Spices at The Peninsula Manila Welcomes You Back with a Feast of Vibrant Asian Flavors...

With the gradual easing of quarantine restrictions, the metro slowly and cautiously opens up and dining out is once again possible with the minimum health and safety protocols in place. Al fresco dining is now very much a part of the new normal, and there's a few spots in Manila where this can be enjoyed with an array of flavorful and authentic Southeast Asian and Indian dishes. Spices at The Peninsula Manila is one of those rare and enduring dining destinations and it's ready to welcome you back.

Known for its authentic Asian cuisine including Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Indian dishes, Spices at The Peninsula Manila offers a unique and memorable dining experience from its extensive menu to its impeccable service (for more on Spices, see my previous posts, Stargaze and Feast with Spices Under the Stars at The Peninsula Manila... from last year and The Spiceman Cometh: Meet Indian Specialty Chef Radhey Shayam of The Peninsula Manila's Spices from three years ago). From its elegant interiors and glass-walled pavilion... 

...to its lush and spacious al fresco garden surrounded by verdant greens located by the pool, dining at Spices has always been a sensory experience and continues to be one of the metro's finest restaurants. 

And dining at the Spices garden under the stars is the perfect setting for a lavish feast of Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine.  

Why not enjoy a relaxing tipple before dinner at the Spices garden? The bar at Spicesoffers a variety of classic libations including tempting Asian-inspired cocktails to open up your palate before a sumptuous feast of Southeast Asian and Indian flavors. 

The Phraya's Way is a refreshingly sweet cocktail with just a whisper of soothing heat blended with chili-infused vodka, lemongrass, Thai basil and ginger syrup...

...while the Aam Pana brings a tropical vibe to the palate with each sip made with Plantation Three Stars Rum, mango, mint and cumin. Just like their wide and extensive menu, the selection at Spices reflects a distinctly Asian theme recreated with inventive cocktails. 

But if you prefer a classic Gin & Tonic, the Iron Balls with pineapple and basil should do the trick. Light and crisp with the bright hints of pineapple and mildly minty notes and subtle pepper finish of basil, The Iron Balls at Spices gets you in the groove for a lavish garden dinner experience at Spices.

The garden setting transports you to a far-away place without leaving the bustling commercial and business hub of the metro helped along by another refreshing sip. It's flavorful culinary journeys like this that makes Spices at The Peninsula Manila special.

Then, the first courses were served...

...starting with the Indian Prawn Tikka Masala, plump and succulent prawns roasted in a tandoori with red chili, turmeric and garam masala. The briny sweetness of the prawns comes through layered by the sharpness of the turmeric and complex spice blend of the garam masala capped by the hot red chili. 

The Thai Yam Som-O with sweet pomelo drizzled with lime, chili and peanuts combine for a refreshing salad draping the palate with clean yet bold flavors...

...while the Vientamese Goi Con, bite-sized fresh rice paper summer rolls filled with shrimp, pork and coriander brings savory notes and textural contrasts, you'll want another. The freshness of the ingredients delivers all the flavors with each bite.

Fork-tender beef and rice noodles with bean sprouts and ginger takes you back to Vietnam with a comforting bowl of Pho Bo at Spices. The savory richness of the near melt-in-your-mouth braised beef is tempered by the ginger and spring onions from the light yet flavorful broth. Picture above is a half-serving portion. 

A trio of curry dishes were then served next...

...starting with the Nali Rogan Josh, a savory and aromatic lamb shank cooked with dried chili, cashew nuts and onion sauce draped in a rich and thick curry. Simmered for hours, all you need is a spoon for the fall-of-the-bone lamb shank. The full flavored curry with its rich spice blend completes the flavors.  

The Thai style Kaeng Phed Ped Yang is a traditional red curry dish with roasted duck, lychee and coconut milk. The roasted duck lays its lavish richness to the curry, perfectly balanced by the soothing heat of the fiery chili. Like the lamb shank, the roasted duck weaves deep flavors to the curry enjoyed with each bite.  

The Steamed Salmon Curry in coconut milk with sweet basil or Hor Mok Pla Salmon is another savory must-try Thai dish at Spices. The buttery notes and texture of premium salmon adds an elegant and refined layer to the bold flavors of the spicy curry, rounded out by the creamy coconut milk. The spice is part of the curry experience, but it doesn't overwhelm the palate. Instead, the layer of heat builds up the flavor for each curry dish (the server will ask your preferred level of spice if you want it authentic or mild). All three curry dishes offer rich and bold flavors, perfect with steamed white rice. And you'll probably want extra rice too.

Inspired by the flavors of Indonesia, Spices also offers plant-based dishes like the Tempe Goreng with deep-fried tempe made from soybeans with garlic, coriander, turmeric and spicy sambal. The meaty texture of the tempe slathered with spicy sambal will have you going for another bowl of rice.

The Thai Pak Boong Fai Deng with wok-fried water spinach, yellow beans, chili and light soy is light yet flavorful with just a whisper of heat to make you crave for more. The vegetable dishes at Spices add to your festive feast, and there's more...

In contrast, the Indian Cauliflower Tikka Masala with roasted cauliflowers, tomatoes, garam masala, coriander and paprika served with steamed rice brings unrestrained and punchy full-on flavors. The subtle crunch and sweetness of the roasted cauliflowers makes this dish a welcome addition to your table at Spices.

Pair your dinner with the crisp Domdechant Werner Riesling from Germany or the bold Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir from New Zealand from the extensive wine selections at Spices to complete your experience.

For dessert, how about some Thai Sweet Mango Sticky Rice with coconut milk and mung beans?

You can also opt for one of many homemade ice cream flavors at The Peninsula Manila like Mango and Mocha Cashew but the Ube and Keso combo does it for me with comforting local flavors to cap a sumptuous meal at Spices.  

Now it's your turn to revisit Spices. Spices at The Peninsula Manila is open from Wednesday to Sunday for Lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and Dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Hit the links below and book your table for dinner under the stars at the Spices garden...