During my recent stay at Privato Hotel in Kapitolyo, Pasig, I was in the mood to skip the usual hotel breakfast and immerse my kids in something more authentic—something they wouldn’t experience back in Canada. A friend recommended Kanto Freestyle All-Day Breakfast, a spot just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel, so we decided to give it a try.

This place is perfect for those looking for a cozy “carinderia sa kanto” (street-side diner) vibe with an elevated twist. We arrived eager to try their unique takes on classic Filipino breakfast staples, and we were not disappointed. The relaxed, no-frills ambiance instantly made us feel at home. Though it had a casual feel, the setup was clean and comfortable—perfect for enjoying a hearty meal.

We ordered a variety of dishes that piqued our curiosity. First up was the tuyo flakes with kesong puti. I’ve always loved the salty, slightly crispy tuyo, but paired with the creamy kesong puti (white cheese), it elevated the dish to a new level of flavor. My kids were hesitant at first (they’ve never had tuyo before), but the familiar cheese softened the strong flavor, making it enjoyable for them.

Next was the crispy corned beef. This was no ordinary corned beef you’d whip up at home. The outside was perfectly crispy, and the portion was generous—definitely more filling than your average breakfast. We also tried the New Zealand beef tapa, which was tender, savory, and packed with flavor, a huge hit for those who like their tapa on the heartier side.

Lastly, we couldn’t resist their best-seller, the honey garlic chicken. The chicken was juicy and cooked just right, with a sweet and savory sauce that paired beautifully with garlic rice. My kids absolutely loved it, and they were already making plans to come back before we had even left the place!

We thought of trying their dessert as well but I thought having sweets at 8AM is not a very good idea. To top it all off, I had their kalamansi juice, which was refreshingly zesty, the perfect drink to pair with a hearty meal.

The experience at Kanto Freestyle was memorable, not just for the food but for the chance to introduce my kids to a slice of Filipino culture through breakfast. It’s something they won’t find in Canada—the warmth of a neighborhood carinderia combined with elevated, well-presented meals. And now, they’re already begging to return before we leave the Philippines!

POV: Why Filipino Breakfast is Special?

There’s something comforting and nostalgic about a Filipino breakfast—whether it’s sinangag (garlic fried rice), tapa, or tuyo. It’s a meal that’s simple yet packed with bold flavors that reflect the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Places like Kanto Freestyle take these humble dishes and enhance them, making each meal feel special without losing the charm of traditional Pinoy breakfast.

If you’re interested in visiting Kanto Freestyle, they have several branches in Metro Manila, including Kapitolyo, Pasig, where we dined. Other branches include Tomas Morato, Quezon City, and Poblacion, Makati, to name a few. So, wherever you are in the city, you’re never too far from a delicious Filipino breakfast experience!