Past and present Thomasians will love this list more than anyone else.
This is the third entry in our series of good eats around the metro’s major universities, we first launched this ‘Old & New’ series with DLSU then Ateneo. Now, find out where the Tigers dine to pacify their growling bellies.
If you’re looking for delicious yet super affordable eateries in Manila, then the UST (University of Sto. Tomas) campus vicinity or generally the Sampaloc area, is one of the best places to go.
READ MORE: Check out the Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants in Metro Manila this month!
If I were you, I’d call friends or family members and try these places out. There are reasons why they’ve made so much buzz. Check them out on the Booky app and add them to your ‘Must Try’ lists!
Dimsum Treats – Juaning St.
Craving for your siomai fix? Dimsum Treats is the way to go! Their satisfying serving of siomai drowned in soy sauce and chili will make you order extra cups of rice for sure.
No reservations accepted
1217 Juaning St., near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 781-1557
Lovelite – Asturias St.
Heavy on your stomach but light on your wallet, this is the place to get affordable yet great-tasting rice meals. Aside from their sought after food, they also offer photocopying services here.
No reservations accepted
Asturias St., near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
Mang Tootz – P. Noval St.
This street side carinderia is iconic to Thomasians. They serve all time favorites such as sisig, liempo, and even chicken kebab in turo-turo style. You must not leave without trying their famous sweet signature turon. Mang Tootz just opened a 2nd branch at the Valero Plaza in Makati.
No reservations accepted
1135 P. Noval St., near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 736-7957
Chicken Deli – Q Pavillion
As the name suggests, they specialise in chicken, but not just any chicken, they serve Bacolod cuisine, specifically their inasal.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram
Q Pavilion, UST, Sampaloc, Manila
IChill Theater Cafe – Dos Castillas St.
This theatre and film themed cafe offers the perfect place to relax or study. Their cozy ambiance is paired with great coffee, snacks, and service. They have open mics and they also rent out the place for small events. Check out other restaurants with unique concepts around Manila here.
No reservations accepted
View their menu
1125 Dos Castillas Street, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 521-0056
S.R. Thai Cuisine – V. Concepcion St.
This place was immensely popular among students in the 90’s which is when it first opened, and that still stands true until today. Satisfy your Thai food craving here with their best-selling Pad Thai, Bagoong Rice, and SR Sizzling meals.
No reservations accepted
1229 V. Concepcion St, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 734-5443
University Scoop – P. Noval St.
This ice cream parlour is a favorite hang out spot of Tigers. They offer classic sundaes, parfaits, and banana splits among others and also burgers, sandwiches, and pasta all at affordable prices. Don’t let the rain stop you, check out this list of other iced desserts you can enjoy!
No reservations accepted
981 P. Noval St. cor. Delos Reyes St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 733-8348
Lopez Canteen – P. Noval St.
This small canteen has been in service for more than 50 years. Students, teachers, and employees alike enjoy the excellent food and service of Lopez Canteen.
No reservations accepted
1203 Unit A-4 I. Delos Reyes St, near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 736-0971
Cafe Kivhan Coffee – P. Noval St.
Cafe Kivhan is another go-to cafe for students to get some homework or studying done. Their cozy interior, good coffee, and friendly staff will keep you going in preparation for that big test.
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
1055 P. Noval St. near UST, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 714-5100
Cafe UK Co. – J. Barlin St.
This 24-hour UK-themed cafe has become one of the “it” tambayans in the UST area. Aside from being open around the clock, spacious, and having fast Wi-Fi, it’s rated highly for its ambiance, service, and delicious coffee and cakes. Check out this list of other themed restaurants you might like.
No reservations accepted
View their menu
View their Instagram
1233 J. Barlin cor. P. Noval St, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 986-5451
Big B Burgers – K Residences
Big B Burgers is a small burger joint started by a group of friends from UP Diliman, which is where their flagship branch is located. They opened their 2nd branch in UP Los Banos area and now has expanded again to cater to the UST crowd. Enjoy their one-pound bigger than bun patties with multiple shots of awesomesauce from a syringe gun. If it’s your first time at Big B, don’t forget to order their pink potion with feelings, you’re in for a dramatic surprise from their crew.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
K Residences, 1122 – 1128 Tolentino St, Sampaloc, Manila
+63 917 594-1260
Callows Burger – Dapitan St.
This place is one of the newer burger joints around the area. Don’t be fooled by their fun and light interior decorations, the burgers they serve pack a heavy blow to the stomach.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
1618 Dapitan St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 943 530-3696
Perichor Laundry & Coffee – P. Campa St.
This restaurant with a unique concept allows you enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while doing your laundry. They have cable television and Wi-Fi to entertain guest as well. If you’re a foodie, this is one place you’d be interested in. Check out this list of other unique concept restaurants in the metro.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
954 iTower2.0, G/F P. Campa St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 714-5896
USTeak – Dapitan
If you’re looking for a place that serves a smoking hot meal on sizzling platters, USteak will satisfy your craving. It offers quality meals at a student-friendly budget that will not disappoint. Watch out for their special gravy sauce, it might just might get you hooked and leave you wanting more.
No reservations accepted
Dapitan St., Sampaloc, Manila
Blessed Tummy – P. Florentino St.
This place serves a variety of dishes. If the barkada has different cravings, you just might satisfy them all here. They have pasta, burgers, Filipino food, Ilocano, bagnet, and pancakes to name a few.
No reservations accepted
1669 P. Florentino St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 668-6578
Cow-Wow Sausage Haus – P. Noval St.
They serve different kinds of sausages like German, Hungarian, Schublig, Polish, Beef Bangers and Chicken, which you can pair with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, egg, bun, or spaghetti. With Cow-Wow, serving size and taste are their priorities!
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
937 P. Noval St., Sampaloc, Manila
The Eatles – P. Noval St.
This place has a throwback kind of vibe. It relives the 60’s with its British-inspired food choices and Beatles memorabilia hung around the whole place. They have good food accompanied by great service. Heck their kitchen is in a London bus!
No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
P. Noval St. cor. Dapitan St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 522-8383
Yummerz Grill & Burger Bistro – SH Loyola St.
Yummerz serve only the best quality 100% beef charbroiled burgers. More than their great-tasting burgers, they also bank heavily on customer service and satisfaction, so next time you visit, don’t hesitate to give feedback on your experience! They highly appreciate it.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
1262 SH Loyola St. near cor P. Noval St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 256-3884
Snacketeers Bistro – P. Noval St.
Snacketeers is a snack bar and bistro that offers your all time favorites, but with their own special twist to keep your palates excited.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
Unit 1E 981 Delos Reyes cor P. Noval St., Sampaloc, Manila
+63 2 400-1070
If you’re not already enjoying the offline convenience of Booky, it’s free to download on iPhones and Android. Stay updated with the latest on new restaurant openings via the Booky app’s ‘New Restaurant Alert’ feature!
We’re pretty sure there are more than 19 food spots around UST, so please do share other neat insider tips in the comments section below for us and all foodies reading this blog.
