For Eat and Run’s very first food feature, the crew went to one of the most reputable universities in the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas.

The said sectarian university is known for being the oldest university in Asia and one of the world’s largest Catholic universities in terms of population.

The trip to UST and Espana was highlighted with our search for the first food feature. It all came down to Mang Toots.

If you are a student and are in search of good quality and appetizing food, you then have to give Mang Toots a visit. This humble little eatery located along P. Noval, Manila serves home-cooked meals at a low cost.

Thomasians are definitely for a treat at this local metro food joint.  Wide arrays of dishes are served everyday and ranges from the Kapampangan Sisig to the crispy Lechon Kawali.

A budget of less than 100 pesos will already cater to a personal selection of one viand, a cup of rice (and even an extra cup), a tall bottle of coke and the house specialty, banana rum-ah (pronounced as banana-rama).

Banana rum-ah is a dessert is a classic turon topped with sesame seeds and sugar with bits of cinnamon. It is not your ordinary Pinoy delicacy. It is available for 10 pesos for 3 pieces.

HOW TO GET THERE: Ride a public transport en route to UST Espana. Drop off along P. Noval and take a 5 minute walk along the side of UST.