MANILA, Philippines – Walking into The Wholesome Table’s newest branch at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City feels like walking into a modern farmhouse — a reflection of the restaurant’s organic, sustainable roots.
The rustic yet refined interiors of the farm-to-table homegrown restaurant makes you feel at home, with earthy tones, cozy neutrals, wooden details, and soft lighting in an intimate setting. The wooden tree centerpiece anchors the space with its nature-inspired charm.
The new branch follows its Bonifacio Global City and Salcedo Village locations; this one is located in the refreshed Streetscape of Shangri-La Plaza’s Main Wing, serving clean, wholesome meals aligned with its philosophy of eating and living consciously. Here, meals are filling and hearty (albeit quite pricey), but they don’t make you feel grossly full, heavy, or guilty.
At the heart of The Wholesome Table is a deep commitment to sustainability ever since its inception 10 years ago, said founder Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. She makes sure that each ingredient used in the restaurant is ethically and sustainably sourced — from organic produce grown by trusted local farmers to grass-fed beef and wild-caught seafood.
“Our mission has always been to bring people together over good, honest food,” Elizalde shared.
“There is a misconception that organic food is, number one, vegetarian only, and two, it’s bland,” she added. “I figured Filipinos will enjoy this because they can still have the many dishes they’re used to eating such as burgers, pork, and pizza, but they’re less guilty because they come from good sources, made with better and healthier ingredients.”
“We want to build a healthy food culture where people can begin to make informed decisions about what they eat and take charge of their health by educating them about natural, organic food, nutrition, and the environment. After all, it is one of the few things [we] can control in life,” she added.
The Wholesome Table’s menu is free from artificial additives, refined sugar, and harmful preservatives, allowing the natural flavors of its ingredients to shine.
True enough, nothing on our table was “tasteless” or plain — The Wholesome Table somehow balances heartiness with nourishment. New items and returning favorites were introduced to the branch’s menu, starting with the Orzo Salad, which started our meal on a fresh and light note.
The vibrant mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and dried cranberries were brought together by a tangy red wine vinaigrette. The sweetness of the cranberries and the juicy acidity of the tomatoes complemented the bitterness of the arugula, while the feta added just the right touch of creaminess and saltiness.
After the refreshing appetizer, the Truffle Burger was a highlight. It was a juicy grass-fed beef patty nestled in a buttery brioche bun (which soaked up all those meat juices), topped with dijonaise and a mild truffle sauce. Nothing else and nothing much was needed — the simple ingredients, when sourced and prepared well, can deliver in terms of execution and flavor.
Vegetarians may enjoy the packed Buddha Bowl — a mix of vegan bagoong rice, roasted potatoes, chickpeas, and stir-fried vegetables, tossed in a spicy-tangy-sweet tamarind glaze (it was just a bit too spicy for me).
The Paella Mariscos is great for sharing — a platter of moist, saffron-infused rice is layered with wild-caught snapper and Chilean mussels, and the spicy aioli added a creamy kick that tied all the flavors together.
The sophisticated Pan-seared Duck was a favorite — cooked until tender, the duck breast’s rich, savory flavor contrasted well with the sweet-tart blackberry sauce and the creamy pomme purée underneath.
There’s always room for dessert! The Wholesome Table’s homemade Mango Sorbet was a refreshingly fruity palate cleanser, while the Ube Ice Cream was a worthy ode to the sweet local yam.
The pandemic may have forced The Wholesome Table to shut down a couple of branches, but the brand announces its season of rebuilding, starting with its newest branch and revamped menu. – Rappler.com
The Wholesome Table is located on Level 1, Streetscape, Shangri-La Plaza’s Main Wing.
