Spices in Makati opens with the confident scent of toasted spices and a quiet view of the hotel pool. As a Makati Asian restaurant operating from The Peninsula Manila, Spices welcomes business lunches and evening dinners with the same precise service. The first bite often arrives warm with citrus, heat or sweet-sour balance, and the room’s glass pavilion gives diners a steady view of koi and tropical planting. Servers confirm spice levels and dietary needs before the first course, setting the tone for a detailed, guest-focused meal.

The culinary team at Spices follows a clear philosophy: faithful regional technique, focused spice blends, and accessible presentation. While the executive chef’s name is not public, the kitchen is known to be led by an Indian chef who guides the menu across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India. That cross-border expertise, combined with Halal certification, positions Spices as a rare halal fine-dining option in Metro Manila. The restaurant’s inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide and a Travelers’ Choice nod on Tripadvisor confirm its standing among local and international diners. Spices emphasizes natural spices—cinnamon, cardamom, annatto, lemongrass—and prepares many dishes to order, ensuring clean, authentic flavors.

The culinary journey at Spices moves from crisp starters to generous mains and subtle desserts. Start with the Crispy Catfish Salad: fried catfish fragments meet fresh herbs, toasted spice oil and a bright dressing that balances heat and acidity. Cha Gio, the Vietnamese spring rolls, arrive crisp and filled with seasoned vegetables and protein, often served with a tart dipping sauce. Tôm nướng tiger prawns are grilled with Vietnamese-style aromatics and brushed with a sweet-spicy glaze that highlights smoky char. The Lamb Curry uses slow-braised lamb in a sauce layered with cinnamon, clove and coconut, delivered with rice or flatbread to soak up the sauce. Indonesian pancakes appear as a fragrant side or small dessert, thin and lightly spiced, usually finished with palm sugar or a citrus note. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free preparations are available and staff will adjust spice levels from mild to very spicy on request. Many dishes are prepared using traditional techniques—grilling over high heat, careful reduction of sauces, and the use of whole toasted spices—to preserve texture and aroma.

The dining room at Spices favors dark bamboo seating, bronze cutlery and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the pool and garden. A glass-enclosed pavilion offers quieter seating and an open feel, while the enclosed dining area suits private conversations and business meals. Lighting is deliberately warm without being dim; tables are spaced for privacy, and material choices—wood, stone, floral accents—reinforce the Southeast Asian concept. Service follows a luxury hotel cadence: attentive but unobtrusive. Team members are trained to explain dishes, suggest spice adjustments, and accommodate dietary restrictions. The restaurant’s Balinese-inspired touches and the presence of a koi pond outside create a calm, refined backdrop rather than a theatrical show.

For timing, Spices serves lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily, making evenings the best time for a complete tasting of multiple cuisines. Dress leans smart-casual; business attire fits well for weekday dinners. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners and special occasions, and booking through The Peninsula Manila’s dining contact or by phone at +63 2 8887 2888 is the most reliable route. If you need wheelchair access, valet or parking validation, notify the team when you reserve.

Visit Spices to taste distinctive regional curries, grilled prawns and crisp salads that respect traditional spice blends while offering hotel-level comfort. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a business lunch, or a celebratory meal, Spices in Makati delivers consistent, spice-focused dishes and thoughtful service. Reserve a table at Spices and explore a broad, Halal-certified map of Southeast Asian flavors in a serene poolside setting.