Having graduated from college only roughly seven months ago, I would honestly say I still feel like a student. But this is just another way of saying that I’m feeling kind of sentimental this morning about my alma mater. Besides being known for its students’ passionate activism and unparalleled love for country, I may say (and I may attest) that the University of the Philippines is popular for a lot of things—including its food.

Here is a RELATIVELY short list of the things I used to eat for breakfast, lunch, merienda (and the merienda after the merienda) over food trips, tambays, over thesis and term papers, over stressing on majors and GE’s and electives and cruel professors:

Isaw - Everyone goes to Mang Larry’s. Try the isaw at the parking lot by UP Law. Trust me.

Dirty ice cream - Recommended: Myrna’s

Monay with cheese or pandecoco - Usually sold by men in their bicycles circling the university.

Arroz Caldo - Sold at UP coop, Palma Hall.

Anything inihaw - Beach House Canteen is the way to go! Found behind UP Main Lib.

Kikiam

Fish balls - Recommended: College of Mass Communication. Pro-tip: Always have your fishballs with (1) fishball sauce, (2) vinegar and (3) lots of garlic. Works wonders.

Squid Balls

Chicken balls - Sounds awkward. But then again, you find all kinds of food at UP.

Kwek-kwek - Stir-fried quail eggs, in case you didn’t know.

Corn with cheese powder and butter - A popular on-the-go snack among students.

Hilaw na mangga with bagoong

Taho

Steamed siomai - Recommended: College of Architecture

Fried siomai

Pancit canton - Usually served with vegetables and egg.

Tortang canton - Basically a pancit omelet. Recommended: Main Library

Fruit shakes - Recommended: Along  Main Lib Walk, and Lutong Bahay. Must-try flavors include Mango Graham and Oreo Cheese!

Long Island’s pasta and pizza - Found along Main Lib Walk

Tapsilog from Rodic’s Diner - BEST TAPSILOG IN THE WORLD. Period.

One last thing: Always try something new and do things differently!

Love,

Gravy Baby.

(University rule: Always cite your sources!)

Photos grabbed from/courtesy of:

Andrea Hannah Valencia, ahvalenciaphotography.tumblr.com

Thirstyblogger.com

Recadosfilipinos.com

Startledcat.blogspot.com