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Tucked in the middle of Galas, Quezon City, Brutal by Wadoughs is hard to miss. The structure itself is a brutalist statement: concrete, heavy lines, and a masculine edge that makes the space feel raw yet deliberate. It’s a rare kind of calm in the city — stoic, grounded, and self-assured.

That same energy runs through the food. Brutal’s menu is about clarity and confidence — no garnish for garnish’s sake, no overplayed tricks. What you see is what you get, and what you get hits hard.

Start with the Beef Croquettes — golden and crisp on the outside, packed with beef barbacoa, mozzarella, sweet potato, and jalapeño on the inside. The tomato mayo and garlic confit aioli double down on the richness, balancing heat and cream in one addictive bite.

Then comes the Beef Kansi-nigang — a plate of comfort, reimagined. The beef is slow-cooked in batwan fruit until fall-apart tender, with the soup reduced into a thick, gravy-like sauce that coats the rice. It’s tangy, smoky, and rich all at once — familiar yet elevated.

The Butter Miso Scallops take a different route. A silky, umami-forward pasta is tossed in a creamy sauce, with torched aligue butter, and topped with scallops. It’s a slow-burn flavor — Japan meets Italy, with a Filipino twist.

And then there’s the Brut Wings — crispy chicken wings glazed in honey, tossed with furikake and shredded nori. The wasabi aioli on the side seals the deal, giving each bite a bold, umami-packed kick that stays with you.

It’s a mix of flavors that shouldn’t work together — but do. That’s the charm of Brutal. Every dish has intention, restraint, and personality.

Behind it all is Wado Tan Siman, the chef and creative behind Wadoughs and several other ventures. With Brutal, he trades sugar for smoke — swapping desserts for depth, and sweetness for structure.

If you’re looking for a place that serves both form and flavor, Brutal by Wadoughs stands alone. And if you’re planning something bigger, their entire restaurant — including a sprawling second floor–that fits up to 120, can be rented for private events.

This is #JustATaste of what Brutal by Wadoughs has to offer. With so many more dishes waiting on the menu, we’ll definitely be back for more. But from what we’ve tried so far, there’s no denying — what they’re serving is brutally good.