Days before we left for Cebu, my sister gifted me a two-night stay in Okada Manila. It was also her advance birthday gift for me. On my second day in the hotel, I took the chance to explore IKEA for the first time since it is just minutes away from the hotel. I’ve been so curious about its most-raved chocolate cake and Swedish meatballs. Oh yes, people flock to IKEA for its beautiful and aesthetic decors and furniture. My ultimate goal was its FOOD lols.
SWEDISH RESTAURANT
The Swedish Restaurant reminds me of having my lunch break in a cafeteria. Definitely it’s giving me the old school vibe. The dining hall was huge with a lot of room for everyone to dine in. Though there was a long queue at the cashier, the staff was so efficient and quick.
The Swedish Restaurant is located at the 4th level of IKEA Pasay City. It is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9 PM. All vaccinated visitors are allowed to enter the IKEA store. Proof of vaccination is required upon entry. Dine-in capacity is limited to 60% at the Swedish Restaurant and Swedish Cafe.
The price was reasonable, I even expected we’re in for an expensive meal but I was wrong when we got the bill. We practically got most of the food on display because my sister, her bf and I wanted to taste everything available.
MY THOUGHTS ON IKEA FOOD: WORTH THE HYPE?
True enough, the chocolate cake tasted so good. It’s moist, chewy and so rich in chocolate flavor. It’s the kind of chocolate cake I’ve always been looking for in a restaurant or pastry shops. You’ll be amazed of how CHEAP it is. It is Php99 for a slice! I’ve had close to Php300 for a slice before but it didn’t come close to IKEA’s.
I’ve seen comments online about the meatballs being hyped or overrated, I thought otherwise. I enjoyed it a lot even without the lingonberry jam. My sister paired it with the organic spaghetti pomodoro while her boyfriend ate it with the broccoli. I on the other hand, smother the meatballs with a whole lot of gravy on top of my rice. Yes, I’m a huge rice eater lols.
Their green salad may not look appetizing enough for one to eat. But wait until you drizzle it with its dill honey mustard sauce. A small bowl isn’t enough. So, if you’re lining up at the counter, make sure you have the green salad on your tray.
I also love their French fries! What’s not to like about this fried finger food? It’s thick, chunky, has the right crisp as you bite into it. I just wish fast food chains have French fries like the Ikea’s. Good thing we included the fries at the last minute.
There are also food that we ordered that I just find A-OK for my palates. The carrot cake isn’t that bad but it’s something that I wouldn’t go for another bite. The chicken wings are tasty but nothing special though. The organic spaghetti pomodoro was too sour for me. I like my pasta sweet and creamy.
As for drinks, I had Coke paired for the meatballs and Arla chocolate milk for my chocolate cake. I also tried its Lemon Nordic Drink from the condiments area. It has its light fruity taste to it but it’s not something that I would pair for my food in my next visit.
IKEA FOOD WE ORDERED THAT I HAVEN’T TASTED
Here are a couple of food that we ordered but I wasn’t able to taste. My sister and her boyfriend ate ahead of me while I was taking photos of the food but they say the mushroom soup was good.
The full price list of the food is found in this link:
ADDED VALUE YOU GET FROM THE SWEDISH RESTAURANT
IKEA offers not only good food at an affordable price, they also give you the best dining experience. Aside from the dining hall, they have different sections for one to use.
CONDIMENTS AREA
You can find sugar, salt, pepper for seasoning. They also have creamer and hot water. The brewed coffee and tea are placed next to the Nordic drinks (Elderberry, lemon, pear, rapberry, lingonberry, and cola). The brewed coffee and Nordic drinks are unlimited for the price of Php35 and Php49, respectively.
TRAY STATION
It’s totally self-service and they practice Clean as You Go system. You place your trays with your dishes on the tray station. In case you have leftovers, you simply go to the counter and buy a carton box for your food. However they remind everyone that it’s best to consume the food within two hours.
They also have family station, charging station for your phones and lounging area while you wait.
10-PESO SOFT-SERVED ICE CREAM
Don’t leave IKEA without trying its soft-served ice cream for only ten pesos. The machine is found on the third floor near the stairs or escalators by the entrance or exit of the store. You can also see some food counters selling other treats. Just approach the cashier at the counter and tell them you’re going to buy their soft-served ice cream. The cashier will give you some tokens intended for the machine. Just follow the instructions on the machine and you’re good to go with its delicious treat. Now that’s how you end your day at IKEA!
HOW TO USE THE SOFT-SERVED ICE CREAM
Put your cone in the holder. Then place the token in the slot.
Press the button once to receive soft ice cream. Now, remove the ice cream.
Ooops! I ate the ice cream right away forgetting to take a decent photo hehehe
IKEA FOOD: A HIT OR A MISS?
Over-all my first dibs in IKEA’s Swedish restaurant was enjoyable and definitely a feast not only for my palates but for my eyes as well. There are items in the menu that I considered winners and definitely enough to convince me to go back whenever I visit Manila again.
Only regret though was I didn’t drop by their bistro and had some takeout after I checked out at Okada. Oh well, gives me another reason to go back in a few months, perhaps?
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