Around Town: The Ostrich Farm in Blue Bay Walk, Pasay

An unabashed love for food—that’s something we Filipinos definitely have. 

When we go out, we often opt for food that is familiar to the palate and ultimately satisfying. Fast food is a popular choice, although not much can be said thereof on the nutrition department. 

But if there was a way to strike a balance between easily prepared, comfortingly delicious dishes and healthy food choices, wouldn’t you and your family want to indulge in these instead?

At Blue Bay Walk, the newly developed open-air lifestyle hub in Pasay City, a new restaurant is making waves for its “unique” offering.

The Ostrich Farm, which opened in August, is making people think twice when it comes to their usual dining pursuits. The name itself speaks about what the restaurant is all about: ostrich meat fast food.

While ostrich meat is not a food staple here, it is actually quite common in other countries, such as the U.S., Southern China, Africa and even in the Antarctic region. 

Ostrich meat is known to be the healthiest meat in the world — even healthier than turkey — as it is low in fat and cholesterol. 

After taking over her father’s ostrich farm in Cotabato, and discovering the demand for ostrich meat in other countries, owner Kristine Soguilon-Lim felt she needed to share with Pinoys the benefits of eating ostrich meat as an alternative. “There are over 50,000 farms all over the world farming ostrich,” Lim explains. “Right now, we’re riding on the trend of health and wellness. Why not educate the market? It’s leaner than beef, healthier than beef, or any other type of meat.”

While Lim does acknowledge the presence of ostrich meat dishes in the Philippines, she says it's often served only in high-end restaurants or in hotels. With The Ostrich Farm, she is able to offer the same to the bigger Filipino public. 

“[We want ostrich meat to be] Food that they’d be comfortable eating,” Lim explains. “It’s a way of letting people know that if we Filipinos really want to eat healthy, and we want our families to be healthy, then we should also look at other [options]. [We can be] satisfied without thinking that we’re depriving ourselves of eating what we want to eat.”

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The Ostrich Farm serves items that can easily be found at your run-of-the-mill fast food joint: burgers, buffalo wings, fries, pasta and rice toppings; except, with a unique twist.

So what exactly does ostrich meat taste like? “You wouldn’t know the difference,” Lim says. “It’s just like beef, only sweeter. It’s red meat. Beef is filling, but ostrich meat is lighter.”

While their menu, of course, has ostrich infused in it, the restaurant is still sensitive and mindful of customers who may not be so adventurous. Meat items are offered with regular beef or Angus options. 

What are good dishes to start off with for first-time ostrich eaters? “I would recommend the Macho Burger (P338) and the Nachos with Chili Con Ostrich (P258),” says Lim. Kids, on the other hand, love the Meatball Pasta (P318).

While there are still customers who may be uncomfortable trying ostrich meat for a change, the restaurant has been gaining a steady following among families and students who have made dining there a part of their daily and weekly routines. 

This week, The Ostrich Farm will open its mini deli, which will provide customers with ready-to-cook ostrich meat and marinated ostrich meat. They have also been actively participating in food fairs such as this year’s Yummy Eats to promote their twist to fast food. 

Those celebrating their birthday, wedding, or any kind of gathering may also avail of The Ostrich Farm booth event packages. Mini ostrich burgers can be served to 60 up to 150 people. 

"Filipinos are still very conservative. We have to be more open. We have to be more creative, especially when it comes to food. Filipinos love eating. [Let's] be more adventurous with food!"

A second The Ostrich Farm branch in Katipunan is set to open before the year ends.

The Ostrich Farm is located at Blue Bay Walk, Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, and is open from 10 am to 11 pm from Monday to Sunday. For inquiries, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/theostrichfarm or their website, www.theostrichfarmbpw.com. 

Photos by Mark Jesalva