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It’s so great to unwind and settle for a dining place that’s inexpensive, laid back and unpretentious, but without having to sacrifice quality or taste. That’s how I feel about this new place in Barrio Obrero, Vianda Buena. The proprietors — my friends Ahbet, Rikki and Hubert — call it their “sosyal na carinderia“. It’s basically a traditional Filipino eatery, but all dressed up and cozy.

It’s an open-air affair, right along the road behind Victoria Plaza. It’s smallish, and can only accommodate about 20 to 25 people comfortably (although the seating capacity is about 35).

Rikki is the one who does all the cooking. And boy, can he cook! (In fact, this is the same Rikki who shared his cabbage dumplings recipe for Davao Delicious.) His specialty is Filipino cuisine, but he can also do other Asian dishes, such as his famous Bang Hoi noodles. (More on that in a future post!)

As carinderias go, you don’t really know what’s on the menu until you get there. There’s a buffet spread, but it’s not an eat-all-you-can thing: you tell them what you want to eat from the warmers, and you get served. Most of the dishes are only ₱35 each. My favorites there (having known Rikki’s cooking for some years now) are adobo, mechado, sinigang, pinakbet, … but there’s more!!

I know it’s a cliché already, but honestly, their food is home-cooked goodness. :hungry:

Vianda Buena is open Mondays to Saturdays, serving lunch and dinner. They’re located on Veloso St., in between the corners of Cervantes and N. Torres streets, in Barrio Obrero. If you’re coming from Victoria Plaza, they’re on the right side of the road. Tel. no.: 305-4263.

The Vianda Buena business is up for sale (or “for assume”). Interested parties may contact Hubert on (921)494-4624, (932)956-4660, or 305-4263.