More with Noor

Living in BGC is like living in a different planet compared to the other parts of Metro Manila. I’ve been staying in BGC for a total of 10 months now. Seeing that I don’t know how to cook and I can’t really eat at Jollibee everyday [even if I really want to], I always eat out. I love trying different restaurants around the [Bonifacio Global] city and I make it a point to not eat at the same place more than once, unless the food is really really good like Frankie’s, Sushi Nori, Marugame Udon, and Ooma (and Go! Bento because #afford).

A new restaurant recently opened in BGC and it’s the first of its kind. Noor Manila offers Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh ingredients. When I think of Mediterranean food, I imagine dishes with very rich flavors and a whole lot of spices. That’s exactly what you can expect from Noor.

One of the owners, Tair, said they named the restaurant Noor because it translates to light, and she mentioned that her name and the name of her husband (the chef) both mean light when translated to English (uyyy destiny). Tair was a food critic back in Israel and her husband was also a chef there, so you know the food is supposed to be good.

Noor is located in Burgos Circle, just a few steps away from the, uh, actual circle with the famous sculpture. You can choose to dine al fresco on the first floor veranda or stay upstairs by the bar. The place is pretty chill—there’s upbeat music and just the right lighting to set the mood. The dishes are also good for sharing so it’s perfect for casual dates or dinner with your friends (can also be for dining on your own because why the heck not).

What’s interesting about this restaurant is they exhibit and sell artworks by local artists. The sales will fully go to the artist and they'll replace the sold items with a new batch of artworks.

On to the food…

Cauliflower (PhP 350)

Fatush salad (PhP 450)

The restaurant is on soft opening but they already have a wide selection of dishes and drinks. I don’t eat vegetables but I absolutely enjoyed their bestselling Cauliflower! It’s so crunchy and flavorful that you won’t know you’re eating veggies. It’s like healthily munching on chicharon. The Fatush salad, their take on mixed vegetables, still tasted like veggies (gets ba), though, but the cheese and fried pita are a nice addition.

Roast beef ras-el-hanut (PhP 400)

The best dish for me would definitely be the roast beef ras-el-hanut (spice mix). The beef was so tender I felt like I was on cloud 9 while chewing. It may be a bit pricey for about four strips of beef but I’m telling you, it’s worth every bite. I told the chefs that this was my favorite and their faces lit up—they say it’s really hard cooking beef just right.

Lamb baklava (PhP 460)

Their lamb baklava—lamb wrapped with phyllo pastry, sesame dressing, raspberry, pistachios, and honey—is like having your dinner and dessert combined. The raspberry flavor is very refreshing.

Fish kebab (PhP 550)

Their fish kebab is what you would expect kebab to be—soft and best complemented by yogurt. Again, I happily ate vegetables because of this dish.

Chicken skewers (PhP 600)

For those who love herbs, go for their chicken skewers. The lentils basmati rice that comes with it is incredible!

Beef and lamb kebab (PhP 620)

For those who prefer a bitterer flavor, try their beef and lamb kebab served on top of roasted vegetables and pita.

Knafe (PhP 390)

Cracked pie (PhP 350)

I said above that I would go back to Noor for the roast beef alone but when I tasted their dessert, I didn’t even want to leave. Both their knafe—shredded phyllo pastry, white cheese, butter, rose water syrup, and vanilla ice cream—and cracked pie with whipped cream were mouth-watering. If you’ve tried the cracked pie from Gino’s, Noor’s cracked pie tastes 1000x better.

L-R: Coconut record, Regina Spektor, Noor (PhP 380 each)

Of course, what is a posh restaurant without drinks? You should also try their signature cocktails. Their bestseller is, aptly named, Noor—a mix of gin, fresh basil, cucumber, fresh lemon juice, and tonic water. It sounds weird but I remember it tasting so good with salt and you’ll have to stop yourself from drinking it all at once. I’m a vodka person so I would have to say my favorite is Regina Spektor which is a mix of vodka, Campari, Cointreau, egg white, and orange that gives you just the right amount of kick. They also have Coconut Record for those who prefer a sweeter drink (though I wasn’t really able to taste the coconut and it’s just a tiny bit messy holding the bottle with shredded coconut).

To be added to the menu!

They also let us taste a mix that’s not yet on the menu—Bacardi with chili and pandan leaves. It’s the kind of spicy that goes all the way to your neck; I’m not a fan of spicy food but I bet those who are would LOVE this.

TLDR:

(To the tune of Nicki Minaj’s voice) What’s good: the ambience, the service, the cauliflower, roast beef ras-el-hanut, lamb baklava, fish kebab, knafe, cracked pie, Regina Spektor

I had a wonderful experience at Noor and I would definitely go back when there’s a special occasion, or when my craving for their roast beef or knafe is too much to control.

Noor Manila is located at Unit F133, Forbeswood Heights, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For reservations, you may call them at +639561563426.