Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312668762DSC04477.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng </span></span></span>The aroma of sizzling pork belly, grilled beef, and stewing innards wafts through the bustling food bazaar tucked along a narrow street in the University Belt, thus earning it the moniker &quot;Ugbo 2.0,&quot; inspired by the famed street food hub in Tondo.</div><p>True to its name, Fusion Alley boasts an array of international and local cuisines, with mi goreng noodles flying from woks in one stall to spinning shawarma grillers at another.</p><p>The location, I. Delos Reyes Street near the University of Santo Tomas, was already frequented by students for its barbecue restaurants and affordable eateries. However, it saw an influx of vendors from Quiapo and other areas in September after blue tents were placed on both sides of the strip.</p><p>Students, vendors, and sometimes vloggers flock to the area at around 4 p.m., and it remains packed until midnight.</p><p>But whether eager customers are just looking for dinner or are in the mood for an adventurous food crawl, it is essential to be just as wise with time as one would be with money.</p><p>Here are some of the stalls that live up to their hype so you will know which ones are worth queuing for.</p><div><strong>RICE MEALS</strong></div><div><strong>Pork</strong></div><p>While there are numerous options for the famous pork dish at Fusion Alley, two stalls stand out for their ASMR-worthy crispy sisig meals. </p><p>The crackles of hot oil bathing the crispy pork belly used at Krispy Bagnet Sisig are unmistakable. Simply look for the stall enveloped by a queue of eager customers at the corner of Tolentino Street.</p><p>A generous serving of rice and crunchy pork belly, mixed with a flavorful sauce, chili, and onions, is priced at P90. An order of pure sisig without rice can also be ordered for P120.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761311854903DSC04471.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng</span></span></span>While not fried on the spot, the sisig meal served at Kate&#x27;s Kitchen, just a couple stalls over, is still a formidable contender— also costing P90.</div><p>Unlike the previous sisig spot, Kate&#x27;s Kitchen has been serving its take on the Kapampangan dish, along with other mouthwatering meaty meals such as baby back ribs and roast beef, where it currently stands long before the establishment of so-called Ugbo 2.0.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761311908340DSC04505.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng</span></span></span>The golden roasted pig sprawled on the Original Lechon Rice from Quiapo stall is definitely an attention grabber, but it&#x27;s more than just a feast for the eyes.</div><p>While its taste is nothing out of the ordinary, the tender meat that&#x27;s contrasted against the lechon&#x27;s hard candy-like skin is reminiscent of fiestas and good times. And for P150, customers get slices of lechon with a generous serving of chao fan or fried rice, and two pieces of Shanghai rolls.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312212181DSC04487.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng</span></span></span><strong>Chicken</strong></div><p>Fried chicken is a staple in a student&#x27;s roster of affordable meals, but The Poppers Co.&#x27;s Taiwanese-style chops add a twist of spice to the classic meal.</p><p>Their chicken, seasoned with five-spice and crispy basil, is served atop a bed of rice and costs P115, while their popcorn chicken is priced at P99.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312017138Picture1.jpg" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng</span></span></span>An old-time favorite on the newly-famed alley, Esh Hadha&#x27;s grilling of chicken biryani lures passersby with its distinct, aromatic fumes. </div><p>The skewers of seasoned cubed chicken served with charred tomato, onion, and chili pepper drizzled with creamy sauce will set one back P155. Despite its higher price, customers still return when they crave Middle Eastern cuisine.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312109662DSC04478.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng</span></span></span><strong>SNACKS</strong></div><div><strong>Burger </strong></div><p>Yvenn quickly rose in popularity among students even before the tents were set up along the crowded food hub. </p><p>The small store has customers queuing for its millimeter-thick patties, savory cheese sauce, and perfectly toasted buns. And most importantly, it&#x27;s a hearty snack or meal at a great value at P99 for its classic burger.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312441941DSC04518.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng </span></span></span><strong>Fries</strong></div><p>Fries are a pica-pica favorite among Filipinos of all ages and this stall ticks all the boxes, as observed with its 40-minute waiting line.</p><p>Kilo fries is mainly responsible for congesting the front of I. Delos Reyes near Padre Noval Street for its crispy and flavorful fries served in heaps for P100, P200, and P300, which can buy 1 kg of the viral snack.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312469663DSC04490.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng </span></span></span><strong>DRINKS</strong></div><p>Drinks and a show? The unique creations at Macktails are the perfect way to wash it all down after a food crawl, and they do not need booze to get customers abuzz. </p><p>From refreshing fizzy beverages with fruits and spices to coffees and teas with unconventional toppings, every item on this street bar&#x27;s menu is guaranteed to be a pleasant surprise.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761312505124DSC04531.JPG" style="width:3000px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by Mei Lin Weng </span></span></span>While crowds form within the already overflowing Fusion Alley as customers wait to get their hands on the viral food from the area, keep in mind that hype is not the only or even chief indicator of quality.</div><p>Don&#x27;t simply follow the crowd, but also remain curious, as this food bazaar has a lot to offer.</p>

<p>The aroma of sizzling pork belly, grilled beef, and stewing innards wafts through the bustling food bazaar tucked along a narrow street in the University Belt, thus earning it the moniker "Ugbo 2.0," inspired by the famed street food hub in Tondo.</p>

The aroma of sizzling pork belly, grilled beef, and stewing innards wafts through the bustling food bazaar tucked along a narrow street in the University Belt, thus earning it the moniker "Ugbo 2.0," inspired by the famed street food hub in Tondo.

Ugbo 2.0? Food worth queuing for in U-Belt's Fusion Alley

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Ugbo 2.0? Food worth queuing for in U-Belt's Fusion Alley

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Mei Lin Weng

Published Oct 25, 2025 04:00 PM PHT

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food

Fusion Alley

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U-Belt

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