Azela by Balay Dako Philippines Menu Prices 2026
If you’re craving Negrense comfort food without the drive to Tagaytay, Azela by Balay Dako menu prices are worth checking first, since this Metro Manila offshoot serves the same family recipes at mall-restaurant pricing rather than Balay Dako’s original destination-dining rates.
Azela by Balay Dako is the Metro Manila arm of Tagaytay’s long-running Balay Dako, run by the Escalante family’s Antonio’s Group. Rather than replicating Balay Dako’s buffet-style setup, Azela operates as an a la carte, fast-casual Filipino restaurant built around Ilonggo and Negrense dishes — think kansi, kadyos baboy at langka, and other Bacolod-rooted recipes that aren’t as commonly found on typical Metro Manila Filipino menus.
Pampagana (Appetizers)
| Menu Item | Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Asohos | ₱520 | Large |
| Gambas al Ajillo | ₱790 | — |
| Ensaladang Talong at Mangga | ₱380 | — |
| Lumpiang Shanghai | ₱440 | — |
| Lumpiang Shanghai Wrap | ₱490 | — |
| Pancit ni Antonio | ₱820 | Large |
Sopas (Soup)
| Menu Item | Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Kadyos Baboy at Langka (KBL) | ₱1,100 | Large |
| Kansi | ₱900 | Large |
| Sinigang na Ulo at Tiyan ng Salmon sa Miso | ₱980 | Large |
Pangunahing Ulam (Main Dishes)
| Menu Item | Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Kare-Kare Klasik | ₱1,160 | Large |
| Binagoongang Baboy | ₱820 | Large |
| Callos | ₱590 | — |
| Sisig na Baboy | ₱600 | Large |
| Crispy Pata | ₱1,260 | Large |
| Laing na Gabi at Tokwa | ₱580 | Large |
Panghimagas (Desserts and Drinks)
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Puto Bumbong | ₱140 |
| Bibingka Special | ₱290 |
| Halo-Halo Klasiko | ₱260 |
| Leche Flan | ₱140 |
| Turon con Langka at Saging | ₱70/pc |
| Banana con Leche | ₱160 |
| Ginumis | ₱160 |
| Antonio’s Housemade Sorbetes (per scoop) | ₱220 |
| Calamansi Juice | ₱170 |
| Mangga at Sago | ₱190 |
| Avocado Milkshake | ₱350 |
Prices above are based on a dine-in visit at the SM North EDSA branch and may differ slightly at Robinsons Manila or future branches, since portion sizes and pricing on shared “large” dishes can vary. As always, prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming with the specific branch before a big group order.
About Azela by Balay Dako
Azela is named after Lola Azela, the grandmother of the Escalante family, and draws directly from her home cooking in Bacolod. It opened its first branch at Robinsons Manila in Ermita in 2025, marking the Antonio’s Group’s first Metro Manila expansion of the Balay Dako name, followed by a second branch at SM North EDSA. Where Balay Dako in Tagaytay is known for its expansive breakfast buffet and destination-dining format, Azela trims that down into an a la carte menu suited to a mall setting and a quicker turnaround.
The menu leans specifically into Ilonggo and Negrense dishes that are less common on typical Manila Filipino menus kansi, kadyos baboy at langka, and binagoongang baboy alongside more familiar staples like kare-kare, sisig, and crispy pata. It’s positioned as accessible comfort food rather than fine dining, with prices aimed at family lunches and casual gatherings rather than special-occasion splurges.
Popular Items To Try
- Kansi – an Ilonggo soup often described as a cross between sinigang and bulalo, made with beef brisket, pork leg, lemongrass, and batuan for its distinct sourness
- Kadyos Baboy at Langka (KBL) – a Bacolod specialty combining pigeon peas, pork belly, and jackfruit in a savory, non-sour broth
- Kare-Kare Klasik – oxtail, tripe, and knuckles in a peanut sauce, served with bagoong on the side
- Sisig na Baboy – served sizzling on a cast-iron platter, a dish that consistently draws repeat orders from families with kids
- Crispy Pata – imported pork shank brined overnight before frying, served with the skin separated for extra crunch
- Halo-Halo Klasiko – a traditional version made with house-made macapuno and ube ice cream rather than newer, over-topped variations
Deals, Promos, and Discounts
There’s no widely confirmed standing promo for Azela at this time. Since it’s a newer concept still expanding across Metro Manila, it’s best to check Azela’s official Instagram (@azela.ph) or the specific branch’s page for any limited-time offers before visiting.
Price and Value for Money
Azela sits in the mid-range for Filipino restaurants in Metro Manila appetizers and desserts are priced accessibly, while the large-format soups and mains (many meant for sharing) push the total bill higher for a full group order. A typical per-head budget for a shared meal across appetizer, soup, main, and dessert tends to land around ₱800 to ₱1,000, which is reasonable for the portion sizes and the specificity of the Negrense dishes on offer.
Is Azela Worth Trying?
What sets Azela apart from the dozens of other Filipino comfort-food restaurants in Metro Manila is how committed it stays to specifically Negrense and Ilonggo dishes rather than a generic Filipino spread. Kansi and KBL, in particular, aren’t standard menu items at most Manila Filipino restaurants, and reviewers who’ve tried both consistently note that the sourness and meat quality in Azela’s versions hold up against dedicated Bacolod-style restaurants.
Feedback on specific dishes tends to be fairly consistent: the sisig and kare-kare draw praise for portion and flavor, the fried asohos appetizer is frequently singled out as a standout starter, and the desserts particularly the leche flan and puto bumbong get called out as better executed than what’s typically found at similar-tier Filipino restaurants. The one recurring critique is on presentation for dishes like the lumpiang shanghai, which reviewers note isn’t plated as neatly as the flavor deserves, though this hasn’t affected repeat visits.
Given its roots in Balay Dako, a nearly decade-old, well-regarded Tagaytay institution, Azela reads less like an untested new concept and more like a deliberate, well-executed extension of an already trusted kitchen which is likely why it’s drawn a steady following since opening.
Dining Experience and Service
Azela operates as a casual, sit-down restaurant inside shopping malls, with a setup suited to family lunches, weekend meals, and quick comfort-food cravings after shopping rather than formal dining. The atmosphere is described as casual and nostalgic, evoking a home-style Filipino gathering rather than a stiff, upscale environment. Both current branches are mall-based, so walk-in dining is the norm, though reservations may be worth checking for larger groups during peak mealtimes.
Branches, Contact, and Opening Hours
Azela by Balay Dako currently operates two branches in Metro Manila.
| Branch | Location |
|---|---|
| Azela – Robinsons Manila | Ground Floor, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil corner Adriatico Street, Ermita, Manila (Center Atrium) |
| Azela – SM North EDSA | The Block, Level 2, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City (in front of Uniqlo) |
Opening hours may vary by branch, so it is better to check the official branch page or Azela’s Instagram before visiting.
Services and Facilities
- Dine-in seating at both mall branches
- Casual, family-friendly setup
- Large-format dishes designed for group sharing
- Housemade desserts and sorbetes
- Nearby access to Pedro the Grocer (sister brand) for pasalubong items at the SM North EDSA branch
