The cat is out of the bag,” says content creator, creative director, and food media personality Erwan Heussaff as he takes Phil Rosenthal on a flavorful journey in the show’s latest season.
The country’s capital is often remembered for its notorious traffic. It also has mega shopping malls and a constantly shifting urban skyline. But look past the rush. You’ll find a city reflecting the Philippines’ evolving soul. It’s a place where history and modern life sit side by side. Culture comes alive there through food.
Take a walk through Intramuros and you’ll feel the city’s Spanish colonial roots in its cobblestone streets and preserved architecture. Just a short ride away is Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, bustling with hole-in-the-wall eateries, family-run shops, and the smell of freshly steamed siopao. Across the city, from lively districts to humble neighborhoods, food is the heartbeat of daily life. It’s where people share stories, where strangers become friends, and where flavors keep calling you back.
Check Out Season 8 of ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ on Netflix!
This is exactly what Somebody Feed Phil captures in its newest season, now streaming on Netflix. In this global food travel docuseries, host Phil Rosenthal brings his signature joy, humor, and appetite to Manila—joining the likes of Amsterdam, Spain, Boston, Tbilisi, Sydney, and Las Vegas in this flavorful world tour.
Phil kicks off his Manila adventure in Intramuros, where he tries one of the most nostalgic street snacks for Filipinos: taho. Served warm with soft tofu, sweet arnibal (caramelized syrup), and chewy sago pearls, it’s a childhood favorite that still hits the spot for adults. And yes, it’s often enjoyed straight from the vendor’s pail in the early morning streets.
Later, Filipino content creator and food media personality Erwan Heussaff joins Phil. He guides Phil through Quezon City’s buzzing culinary pockets. There, they dig into a sizzling plate of pork sisig—crispy, savory, spicy, and best chased with an ice-cold beer. This dish is messy in all the best ways and full of flavor.
Culinary Delights and Iconic Stops
The show’s crew also heads to Toyo Eatery, one of Manila’s standout restaurants. There, they reimagine traditional dishes in thoughtful and delicious ways. They sample different takes on kinilaw, the local version of ceviche. They use everything from mackerel and spicy tuna to goat. This showcases how diverse and creative Filipino food can be, rooted in regional ingredients and memories.
No Manila food trip would be complete without a quick escape to Tagaytay. You’d go there for breezy views and hearty dishes. And, of course, there’s a joyful visit to Jollibee. Because let’s be real: nothing brings Filipinos abroad more nostalgia than that sweet-style spaghetti, crispy Chickenjoy, and a side of peach mango pie.
Erwan later shared on Instagram that he was nervous about joining the show but said that Phil’s warmth made it easy. “Phil’s genuine passion and interest put me at ease immediately. To be given this platform to talk about Filipino food and our love for it is such a privilege,” he captioned.
Season 8 of Somebody Feed Phil is now on Netflix. Whether you’re looking for your next foodie destination, new flavors to try, or simply want to see Manila through a new lens, this episode is a delicious reminder of how food connects us all.
So, what are you craving today?
Cover image credit: Erwan Heussaff
