Pan De Amerikana, Bakery in Marikina

Pan de Amerikana is one of my favorite Marikina restaurants primarily because of its ambiance. It's a nice dining place with quirky accent pieces, most of which are chess-related (you can even play chess while eating or waiting for your orders). If I'm not mistaken, it is one of only 5 chess-themed restaurants in the world!

Not to be rude or discriminatory, but I usually describe Pan de Amerikana as a "pinasosyal na carinderia." Their dishes are what you usually get at cheap dining places BUT (and that's a big but), eating here feels like being in an expensive and classy restaurant because of the ambiance! I feel like I should be paying more! The price-serving ratio is highly acceptable, although a lot of their dishes are not good for sharing. In addition, there is no service charge! ^^

My favorite dishes would be the crispy mushroom (with a really good tangy mayo dip), baked mac (this one will definitely make you want more - it's so bitin!), sinigang (my favorite Filipino dish), waknatoy (Marikina's version of menudo), and tinomok (a more delectable & meatier version of laing).

If you want to check out their hanging bridge, I suggest that you go there early in the morning to avoid the harmful sunlight. As for the wait staff, they're okay, but because the place is big, sometimes calling their attention is difficult. They need to smile more, too! :)