Our Why
Manila in Canberra was born to tell a story—one carried through memory, grit, and grace. Rooted in the lessons of a mother who showed that cooking is protection, devotion, and legacy, every dish holds laughter, tenderness, and persistence in its flavor.
And it carries the soul of our team—immigrants, dreamers, workers, and creators—who left their homes to build new ones. Each brings their own flavours, their own stories, and their own reasons for pouring heart into every plate. This place isn’t just where we work. It’s where we remember who we are.
Our food is memory. It’s a tribute. It’s joy and struggle and celebration—all in one.
We cook not only to feed but to honour those who fed us, raised us, and believed in us.
This is not just hospitality. This is storytelling.