This Beautiful Restaurant in Pampanga Is Also A Furniture Shop

The Souq, which means “marketplace” in Arabic, is indeed a melting pot not just of gastronomic delights but also of ideas and inspiration. Glenda Quiambao, who co-owns The Souq with Allan Bituin and Shy Bala of Pampanga-based furniture shop More Than A Chair, explains that the restaurant was inspired by the Souk Madinat in Dubai. “Yung mga owners, laging nagtra-travel,” says Glenda. And because of that, The Souq was born.

Entering the restaurant is like being transported to a traditional souk—you’ll see a high ceiling and a hallway that, in Souk Madinat, is filled with rows of shopping stalls.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Here at The Souq, the hallway divides The Souq Dining (the main dining area) and Duck & Co. (The Souq’s sister restaurant). If this isn’t enough for you to get intrigued, then the aroma of flavors emanating from the kitchen will surely lure you in. “At the start, yung food namin, may pagka-Arabic nang konti, mga international food. Okay naman, marami kaming customers. Kaya lang minsan, hinahanap-hanap pa rin nila yung Filipino food, lalo na dito sa Pampanga… so ngayon, nag-try kami ng parang deconstructed Filipino food. May nire-revise nang konti. Mas dumami yung mga customers namin,” narrates Glenda.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

The Souq also serves as More Than A Chair’s showroom, as the restaurant is furnished with the shop’s pieces which are also for sale. “Ang palaging comment ay yung ambiance, yung mga furniture,” says Glenda. “And then, nakakapagbenta rin kami dito pag nagustuhan nila.” When you buy a furniture piece at The Souq, it will be taken back to the factory for repairs and refinishing, so you’ll have a new piece for your home.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Constructing the restaurant took only three months, albeit only partially. It was officially opened to the public upon the completion of The Souq Dining. In the latter part of 2013, another area at the back was added. If the main dining area has a somewhat glamorous feel, the area at the back is more casual and rustic. A small garden occupies the rear, with cozy seating spaces for more intimate events. In fact, this space is a hit among couples and has even borne witness to countless wedding proposals, what with a table for two framed by a beautiful trellis. At night, small lanterns illuminate the space, making the garden look even more romantic.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

A trip to The Souq will always warrant a mini photo session, as each charming corner deserves a snapshot. And when you leave the restaurant, you’ll surely be taking home happy memories, happy tummies, and maybe a chair or two.

The Souq is located at Lazatin Blvd., San Fernando, Pampanga. It is open daily, from 10 AM to 11 PM. For updates, follow them on Facebook.

This article originally appeared as “The Souq: Eclectic Glam” in the October 2016 issue of Real Living Magazine.

This story originally appeared on Realliving.com.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Yummy.ph editors.

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