If you’re tired of the usual wine and cheese at Greenbelt 5, you might want to try a dash of Pinoy comfort food from SOLIHIYA:

Solihiya is a weave of different flavors that has shaped Filipino cuisine. We feature dishes that have been lovingly served in Filipino homes, mainstays of fiestas in the hacienda and of course, comfort food from the “panciterias” and “estero” restaurants from the old Binondo. A showcase of dishes that ha been enjoyed by all Filipinos, from Pinoy, Tisoy and the the Chinoys!

My usual date and I dined there last Saturday night after watching Altar Boyz (which was fun BTW). For some reason, we (separately) skipped meals the whole day making late dinner our first and last meal of the day! Am grateful that Solihiya cooperated: we had a very hearty meal that almost caused us to topple down on our bellies!

I love their chic and sexy utensils! It compliments the organic wall decor and bubble-like lighting.

A round of complimentary appetizers
I only had 3 pieces of dilis because my date ate almost everything! HMPH!

Crispy Breaded Tofu, PhP 130
Deep fried breaded tofu cubes with black vinegar sauce
BIG silky tofu squares paired with a sauce reminiscent of teriyaki and sesame oil. YUM!

Pinsec Frito, PhP 160
Crispy fried wanton wrappers with pork fillings
A personal favorite! I love that it’s drained (probably even paper towel dried) from all the oil, making eating by hand possible. I was about to ask for another order until I saw the next dish in line (see photo below).

Sizzling Bulalo, PhP 450
Beef shanks smothered in a garlic mushroom sauce served in a sizzling plate (can also be served in a non-sizzling plate)
My date LOVED this! I’m not exactly a bulalo fan but the beef just melts in your mouth! The garlic mushroom sauce puts an interesting twist to the traditional fatty Pinoy dish.

Binagoongan Belly, PhP 395
A must try! Sliced double cooked pork belly in a rich and flavorful dried shrimp paste sauce
While this doesn’t come close to my grandmother’s version, this goes down to my notebook as one of the good variations around. The bagoong’s saltiness is just right and there’s no fishy after taste too.

I’d definitely come back to this place when I am feeling for something very lokal. Don’t forget to order their bottomless iced tea (PhP 120) too! It’s house blended to perfection.

Solihiya
Unit 39 3/F Greenbelt 5
Makati City
(02) 729-8744