We are part of a rice nation. And rice, is our hunger’s hero. As Filipinos, even if we are already introduced to various cuisines, rice is still irreplaceable. Do you agree? If you’re born and raised in the Philippines, I bet you do.

Arrozeria, housed at Century City Mall, takes rice seriously, most especially paella. The rice house honors the legacy of paella in our country and celebrates rice from different regions, including the many ways to cook it.

In collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Arrozeria patronized local products by being able to find local heirloom rice from the Cordillera, similar to the Spanish bomba. The oldest and the largest international agricultural research institute in Asia helps to ensure the environmental sustainability of rice farming and agricultural efforts. Arrozeria starts their rice story by including our local farmers to their story.

 I know it’s exciting to fast forward to the paella part. But I have to ask you to take a side trip to Arrozeria’s special Tabla de Pates. Start the feast by trying campagne, cochinillo and mushrooms, chicken pistachio and fish terrine pates. I was asked which one’s my favorite and had to think twice which flavor to answer. Distinct flavors and textures from each other, I have to say all of them… Fine, if i have to choose one, it’s going to be chicken pistachio.

Confit of cherry tomatoes with parmesan sable, spinach pesto, mozzarella and greens. Once you crush Tatin de Tomate’s parmesan sable and take a little bite, there’s a deception going on as if it’s not a plate of green salad.

You can’t get away without appetizing yourself with the clean flavors of Carpaccio de Atun. Tuna carpaccio, tomato hearts with calamansi espuma and crispy jamon. Take note of this dish, it’s one of a kind at Arrozeria.

It’s dark and it’s hot, this squid ink battered shrimps with mojo picon hits the spot. In a basket, a table of 3-4 persons could already share. While waiting for your order of paella, which is prepared 30-45 minutes, savor the night with Arrozeria’s appetizers and include Gambas con Gabardina Negra on your list.

I really can’t go back to Arrozeria by myself. I need to order more appetizers including this Pescaito Frito, which is so adddicting. Fried fresh fishes with sherry vinegar mayonnaise to pair up with. Crispy to munch and it’s hard to give yourself a deadline when to stop. I can take this home with me and make it my snack while working.

At Arrozeria, the climax of the experience is the arrival of the paella, also marked as the stamp of Spanish culture and an invaluable part of its culinary identity. When you order the hero of the menu, you will be asked to choose the consistency of your rice – Al dente and thin or Soft and wet. Normally, al dente is served on paellas, which I’m used to. On the other hand, it’s also appealing to choose soft and wet for a slimier texture.

All paellas are priced on a per person basis.

Paella Valenciana, served al dente, is a classic composition of chicken, rosemary, green and white beans. Muy delicioso! Even without the burnt ends, paella rice is already enough.

It takes 30-45 minutes to prepare paella. My advice, call earlier to reserve a table and ask your paella to be cooked ahead of time.

If you cannot wait, try the ready Paella of the Day for Php275.

There’s so much appeal when the pot was opened showing a bowl of De Cangrejo, soupy rice with crab and snow peas. The cheeks of my tongue can still remember the slimy rice texture stringed together.

Star-studded evening as I rate another 5/5 dish, this Foie Gras Y Boletus risotto. Foie gras and porcini mushrooms on creamy risotto made me want to hangout in Arrozeria’s kitchen. After this plate, I’m confirming another comeback to this place.

The dramatic entrance of this Tomahawk Angus Grass Fed made the whole room intrigued and wild. Every eye had its own keen interest on how this gigantic tomahawk steak will be sliced. I posted on instagram how they did it.

On the side: potatoes, mushrooms, mustard, blue cheese and spinach cream sauce.

This steak as long as my arm is surely not for soloists. After this steak, I was officially drunk – drunk from rice.

A mason jar container of La Guapa or Rose Sangria is good for 3-4 persons.

With your tapas and paella, it is recommended to order your own refreshing jar of Sangria.

Oh wait, the rice feast isn’t over yet. Surprise surprise, here come’s the dessert, also made with rice!

Caramelized rice pudding, a sweet escape to rice. It took my hand over and over to scoop for another bite. Even if I thought I was over with rice, Arroz con Leche opposed me.

Particularly enjoyed Torrija de Coco Caramelizada, caramelized coconut brioche and pineapple. A calm and refreshing sweet offering from Arrozeria.

Chocolate cremaux, streusel, tuille, ginger confit and raspberry jam was the last touch of my taste buds to say goodbye.

If you know where Hole in the Wall is, it won’t be a difficulty to spot Arrozeria in Century City Mall.

An ambiance best for after-work hangouts where rice and sangria have no limits. Its open kitchen is one of the views where you can observe how your dishes are prepared fresh and sniff the fragrant smell of rice too.

On a busy weekday, I observed how the servers were quick and attentive. Even if the room was jampacked, they managed to attend to my requests immediately.

One thing I’d want the restaurant to have is a private room for meetings and family gatherings. The food is perfect for such occasions but I think the place is too open if one group would prefer privacy.

What do you think of Arrozeria?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: 4/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue cor. Salamanca St., Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 11:00AM-12:00MN

Contact: (+63 920) 974-4742

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

Budget: PHP500++

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