Started just the summer of last year, Empacho is all about big servings of food, intended for sharing. With a space housing two floors of deliciously rustic homey vibe, Empacho is such a perfect place for not just only eating, but definitely getting full of mouth-watering, lip-smacking yummy food!
Asking the Chef why Empacho is called as such, he answered with, “Empacho kasi maeempacho ka hindi lang dahil sa sobrang sarap, pero dahil rin sa sobrang dami. Yung tipong mahihirapan kang ubusin.” With that being stated, we knew we were in for a tough challenge of scrumptious dishes we are not even hesitating to take on and devour.
Let us first start with three of their wonderful mains that are a favorite of many – Crispy Pork Kare-Kare, Sizzling Laing na Sugpo, and Bulalo Pares.
The Crispy Pork Kare-Kare (Php 395) is one of the bestsellers of Empacho being it a spicy deep fried salted pork belly with Empacho’s annatto peanut sauce and bagoong. This one seems to be a future of tradition as its taste is definitely a classic, while its look is no doubt revolutionary.
Following that with the Sizzling Laing na Sugpo (Php 850) which is a new addition to the splendid food choices of Empacho. This one is grilled sugpo with sizzling laing and spicy coconut cheese sauce, oozing with an adventure of flavors that had us reaching for it again and again.
While the Bulalo Pares (Php 420) has no doubt snatched our hearts with its sizzling tender beef shank with Empacho’s special adobo sauce. This dish is truly something to think about over and over until you get to order another one of it and enjoy it once again.

The thing about Empacho is they are already all about big servings of food, as mentioned, but then again with Christmas and New Year coming up, it is no surprise that there are a lot of family get togethers and friends hang out sessions such as Christmas Parties and whatnot happening all around. With that, it is more likely that many people would be having a Christmas Potluck.
And yes, we hear you! Who has the time to buy ingredients, prepare everything, and cook everything right? Not many people, we tell you. The thought that it would be a much wiser decision to actually just order up than buy multiple ingredients does sound promising as well and so hold your reigns as Empacho has some rich tasting dishes that come in platters just for you – perfect for parties!
This platter of Empacho’s Lechon Belly (Php 1750) is filled with rice that has a hint of truffle taste, topped with crispy and juicy oven roasted marinated pork belly that is bursting with flavors as it was cooked with tasty herbs and spices.
Next is the Special Seafood Palabok (Php 1200) which is a platter of delicious glass noodles, slathered with flavorsome palabok sauce, and topped with shrimp, squid, and eggs. This one was certainly a proof of how eating is such an enjoyment especially with how this palabok is full of flavor!
For more seafood galore and rice extravaganza, the Inihaw Seafood Paella (Php 1750) is the platter you are looking for. Filled with sticky rice, overflowing with shrimp, mussels, squid, and topped with crunchy bell peppers that adds some sharp spice to the dish, this one will indeed be a hit on your Christmas party!
The last Christmas Potluck platter by Empacho that we got to try was the Classic Lasagna (Php 1500). With layers and layers of lovely pasta, that is filled in between with lots of meat and surely tons of cheese, this dish is all that meaty, cheesy, creamy fun you have been craving for all year round.
As Empacho Restaurant x Bar invites you to celebrate this Holiday season with the best tasting comfort food by releasing a bunch of delectable dishes that is perfect for your Christmas Potluck, particularly, what they are offering are not only mains, but also some appetizers, noodles & pasta, and of course, almost everyone’s favorite, the dessert!
Having said that, we are not going to just stand from our seats without getting to try some of Empacho’s desserts which are currently being offered under their Christmas Potluck selection – Ube Lava cake, Bibingka Cassava Cake, Mango Tres Leches, and Puto Bumbong.
The Ube Lava Cake (Php 150) is a charming serving of lava cake that is not only poppin’ with the color purple, but also poppin’ with taste as it is packed with some thick, luscious ube filling! Slice it real nice and you will see how much ube filling you can delight in. Another yummy variant of lava cake which we got to try was the Salted Egg Lava Cake (Php 150).
While the Bibingka Cassava Cake (Php 225) which is actually a new addition to their current food offering is a cassava cake with salted egg, queso de bola, and dessicated coconut all dressed up nicely inside a skillet – like a sumptious Christmas present waiting to be gobbled down.
Following that is no other than the Mango Tres Leches (Ph 250) which is a hefty slice of drool worthy cake that is both soft and moist at the same time, with overflowing milky, creamy sauce, topped with nuts, coconut shavings, and tiny, cute mango cubes.
This next dessert and last dish from Empacho is honestly a favorite of our table. Worth all the rave and the hype, be sure to try out Empacho’s Puto Bumbong (Php 150) which is both soft and chewy at the same, topped with coconut pudding, drizzled with latik sauce, alongside toasted coconut shavings! This one hands down is the star on top of your giant Christmas tree.
And so, what are you still waiting for? Stop being idle, get a hold of your phone and call now to order one, some, or even all of Empacho’s Christmas Potluck dishes which you can have either for pick up or delivery with grab or lalamove.

Orders can be picked up or be delivered to your doorstep within 1 to 2 hours after ordering. Dial (0917) 126 72 24 or (0917) 467 18 16 and relish in the spirit of Christmas as you sing and dance with a bunch of fun Christmas songs with your family and friends!
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Address: 2nd floor unit 201, 170 Tomas Morato Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila
Contact Number: 0917 467 1816
Hours of Operation: Mondays to Fridays, 11AM to 12AM, Saturdays and Sundays, 11AM to 2AM