New Manilla FoodMart and Restaurant

New Manilla FoodMart and Restaurant - 351 East 14th Street (Filipino)
Small, but nice owners, and it's got a few things that my Bronx treasure trove (Filifipino Food Center) doesn't have - for instance, fresh lumpia!

Krystal's Cafe

Krystal's Cafe - 171 1st Avenue (Filipino)
Clean and bright, this cafe is a winner! It's got Sago Gulaman, which I've seen nowhere else. It also has a very good list of entrees that I haven't tried yet. The Filipino Food Center in my Bronx neighborhood still trumps it for desserts, but when in Manhattan, I'll definitely go to Krystals! (There's also a Krystal's near Sripraphai in Woodside, Queens, at 69-02 Roosevelt Avenue).

Elvie's Turo Turo

Elvie's Turo Turo - 214 1st Avenue (Filipino)
This is the only place I know to get Baluut (fertilized egg), so I'll forgive the fact that it isn't Chinatown. Elvie's isn't fancy - just a few cafeteria tables, and a selection of food. (The name Turo Turo means Point Point--ie: point at the food, and you shall receive--and is traditionally where Filipinos go for a snack (called merendia). The two entrees I've tried so far were blah and undistinguished, but it's worth knowing if only to try the Baluut!

Ihawan

Ihawan - 40-06 70th Street, Woodside, NY (Filipino)
A nice, solid eatery. Nothing fancy with the decorations, but who cares? What does matter is the tasty (and cheap!) Filipino food to be had (right across from Phil Am Foods). Especially good is the BBQ, and the Lumpia Sariwa. Amazingly cheap, this place has Sago at Gulaman for $1.50!!! Thanks to Mike, my friend (and my only Filipino contact) who introduced me to this place.

Phil Am Foods

Phil-Am Foods - 40-03 70th Street, Queens, NY (Filipino)
I didn't think it was possible, but here's a Filipino bakery that make my neighborhood place (Filipino Foods) look meager. Really nice selection of desserts and general snacks here - when visiting Sripraphai, take a walk over and browse here, also!

Bayan

Bayan - 212 E 45th St (2^nd/3^rd Avenue) (Filipino)
Reviewers have already noted that Bayan isn’t much for atmosphere. And its not – occupying a small undecorated nook in a corner of mid-town east (making it the only Filipino place – at least that I know of – in the vicinity.) Nor does it have much in the way of customer courtesy. At Bayan you’ll get basic attention, but smiles and warmth are not part of the package. Still, the food is always where its at, and Bayan does have a good selection, from Lumpia and Pancit, to Goto and Arroz Caldo (rice porridge with tripe or chicken). Am I wowed by the place? Nah. But I’ll keep it in my mental rolodez for the next time I get an urge – because it’s nice to know where you can find Halo Halo when you’re working in Mid-Town.

Philipino Food Centre

Philipino Food Centre - 234 E. Gunhill Road (Phillipino)
Wow! Finally, something neat in my neighborhood! This is a decent little deli, with a good selection of desserts in the refrigerator. Better selection, in fact, than Elvie's Turo Turo. So take that, Manhattan! So if you live in the Bronx, check this place out (although beware, they don't keep strict hours - officially, they're open 9-7 every day.). 3.9 stars - this place is A-one, and the absolute best place for Philipino treats (Sapin Sapin, Yema, Macapuno Tarts, etc), especially on the weekend after they've had a shipment in! If only they kept firmer hours....!