Bersian Restaurant — Restaurant in Puerto Princesa

(2023 July): Whenever we have to bring (or pick up) someone to/from the airport, we invariably end up eating at Bersian because (1) pay parking at the airport sucks, (2) Mercado de San Miguel has free parking and is literally only a minute away from the airport, (3) flights are almost always delayed so there will definitely be some waiting time, (4) there's no better way to wait than sitting down on a comfortable chair or couch in a cool, airconditioned place with good Internet and (5) most importantly, it's a good excuse to treat ourselves to our favorite comfort food and drinks. This time around, we ordered the beef kebab, chicken souvlaki, a beef and mushroom pasta (forgot what it's called), and a strawberry yoghurt smoothie. Come to think of it, this is what we usually order. We really should try some of the other items on the menu but, if it ain't broke...right? As usual, the food (and smoothie) was consistently good and we were fully satisfied with our meal.

(Sometime 2022) We were so happy to learn that Bersian Restaurant finally reopened in Mercado de San Miguel. While we miss the greenery and wide open space of its former location in Stellar Grounds, I can understand the rationale behind the move. All the (open) restaurants in Mercado de San Miguel surely draw in more people due to visibility and foot traffic, plus the corner location vacated by Pick & Go Minimart (which transferred to the bigger space formerly occupied by Gypsy's Lair 😥) is really ideal. It still has a lot of space for outdoor seating (very important during this pandemic) plus they get to have an airconditioned area for those so inclined. The menu has been redesigned (only 1 laminated sheet now, back-to-back. Less pictures, though 😔) and come with a few welcome additional choices. Especially worth mentioning are the mediterranean food platters. We had the one with a chicken kebab, beef kebab, grilled chicken, choice of chicken or beef shawarma, and 4 pieces of pita bread. The serving was pretty substantial for php940 and was more than enough for our family of 4. Both chicken and beef kebab were grilled to perfection! Kudos to the chef (who is also an engineer) and his wife for a well-run restaurant which, despite having only 1 other wait staff, is able to provide excellent customer service. We especially appreciate the personal touch from the chef who ocassionally comes out from the hot kitchen to talk with their patrons. Also enjoyed their freshly-baked pretzels and strawberry yoghurt smoothie. Reminded me of the strawberry smoothie I usually order from Artisans. Yes, it is that good!

Edit: a couple of days later, we returned to try out other items on their menu, like their Beef Kebab Pizza and their Truffle Mushroom Pasta and Broast Chicken combo. I especially wanted to try their Beef Kofta which Chef also highly recommended we try and I was glad I did. Two thumbs up! Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention their garlic sauce which accompanies most, if not all, their entrees. This is definitely the best garlic sauce I've had ever -- you can really taste all the garlic that went into it. I would say it is maybe 98% pure garlic. It really put a zing in the cuisine. Mix with a dollop of yoghurt if you want it less garlicky or add chili sauce for that extra oomph! Can't wait...

We had lunch at a restaurant located just outside the entrance of Puerto Princesa Airport. The location is convenient, especially for travelers. The place offers both air-conditioned indoor seating and outdoor tables, we chose to sit inside to enjoy a more comfortable dining experience.

The seating was quite comfortable, the chairs were cushioned, which made it even nicer to sit and relax during our meal.

The service was warm and memorable. The lady who took our order was very patient and kind. What stood out was how she softly sang along to the background music playing in the restaurant, it added a relaxing and personal touch to the atmosphere. As many say, Filipinos can sing anywhere, and she proved it!

We ordered chicken biryani and fish and chips. The biryani was flavorful, served with a tasty side sauce, and came with two pieces of chicken. The portion was just nice, it kept me full all the way until midnight! The fish and chips were also a decent Western option.

Prices are a little on the higher side, about 30% more compared to my area, but considering the location, comfort, and service, it’s still reasonable.

While the food isn’t halal-certified, I can confirm it’s Muslim-friendly based on what I was told by the staff. They assured me that no pork or alcohol is served. However, if you’re particular about halal requirements, I recommend asking again or confirming further, especially since I wasn’t sure if the kitchen staff are Muslim or if the meat is sourced from a halal supplier.

Overall, this is a convenient and pleasant place to dine, especially if you’re flying in or out of Puerto Princesa and need a clean, comfortable, and Muslim-friendly...

When you're not in the mood for seafood and have a flight to catch later, consider giving Mediterranean cuisine a try. The restaurant offers quick service in a clean and comfortable environment, and it's conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the airport, providing thoughtful service.

The light and refreshing sauces are a delight. The chicken kebab priced at 295 PHP is juicy and tender, while the beef skewer at 330 PHP provides a hearty chew. The fish and chips for 290 PHP is impressively delightful. Despite the less than perfect choice of frying oil, the fish is solid and fresh - it's the best fried fish I've had in the Philippines. And don't forget about dessert! The cheesecake at 80 PHP is a top-notch...