Perhaps nothing preoccupies a runner’s thoughts more, in the middle of an early-morning run, than the promise of a magnificent breakfast. It is that morsel of consolation for all the effort put in — the thought of silky scrambled eggs with a non-sweet tapa, or breakfast steak alongside the smoothest flat white, that carries you through the pain and suffering of an extra-long run or a hard speed effort.

Breakfast is also a runner’s best opportunity to top up on quality protein for recovery and to preserve muscle.

As a certified big-breakfast person, here are my go-to restaurants after a grueling run:

High Street Café at Shangri-La Fort

Much as I would like to gatekeep this gem, it earns its place. The full buffet costs roughly what four cups of cappuccino would run you elsewhere. And I sometimes drink more than that anyway. I usually start with eggs and meatballs in a tasty chicken broth (skipping the veggies and noodles), and a bowl of that alone is already filling.

There’s a strong selection of Filipino breakfast favorites, bacon and sausage stations, yogurt, chia pudding, every kind of cheese and dairy, and even dim sum. While I typically skip rice, I’ll occasionally indulge in a slice of sourdough — Market Café offers at least four different types — with generous amounts of butter. And did I mention unlimited coffee?

The service is five-star, too. After just a few visits, the staff already knew me by name.

Quest and Somerset, Filinvest Alabang

Since I often run in Filinvest Alabang, next on the list are the buffets at Quest (formerly Crimson) and Somerset, both reasonably priced.

In that neighborhood, the Quest buffet at Café Eight tops the list — one is spoiled for choice. I go for the usual meat and eggs, but non-carnivores will love the variety of fruits, desserts like local kakanin, and breads ranging from croissants and Danish pastries to muffins and pandesal. There’s congee, arroz caldo, or champorado for those craving something more classically Filipino.

UCC Coffee

When I’m not in the mood for a buffet, UCC Coffee never disappoints — nothing beats a cup of Kori Kohi immediately after a long run, paired with breakfast platters that combine different proteins and eggs.

Bean and Yolk, Westgate Alabang

The most underrated spot for me is Bean and Yolk, home to the best Turkish eggs around, with the option to swap regular rice for high-protein quinoa.

Fat Seed, BGC

Beyond the excellent coffee, the steak and eggs are good and reasonably priced, and their beef pares (pleasantly not too sweet) is a standout.

Key Coffee, Mitsukoshi

Known for quality tapa and hamburg steak, plus a Sagada honey lavender latte that’s simply superb.

Dean & DeLuca

After a trail run anywhere in Tanay, it’s the best brunch spot around, with arguably the best mountain view. Their Big Breakfast — free-range eggs, bacon, house-made fennel butifarra-style sausage, sautéed mushrooms and sourdough — is a proper reward, and the avocado toast doesn’t disappoint either.

Of course, an important part of any great breakfast is the company. With fellow runners still buzzing on endorphins, conversation over food and coffee gets as lively as it gets and can go anywhere. This is where the “budolan” usually happens, and before you know it, you’ve signed up for another race or bought another pair of shoes.

That said, nothing beats breakfast at home. My firstborn makes the best breakfast adobo, and his scrambled eggs are the silkiest I know. Having both boys at the table with me is a joy all its own.

What you eat matters. Who you eat it with matters more.