 7 Sacred Heart St., San Antonio Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 7am-9pm

Contact: (+632) 899-6379

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalliVillageCafe

Budget: PHP250++

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