Boudica at Mega Tower: Cozy, Delicious, Memorable

You see, I’m not a fan of sandwiches. But when I was served Boudica’s triple-decker club sandwich, my entire sandwich worldview shifted. It arrived in two triangles stacked neatly, each composed of three layers of buttery, toasted bread (which tasted almost like French toast), packed with tender, juicy grilled chicken, smoky, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato. Two tiny cornichons were perched on top, adding a tangy crunch. Simple yet spectacular.

Every bite of this three-layered creation (with a side of fries) was heavenly — a testament to Boudica’s reputation for fresh, high-quality ingredients that satisfy.

I had no doubt the feast would be delicious when “The Matthews” (owners and chefs Matthew Bates and Matthew Lim) invited me to visit the new branch of their café-bar at SM Mega Tower — an architectural wonder right next to SM Megamall. You can’t miss it — this tall, sinuous glass building is the fifth tallest in the Philippines.

I jumped at the invitation. I had fallen in love with the original Boudica at City Golf Plaza during my first and second visits in 2023. It’s a go-to spot for VIPs — celebrities, politicians and tastemakers — who unwind with cocktails, or indulge in truffle pasta, buffalo honey chicken, or a thoughtfully curated charcuterie board while discussing the latest in politics and showbiz.

By day, it’s a charming café, but when the clock strikes 10 p.m., Boudica transforms — the lights dim, a DJ plays electro music (on Fridays and Saturdays), and guests start dancing, clinking glasses of wine sourced from the best wine regions — Tuscany, Sonoma, Burgundy, Napa Valley, you name it — until the early hours of the morning.

Boudica has built a reputation for serving scrumptious, reasonably priced comfort meals in a visually arresting, artsy and classy café-bar. It’s discreet, a hidden gem within the bustling metropolis. So much so that SM fell in love with it and invited them to open a branch at Mega Tower.

“The Megamall crowd who loved partying at Boudica City Golf were thrilled. They were the ones who asked us to open a branch at the mall,” Bates shared. “I refused because I didn’t want to be restricted by mall hours. This café turns into a bar at 10 p.m. and stays open until early morning. But then they offered us a space here at SM Mega Tower.”

“We have ample parking below,” added Lim. “And four floors of parking above us, so the offices on the upper floors won’t hear the music.”

The Matthews mentioned a common misconception — people assume Boudica’s grand, hotel-like interior means fine-dining prices. But in reality, their menu is surprisingly affordable. Their coffee prices, for example, range from just P85 to a little over P200. They source their coffee beans from Indonesia and Vietnam, and Bates proudly praised their barista’s skills.

I sampled the butterscotch cheesecake latte, a delightful and refreshing ice-cold treat served in a slim glass. Curious, I asked if guests could work there with laptops.

“Of course,” Bates assured me. “We have plenty of sockets. You can stay as long as you like.”

True enough, I spotted a digital nomad deeply engrossed in work, a laptop open in front of her and a cup of coffee beside it.

When it came to the food, I let them decide what to serve me. Aside from the life-changing club sandwich, I was presented with a towering Malagos Goat Cheese Salad — a vibrant mix of fresh greens, crunchy caramelized walnuts, cherry tomatoes and creamy Davao-sourced goat cheese, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. Each indulgent bite offered a contrast of crisp, creamy, sweet, and tangy elements.

The Steak and Frites they served were exquisite — deeply flavorful USDA tenderloin, enriched by the velvety, savory earthiness of the mushroom-brandy sauce and perfectly complemented by crispy, lightly salted golden fries.

Next came the Smoked Salmon Ceviche, a dish that awakened my palate — a bright, citrusy creation of raw, silky, and buttery salmon fillet marinated in sweet-sour vinegar, red onion, ginger, chilies and cherry tomatoes, served in a glass vessel that emitted a dramatic plume of smoke.

The rustic Creamy Spinach Pizza was another standout. Priced similarly to local pizzerias but far more refined, it boasted a smoky, earthy, and creamy flavor profile. I drizzled honey on top, elevating it to an entirely new level.

Then, a wooden serving board arrived with four golden, crispy orbs — Croquettes de Parma. These gourmet croquettes had a crispy exterior and a luscious filling of dry-cured Italian ham from Parma, blended with nutty, salty Gruyère. Each was topped with a dollop of spicy tomato relish.

For dessert, I was served an intriguing plated creation: an elongated vanilla ice cream sculpture balanced on a tea-and-red-wine-infused pear, swimming in a puddle of its poaching liquid.

As I enjoyed my feast, I kept staring at the bar — a stunning centerpiece. A near-replica of the original at City Golf, this one is even grander, with soaring rounded shelves filled with glimmering cocktail glasses and an extensive collection of beer, wine, spirits and top-shelf liquors.

“A bar on steroids,” Bates called it.

“I don’t drink,” I admitted, but even I was impressed by its design.

With its warm lighting, greenery, contemporary art, and an eclectic mix of furniture, Boudica is far from intimidating. It’s simply a beautiful space offering delicious food — whether you crave comfort food or luxurious gourmet delights. Boudica truly brings value for money. Every dish is carefully crafted, from presentation to taste.

For the coffee addict, the digital nomad, the after-hours socialite, or the family looking for a delectable meal, Boudica is designed for all. And the best part: the prices are as reasonable as those at a typical mall restaurant. For mallgoers at Megamall, stepping into Boudica at Mega Tower — just next door — is an easy choice.

Before leaving, I asked The Matthews to describe Boudica in three words.

Bates replied, “Coffee. Cocktail. Food.”

I nodded. And as I reflected on my experience, I settled on three of my own: Cozy. Delicious. Memorable.