Juan's Bistro Mall of Asia

That pro foodie tip about dining where people flock definitely holds true, for this local diner called Juan's Bistro at least. During the first visit, we were just aimlessly looking for a place to eat on this side of the Mall of Asia and found the place filled with diners. So we went inside to find out why. 

Short Review

Now I know why. One, the menu is affordable. Price versus quality and serving size is budget friendly for families, friends and groups dining. Average pricing is around ₱200 for a meal (higher though for sets and group servings). Dishes are also delicious and looks healthy. You won't find the usual complaints of too much grease and the like in each plate served. Lastly, service is fast (though not like fast food) and the staff are friendly overall. 

Note that this is just my opinion though. I quick check on review sites like Zomato shows that there are varying opinions about this place (as well as other restaurants anyway) so your experience as well as mine or others may not always be pleasant. 

As for me, I certainly enjoyed what we've tried here, specially the "pinakbet." The "bagoong alamang" they used tastes fresh. It's as if it was just sautéed for this specific meal. The rest of the dishes were also good. 

Menu Options

Sorry about the varying color of the images; it's probably due to differing lighting or filters used. I honestly prefer unfiltered food snaps so the dishes are shown for exactly what they are. No expectations versus reality disappointment. 

Back on the menu, most of the items are for groups. They can be enough for 3-4 people but you can also order solo servings. 

My kid can actually consume an entire bowl of sinigang, all by herself, be it bangus or pork. A full grown adult can probably do the same unless you're like me, who easily gets full when sipping or slurping soup. 

Images above and below are the same dish but from different visits. 

There are also solo menu choices as well as for even larger groups. Most of the photos here are for either solo or salu-salo (group) servings. 

Other options include combo meals, rice (with ulam) or just rice (image above is Java rice), merienda (dessert), appetizers, and drinks (some alcoholic drinks may be ordered). 

This is not Jollibee chicken spaghetti ⬆️ 😅. It's one of their own combo meals. Another combo meal, chicken with macaroni. ⬇️

Please note, however, that some items may not be always available and the menu may change for any reason anytime. In fact, the interior seems to have been redecorated recently so the place looks different since the last time we dined here (the Mall of Asia branch). 

Going back to the food, above is a favorite comfort food, ginisang munggo with crispy chicharon and below is fried pla-pla cariñosa (butterflied). 

Ensaladas are also available including the usual ensaladang talong. 

More veggie-based dishes are also served.

And did I already mention pinakbet with fresh alamang? I probably have more images of this dish apart from all the photos already posted here.

Branches

Juan's Bistro is located at the Ground Floor, South Wing of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. They also have branches at Muntinlupa City (Ground Floor, Water Garden, Festival Mall, Filinvest City) and Taguig City (Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Mc Kinley Hill). 

More Information

More details are available via www.facebook.com/JuansBistroPH.