Uncle John's — Review by Strictly Dumpling
Manila, Philippines — Filipino
Uncle John's is a 24-hour food stall serving Jim's Pares and Momies, traditional Filipino beef soup dishes. The reviewer was blown away by the intensely beefy broth, abundant bone marrow, and generous portions at an unbeatable price of approximately $4 per meal.
What was great: The beef broth is intensely flavorful with incredible beef-centric taste, abundant bone marrow that adds richness, generous portions, excellent value at around $4 for the complete meal, rice cakes and boiled egg included
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The main dish ordered was Jim's Pares with bone marrow, a traditional Filipino beef soup that arrived with ginormous chunks of stewed beef, rice cake (momies), and a boiled egg on the side. The broth itself is packed with deep beef flavor enhanced by spices like star anise. The bone marrow pieces are substantial and can be easily scooped directly from the bones into the broth or onto rice. The reviewer also added fresh calamani juice and chilies to customize the flavor profile. The rice cakes provide a savory and slightly sweet element that balances the intense beef broth beautifully.
The Experience
Uncle John's operates 24 hours a day and was bustling with customers even at 4:30 in the morning. The atmosphere is casual and efficient, with stall workers helping customers choose their preferred pares option. The ordering process is straightforward, and the food arrives quickly. The reviewer noted this is similar in style to a Philippine 7-Eleven of food stalls, with Pares and Momies being staple 24-hour offerings.
Value and Pricing
The entire meal including bone marrow, beef soup, rice cake, and boiled egg costs approximately $4. The reviewer emphasized this represents extraordinary value, especially considering the abundance of bone marrow which typically costs a premium at other establishments. This price point makes it an exceptional deal for such a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notable Moments
How did I never try this before in the Philippines?
This is one of the most beef centric bowls of soups I think I've ever had.
This beef broth is one of the best you can ever find anywhere. I kid you not.
The Verdict
Uncle John's represents authentic Filipino comfort food at its finest and most affordable. This is an absolute must-visit for anyone spending time in Manila, especially those interested in traditional Filipino cuisine. The bone marrow enriched beef broth is transformative and worth experiencing at any hour of the day or night. Best for budget-conscious travelers, locals seeking authentic food, and anyone craving intensely flavorful beef soup with generous portions.