.png)
LIST: 5 Must-try Restos in Maginhawa
- UP JMA
- Jun 3
- 8 min read
Written by: Liam Roque and Josh Sampang
Art by: Liam Roque and Josh Sampang
Looking for a spot for your next food trip? A place to relax while waiting for your three-hour-long vacant to end? Or maybe… you’re just looking for some food to eat while studying? No matter what the case is, you can always rely on Maginhawa to be a place where you can enjoy good food.
Maginhawa, or Magin, is a residential area that is located just outside UP Diliman. Home to a lot of tantalizing restaurants, Maginhawa becomes one yum option to students trying to make the best out of their budget. With many options to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to five places that offer good food and ambience suited for college students.
Caution Hot! Spicy Noodle House
Caution Hot! Spicy Noodle House isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s an adventure for anyone who loves a little heat in their meals. Dive into bold flavors that pack quite a punch with this Noodle House right in the heart of Maginhawa that serves big bowls of goodness.
Now, let’s get into the noodles— the real star of the show. One hot thing about Caution Hot! (that isn’t about their noodles) is the beauty of customization! With prices ranging only from P250 to P305, you can create a unique bowl based on the noodles, broth, and the degree of spice you’re feeling. A typical order from them tends to be the pork main, spicy Szechuan as broth, with a first-degree burn (P250), usually paired with their Kuchay-Pork Dumplings (5 pieces for P100). If you’re craving something a bit zesty, the Spicy Asam Laksa delivers a refreshing tang that’s just as bold. To end the meal, they also serve “Heat Extinguishers”— drinks that can ease that burning feeling. We recommend the Oolong Milktea (P110) to save you from that spicy aftermath.
Caution Hot! shines as a place to chill with friends over steaming bowls of noodles rather than opening UVle (trust me, you can open it at home!). If you’re looking to spice up more than just your meal, Caution Hot! is the perfect stop for anyone on the hunt for an adventurous dining experience. Plus, the portions are generous— trust us, you won’t leave hungry!
Use this pin to head to Caution Hot, or order online using GrabFood. You can send a message through IG and FB if you have any inquiries!
Operating hours: Monday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 11:15 PM | App delivery: Monday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM | Contact Number: 02 8452 3065 (landline)
Our Rating: 9/10
Lock-in Essentials Checklist:
Sockets: ✅ (limited to a few tables)
WiFi: ✅
Restroom: ✅
Aircon: ✅
Toastman
Maginhawa’s rising star is here to deliver amazing comfort food that’ll surely make you crave more. The small walking distance from the main street of Maginhawa to Matimtiman is definitely worth it simply because of the comforting and laid-back vibe of the small brunch spot. The cozy interior is accompanied by the scent of coffee and toasted bread – along with the small camping chairs and a mirror to take a selfie to show your prof why you’re late to class.
In Toastman, there’s always something toastin’ and brewin’ with the variety of items to choose from! Whether it be the Spanish Latte (P120) or the Cold Brew (P120), for sure! If you aren’t into coffee, they also have other options to fulfill that silly drink craving—like the Iced Matcha (P130) and the Iced Strawberry Pulp Matcha (P140).
They aren’t called Toastman for nothing. They've got you covered with their mouthwatering sandwiches, perfect for sharing. Our favorites are the Philly Cheese Steak (P275) and the Smokehouse BBQ Pastrami (P275), both of which we can’t seem to get enough of. If you want something that’s not in between two pieces of bread, the Cheesy Mac & Chicken (P245) and Dumpling Salad (P240) are also a must-try!
Whether you’re coming here for a quick afternoon coffee run or chill while you’re vacant, you’ll surely have no problem finding something on their menu to satisfy you!
Operating hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Saturday - Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Lock-in Essentials Checklist:
Sockets: ✅
WiFi: ❌
Restroom: ✅ (but it’s outside!)
Aircon: ✅
Masukal Bistro
Masukal Bistro offers a great mix of comfort food and homey ambience that is perfect for anyone needing a break. Not far off from Toastman, all it takes is another short walk from the main street of Maginhawa to Matimtiman to arrive at this medyo-hidden spot. The bistro has this very homey ambience – coupled with an interior where a lot of art pieces and posters can be found. Afternoons at the bistro are usually peaceful, and you might stumble upon other students who are also here for the vibes. The peaceful atmosphere disappears at night as it gets quite crowded as the gigs start – so it’s better to visit during the afternoon if you need a space to lock in!
First stop in Masukal Bistro is Gedli Coffee. A small coffee stall which some UP students like to compare to Laya Coffee in Area 2 – but you be the judge! If you need a dose of caffeine in your system to do your work, they have a variety of drinks to choose from to keep you energized. We recommend getting either their Kondensada (P110), Vietnamese Coffee (P115), or Spanish Latey (P145)! If you’re not a fan of caffeinated drinks, they have other drinks like Hong Kong Milk Tea (P100), Thai Milk Tea (P110), and Matcha Latey (P125).
Just a few steps from Gedli’s stall is Riot Grrrll (yes, that’s how it’s actually spelled), where you can get burgers and rice meals. Our top recommendation is the Riot Chicken Burger with cheese (P130) for sure! They also have Riot Ramen (P180), Smokin’ Pops (P180), and Garlic Creamchiz Susej (P180), all of which are sure to pair well with a cold drink from Gedli.
Of course, we cannot forget about El Hermano Loco and Terra Bomba Kitchen! In all caps, we highly recommend ORDERING THE CANCELINI PASTA (P220)! WE SWEAR YOU WON’T REGRET IT! For the Lebron fans out there, kahit hindi Tuesday (iykyk!), you can still get the Tacos de Carnitas (P145/dos, P215/tres), which has an amazing, smoky flavor that makes you salivate for more. They also have Birrias (P125/pc) and Quesadillas (starts at P195/pc) for all you Mexican food lovers out there.
With everything that Masukal Bistro has to offer, it is one of the best spots to lock in or eat with your friends (or why not both?).
Use this pin to head to Masukal Bistro.
For Online Orders:
Operating hours:
Masukal Bistro: Tuesday - Sunday, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Gedli Coffee: Tuesday - Sunday, 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Terra Bomba Kitchen: Tuesday - Sunday, 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Our Rating: 9/10
Lock-in Essentials Checklist:
Sockets: ✅
WiFi: ❌
Restroom: ✅
Aircon: ✅
Kohi Maginhawa
Found towards the end of Maginhawa is Kohi – a cozy Japanese-themed cafe that specializes in coffee and other Japanese delights. The cafe brings you to Japan on a whole other level with its decor — wall art of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, waving Maneki Nekos on the counter —you can also find a bunch of anime figures from One Piece and Naruto! Get ready to savor the umami flavor from their meals, and don’t forget to say “Itadakimasu” before digging in!
Their coffee shop menu contains a variety of drinks with prices ranging from P70 - P180. What stands out the most from their drinks is the Kori Kohi, a drink that is made by pouring warm milk over iced coffee cubes. Kori Kohi starts at P160, but if you want a twist of flavor, you may opt for flavors such as the Salted Caramel, Matcha, and Hazelnut for P180!
Coffee might be their specialty, but they’ve got a nice selection of food to munch on, too! Kohi’s Japadoggu (P150) is for sure a must-try. The premium Japadoggu flavors like Harakiri and Kamikaze are priced at P160. If you need something more filling, they've got you covered with their Yakiniku, Katsu, and Teriyaki rice bowls (P190 each), and their Sumo meal (P250)!
To make your experience even better, go ahead and binge a few episodes of anime while you’re dillydallying over at Kohi – just don’t get carried away and forget to attend your class if you still have to!
Use this pin to head to Kohi Maginhawa, or order via foodpanda. You may send a message through IG if you have any inquiries!
Operating hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Our Rating: 8/10
Lock-in Essentials Checklist:
Sockets: ✅ (limited to a few tables)
WiFi: ❌
Restroom: ✅
Aircon: ✅
Nam Nam 20
Nam Nam 20 could be your go-to for the experience of that authentic Vietnamese food! As Kohi Maginhawa lies on one end of Maginhawa, the other end is where this hidden gem of Pho bowls and more lies. The place gives off nothing but comfort and energy— with a packing layout that gives off "popular hangout!", but the real magic is on your plate (or bowl).
The beef broth of their Phở Bò (P280) warms your stomach as it is paired with rice noodles that are silk perfection, and beef sirloin. For those looking for a meal with a kick, the Bún Bò Hue (P320) is a game-changer, thanks to its aromatic lemongrass beef broth, paired with their spicy Sốt Sa tế on the side to keep things hot. And don't forget the OG of crispy resting food: Cha Giò (P130)! These Golden-Fry Pork Spring Rolls, which are served with their tangy Nước Cham sauce, are worth it as they come out hot and fresh from the kitchen. Talk about the value of your cravings, right?
This place is all about staying in this moment— eating warm bowls of goodness in such an energetic and chatty location. Nam Nam 20 serves more than food— it is a small piece of Vietnam in the heart of Maginhawa, ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey after classes with your friends.
Operating Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Friday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Contact Number: 0960 362 6236
Our Rating: 8.5/10
Lock-in Essentials Checklist:
Sockets: ❌
WiFi: ❌
Restroom: ✅
Aircon: ✅
For us UP students, the food trip doesn’t stop in UP Diliman! With just one trike ride, Maginhawa will never fail to deliver whenever you have silly cravings for anything. There may be plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, but there are those that stand out from the rest. In Magin, one thing is for certain– there will definitely be that one resto or cafe that has everything you’re looking for!
Comments