A secret no more: ‘Instagram-worthy’ café reopens with more Asian dishes to offer

Guess nobody can keep their lips sealed. Especially when it comes to delicious food.

Well then, the secret's out. Secret Recipe is making a comeback after its prolonged absence from the dining scene.

Secret Recipe, a popular Malaysian-based cake and café chain, opened its first store in the Philippines in mid-2000. It quickly gained popularity for its wide range of cakes, pastries and savory meals. However, for some unknown reason, the restaurant eventually closed.

Now, after many years of waiting, especially for those who miss its decadent cheesecakes, moist chocolate cakes and fruit-infused cold drinks, Secret Recipe is back to offer even more delightful and diverse food options. All thanks to Bistro Group — the same team that brought in TGIFridays, Italianni's, Denny's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Randy's Donuts, Hard Rock Café and many more.

"As of today, this is the first Secret Recipe to reopen in Manila," said Rechele Tiongson, Bistro Group's chief operating officer. "And we are looking at opening two or three more Secret Recipes this year."

She added: "Bistro Group believes that Secret Recipe is a promising brand. It is a valuable addition to our portfolio because we don't have much Asian brands. We haven't introduced a café concept or offerings of cakes and coffee yet, which I believe is something missing in the market. That's why, Secret Recipe is a perfect fit for the Bistro company."

Secret Recipe was founded in Malaysia in 1997. It currently has 365 branches throughout Malaysia, making it one of the largest homegrown chain brands. It now has 440 branches across Asia.

"When we first opened in 1997, there weren't many options for a place where you could sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee with a slice of cake. That's when we established Secret Recipe," said Patrick Sim, Secret Recipe Malaysia's managing director, who was recently in town for the reopening.

After 27 years, Secret Recipe has undergone a significant transformation, enhancing not only its looks and services but, most notably, its culinary offerings.

"It's become much more 'Instagram-worthy,'" noted Sim. "We try to appeal to the younger crowd who come here for photos and a wider selection of food. We offer something for everyone — from Western to fusion and Asian dishes."

"We are so happy to be here with the Bistro Group, especially in operating the brand in the Philippines," he added.

The place to be

Located in the alfresco area of One Ayala Mall in Makati City, Secret Recipe is refreshingly appealing — with bright décor, a relaxed ambience and a casual yet hip and trendy setting. The ceiling is cozily adorned with drop lamps, hanging decorations of pinkish-red petals and suspended plant box accents in an oak wood veneer-stained finish.

It exudes a casual chic vibe with plush beige couches and mirrors adorning the walls that cheer up the room. It also has a cozy corner for those who prefer to dine in comfort. The relaxed outdoor seating provides a gentle breeze and a great view of Glorietta 4 Park.

The adventure into Malaysian cuisine begins with ordering from Secret Recipe's extensive menu, where dishes complement each other and offer customized spiciness levels. (It's worth noting that the restaurant does not serve pork).

Given an array of salads, noodles, seafood, meat and even rice-based fare, selecting one over the other would be quite a feat. The classic Citrus Salad of crisp greens with glazed fruits and cherry tomatoes is a fresh and cooling starter. The light, tangy house-blend vinaigrette subtly awakens one's appetite.

Another alternative starter is the Seafood Laksa, a mix of thin noodles, seafood and coconut-curry soup. The Beef Rendang, chunks of tender beef with rich coconut, is surprisingly light, fresh and stimulating. At the other end of the spectrum, the Tomato Tango Chicken Chop, covered with torched tomato sauce, is crispy, meaty and juicy.

Lamb is a signature dish and the Irish Lamb Shank deserves top kudos — the meat comes off the bone with miniscule prodding. The Chicken Satay is cooked to near authenticity. You may choose to try the flavorful rice menu or, better yet, savor the Char Kway Teow, easily one of the best items on the menu.

A challenge awaits at the end of the meal: selecting a dessert from the long list of options each more tempting than the next. Decadent cakes include Hokkaido Triple Cheese Chocolate, Butterfly Pea Lemon, the signature Black Forest Milo Cheesecake and Absolute Durian.

Completing the experience is the pervasive smell of coffee. Secret Recipe serves dozens of varieties and concoctions of coffee sourced locally and internationally, roasted and blended according to their secret recipes.

The handcrafted and curated hot teas include Peppermint Mojito Serenity and Cherry Blush Harmony. For the signature cold drinks, try the Citrus Sea of Blue Tea, Pop of Berry Delight, Caramel Matcha, Chocolate Oreo Smores and Caramel Matcha.