Filipino Food and Culture at XO 46 Heritage Bistro

Hello, foodies! 🍴

We were around Parqal Mall that day, waiting for the passport release, and by the time lunchtime came, we were already hungry. Since we were already in the area, we decided to look for a place to eat first. Parqal Mall has a lot of dining options so choosing wasn’t easy, but XO 46 Heritage Bistro caught my attention.

Lately, we’ve been choosing Filipino food more often. Gabbie won’t be able to eat these dishes for a couple of months because of her work, so it felt like the perfect time to enjoy them while she still could.

I also like discovering Filipino restaurants because some of my OFW friends always ask me where they can find good Filipino food whenever they visit. Whenever I find a place that feels worth recommending, I make a mental note of it. This time, I figured I’d just write about it here and share the blog link with friends whenever they ask for recommendations.

XO 46 Heritage Bistro is not just a place to eat. It highlights Filipino culture.

As soon as we entered, the ambiance stood out. The interiors have that old world feel inspired by the Spanish colonial period. The warm colors, the wall details, the ceiling, and soft lighting made the space feel elegant but still welcoming. I looked around and started appreciating the small details. The frames on the walls featured Filipino-made clothing and accessories, which I thought was a nice way of showcasing local craftsmanship.

The staff added even more charm to the experience. They were dressed in traditional Filipino clothing and it suited the theme of the restaurant perfectly.

We were seated right away, which was a good start. The chairs were comfortable and the table setup felt spacious enough.

After settling in, we were given the "Talaan ng mga Pagkain" (Menu). I liked how even the menu followed the theme. The menu wasn’t overwhelming and it featured familiar Filipino dishes that felt comforting.

What I enjoyed most was how the staff spoke in Filipino when assisting us. Not the casual Filipino words that we usually use when we converse, but the formal one. They were kind enough to translate into English when needed, but hearing Filipino words made the experience feel more authentic! I even smiled when I was reminded that a card is called “tarheta”. It’s such a simple thing but it made the moment memorable.

Gabbie ordered the Kare-Kare Bagnet while I chose the Sisig Kapampangan. These dishes are part of their weekday promo so we were glad we came on a Friday!

The food didn’t take long to arrive, which we appreciated because we were already hungry. When the dishes were served, the portions immediately stood out. The servings were generous and filling, perfect for a proper lunch.

The kare-kare was flavorful and the bagnet was crispy and satisfying. I couldn’t help but take a few bites from Gabbie’s plate 😆

My sisig was also generously served and well-seasoned. I personally would’ve liked it a bit crispier but overall, it was still enjoyable and filling.

For dessert, I ordered the cassava cake. By the time we finished eating, we were full.

What I really liked about XO 46 Heritage Bistro is how it feels like a good place for different occasions. It works for casual lunches, family meals, and even group gatherings. I noticed that they have other areas in the restaurant meant for parties and events, which makes it a good option for celebrations. I even took photos of their starter packages since we’ve been checking out places for future gatherings that focus on Filipino cuisine.

The prices are a bit higher compared to other Filipino restaurants but considering the food, service, and overall experience, it's worth it. You’re not just paying for the meal, you’re paying for the ambiance and the cultural experience as well.

Overall, we really enjoyed our visit. The food was satisfying, the service was warm and attentive, and the ambiance made the whole experience better.

If you’re in Parqal and looking for a Filipino restaurant that feels cozy and proudly Filipino, XO 46 Heritage Bistro is definitely worth trying.