No special occasion, no birthday, no promotion—just that mutual feeling of “Hey, we need a break. Let’s go out and eat!” You know those moments when everyone’s quietly burned out but still wants to enjoy something nice together? That was exactly it.
So, we ended up at this charming place called Veranda in Subic. A lot of tourists apparently visit it, but somehow, it was our first time there. And honestly? I’m wondering why we never went sooner!
From the moment we walked in, we were like, “Wow, this place feels so calm.” It didn’t look or feel like a typical restaurant.
It had that vibe of an old Filipino ancestral home, but with a touch of elegance and a very cozy atmosphere. The walls had this detailed design that made you stop and look, and the ceiling was high, letting in so much natural air and light.
The entire theme was a soft mint green, and it gave the space such a fresh and relaxing feel. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like slowing down, breathing deeply, and staying a little longer than planned. And honestly? We didn’t want to leave.
We picked a spot near the counter, which gave us a nice view of the entire place. Everything just looked well put together—warm lighting, clean layout, and that mix of homey yet classy.
And then… the food came. And let me tell you—it was a feast.
We ordered some Filipino comfort food staples: kare-kare, sinigang na hipon, lumpiang gulay, and binagoongan rice. Just reading those names already brings back the flavors in my head.
The kare-kare was perfect. The peanut sauce was thick, creamy, and rich, coating the tender meat and vegetables so well. You could tell it wasn’t rushed. It tasted like something a loving grandma would cook on a Sunday.
The sinigang na hipon? So good! The sourness was balanced—enough to make your mouth water but not too much to overpower the shrimp. It was warm and comforting.
The lumpiang gulay was also a winner,crispy on the outside, loaded with fresh veggies inside, and the sauce? Sometimes the simplest dishes end up surprising you the most.
But what really stood out to me was the binagoongan rice. Oh wow. It was flavorful, savory, and just the right amount of salty. You know that feeling when you take a bite and suddenly everything feels better? That was it. I’m still thinking about it, days later.
And what made everything even better? The company.
We laughed, we shared stories, and we genuinely enjoyed being together without rushing. No work talk, no pressure, just a good meal with good people. It reminded me how important it is to take moments like this—to pause, to connect, to eat and laugh together.
At one point, someone said, “We should do this more often,” and we all just nodded because we knew it was true. Sometimes, it’s these simple things that become the most memorable.
So if ever you’re in Subic and craving something delicious at a place that feels both elegant and homey, I highly recommend Veranda. Go there with friends, or even alone if you need a break. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the feeling. And trust me, it’s a really good one.
