Órale! Ole!
Ever since the man behind the once-popular Tequila Joe's opened Ristras, a Mexican Revival has swept Manila and has led to the opening of really good Mexican restaurants (Tex-Mex, Cal-Mex, and other Mexican variations) in the metro. The market has even come to accept buying really good burritos at the P250-P300 range.
One of Manila's recent favorites is the home-style Mexican place in the Fort Strip called Órale!, which is named after the Mexican expression for "OK!" or "Alright!" or the slang for "Hell yeah!" or "Right On!"
The husband and wife team of Nikki and Lexandra Confiado did a great job of creating a street food-inspired taqueria from Mexico and Northern California.
Órale! Traditionals Menu | Drinks | Antojitos, Taco Salad, Fiesta Salad | Extras
The mural highlighting Mexican icons is the focal point of the almost-bare space (with just wood and cement finish).
You can play iSpy Mexican-version all day...
iSpy... Frida Kahlo, Luchadors (Mexican Wrestlers), Carlos Santana, El Chicharito (the new Mexican football sensation), Our Lady of Guadalupe, Volkswagen beetle, and an Aztec calendar.
This gets my vote as one of the best salsas in Manila because of the clean, homemade taste of its ingredients. I personally like the hot Salsa Inferno.
We realized this place was special when we first tasted the tortilla chips, which they made from scratch. They had this interestingly different cookie-like crunch and unique flavor (versus the usual bland ones).
Note: I hear their corn on the cob is equally good...
I liked the way the fat burrito was wrapped tightly. The roast beef and rice were both flavorful and complemented each other nicely. Everything seemed to be cooked well and combined effortlessly.
★ Camarones Quesadillas (P275).
The grilled prawn they used was big and grilled to juicy perfection. All the additional toppings and ingredients were carefully put together -- we couldn't ask for anything more.
The serving sizes are big and good for two people.
Michelada (P165). Corona + Lemon + Tabasco Sauce.
This was my first time to taste Michelada, which is like a Mexican version of the Bloody Mary. It was served at room temperature. I love Corona, but this was really bad (for me).
Órale! is not known for their drinks. Has anyone tried their margarita?
Overall, I love Órale!'s homemade touches, street food-inspired simplicity and Mexican food flavors. It is not just-another-Mexican-taqueria that opened just to hop on the Mexican craze.
I admit I've never been to Mexico, but I imagine this is the closest taste I can get to the real thing.
Órale! Taqueria Mexicana
The Fort Strip, 7th Avenue corner 28th Street
(located where Go Nuts Donuts used to be)
Bonifacio Global City
Telephone: +632 552-2660
Email: hola@oraletaqueria.com
Website: www.OraleTaqueria.com
Facebook: Órale! Taqueria Mexicana
To know more about the story of Órale!, check out Cheryl Tiu's write-up on Órale!
Check out Mexican Restos in Manila: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/mexican/
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Full Disclosure: We paid for our meals and we are not connected in any way with the owners of this establishment.
★ Happily recommended :)
P.S. They started in the Rockwell Bazaars last year and they were known as "Chilaquiles" :)
wow,i have to try this! ;) i love mexican food! :) i ache everytime i get reminiscent of zapata's (now iguana's) in pampanga! :(
Posted by: fab | Wednesday, August 03, 2011 at 01:47 PM
Anton, I have tasted all versions of Mexican and Mexican-inspired food from Los Angeles, Mexico, D.F. to New York (from the famed "silver trucks" to haute-Mexican cuisine in upscale New York eateries). I heard that Orale! is the most authentic interpretation of Mexican cuisine from Mexico. I will try it next week. Again, the interesting thing about ethnic cuisine is sometimes, in order for it to work in another country, it has to be adapted to local taste buds. That can kill the "authenticity" of the original cuisine. I'm open to all versions of a cuisine as long as it tastes good to me!!! :) Our tongues are the final arbiter of what we like.....
Posted by: tina vitas | Wednesday, August 03, 2011 at 04:07 PM
It looks like the ones we get from here! Good job Orale!
(Orale ese! Orale carnal! Eso campeon!) hehehe
Posted by: Jin-jie Magpuri | Thursday, August 04, 2011 at 01:49 AM
this is a good late night option. Though I find their crispy tortillas/taco shells too hard.
Posted by: dc | Thursday, August 04, 2011 at 02:57 PM
so which is closer to authetic, orale or hermanos?
Posted by: dc | Thursday, August 04, 2011 at 02:58 PM
i'm still inlove with Hermanos Taco Shop :)
esp. chicken quesadilla with guacamole and carne asada burrito super yummy!!!
Posted by: echosera | Monday, September 05, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Here is my PERSONAL LIST of the best (to worst) Mexican restaurants in the Philippines:
1. Zapatas (Now Iguana's) - Clark
2. Orale - BGC
3. Maya - Cebu
4. Manana - Boracay
5. Chihuahua - Makati
6. Hermanos - San Juan
7. Mexicali
8. Ristras - San Juan and BGC
9. B&T - San Juan
Posted by: NotSellingOut. | Friday, October 14, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I have tasted their Margarita its just the right sweetness with that surprise punch. I love this place! Authentic and freshly made burritos!
Posted by: Clairedsj | Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 01:59 AM
Orale is one of my favorites!! Their taco salad, nachos and their carne asada enchiladas are my faves and are totally amazing!!
Posted by: Reana | Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 12:07 AM