“Pop Talk’s” University Belt Food Crawl

The University Belt, or U-Belt, is probably one of the best places to find hungry college students on the prowl for affordable and delicious meals. And for people who are in a hurry and on a tight budget, it can be a challenge to find a restaurant that satisfies the tastebuds without weighing too heavily on the wallet.

In a quest to find the best student-friendly restaurant, "Pop Talk" host Tonipet Gaba, food blogger Joy Mendiola, college student Louie Calosen Benoza, and Kapuso actress Bettinna Carlos went on a food crawl around Manila's University Belt. Read on to find out which diner stood out among the rest.

Juana's Budbod and Coffee
960 Lerma St., Sampaloc, Manila
Price range: P49 to P85



Juana's Budbod and Coffee began in February 2009 as an iced coffee kiosk called Kubo ni Juan Café. It distinguishes itself from other eateries by offering different types of budbod meals or rice meals topped with eggs and tomatoes. Aside from this, Juana's also offers sizzling dishes, adobo flakes, and burgers.

Both Bettinna and Joy thought that the restaurant lacked proper ventilation and was not that comfortable. However, they also agreed that the restaurant’s pros outweigh its cons.



"Okay siya kasi kung ikukumpara mo yung presyo sa fast food. Mas filling 'to 'di ba? Mas mabigat siya sa tiyan," Bettinna pointed out. "Tsaka iba yung comfort na dala ng lutong bahay."

"Yung burger, yung chicken, adobo flakes, saka yung tapa, alam mong niluto na fresh," shared blogger mom Joy. “Ang lalaki ng servings plus may gulay. I like na may mga gulay, may fresh tomatoes tapos may garnishings. So, pop na pop."

The "Pop Talk" reviewers also agreed that Juana's is perfect for students who want to save money. Bettinna said: “Feeling ko kasi ang mga college students, basta below 100, pasok sa budget nila."

Final verdict: 7 pop points

Hanayo Korean Restaurant
P. Noval St, Sampaloc, Manila
Price range: P99 to P100



U-Belt students don’t need to spend much if they want to enjoy authentic Korean food, because an accessible and affordable Korean restaurant is right within their reach. According to restaurant owner Gloria Yu, Hanayo’s bestseller is the bibimbap. They also sell a variety of Korean ice cream for dessert.

“Eto yung tinatawag nilang ‘hole in the wall’ kasi sa eskinita lang siya. Maliit pero dinadayo,” said Bettinna. “Okay yung presyo niya for the quality of the food and the serving.”

“[The] place is good kasi well-ventilated, there’s aircon, very spacious. So it can accommodate a lot of students,” the ‘My Husband’s Lover’ actress observed. “Feeling ko good din siya for mga meetings of students.”



Joy, on the other hand, admired Hanayo’s food presentation: “Ang colorful ng food. Tinitignan mo pa lang, nasasarapan ka na.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

Perico's 2 Grill and Sizzlers
1523 D Concepcion Aguila St. San Miguel, Manila
Price range: P70 to P75

“Definitely nakilala kami sa beef tapa,” Jose Perico, owner of Perico’s 2 Grill and Sizzlers revealed. “What’s also good about our meals here ... complete meal siya at an affordable price.”



Since Perico’s started as a catering business, the restaurant is adept at serving various dishes. Their menu includes salisbury steak, pork liempo, crispy sisig with egg, tapa and more. “May Filipino, may American, may French, may Japanese,” notes Bettinna.



“Parang noong nakita ko yung food, parang malungkot siya,” Bettinna answered when asked to describe the restaurant’s dishes. Despite this, she thought eating at Perico’s was comfortable because of its ambience. Joy agreed and added that the restaurant’s interiors were pleasant.

Is this restaurant really budget-friendly? Joy said: “For P70 you get a drink. ‘Di ka na mangungunsume na mag-isip. I like na incorporated na siya doon sa meal.”

Final verdict: 7 pop points