The Best Hole in the Wall Restos in Sox

 

There's a lot to visit when in Sox or SOCCSKSARGEN, most especially when it comes to big resto brands and national food franchises. Meanwhile, in the local underground scene, a number of restos and diners are starting to emerge in the market, offering food and cuisines that are often not available in mainstream brands.

These micro-entrepreneurs only want one thing: to share what they have tasted from somewhere in the world and let their community experience the same goodness that they have tasted. But unlike big brands, they could not afford to have a very posh place for their resto, thus, building a "whole in the wall" concept that's unpretentious and often out-of-the-way.

Although alternative menus are often not sought after by the masses, these type of dishes are a haven for foodies and food lovers alike. Plus, as the social media culture arises, customers not only go for what they're used to only but to have food that are "instagrammable" as well. But what if you can have food that's not only filling and delicious, but picturesque as well?

Here are my top "Hole in the Wall" restaurants in Sox:

1. Streetfood Asia

Who would've thought that Japanese ramen would be available in GenSan, a city dominated by grill and seafood? This tiny Ramen house is located in a food strip along Aparente St. in City Heights that opens when the sun comes down.

What truly makes me come backto this place again and again is the delicious Ramen broth that's made from real meat and bones, boiled to tender until it becomes the main flavor of the soup.

As the name suggests, aside from its famous Ramen, they also serve all sorts of street food from all around Asia like Banh Xeo, Char Siew Pork, Korean fried chicken, Wantan Mee, Gyoza and many more.

2. La Misha Cafe & Roastery

You would almost never see this minute but cozy coffee shop along Cannery Road in Polomolok South Cotabato. The place is tight and can only fit a few people but their menu surely packs a punch. And although their coffee and pastry taste like something you can buy from popular and mainstream coffee shops, they don't cost that much.

3. Checkmate Sushi & Resto

This Japanese restaurant specializes in sushi and is 25 years in the making. Their head sushi chef, who is also one of the owners, has worked and specialized in curating the most delicious and intricate sushi abroad. And now that he's back in home base, he just wants to let the layman have some good sushi without breaking the bank.

The place is almost out of place since its located atop a public market, but since the sushi is really good, patrons have been lining up and would even order for parties delivered outside GenSan, as far as Davao and Kidapawan.

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4. The Outdoor Burger

Literally situated outdoor, this burger joint offers many types of burgers that are better than what our local fast-food have. They use juicy, grilled meat and the sauce doesn't taste ordinary, but the price is just right.

You may also enjoy finger snacks like fried oreos & nachos & down your milk with creamy and delicious milkshake.

5. 212F Eatright

Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult or doesn't automatically translate to bland food, because what 212F Eatright serves are delicious dishes yet healthy and guilt-free. Finding restaurants like these, offering alternatives to those who want to start a healthy diet, is often difficult. But thankfully, people like the founders of 212F Eatright stood to their principle and keep offering healthy food despite the inconsistent demand, and now even fast-food lovers are grasping the idea of food that's junk-free and packed with the right nutrition.

6. Tatay Romy's

Nothing excites me more than breakfast food, which I could probably eat any time of the day. And my favorite time to eat silog and the like is right before a night out, to fill my stomach before having a few beers or it could be the perfect post-"gimik" meal since fried food is a great hangover cure.

Aside from those things, Tatay Romy's can be a great hangout spot for students who are tight with their budget. It's an oasis in the middle of expensive restos along Roxas Street, and your wallet's savior since they offer a full rice meal for as love as P49.

7. Bodo's Diner

I was really enamored when I first tried Thai Iced Tea from an international donut chain and I kept on buying even when it's not really that affordable. But when I came to Koronadal some time last year, we found this small stall along the National Highway in Barangay Morales, fronting EMR Center that serves Thai cuisine. And alas! Aside from the popular Pad Thai and my favorite Mango Sticky Rice, they also brew one of the best Thai Iced Teas that I have ever tasted. It's very rich and tasty and has that distinct sandy texture that I love.

Before going to Thailand, you might as well try this store since I think they basically offer the same thing, only a bus or tricycle ride away from the local vicinity.

8. ELPI Vegan Resto

When we hear "Vegan" we often imagine greens, salads and tofu. But what if there's more to Vegan than these stuff? That's right, contrary to the stereotypical Vegan food that we imagine, ELPI offers Vegan versions of meat-based food that we often love like Lechon, Barbeque, Tapa and so much more. They even have a vegan cake and other plat-based desserts as well.

What's best about this Vegan movement is not only being cruelty-free, but producing less carbon to the environment as well.

I know there's still more that I have not covered but hopefully I could visit next time. Food doesn't always have to be the same and national or international brand doesn't necessarily translate to good food. More often, what local brands could offer are better since they source fresh ingredients and they help build the economy of the community you are situated in.