The opposite of a “cleanse”? Meet the “clog.” It’s more concerned with indulgence than detoxification, but who doesn’t want to enjoy a good cheat day (or two)? We give our list of Manila spots where you can do just that.
While scrolling through Twitter (yes, I refuse to call it X), I came across a tweet that genuinely made me laugh. It was a video of a woman happily eating a bowl of pasta, overlaid with the text: “I’m doing the opposite of a cleanse. I’m doing a clog.” As it turns out, the phrase has been floating around the internet for a while now, and it might just be one of the most relatable food trends to come out of social media.
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What Is A Clog?
So, what exactly is a “clog”? It’s the tongue-in-cheek opposite of a cleanse: an unapologetic meal where indulgence is the entire point. In some ways, it’s a rebranded version of the classic “cheat day” that athletes and fitness enthusiasts have embraced. But unlike a cheat day, which still falls within the framework of discipline and restriction, a clog feels more like a joke at the expense of wellness cultureCultureshared traditions, beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social practices that define the identity and way of life of a community, society, or nation..
After all, fitness and wellness content make up a huge portion of our feeds. From macro tracking and gut health to protein-packed everything, we’re constantly being reminded to optimize what we eat. That’s what makes the clog so fascinating. It’s an act of joyful rebellion—a plate of buttery pasta in a sea of green juices and calorie counts. It’s interesting to see a trend that pushes back against the prevailing cultureCultureshared traditions, beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social practices that define the identity and way of life of a community, society, or nation., reminding us that sometimes the most refreshing thing you can do is simply enjoy your meal without trying to make it productive.
Ready to do a clog? We’ve rounded up six spots perfect for embracing the trend. These restaurants prove that the opposite of a cleanse can be a mood and craving in itself.
Bad Bird
There’s no better way to start a clog than with fried chicken. At Bad Bird, go all in on the 2-Piece Umami Fried Chicken (Spicy) perched atop Sweet Potato Waffles, complete with bacon jam and maple syrup. Pair it with Dirty Rice and Sweet Corn & Cream for a meal that’s unapologetically sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy all at once. It’s a comfort food feast that throws balance out the window in the best way possible.
Mamou
If luxury had a clog equivalent, it would probably be the USDA Prime Grade Dry-Aged Ribeye at Mamou. Sink your teeth into that or any of their steaks, then add a serving of the restaurant’s famous Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream Pasta. Rich steak and buttery truffle cream make for a decadent trio that proves “more” really is more.
Jabroni’s NYC Pizza
For pizza lovers, Jabroni’s is clog territory. Order The Fatboy on its signature square Sicilian crust, piled high with mozzarella, pepperoni, meatballs, and Italian sausage. Then drizzle it with Homemade Hot Honey and throw in an order of Mozzarella Sticks while you’re at it. Between the thick crust, melted cheese, and layers of meat, every bite is delightfully excessive.
8Cuts Burgers
Few things say indulgence like a fully loaded burger, and 8Cuts has mastered the formula. Go for The Piggy, loaded with bacon jam, crispy bacon, cheddar, and caramelized onions, or keep it classic with a Double Cheeseburger. Add an order of Heavy-Cut Cheese & Bacon Fries and a Salted Caramel Milkshake, and you’ve got yourself textbook clog: hearty and impossible to regret while you’re eating it.
Sebastian’s Ice Cream
No clog is complete without dessert, and Sebastian’s has just the thing. Order one of its Chubby Bars—an over-the-top ice cream bar that’s filled with dessert sauce and chunks of cake or brownie, before being dipped in chocolate. Each bite packs together creamy, fudgy, crunchy, and sweet textures into one gloriously indulgent treat. If you’re ending your clog on a high note, this is what you eat to mark the occasion.
Bebang Halo-Halo
Bebang’s take on halo-halo is already indulgent before the toppings even come in. Instead of ordinary shaved ice, it starts with a base of frozen sweetened milk, then piles on generous scoops of ube halaya, leche flan, sweetened bananas, and more. Whether you choose the Tres Leches Halo-Halo or the aptly named Presidential Halo-Halo, expect a dessert that’s creamy, decadent, and worth every spoonful.
Banner photo via Instagram @8cutsburgers
Frequently Asked Question
A clog is a tongue-in-cheek food trend that’s considered the opposite of a cleanse. It encourages enjoying rich, indulgent meals without focusing on calorie counting or diet cultureCultureshared traditions, beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social practices that define the identity and way of life of a community, society, or nation..
While both involve indulgent eating, a cheat day is usually part of a structured diet or fitness routine. A clog is more of an internet joke that embraces eating for pure enjoyment.
The clog trend stands out because it contrasts with the constant stream of wellness, fitness, and healthy eating content on social media, offering a more lighthearted take on food.
Some of the featured spots include Bad Bird, Mamou, Jabroni’s NYC Pizza, Sebastian’s Ice Cream, Bebang Halo-Halo, and 8Cuts Burgers.
The article recommends indulgent dishes like fried chicken and waffles, dry-aged steak with truffle pasta, loaded Sicilian pizza, premium burgers, rich ice cream treats, and creamy halo-halo—all perfect for embracing the clog trend.
