Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of home-cooked Filipino food. Whether it’s adobo, sinigang, or a plate of pancit, these dishes remind us of family gatherings, our lola’s kitchen, and the familiar flavors we grew up loving. At Tindeli, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou has captured this feeling of home with his newest culinary venture—a Filipino-themed café and deli that combines the best of tradition with a modern touch.
Located in Gateway Mall’s Palenque food arena, Tindeli brings the essence of Filipino food to life in a setting that feels cozy and welcoming. Chef Tatung’s vision for Tindeli is simple: a place where Filipinos can come together to enjoy classic dishes, artisanal cured meats, and fresh-baked breads, all in one spot. It’s a café where the food tastes like home but with the quality and care of a chef’s touch.
A Culinary Dream 10 Years in the Making
Tindeli isn’t just another restaurant. It’s the result of a decade-long passion project that combines the Filipino tindahan (corner store) with an upscale deli experience. Chef Tatung, who is known for his expertise in Filipino cuisine, wanted to create a space where everyday comfort food could be celebrated and elevated.
The deli side of Tindeli offers a variety of Filipino-style cured meats, baked goods, and pasalubong treats. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or taking home something special, Tindeli’s offerings are designed to remind you of the flavors of home.
Dining at Tindeli: A Feast of Familiar Flavors
After attending Chef Tatung’s birthday celebration at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall, my fellow foodies and I headed to Tindeli for dinner. The moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed by the warmth of the interiors—solihiya-patterned walls, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and an ambiance that made us feel at home.
We were treated to a spread of dishes that highlighted the best of Tindeli’s menu:
Salted Egg Fries. A playful take on the popular salted egg flavor. The fries were crispy, with a generous coating of savory, salted egg powder that made them irresistible.
Chicken Macaroni Salad. This creamy side dish was a nostalgic reminder of Filipino celebrations, with tender chicken and macaroni mixed in a creamy dressing and topped with oodles of cheese.
Okoy. These crispy shrimp fritters were perfectly fried, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite. A classic Filipino street food brought to the dining table.
Chop Suey. A colorful and hearty mix of vegetables and meat stir-fried in a savory sauce, it added a fresh and vibrant touch to our meal.
Dinuguan. A rich pork blood stew with tender meat, the dinuguan had a deep, hearty flavor that was both comforting and satisfying.
Pancit Canton. Stir-fried noodles with a medley of vegetables and meat, this dish was a celebration of flavors that Filipinos know and love.
Kare Kare. This peanut-based oxtail stew was thick, creamy, and flavorful. Paired with bagoong (shrimp paste), it was a delicious reminder of home-cooked meals.
Our meal ended with an array of indulgent desserts that made for a sweet conclusion:
To complement the meal, we enjoyed a variety of refreshing drinks:
A Pasalubong Haven
Tindeli isn’t just about dining in. It’s also a haven for pasalubong—those take-home goodies that Filipinos love to share with family and friends. From giant ensaymadas to homemade galantina, there’s no shortage of options for anyone looking to bring a piece of Tindeli home.
One of Tindeli’s signature items is the Tindesal—an oversized, open-faced pandesal topped with generous fillings like chicken salad and longganisa spread. It’s a playful take on the classic Filipino bread roll, made even more indulgent.
Chef Tatung also offers his range of house-made cured meats and baked breads, including his classic sourdough and ube pandesal. These items are made in-house with the highest quality ingredients, offering a taste of home that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.
The Future of Tindeli
Tindeli’s first branch in Gateway Mall is just the beginning. Chef Tatung has big plans for the future, aiming to open more branches in key cities across Metro Manila and beyond. Over the next few years, he plans to bring Tindeli to more locations, sharing his love for Filipino cuisine with even more people.
Chef Tatung has expressed plans to target opening ten new branches next year alone, expanding the Tindeli experience while staying true to the quality and authenticity that defines it.
Why You Should Visit Tindeli
Tindeli is clearly a celebration of Filipino culture, tradition, and flavors. Whether you’re sitting down for a meal with family, grabbing a coffee, or shopping for pasalubong, Tindeli offers an experience that brings the comfort of home to every bite.
With its cozy ambiance, carefully curated menu, and Chef Tatung’s dedication to preserving and elevating Filipino cuisine, Tindeli is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves food that tastes like home.
Tindeli by Chef Tatung is located at Palenque, Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2, Cubao, Quezon City, open for dine-in and delivery weekdays from 10am to 9pm and weekends from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 916 4688084.
Another branch is located at 45 Kamuning Road, Barangay East Kamias, Quezon City.
Know more about its menu and offers by following Tindeli by Chef Tatung on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.
Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items are served free of charge.
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