A new Korean food haunt – Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas

For some time now, I’ve been singing the praises of one of my first and favorite Korean BBQ joints in the metro: Jang Ga Nae along Escriva Drive in Ortigas Center.

That was where I had my first real taste of Korean food like samgyeopsal, woosamgyup, bibimbap and tteokbokki. Whenever the fam had a craving for Korean food, Jang Ga Nae was on top of the list.

Imagine my family’s dismay late last year when we went there, eager for our Korean food fest, and then discovered that it was closed and the place was being renovated.

Well, months later, we got to meet its successor: Yoo’s Korean BBQ, which now occupies the space vacated by Jang Ga Nae.

Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ

It also offers many of our faves from Jang Ga Nae (apparently, it’s Jang Ga Nae under a different name… and maybe under new management?)

Whatever the reason for the change of name, we’re just glad we are still able to enjoy the Korean BBQ fare we love.

It has an unli offer which includes refillable servings of Bacon Pork Belly, Sliced Pork Belly, Chicken Fillet, Beef Shortplate and Beef Bulgogi for just Php445 per person, refillable banyan (side dishes included).

Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ

We also ordered our go-to Korean dishes such as Dolsot Bibimbap (mixed rice and veggies in a stone pot – Php350) and Jeukbokeum (spicy pan-fried pork – Php350).

Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ

After our very satisfying meal, we went to Yoo’s Korean Grocery next door and got ourselves some Korean ice cream. Yum!

Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ

With the metro under the Enhanced Community Quarantine, we were worried that our family’s enjoyment of Korean BBQ would be curtailed.

Thankfully, Yoo’s Korean Grocery offers pre-packed frozen meats and other items for pickup or delivery. The other day, Hubby and I got a 500g of Beef Bulgogi, a kilo of Fishcakes and a bag of Korean rice which we incorporated into our Samgyupsal-at-Home last night. We grilled the Beef Bulgogi along with some Bacon-Cut Pork Belly from the supermarket, while my daughter #ExhibitA whipped up some Gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) using the Korean rice and some Deokbokki (Spicy Fishcakes and Ricecakes).

Yoo’s Korean BBQ
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas
Yoo’s Korean BBQ, Ortigas

Well, now we know that we don’t have to break quarantine (or the bank!) to enjoy our Korean food faves.

Yoo’s Korean BBQ is located at Ground Floor 8137 Plaza, Escriva Drive, Barangay San Antonio, Ortigas Center, Pasig, Metro Manila. For inquiries, reservations or to order for delivery, call +63 2 6336960, +63 956 5164926 or +63 998 9311113.

 

Lunch break adventure at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Before the enhanced community quarantine, when the foremost non-work concern on my mind was where to venture of to lunch with my officemates, we decided on trying out the newly opened branch of Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken along Tomas Morato.

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato
Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato
Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Peri-peri, also known as bird’s eye chili, is a type of chili grown in Southeastern Africa whose cultivation and culinary use was spread by the Portuguese to their colonial territories.

Today, it has defined a special way of preparing grilled chicken.

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken brings about its famed dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Our group decided on a Chicken Group Meal (Php799) which consisted of a whole Peri-Peri Chicken, four cups of Java Rice and four side dishes (we chose two mashed potatoes, a mac ‘n cheese and a coleslaw).

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato
Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato
Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

One of us was worried that the group meal won’t be enough for the whole group so he ordered a plate of Patatas Bravas (Php100).

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

As we finished our meal, our server gave us a taste of Peri Natas (Php140/box of four | Php199/box of six | Php360 box of 12). These are small egg custard tartlets that are popular in Portuguese colonies (I had my first taste of these in Macau).

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

What an adventurous yet filling meal for our group!

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Want a taste of peri-peri chicken but can’t leave home? You’ll be happy to know that during the enhanced community quarantine, selected Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken branches in the metro remain open for takeout and delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

  • UPS 2: Call +63 926 0645790 or +63 905 271 0224
  • Capitol Commons: Call +63 2 86566470 or +63 915 2718479
  • Banawe: Call +63 2 77990428 or +63 995 3202180
  • Uptown Parade: Call +63 2 77174408 or +63 915 3878028
  • Tomas Morato: Call +63 956 6944834

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken is located at Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City.

 

Chinoy lunch fest at North Park, Tomas Morato

I may have said this several times before: the workday lunch hour is a sacred time.

It is that one spot in the day wherein people can pause their daily labors, recharge their batteries by resting and refueling, and maybe even spend time with their coworkers.

One busy workday, I went to North Park Noodle House in Tomas Morato with a few of my officemates to spend our lunchtime with good food and good company.

North Park, Tomas Morato

For over twenty-five years, North Park has been the destination of Pinoy foodies who want Chinese food in large servings that they can share and enjoy with family and friends. The dishes that this restaurant chain offers may not be strictly true to their Chinese origins but they features tastes and textures that we have grown to love.

For our lunchtime food fest, my coworkers and I feasted on:

Century Egg and Jellyfish Salad (Php188).

North Park, Tomas Morato

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php203).

North Park, Tomas Morato

Taiwan Pechay with Black Mushroom and Pacific Clams in Garlic Sauce (Php238).

North Park, Tomas Morato

Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs (Php238).

North Park, Tomas Morato

Salted Garlic Squid (Php258).

North Park, Tomas Morato

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (Php278).

North Park, Tomas Morato

Boneless Honey Lemon Chicken (Php238).

North Park, Tomas Morato

There’s nothing like a fine time spent with great people and great food!

North Park, Tomas Morato

This North Park branch is located at Tomas Morato corner Lazcano Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City.

Want some Chinoy food goodies but can’t go to North Park because of the enhanced community quarantine?

North Park Noodles delivers through its delivery hotline +63 2 87373737, through its website, and through GrabFood.

Download the Grab App on the App Store or Google Play. Get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Other branches in the metro are located at:

  • Pasig: The Strip Commercial Complex Ortigas
  • Mandaluyong: Greenfield District
  • Quezon City: SM Hypermarket Cubao, G. Araneta Avenue, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Tandang Sora, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Eton Centris
  • Taguig: Market! Market!, SM Hypermarket FTI
  • San Juan: P. Guevarra Street (opposite Petron)
  • Makati: Makati corner Kalayaan Avenue, Glorietta 3, Salcedo Village, Legaspi Village, SM Hypermarket Market
  • Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, ASEANA Square
  • Manila: Manila Ocean Park
  • Pasay: Mall of Asia Arena Parking Building
  • Valenzuela: South Supermarket
  • Alabang: Alabang Town Center, South Supermarket
  • Muntinlupa: SM Center Muntinlupa

North Park Noodles Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Check out my reviews of other Asian restaurants:

Quick lunch from Turks, Tomas Morato

So I’ve got a meeting over lunch with no time for a leisurely meal. Oh, what to do?

Well, on that day, the choice was clear: I just need to grab myself a couple of Beef Pita Doners from the Turks branch across the street.

Turks’ Beef Pita Doner (Php60) is made with 100% pure beef, flavored with Turks’ own recipe marinade and served together with freshly cut cucumber, tomatoes, onions and a slice of cheddar, all doused in cheese, garlic and hot sauces, and all wrapped in a warm, freshly baked pita bread.

Turk’s, Tomas Morato

I had a feeling a single doner would be enough for me so I got myself two and a Nestea Iced Tea (Php30) to go with it.

Turk’s, Tomas Morato

Turk’s, Tomas Morato

I ended up wolfing these down quick with time to spare to head towards my lunch meeting.

Just because lunch has to be quick doesn’t mean it can’t be tasty!

This Turks outlet is located at Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City.

Craving for a Turks Pita Doner during the enhanced community quarantine? Here’s a bit of good news: Turks SM Cherry Congressional branch is open from 9am to 5pm for takeout (pre-order via +63 938 8620714) or have it delivered via GrabFood.

Download the Grab App on the App Store or Google Play. Get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Other branches are located at:

  • Quezon City: SM City North EDSA, SM City Santa Mesa, SM City Fairview, SKY Garden SM North EDSA, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Farmers Plaza, Novaliches, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, UP Town Center, Fisher Mall, Victoria Tower Timog, Trinoma Mall, Ever Gotesco Commonwealth, Eton Centris, Crossroad Tandang Sora Sangandaan
  • Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls The 30th, Grand Emerald Tower, Puregold Jr. De Castro Avenue, RNC Building, Medical City, Robinsons Metro East
  • San Juan: Theatre Mall Greenhills,  Lifestyle Arcade Greenhills
  • Mandaluyong: Shangri-La Plaza, Forum Robinsons, Starmall, The Podium
  • Manila: SM City San Lazaro, 168 Shopping Mall, Tutuban Center Mall, SM City Manila, Robinsons Place Manila, UST Campus, Lucky Chinatown Mall
  • Marikina: SM City Marikina
  • Makati: Century City Mall, SM Jazz Mall, Ayala Malls Circuit, The Landmark, Paseo Center, GT Tower, SM Makati, Pacific Star Building, Greenbelt 1, Shell Select Magallanes, Lepanto Building, Cash & Carry Mall
  • Taguig: Uptown Place Mall BGC, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Market! Market!, West City Center, SM Aura Premier
  • Pasay: MOA Arena Parking Building, North Terminal Area MOA
  • Las Pinas: SM Southmall
  • Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, BF Homes, The Pergola Mall, SM City Sucat, Doña Soledad Avenue,  Amaia STEPS Bicutan
  • Muntinlupa: Festival Mall, Alabang Town Center
  • Caloocan: SM Center Sangandaan
  • Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela, MacArthur Highway

Turks Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Check out my posts on other restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine:

Time to refresh with Chachago’s drinks

Summer’s already here! Are you feeling it?

With rising temperatures in the metro comes the tendency for tempers to rise, too.

Add to that the stress of being confined to our houses for a long period of time and the possibility of a conflagration of tempers won’t be too far off.

Well, now’s the time to generate the good vibes, to refresh, not just our bodies, but our state of mind.

So how about some refreshing drinks from Chachago?

Chachago, SM East Ortigas More deets at beingjellybeans.com

Chachago is a Taiwanese milk tea brand that made its way to the Philippines in 2018. It combined traditional tea culture, fresh ingredients and other flavors to bring invigorating yet all-natural beverages to tea lovers.

My drinks of choice at Chachago feature today’s tasty tea trends: brown sugar and salty cream cheese.

Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea (Php120). The chewy pearls are first cooked in brown sugar which also coats the sides of the tumbler before the milk tea is added.

Chachago, SM East Ortigas More deets at beingjellybeans.com

Chachago, SM East Ortigas More deets at beingjellybeans.com

Roasted Brown Sugar Tea with Salted Cream Cheese (Php120). The layer of frothy cream cheese adds a bit of salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the drink.

Chachago, SM East Ortigas

Chachago, SM East Ortigas More deets at beingjellybeans.com

Now, those are the drinks that can put me in a good mood!

Chachago, SM East Ortigas More deets at beingjellybeans.com

Chachago, SM East Ortigas More deets at beingjellybeans.com

Thankfully, during the enhanced community quarantine, three of Chachago’s branches in the metro – Kamuning (+63 2 77587221), Visayas Avenue (+63 917 8999005 or +63 917 8502840) and Marikina (+63 2 83611309) – are open for takeout and delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Download the Grab App on the App Store or Google Play. Get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

So just keep cool, foodies!

This Chachago branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Santa Lucia, Pasig City.

Chachago Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

All-time Japanese food faves at Kimono Ken

Craving for Japanese food while stuck at home?

Why not order your favorites from Kimono Ken?

With its mantra “Enticingly Japanese. For less.” you can expect mouthwatering yet affordable Japanese dishes at Kimono Ken.

My faves here include:

Maguro (Php260). Fresh tuna sashimi sliced into bite-size pieces.

Kimono Ken

California Maki (Php160). Rolled sushi made with crabstick, mango, lettuce, Japanese mayo and ebiko.

Kimono Ken

Dynamite Maki (Php380). Rolled sushi made with spicy salmon, ebiko, unagi and cucumber.

Kimono Ken

Sushi Moriawase (Php450). Mixed fresh sushi served with miso soup.

Kimono Ken

Chahan (Php90). Special Japanese fried rice made with cooked rice, garlic, green and spring onions, bits of meat, egg and soy sauce.

Kimono Ken

Sukiyaki (Php350 good for two). Thinly-sliced beef, tofu, vegetables and glass noodles cooked in sukiyaki broth.

Kimono Ken

Ebi Tempura (Php410 for 5 pieces). Battered and deep-fried prawns served with tempura sauce.

Kimono Ken

Bacon Asparagus Maki (Php300). Fresh green asparagus rolled in bacon.

Kimono Ken

Gyu Hireniku (Php480). Beef tenderloin grilled teppanyaki-style and served with sauteed bean sprouts.

Kimono Ken

So the next time I have a hankering for Japanese food, guess where I’m headed!

Kimono Ken

During the Enhanced Community Quarantine, Kimono Ken has two of its stores open for takeout our delivery:

  • 256 Tomas Morato corner Scout Fuentebella, Quezon City (open from 10,30am to 6pm): Call +63 2 89281228 or +63 2 89292535
  • Met Live EDSA Extension corner Macapagal Boulevard, Metro Park Bay Area CBD, Pasay City (open from 11am to 7pm): Call +63 2 87798685 or +63 2 85564484

To have your favorite Japanese food delivered to you, call the branch or Viber +63 956 804 2237 with your order. Once confirmed, pay via bank transfer or GCash (cash-on-delivery option also available), then Viber proof of payment to +63 956 804 2237. Once receipt of payment is confirmed, have your order picked up via Grab Express or LalaMove Pabili Service.

This Kimono Ken branch is located at Ground Floor, Tower 1, Rockwell Business Center, Ugong, Pasig City.

Other branches are located at:

  • Mandaluyong: The Podium Mall, Shangri-La Plaza
  • Quezon City: Tomas Morato, SM North EDSA The Block
  • Pasay: Met Live Mall, Main Mall SM MOA
  • Paranaque: SM City BF Paranaque

Milk tea indulgence at Gong Cha, L&Y Plaza

While stuck at home due to the quarantine, don’t you sometimes long for the little indulgences you used to enjoy when you can freely move around?

My own little indulgence is the pearl milk tea.

Ever since it became a trending food item nearly a decade ago, pearl milk tea has been an easy and relatively affordable treat for my sweet tooth. It also has the added benefit of being a cold drink that can counter the uncomfortable heat in the metro.

Really, what’s not to love?

The silky feel of the milk tea as it flows from the straw into your mouth and the sweet and chewy surprise of the tapioca pearls… yep, these are among the humble rewards I can gift to myself at the end of a stressful day.

Gong Cha, L&Y Plaza

And since I love the interplay of sweet and salty flavors, I usually order Gong Cha’s Milk Tea with Pearl Jelly (Php85 regular | Php95 large) with Gong Cha Milk Cream Cheese (additional Php50). The milk cream cheese adds a bit of frothy richness to the drink. Yum!

Gong Cha, L&Y Plaza

Staying home during the ECQ may be a sacrifice, but thankfully, you can still indulge yourself with your favorite drinks from Gong Cha with three of its branches – Il Terrazzo Mall in Tomas Morato, L&Y Plaza in Pasig and Araneta Shopwise in Cubao – still open for take out and delivery via GrabFood, LalaFood and FoodPanda.

Download the Grab App on the App Store or Google Play. Get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Download the LalaFood App and get a free delivery coupon when you use my code: BEINGJMR53.

This Gong Cha branch is located at L&Y Plaza, 120 E. Rodriguez Jr. Corner Ortigas Avenue Extension, Ugong, Pasig City.

Other branches are located at:

  • Quezon City: Il Terrazzo Mall, Eastwood Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Cyberpark Tower 1, Shopwise Araneta, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, SM Sta. Mesa, Fisher Mall, Trinoma Mall, SKY Garden and Main Building SM North EDSA, SM Sun Mall, Amoranto Street – Banawe, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, SM City Fairview, Ayala Fairview Terraces
  • Pasig: Ortigas Technopoint, Ayala Feliz
  • Marikina: SM City Marikina
  • San Juan: Theater Mall Greenhills Shopping Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Santolan Town Plaza
  • Mandaluyong: Greenfield District, SM Light Mall, Forum Robinsons
  • Taguig: Uptown Place Mall, SM Aura Premier, Vista Mall Taguig, Fort Victoria Building, Venice Grand Canal Mall
  • Makati: Powerplant Mall, Glorietta 1, Glorietta 4, SM Jazz Mall, SM Makati, Landmark, Greenbelt Hamilton Tower, San Lorenzo Place Condominium, Shell Magallanes
  • Pasay: Newport City, Met Live Mall, MOA Arena, Entertainment Mall MOA, SM by the Bay
  • Manila: 2 Torre Lorenzo, The One Grand Centre, SM City Manila, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City San Lazaro, G-2 Avenue of the Arts, Lucky Chinatown
  • Caloocan: SM City Sangandaan
  • Paranaque: SM City BF, SM City Sucat
  • Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela
  • Las Pinas: The Village Square Alabang, SM Southmall, Vista Mall Las Pinas, Evia Lifestyle Center
  • Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall

Gong Cha Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

Yummy yogurt drinks at Koomi, The Podium

Here’s something new to cool us down these long hot summer days!

Koomi is the yogurt drink brand which originated from Australia. It entered our shores late last year, giving Pinoys fresh and delectable takes on yogurt drinks.

Koomi, Podium

Koomi, Podium

Koomi, Podium

Koomi presents a healthier alternative to the ubiquitous milk tea because yogurt is rich in probiotics which aids in digestion. Its drinks, made fresh daily, are also flavored with natural sweeteners and fresh fruits, a whole lot of #GuiltlessGoodness with every sip.

When ordering your Koomi, specify whether you want an Aussie blend (more tangy) or a Filipino blend (more milky) yogurt base. You can also choose the level of sweetness you want.

While out on errands with the fam in Ortigas Center, I dropped by the Koomi outlet in The Podium and got drinks for all of us:

For Hubby, a Boppin’ Boba (Php130) made with yogurt and boba pearls.

Koomi, Podium

For me, an Avo Nice Day (Php170), a concoction made with yogurt and avocado.

Koomi, Podium

For my daughter #ExhibitA, a Mango Cracker (Php165), made with yogurt, mango and crushed graham crackers.

Koomi, Podium

And for my son #ExhibitB, a Cookies ‘N Dream (Php130), made with yogurt and crushed chocolate cookies.

Koomi, Podium

Each drink was well-chosen for each of us, may I say. The sweetened yogurt served as an excellent base for the add-ons and sinkers that defined each drink.

We liked Koomi so much that #ExhibitA and I returned to The Podium a few days later to have another taste of it. She got herself another Mango Cracker while I decided on a You’re the Berry Best (Php140), made with yogurt and strawberry.

Koomi, Podium

With such yummy and wholesome beverages available at Koomi, cooling down for the summer won’t be a problem!

Koomi, Podium

Koomi, Podium

This Koomi branch is located at Fifth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.

Other branches are located at:

  • Second Floor, New Wing, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City
  • Fourth Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
  • MOA Food Hall, Third Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  • Third Floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
  • Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, BGC, Taguig
  • Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila, Binondo, Manila

During the enhanced community quarantine, Koomi delivers via Grab Express and Lalamove Purchase Service.

Soon, it will also deliver via FoodPanda. Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Koomi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Quick and yummy desserts at Avocadoria.PH

Long before it made its way on top of toasted bread and became a trending food item, I’ve been a fan of the avocado.

Avocado has a rich and creamy texture and an earthy flavor that becomes phenomenal when sweetened which makes it an ideal showcase ingredient for desserts.

Local dessert chain Avocadoria.PH took advantage of this fruit’s qualities and designed frozen dessert items that can be enjoyed by avocado fans quick and easy.

These include:

Avocado Lover (Php110 for 8oz | Php125 for 12oz). My favorite among Avocadoria.PH’s offerings, this consists of layers of homemade avocadonice cream, crushed biscuits, tapioca pearls, avocado chunks, chopped almonds with a bit flax and chia seeds.

Avocadoria,PH, Estancia Mall
Avocadoria,PH, Estancia Mall
Avocadoria,PH, Estancia Mall

Avocado Shake (Php170). An ice-blended drink made with avocado served with tapioca pearls, topped with chia and flax seeds, chopped almonds and fresh avocado.

Avocadoria.PH
Avocadoria.PH

Avocado Senyorita (Php98). Premium avocado ice cream covered in dark or white chocolate and studded crunchy pieces of premium nuts.

Avocadoria.PH
Avocadoria.PH
Avocadoria.PH

Given these examples, is there any doubt on why the avocado is among my favorite fruits?

Avocadoria.PH branches in the metro are located at:

  • Pasig: Tiendesitas, SM Center Pasig, Robinsons Metro East, Ayala Malls The 30th, Ayala Malls Feliz
  • Mandaluyong: SM Megamall, Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA Central Pavilion, SM Light Mall, Forum Robinsons
  • San Juan: Greenhills Shopping Center
  • Quezon City: Robinsons Galleria, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Ali Mall Cubao, Farmers Plaza Cubao, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Fisher Mall, SM North EDSA, Walter Mart North EDSA, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Robinsons Novaliches, Ayala Fairview Terraces
  • Marikina: SM City Marikina, Riverbanks Center, Ayala Malls Marikina, Dona Aurora Parang
  • Taguig: Market! Market!, Food District Signatures on the 5th
  • Makati: Ayala Mall Circuit, Glorietta 3, Philamlife Tower, San Lorenzo Place Condominium
  • Manila: The One Grand Center Sampaloc, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City San Lazaro, Lucky Chinatown
  • Pasay: Ayala Malls Manila Bay,
  • Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, SM City BF Paranaque, SM City Sucat
  • Caloocan: SM Center Sangandaan
  • Malabon: Fisher Mall
  • Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela
  • Las Pinas: SM Southmall, Vista Mall Las Pinas, Ayala Center Las Pinas
  • Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Starmall Alabang, Festival Mall, Ayala Malls South Park Alabang

Hearty noodle meal at Marugame Udon, SM North EDSA

My friends know that I’m quite a ramen lover but I’ve also been known to expand my range when it comes to gustatory adventures.

One such expansion was when my officemates first introduced me to the delights of another kind of Japanese noodle dish at the Marugame Udon branch in SM North EDSA.

Udon differs from ramen in the size and texture of noodles: udon noodles are straight, thicker and have a softer and chewier texture than ramen noodles. They also tend to absorb the flavor of the udon broth more easily.

Marugame Udon is the largest udon noodles restaurant chain in the world with over a thousand stores worldwide where authentic udon noodles are freshly kneaded, boiled and cooked upon order everyday.

At Marugame Udon, customers get in line in front of the open-style kitchen to choose their udon according to the numbers displayed and then choose their desired toppings to customize their orders before they pay at the cashier.

Marugame Udon, SM North

Marugame Udon, SM North

Marugame Udon, SM North

Marugame Udon, SM North

Among the dishes my friends and I enjoyed are:

Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon (Php210 regular | Php260 large). Comes with marinated gyudon beef strips, Japanese poached egg, and bukkake soup.

Marugame Udon, SM North

Chicken Paitan Udon (Php200 regular | Php250 large). Comes with sauteed chicken, a soft boiled egg, and flavorful chicken soup with a distinct taste of cracked pepper.

Marugame Udon, SM North

Gyudon (Php170). Beef strips flavored with a sweet-savory sauce and garnished with onions on top of rice

Marugame Udon, SM North

Well, it sure looks like there’s a new addition to my Japanese food cravings!

If you’ve got a craving for udon but are stuck at home due to the enhanced community quarantine, you’ll be glad to know that Marugame Udon re-opened its BGC branch yesterday to cater to takeout and delivery customers.  It is open weekdays from 11am to 5pm and can take pre-orders via +63 2 77999184 or +63 916 6270275.

How about when the quarantine is done and we’re all back to our regularly scheduled programming, we go out to have another serving of Marugame Udon’s offerings, eh?

Marugame Udon, SM North

This Marugame Udon branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

Other branches are located at:

  • Level 2, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City
  • Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
  • Third Floor, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
  • Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Marcos Highway, Calumpang, Marikina City
  • Ground Floor, O Square Building 2, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills
  • Ground Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
  • Ground Floor, SM City Cubao, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
  • B7, Bonifacio High Street, Lane P, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
  • Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
  • Ground Floor, Main Mall, Ayala Malls Circuit, Carmona, Makati City
  • Third Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
  • Lower Ground Floor, Fisher Mall, Quezon Avenue, Del Monte, Quezon City
  • Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City