When Chaplin fullyΒ launchesΒ soon thisΒ April, Century City MallΒ in MakatiΒ will get yet another surge of limelightβas it should. Reflective of upscaleΒ Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines,Β this mash-up leads to a celebration of clean, vibrant, wholesome flavors.
Vegetarians, vegans, and the growing health-conscious masses will goΒ weak in the knees for Chaplin’sΒ vividly hued, delicious vegetable-centric dishes, I bet. We came here for lunchΒ yesterdayΒ and totallyΒ enjoyed the food and also conversations with Chef Myke Del Rosario and F&B Manager, JM. π
Review of Chaplin (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
For a perfect meal with friends and family, a pleasing dining area isΒ obviously where the journey starts. Chaplin is decorated withΒ a style that oozes sophistication and elegance withΒ crisp, well-defined straight lines. The connection between modernity and contemporary almost looked natural and seamless.Β I can imagine staying here all day just appreciatingΒ itsΒ coolΒ ambiance.Β π
Chaplin’sΒ themeΒ combines form with function with comfort in an effortless manner.Β Quotes posted on the walls evoke some humor which take inspiration from Charlie Chaplin.Β I love the exquisite chairs with round coffee tables and sofa seats at the sides for a more relaxing vibe. Lights enclosed with a cage hanging from the ceiling also looked quite uniqueΒ and classy.
Service: β β β β β
Service was friendly and professional. Staffs were attentive and quick to take requests from customers. They were also accommodating and helpful. I just hope this service level would stay consistentΒ this way in the coming months.
Food: β β β β β
Chaplin’s owners are from Israel, and this mostly explains why their dishes take inspiration largely from Israel.Β Bourekas (PhP 240), for instance, are theΒ quick breakfast or brunchΒ of choice in Israel. Also regarded as “Israeli hand pies,” these crispy pockets of dough stuffed with cheese andΒ filled with boiled eggs, tomatoes, and pesto sauce had a good mix of texture. Taste packed a punch for summer and it wasΒ awesome, no doubt.
Served in its cast-iron pan,Β shakshouka (PhP 195) cameΒ with one egg perfectly poached in a liquidy sauce of spiced tomatoes, plenty of olives, spices, and feta cheese. It’s paired withΒ ciabatta (house bread) to wipe up all that tasty and glorious shakshouka swamp.Β Good stuff!
Juicy and smooth all the way through, the Eggplant MelanzaneΒ (PhP 265) was a bomb of tomato flavors with a hint of truffle. It got a savory boost and meaty texture from the button mushrooms inside (something unexpected). Made without cheese (dairy food), this vegan dish is good enough that we will happily return. I’m sure my dad will love it.
For our main course, we had the Chicken SteakΒ (PhP 345)βgrilled marinated chicken thigh served with side salad. It’s one of those food that you can’t help but love. The skinless and boneless chicken wasΒ moist, plump and tenderΒ without any greasiness or sogginess. Mashed potatoes on the side had a good dose of salt. Each spoonful was a delight as it’s decadently buttery but not the kind that’s heavy-tasting. Yum!
Chaplin’s Strawberry Fruit Shake (PhP 185)Β was rich and thick with a prominent strawberry flavor. We liked that it was not too sweet and tasted rather real. Expect nothing of the fruit-flavored powder drink here.
The Chaplin Tea (PhP 160) is another must-try. Made with honey, ginger, cinnamon, orange slice, and mint, this is a calming drink that brings a feeling of contentment. Tip: UseΒ the cinnamon stick not only as the stirrer of the warm beverage but also as the straw and sip directly from it for a more aromatic taste. π
The Apple Jimmy (PhP 195) was a refreshingly fruity cocktail. Made with whiskey, the liquorΒ wasn’t too strong and wasn’t tooΒ sweet to drink alongside food. Cheers!
Price for Value: β β β β β
Food prices at Chaplin, Century City Mall doesn’t hurt the pocket. This place works like a cafe, restaurant, and a bar altogether, or so it seemed, to us. The variety of food offered in its menu looked adventurous enough to be fun but not so adventurous that itβs intimidating. One option is to settle into a table and get familiar with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Another is to grab seats outside and breathe into the fresh air with cold alcohol drinks on hand. Either way, I hope you’d have a great experience. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I’d try this restaurant based on your review and photos. However, I never would have thought this was a Mediterranean restaurant based on the American actor’s name!
Neither did we. I think the name is quite catchy though. Also, you will find consistency when you go inside because of the witty quotes lifted from Charlie Chaplin. π
I like the setup of Century City mall because it’s not too crowded and the place looks elegant. Chaplin enjoys that overall calming ambiance plus good food.
Yup, that’s what I like about Century City Mall, too. There are so many must-try restaurants in the area. Hopefully I will have more time to visit them one by one. π
The food looks outstanding! I love that all the ratings are high, from service to the ambiance and to the food. That’s pretty amazing and not all restaurants can get that. The tea is something I fancy!
Their food presentation is A+. I’d like to treat my dad here. I’m sure he will adore the vegetarian dishes. π
It would be fun to try dining here as the food looks so delicious especially with its attractive preparation.
It doubles as a bar at night. I think it will be a cool experience to hang out in the al fresco area and enjoy the bands playing along outside whenever there’s an event.
this looks like a nice resto and their food presentations are really good:)
Yup, Chaplin is fairly new and it’s gaining the momentum because of its great food. We talked to the chef and based on the short interview, we learned that they will be introducing some more exciting dishes as the grand launch is near.
Another new restaurant!! I’ve only been away from Metro Manila for almost two years and news places to visit seem to pop left and right. My list is extending and extending. The food here looks healthy to eat and sumptuous. I really want to try the food here.
Yeah, I think there’s a boom in the restaurant/food industry in the recent years. That’s good news for us foodies as we have more choices to try. π
The place looks posh, the food looks delicious, everything is beautiful! I hope I can drop by some time in July. <3
Great! Come July, they may already have their complete menu so you can expect more improved food offerings from Chaplin. π
The drinks all look so tasty and healthy! Love the look of this cafe as it’s bright and whitel
Yup, this is my kind of place. Super relaxing inside. π
Their setup also looks comfortable for short business meetings. You can enjoy the place and discuss other stuff while eating.
Yeah, it feels relaxing to the eye. The seats are very comfortable for a nice chat. π Make yourself feel at home and get delighted with healthy bites.
I like the bright and clean setting at the cafe, it make the photos look good also. The shakshouka is muy pick among the dishes here.
Their shakshouka reminded me of Pita Pan, vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant serving healthy food in Marina Bay Sands Singapore. It was really good especially with the bread. π
It is great that this restaurant will cater to so many different tastes. There are not enough places around for that yet.
I think it is difficult to please everyone’s tastes; therefore, it will be a challenge for them to do that. At least, the message is clear: Chaplin offers tasty food that’s prepared in a neat way and packaged with healthier ingredients to suit their target market. π
This place am going to love for sure. I am a fan of vegan/vegetarian cuisine. The teas look awesome!
Vegetarian meals have come a long way. These ones by Chaplin are far from bland, and I’m excited to try more of them in our next visit. π
Oh my gosh, I want to try the Chicken Steak and Eggplant Melanzane! Finally, a place where my family and I can eat good food since my youngest is sort a vegetarian (sort of!)
Great to hear that. π Meatless meals are harder to prepare because you have to be more creative. In reality, many home cooks fall into a rut when faced with making vegetarian dinner night after night.
the interior is cute and definitely very welcoming. the food, oh my, drooling here
The drinks are also lovely here. Some of the food names look unfamiliar and intimidating on the menu but have the confidence to try them. When in doubt, ask the staff for the best recommendations. π
Wow! The atmosphere and environment here sure looks nice. The food looks spectacular. I would love to try this place out some day. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome, PJ! π Chaplin is a great restaurant with Middle Eastern flair. Visit it at the top floor of the mall.
I saw this when I attended an event at century City Mall but I was hesitant to try it. Now I want to go to Century City Mall and eat at Chaplin!
Haha try it out with your family. π The food here will wow your taste buds without hurting your wallet.
i wanna try these. seems so much delicious.. ! hope i get to visit this soon
This place is a new hallmark of Mediterranean dishes in Manila. Chaplin serves dishes that derive deep flavor from simple ingredients. π
You might just become my go-to guide for places to eat in Makati! I’m heading there this April and will be in a hotel in the area so these things are helpful. Thanks!
Oh wow, now you’re here! I have reviewed so many restaurants and many received high ratings as well. Chaplin may be one of the solid standbys you can always go to when the going gets tough. π
Vegetarians will go weak in the knees with the variety here?!! Now, you’ve really gotten me interested…
Yeah haha I know you’ll be interested! π
Really sounds great! Quite similar to Ikeja City Mall, Lagos. Your review is an opener towards the creamy goodies endowed in Century City Mall.
Century City Mall seems to be enhacing its dining options month after month. From breakfast to dinner, Chaplin is a good bet. π