affordable dining – Jellybeans in the City

Dimsum discovery at King Chef Dimsum Kitchen, SM Cherry

Hidden within the bustling confines of SM Cherry Shaw Boulevard lies a haven for dimsum aficionados – King Chef Dimsum Kitchen. Amidst the array of dining options in the mall, King Chef stands out not only for its authentic Cantonese cuisine but also for its commitment to providing an affordable yet delectable dining experience.

After a morning of errands, I treated Hubby and my son to lunch at this branch of King Chef Dimsum Kitchen, given that it’s the branch nearest our home.

After spending hours in our car, we were glad to be greeted by the restaurants warm and inviting ambiance. Thanks to its tastefully decorated interiors, with modern touches complementing traditional Chinese elements and the heartwarming house tea, we were made to feel quite at home. It’s definitely a space where families gather, friends reunite, and for foodies to embark on culinary adventures.

Discovering new and embracing old dimsum faves

Being dimsum lovers, we went all out with our orders, opting for both olf favorites as well as venturing towards new flavors and textures. These include:

Filling up on the Mains

But the dimsum extravaganza is just the beginning. King Chef Dimsum Kitchen also boasts an enticing selection of hearty and filling main courses, all at prices that won’t break the bank, such as:

The King Chef Experience

Beyond the tantalizing dishes, what truly sets King Chef apart is the dining experience it offers. Every staff member, from the server to restaurant manager, is quick to anticipate our request and answer our questions about dishes and promo offers.

With a commitment to personalized service and attention to detail, the staff at King Chef ensure that every visit is a memorable one.

Behind the scenes, the story of King Chef is one of passion and dedication. Founded in 2010 by owners Michael Chan Ang and Marites Apiado-Ang, the restaurant was born out of a desire to share authentic Cantonese cuisine with the Filipino community. With a team of Filipino chefs trained in the art of Cantonese cooking, King Chef has become a beacon of excellence in the culinary landscape.

This delicious lunch with my boys clearly shows that King Chef Dimsum Kitchen offers more than just affordable dimsum – it offers a culinary journey filled with flavor, warmth, and hospitality. Whether you’re a dimsum enthusiast or simply seeking a satisfying meal, King Chef invites you to discover the delights of Cantonese cuisine without breaking the bank.

So, why not treat yourself to an affordable dimsum adventure at King Chef Dimsum Kitchen? Your taste buds will thank you.

This King Chef Dimsum Kitchen branch is located Lower Ground Floor, SM Cherry – Shaw Boulevard, Brgy. Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +639322378464, +639190791667, +639190791668 or +63287262433.

Other branches are located at:

King Chef Dimsum Kitchen:

3rd Floor, 238 Banawe Centre, Panalturan & Pagataan, Brgy. Manresa, Quezon City

King Chef Seafood Restaurant:

West Avenue Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Quezon City
Phase 2 Level 3, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque City
2nd Floor, Lucky Chinatown Mall Binondo, City of Manila

Know more about King Chef by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about King Chef:

King Chef brings exclusive treats for smart diners

Pinoy-Style Barbecue at Lola Ote Restaurant

When it comes to finding a place that offers mouthwatering Pinoy-style barbecue that’s both delicious and affordable, Lola Ote Grill and Restaurant in Quezon City is a name that should be on your list. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Lola Ote with my officemates, taking a much-deserved break from our daily grind.

The Destination for Down-Home Pinoy-Style Barbecue

Tucked away along 26 Sgt. Esguerra Street, Diliman, Lola Ote Grill and Restaurant is a charming eatery that’s well-known for its iconic 18-inch pork barbecues. The restaurant’s cozy and inviting ambiance provides the perfect setting for a relaxed and “come-as-you-are” dining experience. Lola Ote occupies a former ancestral house, built in the 1960s, which has been thoughtfully transformed into a restaurant. The restaurant recently underwent quite a renovation, improving the establishment’s overall ambiance with more spacious seating areas and lots of natural light.

One of the things that set Lola Ote apart is its rich culinary heritage. Many of the recipes served here have been handed down from the proprietor’s grandmother. This deep-rooted connection to traditional Filipino flavors adds an authentic touch to every dish. It’s a testament to the care and love that goes into preparing each meal.

The real star of the show at Lola Ote is its iconic 18-inch pork barbecues, served on metal skewers. This unique grilling technique ensures that the meat is cooked to perfection from the inside out. The steel skewers themselves have undergone several changes before achieving the current style, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful barbecue that you won’t soon forget.

Lunching on a Feast of Pinoy Flavors

Lola Ote caters to different preferences with its diverse menu. In addition to the famous barbecues, we found a range of dishes, each with its unique appeal.

The Lola Ote BBQ (XL) (Php140/stick) is the restaurant’s pièce de résistance. These 18-inch skewers are not only a visual delight but also a true flavor bomb. The metal skewers’ grilling technique ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender while offering that perfect smoky char.

The nostalgic flavors of Isaw Baboy (barbecued pork intestines) (Php40/stick) and Isaw Manok (barbecued chicken intestines) (Php35/stick) take you back to the bustling streets of the Philippines. Served in a cozy setting, these street food favorites offer a trip down memory lane.

Lola Ote also serves up heartiness with classic Lechon Kawali (Pnp480), tender boneless pork belly with crispy skin.

The Pinakbet with Crispy Pork (Php320), on the other hand, provides a taste of tradition. This dish features a medley of squash, long yard beans, ampalaya (bitter gourd), okra, and sweet shrimp paste. The combination of flavors and textures is a true Filipino delight.

Our Pinoy-style barbecue lunch at Lola Ote was a delightful experience filled with flavors and respite from the stresses of our work. Whether you’re a fan of traditional barbecue or looking to rediscover classic Filipino flavors, Lola Ote has something for everyone. So, plan a visit soon and relish the wonderful taste of Pinoy cuisine in an inviting and comfy setting.

Lola Ote Restaurant is located at 24 Sgt. Esguerra Street, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 977 7235 or send a message over Facebook.

Know more about its menu and offers by following Lola Ote Restaurant on Instagram and Tiktok.

7 reasons to enjoy Unli K-BBQ with your friends at fam at Samgyupsalamat

Looking for an affordable and enjoyable Korean BBQ experience to savor with your kith and kin? Be sure to check out Samgyupsalamat, a popular Korean barbecue restaurant chain that boasts of friendly atmosphere and mouthwatering yet affordable offerings.

Here are seven compelling reasons why you definitely should make it your group’s go-to samgyup place.

Affordable Indulgence

Samgyupsalamat’s unlimited Korean BBQ concept allows you to savor a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and side dishes without breaking the bank. For just Php549/person (for a minimum of two persons), you and your group can enjoy unlimited servings of delectable pork belly, beef, chicken, shrimp, and more. This affordability makes it an ideal choice for foodies on a budget who still want to indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Interactive Dining Experience

At Samgyupsalamat, you become the chef of your own meal! The restaurant offers tabletop grills where you can cook your chosen cuts of meat to perfection. This interactive dining experience not only adds a fun element to your meal but also allows you to customize the cooking time and doneness of each piece. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and engage in lively conversations with your companions while enjoying the delicious aroma wafting from the grill.

Wide Selection of Meats and Side Dishes

Samgyupsalamat takes pride in offering a diverse selection of meats, including the star of Korean BBQ, pork belly. From marinated beef and tender chicken to succulent shrimp, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Additionally, their array of side dishes, such as kimchi, lettuce, and other vegetables, complements the grilled meats perfectly, providing a balanced and flavorful dining experience.

Appreciation for Korean Tradition

Samgyupsalamat draws its inspiration from the rich Korean tradition of samgyeopsal, a type of barbecue featuring thinly sliced pork belly. By dining at Samgyupsalamat, you not only get to indulge in this beloved Korean dish but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural roots behind it. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the flavors and customs of Korea right here in the Philippines.

Friendly and Welcoming Atmosphere

One of the reasons why Samgyupsalamat has gained a loyal following is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff members are known for their hospitality, ensuring that you and your group feel comfortable and well-cared-for throughout your dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply gathering for a casual meal, the friendly ambiance at Samgyupsalamat adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your time spent together.

Ideal for Group Gatherings

Samgyupsalamat is a go-to spot for both families and groups of friends. The shared dining experience and the abundance of food options make it a fantastic choice for large gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a reunion, or a simple get-together, Samgyupsalamat offers a vibrant and convivial setting where everyone can bond over delicious food, laughter, and memorable moments.

Unforgettable Memories

Lastly, dining at Samgyupsalamat creates lasting memories. From the sizzling sound of meat hitting the grill to the delightful aroma that fills the air, every moment spent at Samgyupsalamat contributes to a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The laughter, conversations, and shared enjoyment of a sumptuous meal with your loved ones will leave you with cherished memories that you’ll fondly look back upon.

If you’re a foodie searching for an affordable and delightful Korean BBQ experience, Samgyupsalamat is the answer. With its unlimited Korean BBQ offering, diverse menu, friendly atmosphere, and cultural appreciation, it’s the perfect place to gather with your friends and family for an enjoyable meal. Embrace the interactive dining experience, savor the flavors, and create unforgettable memories at Samgyupsalamat. Book a table today and embark on a mouthwatering journey through Korean cuisine.

This Samgyupsalamat branch is located at the Ground Floor, TV5 Media Center, Reliance Street, Mandaluyong, open daily from 11.30am to 1am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82774900 or +63 917 3182026.

Know more about its promos and offers by following Samgyupsalamat on Facebook and Instagram.

A flavorful family experience at Yabu House of Katsu, SM Megamall

Every Sunday is Family Day. Part of my family’s Sunday routine is to have lunch together after attending mass. We usually opt for either old favorites or new restaurants we want to try. For this instance, we opted for Yabu House of Katsu since we already know that we love the food there.

Yabu’s Unique Katsu Experience

Yabu House of Katsu stands out among other restaurants for several reasons, making it a unique and beloved destination for katsu enthusiasts. The first thing that struck us was their commitment to authenticity. Yabu prides itself on offering an authentic Japanese katsu experience. They adhere to traditional Japanese cooking techniques and use high-quality ingredients to ensure the utmost authenticity in their dishes. From the breading to the frying method, Yabu pays attention to every detail to create a truly authentic katsu. One ritual that we particularly enjoyed was preparing the katsu sauce by grinding the toasted sesame seeds in a textured bowl before pouring and mixing in the prepared katsu sauce.

Customization and variety are also key features of Yabu’s menu. They offer a wide range of katsu options to cater to various tastes. Whether you prefer pork, chicken, seafood, or even vegetarian katsu, Yabu has got you covered. This level of customization allows diners to enjoy their favorite type of katsu in their preferred style. The attention to detail is evident in the little extras they provide, such as unlimited servings of cabbage salad and various dipping sauces to complement the katsu. The miso soup is carefully crafted, and the rice is perfectly cooked, further enhancing the overall meal.

Delicious Katsu Selections at Yabu

We know that we couldn’t go wrong with the katsu sets, which consist of a special cut of katsu served with refillable soup, rice, cabbage, and fruit. I opted for the Rosu (Pork Loin) Set (P390/80g | P430/120g | P490/180g) since the fat trimming adds a lot of flavor to the meat.

My husband and daughter, both more fitness-conscious, opted for the Hire (Pork Tenderloin) Set (P415/80g | P450/120g), which has no fat.

My son, being a cheese-lover, went for the Menchi Katsu Set (P430) made with a mixture of minced beef and pork mixed together with Yabu’s special spices and stuffed with creamy cheese.

Of course, the kids insisted on an order of Mozzarella Katsu Sticks (P320), sticks of mozzarella coated in golden panko tossed with Yabu’s special furikake blend and served with spicy aioli dip.

Meanwhile, my husband wanted to munch on an order of Agedashi Tofu (P265), panko-crusted Japanese tofu topped with shredded bonito flakes and grated radish, and served on a bed of soy-dashi sauce, while waiting for our katsu sets.

The pricing of these items is just right for a weekend family meal. It feels like something special and tasty that we can look forward to without breaking the bank.

Inviting Ambiance at Yabu SM Megamall

The ambiance at the SM Megamall branch of Yabu is inviting and comfortable, creating a pleasant dining experience for guests. The modern and stylish decor with sleek lines and contemporary furniture adds a touch of sophistication to the restaurant’s overall atmosphere. The warm lighting, with its soft and warm-toned lights, sets a relaxed and intimate mood, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and loved ones.

The seating arrangements at Yabu SM Megamall are thoughtfully designed to accommodate both small and large groups comfortably. Whether you’re dining as a couple or with a larger party, you’ll find seating arrangements that cater to your needs. The staff at Yabu SM Megamall are very welcoming and attentive, and quite prompt when we needed rice and cabbage refills. From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm welcome and provided with any assistance or guidance we needed throughout our dining experience.

The vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the SM Megamall branch adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall dining experience. The restaurant is often bustling with activity, creating a lively ambiance that makes it a great place for friends and families to gather and enjoy a meal together.

I can say that Yabu House of Katsu does deserve its position as one of the fam’s favorite restaurants

This Yabu branch is located at Bldg B, SM Mega Mall, 202 EDSA corner Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Yabu branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Makati: Glorietta 2, Rockwell Powerplant
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Ayala Malls Feliz
Quezon City: UP Town Center, SM North EDSA, Robinsons Magnolia, Ayala Vertis North, Robinsons Galleria
Taguig: SM Aura

Yabu House of Katsu also delivers via GrabFood.

Know more about its menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Yabu House of Katsu: