From an updated afternoon tea experience to a spanking new hangout that combines ramen and cocktails, here's what's new in the local dining scene. 

Grand Hyatt Manila's new afternoon tea offerings

The afternoon tea experience at Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, with its free-flowing pastries and beverages, has become a hit since its launch in 2022. And just recently, the hotel took things a notch higher, with pastry chef Won Young Jeong promising to add more elegance and indulgence to the Filipino merienda cena tradition.

From 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday to Sunday at The Lounge, guests can enjoy unlimited servings of Filipino-inspired savory bites such as Kinilaw na Tuna and bao buns with lumpiang sariwa, pork asado, and chicken adobo. Sweet treats range from scones served with ube jam, strawberry jam, and clotted cream to calamansi tarts, parfaits, and cheesecakes, and even a waffle station. All these are complemented by a selection of freshly brewed coffees and premium tea blends. 

Filipino-inspired bao buns (left) and Kinilaw na Tuna. Handout 

Prices for the free-flow food menu range from P1,850 net to P2,600 net (including unlimited rosé wine) per person. A two-person afternoon tea set can also be ordered for P3,300. 

Grand Hyatt Manila is also offering the Wings of Spring Afternoon Tea, which celebrates Japan's sakura season, until April 27. The limited-time menu includes items from the original merienda cena such as scones and Filipino-inspired bao buns, as well as Japanese delicacies like grilled tuna, assorted maki, and chirashi sushi. There are also desserts inspired by springtime such as the Cherry Blossom Cheesecake, as well as affogato. 

Cherry Blossom Cheesecake (left) and assorted maki. Handout 

The Wings of Spring Afternoon Tea is priced at P2,600 per person inclusive of free-flow coffee and rosé wine or tea mocktail. You can order a fancy mango bingsu, a refreshing Korean treat, as an add-on to both afternoon tea offerings for P1,700.

For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 8838-1234 or visit Grand Hyatt Manila's social media pages. 

Ippudo now has a ramen bar 

John Concepcion's Standard Hospitality Group (SHG) has collaborated with Chikaranomoto Holdings, the Japanese company that operates Ippudo, for a new concept that reimagines the ramen experience.

The first Ippudo Ramen Bar, located at Uptown Mall in BGC, boasts of stylish interiors and an expanded menu that combines Ippudo's ramen classics and new, exclusive creations, such as the Grilled Chicken Kuro Ramen (rich chicken broth infused with black garlic and onion oil topped with binchotan-grilled teriyaki chicken) and the White Chicken Yuzu Ramen (yuzu-infused pork broth, white chicken, and citrus zest).

Inside Ippudo Ramen Bar (left), which has two exclusive ramen offerings (right). Handout 

Also available here are sushi, sashimi, and small plates by SHG's handroll specialist Koyo, as well as highballs with interesting flavors like genmaicha, plum, and yuzu. Must-try items include the Buta Bara with Yuzu Garlic Tare, Tsukune with Spicy Teriyaki Sauce, and Tuna Ponzu Sashimi.

Yakitori at Ippudo Ramen Bar. Handout

"This concept bridges the past and the future of ramen, offering an exciting menu and dynamic ambiance for both loyal fans and first-time guests," said Concepcion. 

SHG is known for bringing Ippudo to the Philippines, as well as for building homegrown Japanese brands such as the pork cutlet restaurant chain Yabu. 

Company behind Yabu to launch 2 new Japanese concepts in PH this 2025

Moment Group's Lenten eats

The Moment Group has come up with non-meat and seafood-forward dishes across its restaurants just in time for the Lenten season. 

Modern Filipino concept Manam is offering twists to sisig with variants such as bangus belly, squid, and tofu instead of the usual pork, as well as Shiitake and Tokwa Kare-kare. There's also the crunchy Crispy Asim Sarap Tawilis, an exclusive menu item at its Ayala Triangle Gardens branch. 

Lenten eats at Manam (left) and 8Cuts. Handout 

Burger chain 8Cuts has launched the new Shrimp 'Wich, joining the returning Fish 'Wich and the crowd favorite Falafel Burger. Din Tai Fung, on the other hand, has seafood options such as Fried Shrimp in Vermicelli and Garlic Sauce, and Taiwanese Cracked Black Pepper Shrimp. There are also new solo meal items like the Hot Prawn Salad and Salted Egg Yolk Prawn BB Meal.

Seafood options at Din Tai Fung (left) and Ooma. Handout 

Over at Ooma, delicious Lenten options include Hamachi Sashimi, Oyster Tempura, Hamachi Hand Roll, Tendon, and Bara Chirashi Don. Meanwhile, Mama Nams has grilled seafood favorites, with Pancit Pancitan delivering its signature Pancit Squid Negra.