When merienda meets Merlot: Filipino favorites get a gourmet twist at Bytes
Who says merienda is just a midday snack? At Lanson Place Mall of Asia, the humble Filipino favorite is getting a delicious glow-up—and showing up fashionably late for dinner.
Think beef empanada paired with Haussman Merlot, or tuyo pasta twirled with a fork alongside a glass of Footprint Shiraz 2022. These aren’t just snack attacks anymore; they’re full-on feasts with flair.
On a rainy Wednesday morning, we explored how classic Filipino merienda favorites are stepping into the spotlight—elevated for the evening, paired with wines that know how to party—and proving that snacks can absolutely steal the dinner show.
Take a Byte, it’s alright
Tucked inside the sleek and modern hotel, Bytes is giving Filipino merienda the gourmet treatment—and a well-deserved seat at the dinner table. Known for its laid-back vibe and thoughtfully curated menu, the restaurant moves beyond its Afternoon Tea offerings and introduces “Pares: Cork & Comfort Dinner Pairing at Bytes,” a creative reimagining of local snacks with a refined twist.
Each dish on the menu nods playfully to traditional Filipino fare—with just enough flair to keep things exciting.
Take the Flaky Beef Empanada, for example. Buttery, golden, and generously filled, this version is a far cry from your go-to corner bakery snack. One bite in, and you know you’re in for something special.
Instead of the usual ground meat, the empanada is filled with slow-cooked pulled beef—tender, juicy, and packed with rich, savory depth. The carrots and green peas? They’re not hidden inside. Instead, they’re puréed into a velvety mash, artfully plated beside the empanada for an elegant touch that’s both nostalgic and unexpected. Paired with a glass of Haussman Merlot, the dish transforms: The wine’s red berry notes round out the richness of the beef, creating a pairing that feels familiar, yet refreshingly new.
Then there’s the Gourmet Tuyo Pasta, a dish that bridges rustic comfort and elevated dining. Al dente pasta is tossed in a rich olive oil base infused with garlic, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and the star of the show: gourmet tuyo.
The tuyo is flaked and delicately folded in, lending a deep umami punch without overpowering the dish. Each bite is smoky, salty, and indulgent—though it plays it safe on the spice front. Personally, I’d welcome a bolder kick, maybe a chili-infused version that leaves a lingering heat to balance the richness. Here’s hoping the chef takes note! Served with a glass of Footprint Shiraz 2022, the pairing sings.
No Filipino merienda feels complete without a comforting bowl of molo soup, and Bytes knows how to do it right. This version elevates the classic pork-filled dumplings in a flavorful broth—light yet deeply satisfying. Each dumpling is delicately handmade, with a perfectly seasoned pork mix that dances on your palate.
Paired with a crisp, refreshing white like a light Chardonnay, the soup offers a soothing, elegant start—or a cozy companion to your merienda dinner.
And just when you think you’re done, Bytes surprises with a sweet finale: the Matcha Mango Mousse Cake. Light, creamy, and vibrantly flavored, this dessert is beautifully balanced by a glass of Moscato, whose gentle sweetness and effervescence lift the flavors to a refreshing close.
Take your time with each wine pairing—notice how the Merlot’s soft tannins, the Shiraz’s peppery notes, and the Moscato’s floral sweetness elevate traditional Filipino flavors in new and exciting ways.
“Bytes is where Filipino light fares meet everyday indulgence—offering affordable local dishes in a relaxed and trendy space, now elevated with wine pairings that bring food and drink together in harmony,” said Rochelle Tabino, marketing and communications manager at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila.
At Bytes, merienda steps out of the midday shadow and into the dinner spotlight—reimagined, refined, and perfectly paired. It’s a fresh, flavorful reminder that Filipino comfort food can dress up for dinner—and still feel right at home.
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Lanson Place’s “Pares: Cork & Comfort Dinner Pairing at Bytes” is priced at P2,800 nett per person and is available every third Wednesday of the month.
For reservations, visit lansonplace.com/mallofasia. Lanson Place Mall of Asia is located at Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.