If you’ve been to Siargao during the time when the pandemic was slowly easing its way out of the country, then you’ll probably know Alma. Alma was established on the island in 2020 at a time when most restaurants were closed. It was one of the go-to hotspots in the Surfing Capital of the Philippines until Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc, causing the joint to close its doors in its peak year in 2021.
Three years after the unfortunate incident, Alma is now ready to welcome new and old guests in its soon-to-reopen spot in Siargao, as well as its brand-new branch in Poblacion. Tucked in the calmer side of Makati’s hippest block, Alma in Poblacion offers seafood-centric Spanish flavors and flair interweaving with Siargao’s local produce. The restaurant oozes laid-back beach vibes, with an intimate seating capacity of 44 people.
A post shared by Kusina Ni Joycee (@kusinanijoycee) Helmed by Chef Luis Martinez, the genius behind BGC’s Terreza Martinez, the dishes in Alma spotlighted the chef’s creativity with seafood and other Spanish cuisine favorites like paella and innovative croquetas. Here are some of the dishes not to miss when visiting Alma in Poblacion. For appetizers, the Hamachi Crudo (P560) is a fun and fresh dish to get you started.
Served on a cold plate, fine slices of yellowtail sashimi are flavored with extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper. For a bit of adventure on the plate, the Black Tempura Barramundi (P550) is a play on fla.
