Manam - SM Manila

Manam – SM City Manila — Filipino comfort food. Fast, friendly service. Lively ambiance.

Casual Filipino comfort food; mid-range pricing (some find it a bit high for the portions).

Menu Highlights:
– Tofu sisig — soft, flavorful, and well-loved
– Kare-kare — hearty and satisfying
– Creamy shakes — rich and refreshing
– Watermelon sinigang — polarizing flavors
– Squid dish — noted for saltiness and small portion

Service Highlights:
– Quick turnaround even during rush hours; large orders served in around 10 minutes
– Attentive staff who ask about allergies and give helpful suggestions
– Friendly, accommodating team; good for celebrations and gatherings
– Comfortable ambiance with nice lighting for photos

Notes:
– Prices can feel steep relative to portion sizes, especially for some seafood items
– Flavor balance varies: squid can be too salty for some
– Watermelon sinigang isn’t for everyone

Customers come for the consistently quick service and the warm, accommodating crew. Even at peak times, food lands on the table fast, and staff often check for allergies and offer suggestions, which many diners appreciate. Several folks call out specific team members—like Rose for being extra attentive, branch manager Aly for hands-on help, and servers like Cindy, Jim/Jims, Nica, Niña, Marlon, and Russ—for making meals feel extra cared for. The vibe is lively but comfortable, with lighting that’s great for snaps and a setting that works well for birthdays and family lunches.

Diners enjoy the tofu sisig and the kare-kare the most, often describing both as satisfying and flavorful. The creamy shakes also earn praise. Although the menu leans into Filipino comfort favorites, some customers claim the watermelon sinigang is an acquired taste, and the squid dish can come off too salty with a portion that feels skimpy. Pricing gets mixed notes—many are happy with the quality, while others feel the cost-to-portion ratio can be a stretch.

Overall, people come back for the comforting flavors, the speed, and the genuinely friendly service. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in with family or friends, get your food quickly, and feel well looked after, even if a couple of dishes and the price point don’t hit the mark for everyone.