If you’re a fan of the classic British dish, Beef Wellington, and happen to be in the Philippines, you’re in luck!
This delectable dish has made its way to the archipelago and is being served up in some of the country’s best restaurants.
From cozy nooks to ultra-sleek fine dine darlings, there’s a Beef Wellington for every palate.
So, whether you’re looking to impress your date or simply indulge in some culinary fireworks, we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we explore the best places to eat Beef Wellington in the Philippines.
Where To Eat Beef Wellington In Philippines?
1. Park Grill – Located on the ground floor of Platinum Park, Park Grill offers modern European cuisine with a twist. Their Beef Wellington is layered with truffle duxelles and seared foie gras, wrapped in buttery puff pastry and served with béarnaise and perigourdine sauce.
2. Blackbird – This restaurant boasts dramatic high ceilings, monochrome Art Deco design, and a central statement spiral staircase. Their contemporary Euro and Asian morsels are cooked to perfection by stove jockey Colin Mackay. The grilled meats and flip-fresh seafood are followed nicely by an array of mouth-watering desserts.
3. Mecha Uma – For a taste of Manila’s masterchef Bruce Ricketts’ Nippon-inflected taste bombs, head to Mecha Uma. The ingredients are locally-sourced or flown in fresh from Japan for dishes such as seared Iberico in clam jus with watermelon or Hojicha ice cream with grapes and dehydrated yuzu cake.
4. Old Manila – This elegant, chandeliered salon serves up contemporary, market-driven European spoils. Prime grilled cuts, freshly shucked oysters, and artfully presented sweet treats are just a few of the delights on offer. Their baked sea bass, beef Wellington fillet, and whole roasted Bresse chook are perfect for sharing.
5. Locavore – If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head to Locavore. This buzzy, industrial farm-to-table restaurant elevates classic Filipino comfort dishes such as tender five-hour braised boneless lechon belly, Boracay-inspired Chori burgers, and oyster sisig with locally sourced, sustainable produce. Pair your meal with one of their many local brews.
6. Van Gogh is Bipolar – Feeling lost without love this Valentine’s Day? Beeline to Van Gogh is Bipolar, a self-proclaimed ‘mood-healing sanctuary’. They offer all-day seasonal soul food, happiness-inducing teas, and an array of mindfulness activities. The entire space is bedecked with quirksome and colorful curios, making it a treat for the eyes and the palate.
The History Of Beef Wellington: A Brief Overview
Beef Wellington is a classic English dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. While its exact origin remains unknown, it is generally agreed that the dish was created in celebration of the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. The Duke was given his title after defeating Napoleon Bonaparte the year before and not long after he became Prime Minister.
The dish is made with fillet steak coated with pâté (often pâté de foie gras) and duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry, then baked. Some recipes include wrapping the coated meat in a crêpe or parma ham to retain the moisture and prevent it from making the pastry soggy. A whole tenderloin may be wrapped and baked, and then sliced for serving, or the tenderloin may be sliced into individual portions prior to wrapping and baking.
Wrapping meat in pastry has been a favoured culinary technique in many countries for many centuries. The Greeks were the first to wrap a flour and water paste around their meat to seal it before cooking, and the Cornish Pasty (the stalwart of miners’ lunchboxes) has been around since the 14th Century. However, the Beef Wellington most closely resembles the French filet de boeuf en croute and may well have been renamed the Beef Wellington after the Battle of Waterloo – rather than being a dish specifically created for the Duke of Wellington.
Today, Beef Wellington has become a popular dish around the world, with many chefs putting their own spin on it. In Philippines, there are several restaurants that serve this iconic dish in their own unique way. From Park Grill’s truffle duxelles and seared foie gras to Old Manila’s contemporary market-driven European spoils, there is no shortage of options for those looking to indulge in this classic dish.
What Makes A Great Beef Wellington?
Beef Wellington is a classic dish that has been around for centuries, and it has become a staple in many restaurants around the world. To make a great Beef Wellington, it is important to start with high-quality ingredients. The center-cut beef tenderloin, also known as a Châteubriand, should be of the best quality possible. The ideal puff pastry should be all-butter and made with high-quality ingredients.
The filling of the Beef Wellington is also crucial in making this dish great. The duxelles, a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and herbs, should be flavorful and well-seasoned. The addition of foie gras or pâté can add an extra layer of richness and depth to the dish.
The cooking process is also important in making a great Beef Wellington. It is essential to sear the beef tenderloin before wrapping it in puff pastry to ensure that it retains its juices and flavors during the cooking process. The puff pastry should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while the beef tenderloin remains tender and juicy on the inside.
Finally, a great Beef Wellington should be served with complementary sauces that enhance its flavors. Béarnaise sauce, a classic French sauce made with egg yolks, butter, shallots, tarragon, and vinegar, is a popular choice. Perigourdine sauce, made with truffles and red wine reduction, is another excellent accompaniment to this dish.
Top Restaurants In Manila Serving Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is a classic dish that is not easy to find in the Philippines. However, there are a few restaurants in Manila that serve this delicious dish. Here are the top restaurants in Manila serving Beef Wellington:
1. Park Grill – This restaurant offers modern European cuisine with a twist. Their Beef Wellington is layered with truffle duxelles and seared foie gras, wrapped in buttery puff pastry and served with béarnaise and perigourdine sauce.
2. Blackbird – This restaurant boasts dramatic high ceilings, monochrome Art Deco design, and a central statement spiral staircase. Their contemporary Euro and Asian morsels are cooked to perfection by stove jockey Colin Mackay. The grilled meats and flip-fresh seafood are followed nicely by an array of mouth-watering desserts.
3. Mecha Uma – For a taste of Manila’s masterchef Bruce Ricketts’ Nippon-inflected taste bombs, head to Mecha Uma. The ingredients are locally-sourced or flown in fresh from Japan for dishes such as seared Iberico in clam jus with watermelon or Hojicha ice cream with grapes and dehydrated yuzu cake.
4. Old Manila – This elegant, chandeliered salon serves up contemporary, market-driven European spoils. Prime grilled cuts, freshly shucked oysters, and artfully presented sweet treats are just a few of the delights on offer. Their baked sea bass, beef Wellington fillet, and whole roasted Bresse chook are perfect for sharing.
5. Locavore – If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head to Locavore. This buzzy, industrial farm-to-table restaurant elevates classic Filipino comfort dishes such as tender five-hour braised boneless lechon belly, Boracay-inspired Chori burgers, and oyster sisig with locally sourced, sustainable produce. Pair your meal with one of their many local brews.
6. Van Gogh is Bipolar – Feeling lost without love this Valentine’s Day? Beeline to Van Gogh is Bipolar, a self-proclaimed ‘mood-healing sanctuary’. They offer all-day seasonal soul food, happiness-inducing teas, and an array of mindfulness activities. The entire space is bedecked with quirksome and colorful curios, making it a treat for the eyes and the palate.
These top restaurants offer the best Beef Wellington in Manila. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a low-key night out with friends, these restaurants have got you covered.
Beef Wellington Beyond Manila: Where To Find It In Other Cities
If you’re looking to venture beyond Manila for a taste of Beef Wellington, there are plenty of options throughout the Philippines. Here are a few places to check out:
1. The Pig & Palm – Located in Cebu City, this restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Their Beef Wellington is made with tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry, and is served with truffle jus and roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
2. The Tasting Room – This fine dining establishment in Tagaytay City is known for its French-inspired cuisine and stunning views of Taal Lake. Their Beef Wellington is made with Angus beef tenderloin, foie gras, and black truffle, and is served with a red wine reduction and truffle mash.
3. The Wholesome Table – With locations in Manila, Bonifacio Global City, and Alabang, The Wholesome Table offers organic and sustainable cuisine that is both delicious and healthy. Their Beef Wellington is made with grass-fed beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry, and is served with a red wine sauce and roasted vegetables.
4. Sala Bistro – This cozy restaurant in Makati City offers a mix of European and Asian cuisine. Their Beef Wellington is made with Australian beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry, and is served with a red wine sauce and mashed potatoes.
5. The Pigpen – Located in Davao City, this casual eatery specializes in barbecue and comfort food. Their Beef Wellington is made with Angus beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry, and is served with a red wine sauce and mashed potatoes.
No matter where you are in the Philippines, there’s sure to be a restaurant serving up a delicious Beef Wellington that will satisfy your cravings for this classic dish.
Vegetarian And Seafood Variations Of Beef Wellington
If you’re a vegetarian or a seafood lover, don’t worry – there are still options for you to enjoy the flavors of Beef Wellington. Here are some variations to try:
1. Mushroom Wellington – Instead of using beef, substitute with a mixture of portobello and shiitake mushrooms. Follow the same steps for cooking the mushroom duxelles and wrapping it in puff pastry. Serve with a creamy mushroom sauce for added flavor.
2. Salmon Wellington – For a seafood twist, use salmon fillets instead of beef tenderloin. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before wrapping it in prosciutto and mushroom duxelles. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and serve with a side of hollandaise sauce.
3. Lobster Wellington – For a luxurious twist on the classic dish, use lobster meat instead of beef. Sauté finely chopped shallots and garlic in butter until fragrant, then add in cooked lobster meat and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture over prosciutto slices, wrap it around the lobster meat, then wrap it all in puff pastry. Bake until golden brown and serve with a side of drawn butter.
No matter your dietary preferences, there’s a Beef Wellington variation out there for everyone to enjoy.
Tips For Making Beef Wellington At Home
Beef Wellington is a classic dish that is perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Beef Wellington at home:
1. Let it Rest: To ensure the tenderloin is firm, it is best to let it rest in between each stage of wrapping. Place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a time before wrapping.
2. Tie it Up: Use kitchen twine to tie your beef tenderloin. This will help hold its shape while it is being seared.
3. Brush with Egg: Brush both the meat and the pastry with egg wash. This will help the top layer of pastry stick to the meat and prevent it from rising and leaving a gap.
4. Trimming: Avoid trimming the pastry too close to the meat. Give the meat more pastry when wrapping it.
5. Don’t Wrap too Tightly: When adding the pastry, avoid wrapping it too tightly but also make sure there is no air between the layers. Layer it on smoothly and carefully without pressing too hard.
6. Leftover Pastry: If you have leftover pastry, you can use it for other recipes. Simply refrigerate it for another use like pie decorating.
7. Variations: Experiment with different meats, Dijon mustard, and wild mushrooms for a more flavorful way of enjoying Beef Wellington.
To cook the beef tenderloin, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the tenderloin and cook without moving until well-browned on first side, about 2 minutes. Rotate the tenderloin and continue cooking until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large plate.
After removing the beef from the pan, add olive oil and shallots, garlic, and thyme. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes before adding brandy and flambeing using a long kitchen match. After the flame dies down, return to heat, add stock and reduce by about half. Strain out solids, then add 2 cups cream and mustard. Reduce by half again, then shut off heat and add green peppercorns.
With these tips in mind, you can impress your family and friends with your homemade Beef Wellington that is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion.