Burnt Bean

Burnt Bean BGC Review: Let me just say, if you’re on the hunt for the best ribs ever, Burnt Bean in BGC is the place to be. I mean, seriously, these ribs had me questioning if I had finally found “the one” in the rib world. It was that good, my friends. It was that good.

Burnt Bean is a new spot from the folks behind Holy Smokes BBQ. It’s a cafe/bistro with a menu that features a variety of dishes that are prepared using wood-fire cooking methods, giving the food a unique flavor that’s smoky and delicious. The place is inviting and cozy, having what I think is a mix of rustic and modern designs.

Burnt Bean BGC Review

Let’s cut to the chase—the food. Let me start with the Potato Pave, priced at Php 400. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the magic of crispy yet juicy potatoes? I didn’t know it was possible, but Burnt Bean nailed it. Layers upon layers of thrice-cooked potatoes that were already amazing on their own, but then they went and topped it off with grana padano cheese. They only serve a limited amount of this daily because it’s a labor of love, but man, it’s worth every bite.

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Now, let’s talk about the Watermelon Salad, also Php 400. Sweet, spicy, and a little salty, I never thought I could love salad this much! Fresh and crisp greens, and get this, they compress the watermelons to make the flavor pop. I don’t know exactly how they “compress” a watermelon, but it made a world of difference!

The Orange and Goat Cheese Salad, priced at Php 560, was good too! It leaned more on the sweet side with the oranges and candied walnuts, but the prosciutto and goat cheese gave it that savory kick. This one was tasty, but between this and the Watermelon Salad, I’d go with the latter.

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter—literally—the ribs. They have this 48-hour beef ribs that will blow your mind. It’s a splurge at Php 2,950, but trust me, it’s worth every single peso. I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth goodness, my friends. The Angus beef was smoky, perfectly salted, and when I took that first bite, it was a straight-up foodgasm moment. I’m salivating just thinking about it. Hands down, it gets a perfect 10/10 rating from me.

The Penang Beef Curry, priced at Php 650, was tender and full of flavor. It cooked for a whole 48 hours, so you know it’s legit. Admittedly, this was super expensive for just one meal, but I had no regrets because it’s that good! The beef is tender and flavorful, and the curry sauce is thick and nutty. There’re hints of spiciness in it too! This is the meal that had me wanting extra rice!

Not all dishes were memorable though. Case in point, the Aglio Olio priced at Php 350. Unfortunately, this dish didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the firmness of the spaghetti was on point, I felt that it lacked the desired flavor punch. It needed a bit more seasoning or perhaps an extra kick of garlic or spice to elevate the taste. On the bright side, they were generous with the olive oil, ensuring a moist and well-coated pasta.

Another dish on the menu was the Peruvian Chicken, priced at Php 480. While it didn’t quite steal the spotlight like the beef ribs did, it was still a flavorful and well-seasoned option. The chicken was cooked perfectly and had that juicy tenderness you’d expect. However, at this point in the meal, my taste buds were still soaring from the beef ribs, so I must admit that the Peruvian Chicken didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Nonetheless, it is a solid choice for those who prefer poultry, though I personally would opt for the beef dishes over this.

And let’s not forget the Pulpo priced at Php 580—it had a mix of flavors with pesto, yogurt aioli, and romesco sauce. It was good, but I think I got overwhelmed, so I couldn’t appreciate it fully.

My experience at Burnt Bean in BGC was nothing short of exceptional. The ambiance is great, but the food, without a doubt, stole the show. From the mind-blowing ribs that made me question all previous rib experiences, to the innovative and flavorful salads, and the expertly prepared mains, Burnt Bean delivered on every front.

Check out the rest of their menu on Instagram.