Chef Jose Villareal – Jellybeans in the City

AMAH reinvents itself with renovated premises and updated menu

The term “hidden gem” gets thrown around quite an awful lot, particularly in the foodiesphere. Often referring to largely unrecognized, underrated or out-of-the-way places that offer unique and delightful dining experiences, hidden gems serve as the Holy Grail for many of us foodies. Being able to discover one and share it to our networks is usually a highlight experience.

One such hidden gem is AMAH in Taguig.

The rooftop restaurant with awesome scenic views of Bonifacio Global City is the brainchild of Chef Jose Villareal. Together with his fellow culinary students from Enderun Colleges, particularly co-Chef Gab Escalambre, he set up a fine dining restaurant serving Filipino-Chinese heirloom dishes in his family home during the pandemic. This is where they can gain real-world, on-the-job experience while continuing to hone their craft.

AMAH recently reopened its doors, with new features for its diners to enjoy which I discovered during a visit with my foodie friends.

Renovated restaurant premises

Since my last visit to this restaurant in 2023, some improvements have been implemented in the restaurant which are sure to enhance the dining experience.

The former al fresco dining area has been converted to a fully air-conditioned space. This change makes the restaurant a lot cooler and comfortable during the summer months while sheltering the diners from unwanted downpours during the rainy season.

More tables and chairs have also been added to the main dining area as well as well as to the upstairs section, significantly expanding the restaurant’s capacity and making it suitable for large gatherings and parties, while retaining pocket spaces for more intimate meals.

Bold menu updates

Chefs Jose and Gab also revamped AMAH’s menu with even fresher twists on Filipino and Asian-fusion viands, all prepared with exacting methods and exquisitely served by their wait staff. These show-stopping fare give diners an experience of the delicate balance between presentation, flavor and textures. These include:

So whether you’re planning a special intimate dinner for two in a picturesque setting or a large family or office gathering with show-stopping dishes, AMAH is surely your best bet, especially with its recent improvements.

Book your table by messaging AMAH on Facebook or Instagram or call +63 962 8767085.

AMAH is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Western Bicutan, Taguig City, open Mondays to Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm and Fridays to Mondays from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant.

Indulge Your Senses: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Dine at AMAH Restaurant

There’s a culinary haven nestled inside AFPOVAI Village in Taguig. This hidden gem is not your typical dining spot. AMAH Restaurant is a place where heirloom recipes meet modern palates, and where the comfort of home blends seamlessly with the sophistication of a rooftop restaurant.

Here are seven irresistible reasons why a visit to AMAH should be on your dining bucket list:

1. A Hidden Gem with a View

As you wander through the charming streets of AFPOVAI Village, you might stumble upon an unassuming beige private residence. But there’s a secret behind those walls. Look for the small round sign that proudly displays “Amah” in bold red letters. Come inside, and you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of Chef Jose Villareal, an up-and-coming culinary genius studying at Enderun College. The adventure begins as the staff guides you to the rooftop of the house, where the actual restaurant awaits.

And on this rooftop, with the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of lush foliage, the mesmerizing panorama of Taguig and Makati cityscapes, illuminated by the glittering city lights stretches before you. It’s a hidden oasis, a serene escape from the bustling city below.

2. Outdoor Dining Oasis

While AMAH offers indoor seating, the outdoor option is the way to go to elevate your dining experience. There, surrounded by lush greenery, or illuminated by Chinese lanterns with a soft, warm glow, you have an intimate and romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a memorable meal.

3. The Story Behind AMAH

Behind every great restaurant, there’s a story that makes it even more special. AMAH, as its name suggests, is named after the founder’s beloved grandmother. But it’s more than just a name; it’s a tribute to the traditions and memories that have shaped Filipino culinary heritage. What started as a creative outlet and real-world experience for budding chefs during the height of the pandemic has blossomed into a must-visit culinary destination. By October 2022, the restaurant gained accreditation from Enderun College as an establishment where its students can undergo their on-the-job training.

4. Locally-Sourced Ingredients

At AMAH, it’s not just about serving mouthwatering dishes; it’s about supporting local communities and celebrating Filipino flavors. They take pride in sourcing their ingredients locally, from different corners of the Philippines. This commitment to local produce infuses each dish with a unique and authentic touch, blending age-old recipes with contemporary culinary techniques.

5. Heirloom Recipes with a Twist

Chef Jose Villareal and co-chef Gab Escalambre II serve as the culinary masterminds behind AMAH’s refreshed menu. They’ve taken beloved heirloom Filipino-Chinese recipes and given them a fresh twist. Among the exciting items on offer are:

House Chips (Php80). Thin potato slices, delicately flavored with garlic and scallion.

Siu Mai (Php300). A delectable pork and prawn siu mai dumpling served with house-made chili oil.

Pork Tofu (Php280). Golden fried tofu crowned with ground pork, chives, chili oil, and garlic.

Kinilaw (Php320). A Filipino ceviche made with amberjack, coconut, and etag.

Steamed Fish (Php350). Steamed seasonal fish wrapped in perilla leaves on a bed of black bean sauce.

Soy Chicken (Php550). Chicken roulade paired with taro gratin and drizzled with a flavorful chicken jus.

Palabok Php400). Rice noodles coated in a savory sauce made from pork, prawn, fried garlic, and chili oil.

Char Shiu (Php500). Smoked pork belly served with fluffy bao buns.

Fried Rice (Php350). Day-old rice fried with garlic and tossed with carrots and scrambled egg.

Seasonal Fruit Pie Php200). A heavenly treat featuring seasonal fruit jam (like guyabano) encased in lard pastry.

Calamansi Tart (Php250). Dive into a delightful calamansi custard nestled on a graham cracker crust.

Corn Ice Cream (Php200). Savor the unique flavors of roast corn, milk skin, and caramel in this sweet indulgence.

6. Pet-Friendly Atmosphere

Pet lovers will be happy to know that AMAH welcomes your furry companions with open arms. The owners, avid pet lovers themselves, have created a pet-friendly environment. Just remember to bring along your pets’ diapers to ensure a comfortable dining experience for everyone. Enjoy a meal with your four-legged friends in tow.

7. Celebrate Special Occasions

AMAH isn’t just a place for casual dining; it’s a venue to celebrate life’s milestones. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a company eat-out, or a special celebration, AMAH has you covered. They offer venue booking and custom catering services tailored to your needs, ensuring your special moments are truly memorable.

Clearly, AMAH offers more than just food; it’s an experience that indulges your senses. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in heirloom recipes with a twist, all while surrounded by the enchanting ambiance of this rooftop oasis.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a table, celebrate life’s milestones, and discover the culinary magic that awaits at AMAH. It’s time to embark on a gastronomic adventure that promises to leave you craving for more.

Amah Restaurant is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Taguig City, open Tuesdays to Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm and Fridays to Mondays from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm.

To know more about its regular menu, visit its website or follow Amah on Facebook and Instagram. To reserve your table, call +63 998 9721198 or +63 917 5101368, or visit heirloomamah.com/reserveme.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant.

Check out my previous post on AMAH Restaurant:

Amah Restaurant’s student-chefs collaborate with Chef Donovan Cooke on a 14-course gourmet dinner

We often hear of restaurants referred to as “hidden gems,” those little-known or undiscovered dining spots that offers exceptional food, service, or ambiance that is worth discovering.

Often tucked away in some out-of-the-way location, these spots may be hard to find but but once discovered, they offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience that makes them stand out from other more well-known restaurants.

It’s no wonder then that foodies like me are always on the lookout for hidden gems; aside from the delicious and unique eats, we greatly enjoy the feeling discovering a hidden treasure that is not widely known, and we take pride in sharing our discovery with others who share our passion for great food.

One such discovery is Amah Restaurant in Taguig City.

A quarantine venture

Amah Restaurant was founded by Chef Jose Villarreal, a young culinary prodigy who parlayed his childhood interest in cuisines into a budding career as a chef. While on lockdown in 2020, he and his classmates at the prestigious Enderun Colleges set about gaining real-world experience in their field by launching their own food business headquartered in Jose’s family home in Taguig.

From researching, test cooking and initially selling food products online, Jose and his team eventually opened AMAH Restaurant, named after his maternal grandmother, situated at the roof deck of his family home in 2021. By October 2022, the restaurant gained accreditation from Enderun Colleges as an establishment where its students can undergo their on-the-job training.

Amah Restaurant is known for its heirloom Filipino-Chinese dishes with a twist such as Sisig Stuffed Chicken Wings, Smoked Char Siu Pork Belly with Bao Buns and Bibingka Cheesecake. These delicacies are prepared by the young chefs who made it a point to use local ingredients and put their own unique twists to heirloom recipes.

The restaurant also treats its patrons to a breathtaking view of the Makati and BGC cityscapes. Sunsets were definitely amazing on the upper roofdeck, making it a favorite for engagement proposals, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

A dream collaboration

Chef Jose recently led his team of fellow student-chefs for a dream collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke from Melbourne, Australia on a two-night dinner event which featured 14 specially-curated gourmet courses from Chef Donovan’s menu. These dishes were prepared by Chef Jose and his Amah team under the supervision of Chef Donovan himself.

Chef Donovan is known for his exceptional culinary skills and his extensive experience in the fine dining industry. He has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants around the world and gained recognition for his expertise in seafood as well as for his innovative and creative approach to cooking, which combines classic French techniques with modern Australian flavors.

“This was such an honor for Amah and a great treat for our clientele,” Chef Jose shared. “We were so excited to have had the opportunity to work in the same kitchen as Chef Donovan and to have him guide us as we prepared dishes he developed. It was definitely a major milestone for all of us at Amah. And our guests for those two nights were so lucky for the experience that was in store.”

Chef Donovan Cooke was just as excited about the dinner event. “These young chefs are very dedicated and passionate about their craft. They could have taken it easy during the pandemic, found an excuse to just lay around and rest like many of us did during the lockdowns. But they forged ahead because they’re all determined to continue learning and honing their talents. It was my privilege to be one of their mentors, to encourage them as they make their marks in the business.”

A symphony of flavors

The 14-course dinner took Amah Restaurant’s guests on an exciting flavor journey, with each dish thoughtfully designed to showcase the interplay of ingredients.

The meal startsedwith a refreshing Chilled Oyster Truffle Soup with cos lettuce, followed by the delicate balance of Mud Crab with pomelo, coriander, and ginger. The Torched Sardines with escabeche olive offered a burst of smoky and umami flavors, while the Seared Spiced Tuna with Watercress, pickled mushroom, and truffle dressing offered a combination of spice and earthy notes.

The dinner progressed with the richness of the Mussels Mariniere with parsley and white wine sauce, and the Baby Squid with Pear, Parma Ham, and olive oil emulsion that offered a delightful play of sweet and savory flavors. The Grilled Octopus with Piperade and Spanish chorizo brought a smoky touch to the table, while the Slow Roast Free Range Chicken with celery heart and sauce Bois Bourdain offers a comforting and savory indulgence.

The Hibachi Grilled King Prawn with asparagus and shellfish citrus vinaigrette added a burst of freshness, while the Curry Roast Mahi-Mahi with cauliflower, capers, raisins, and apple offered a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The Spiced Roast Duck with fig compote and spice jus brought a depth of flavors with its combination of sweet and savory notes, while the Braised Beef Shin with balsamic onion and bordelaise sauce offered a rich and succulent experience.

The meal came to a close with the delightful Mango and Almond Cake with Mango Salad and Banana Passionfruit Sorbet, followed by the Spiced Pineapple with Pain Perdu and gingerbread ice cream, offering a sweet and tangy finale to the flavor journey.

To fully appreciate the intricacies of each dish, diners were encouraged to savor each bite, to allow the flavors to linger on the palate while taking note of the unique combinations of ingredients, the textures, and the subtle nuances of flavors that Chef Jose and his team have masterfully crafted. Each dish tells a story, a culmination of culinary expertise and creativity, meant to be savored and enjoyed to the fullest.

After successfully executing a challenging 14-course menu in collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke, it’s clear that Chef Jose Villareal and his team of student-chefs from Amah Restaurant are ready to take the local food scene by storm. This unique culinary experience allowed them to showcase their skills and creativity in the kitchen, while learning from a master chef like Donovan Cooke.

It sure is exciting to anticipate what more these enterprising young restaurateurs will be able to come up with in the future with the hidden gem Amah Restaurant as the backdrop for these culinary adventures!

Amah Restaurant is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Taguig City, open Tuesdays to Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and Saturdays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

To know more about its regular menu, visit its website or follow Amah on Facebook and Instagram. To reserve your table, call +63 998 9721198 or +63 917 5101368, or visit heirloomamah.com/reserveme.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to us at no cost.