Mesa 30th: Inihaw Sampler, Swahe on the Rocks, and more!

Mesa Filipino Moderne

People are already raving about Mesa Filipino Moderne yet here I am recently discovering them. I've tried a few dishes once but it was here, at the Mesa Ayala Malls The 30th branch, where I've truly enjoyed a lot of the Filipino classic and modern favorites. This particular branch is significant as it is the 30th branch of Mesa, residing at Ayala Malls The 30th, and was opened last January 12, 2017 (1+12+17=30).


modern yet classy	love the spherical hanging lights

The ambiance is reflective of the kind of food they serve -- a combination of classic and modern. Wooden tables, panels, and ceiling planks, native yet comfy chairs, are highlighted by the spherical light fixtures. Overall, the place is homey, modern, yet very Filipino.


conference room	projector and white board included

For a more private setup, say birthdays, reunions, or conference meetings, Mesa 30th has two conference rooms good for 14 people each. They can also be combined, if needed, for bigger capacity. The rooms can be availed for a consumable amount of Php5,000-8,000, good for 2 hours, projector and whiteboard included.

classic and modern Filipino favorites

And now, the exciting part -- the food!!

Tinapa Roll wrapped with Lettuce (155Php)

Flaked smoked fish with tomatoes and salted egg

Tinapa Roll wrapped with Lettuce

Tinapa, on its own, is something I love already! But Mesa made me love it even more with its innovative way of preparing it -- Tinapa Roll wrapped with Lettuce. Its combination with tomatoes and salted egg made this dish stand out. Add to that the crisp of lumpia wrapper and the freshness of lettuce. Great way to start your meal.


Tinapa Roll wrapped with Lettuce	Crispy Boneless Tilapia with Four Sauces

Crispy Boneless Tilapia with Four Sauces (340Php)

Crispy Boneless Tilapia with Four Sauces

Crispy Boneless Tilapia with Four Sauces looks so simple yet so good! This was my son's favorite during our stay. Puffy yet crispy tilapia nuggets with four sauce choices: spicy vinegar, native sauce, sweet chili, and honey bagoong. I like it best with honey bagoong for that sweet, salty, and savory oomph to the fish.

Sisig in a Pouch (190Php)

Savory pork sisig wrapped in a pouch

Sisig in a Pouch

The use of wrapper in Sisig in a Pouch provides a creative approach and added crisp. The sisig inside is good though this dish is a bit hard to eat 'cause I have to break the pouch. It also tends to be oily as it is deep-fried.


Sisig in a Pouch	Laing 2 Ways

Laing 2 Ways (170Php)

Taro leaves, shrimp paste and coconut cream, topped with adobo flakes, served original and crispy

Laing 2 Ways

Laing 2 Ways was the first dish I've tried at Mesa during my first visit. And since then, I haven't forgotten it. This is my favorite at Mesa considering I'm not a veggie-lover. I don't care if it's dry or wet, with coconut milk or not, as I both love them! Exactly how my laing should be -- sweet-spice, salty, and nice.

Kare Kare Beef and Tripe (305Php)

Beef tripe and fresh vegetables cooked in a rich creamy peanut sauce

Kare Kare Beef and Tripe

Kare Kare Beef and Tripe is your classic Filipino kare kare. Tender meat, creamy peanut sauce, yet best with their bagoong.


Kare Kare Beef and Tripe	Bagoong Rice

Bagoong Rice (165Php)

Stir fried rice tossed with shrimp paste and shredded green mango

Bagoong Rice

Bagoong, or shrimp paste, in this Bagoong Rice isn't too strong nor flavorful. It is probably meant to be that way so as not to overpower the other dishes that would go along with it. I enjoy the green mango in it and how it complements with bagoong. Though for some dishes like Kare Kare, go for plain rice instead.

Swahe on the Rocks (295Php)

Swahe on the Rocks

Swahe on the Rocks is as awesome as it sounds! See live river shrimps be cooked using hot rocks right before your eyes. The smoky aroma would make you long for it. Wait until you get your first bite of shrimp -- evidently fresh filled with natural flavors!


Swahe on the Rocks	Inihaw Sampler

Inihaw Sampler (725Php)

Grilled chicken leg quarter, squid, liempo, bangus belly, mussels, shrimp, and pork barbecue

Inihaw Sampler

Inihaw Sampler is perfect for families or group of friends who just want to enjoy delicious grilled meat and seafood. Smoky taste and oozing with flavor everyone will enjoy.

Pinatayong Manok (415Php)

"Standing" crispy whole chicken carved right at your table

Pinatayong Manok

We're all familiar with pinaupong manok, but how about Pinatayong Manok? Well, Mesa made it possible. A special stand holds the chicken in an upright position. Below are the two sauces to choose from depending on your liking. I find this chicken very classic, with nice thin crisp on the outside, and perfectly cooked meat inside.

Crispy Boneless Pata (505Php)

Deep fried pork leg with the same great taste without the bone

Crispy Boneless Pata

Eating crispy pata made convenient with Crispy Boneless Pata. Enjoy the crunch and the savory goodness of this deep fried pork leg without the hassle of bone. Those fried garlic on top are lovely additions to this succulent dish.


Crispy Boneless Pata	Boneless Patatim

Boneless Patatim (515Php)

Sweet and savory pork leg stewed in soy sauce and anise

Boneless Patatim

And the boneless trend continuous with Boneless Patatim. I have no complaints though, and I think it is really a good idea to make it boneless so customers can enjoy it more. You'll get meat with no fuss and enjoy it with its sweet savory sauce.

me and my boy

To be honest, I enjoyed all the food here at Mesa and I'm even asking myself why I'm discovering it just now. My personal favorites are the Tinapa Roll, Laing 2 Ways, and Swahe on the Rocks. In terms of food prices, I think they are already affordable considering the serving size, presentation, and most of all, the taste. The dishes here are a combination of classic and modern yet all are suited to Filipino taste. There are hints of sweetness, savor, and spice -- the kind that would make you go for that extra rice! Dining here at Mesa 30th makes the experience even more wonderful with its elegant interior and hospitable staff.

Mesa 30th
Ground Floor, Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
+632 955 1736 / +63995 230 3061