camaron rebosado – Jellybeans in the City

Classic Takes and Fresh Twists on Filipino Delights at Manam Comfort Filipino, Uptown Mall

Filipino cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, melding indigenous ingredients, influences from Chinese, Spanish, and American cultures, resulting in a unique gastronomic adventure. When it comes to embracing the heart and soul of traditional Filipino dishes while adding modern innovation, Manam Comfort Filipino, a gem within The Moment Group of Restaurants, stands out.

A Feast for the Senses: The Ambiance at Manam Comfort Filipino

The experience at Manam Comfort Filipino goes beyond the palate, thansk to its relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Wooden tables and chairs, adorned with colorful Filipino artwork on the walls, set the stage for a warm and enjoyable dining experience.

Large windows fill the space with an abundance of natural light, offering a beautiful view of Uptown Mall’s Fountain Area and the bustling 9th Avenue. Despite the usual busy ambiance, the staff at Manam Comfort Filipino is consistently friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant also has an al fresco area where diners can enjoy their meal outdoors.

Unveiling the Essence of Filipino Flavors

At the heart of Manam Comfort Filipino lies a dedication to showcasing the diverse and flavorful traditional Filipino cuisine to a wider audience. The restaurant proudly divides its menu into two parts, catering to both those who crave the familiar and those seeking culinary exploration.

The opposing tastes and preferences of my family for Filipino food find a delicious middle ground during our Sunday brunch at Manam Comfort Filipino in Uptown Mall, BGC.

Classics: A Taste of Tradition

For those seeking a taste of tradition, the “Classics” section of the menu offers a delightful array of familiar Filipino favorites. During a recent Sunday brunch with my family, we immersed ourselves in the rich tapestry of flavors, savoring dishes that encapsulate the essence of Filipino culinary heritage.

Laing, a medley of sautéed taro leaves, pork belly bits, coconut cream, chilis, and bagoong, provided a comforting blend of creamy and spicy notes. The interplay of textures and tastes in this classic dish was a testament to the mastery of Filipino flavors.

Ensaladang Pako, featuring fern, salted egg, tomatoes, tinapa flakes, and a tangy house vinaigrette, was a refreshing and vibrant salad. The unique use of fern brought a subtle earthiness that complemented the bright and tangy flavors of the vinaigrette.

We couldn’t resist indulging in the House Crispy Sisig, a sizzling plate of chopped pork jowl and cheek, showcasing the perfect balance of crunch and succulence. The flavors danced on our palates, leaving us craving more.

Camaron Rebosado, with large shrimp marinated in citrus, dipped in batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection, was a crunchy delight. The marriage of flavors between the sweet shrimp and the citrus marinade was nothing short of exquisite.

Twists: A Modern Culinary Adventure

For the adventurous and those eager to experience Filipino flavors in a new light, the “Twists” section of the menu offers an exciting culinary journey.

The Sinigang na Beef Short Rib & Watermelon is a prime example of this creative twist. The tender beef short ribs and vegetables simmered in a tangy and sour broth made with tamarind and watermelon provided an unexpected burst of flavors. The watermelon added a subtle sweetness, elevating the dish to new heights.

Another innovative delight we couldn’t resist was the Crispy Pancit Palabok. Crunchy glass noodles adorned with chicharon, crispy garlic, shrimp, squid, and tinapa flakes, all swimming in a savory shrimp sauce, delivered a symphony of textures and tastes that left our taste buds yearning for more.

Complementing the Feast: A Choice Between White and Brown Rice

To complement our delightful selection of dishes, we had the choice between White and Brown Rice. This simple yet essential decision allowed us to tailor our dining experience to our preferences, creating a personalized feast that satisfied every craving.

Manam Comfort Filipino is a haven for Filipino food enthusiasts, offering a delightful balance between preserving the traditional and embracing the innovative. Whether you’re seeking the comforting embrace of classic flavors or the thrill of fresh culinary adventures, Manam Comfort Filipino promises an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Filipino cuisine.

So, why not plan your visit and immerse yourself in the magical world of Filipino flavors at Manam Comfort Filipino? Your taste buds will thank you.

This Manam Comfort Filipino branch is located at Ground Floor, Uptown Mall, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily from 8am to 11pm.

Other Metro Manila branches are located at:

Makati: Greenbelt 2
Mandaluyong: SM Mega Fashion Hall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Muntinlupa: Festival Supermall Expansion Wing, Molito Lifestyle Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Quezon City: Ayala Malls Trinoma, SM City North EDSA, SM Fairview, Robinsons Magnolia, Gateway Mall
San Juan: O Square Greenhills
Taguig: Net Park

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website and following Manam Comfort Filipino on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Manam Comfort Filipino:

Manam Comfort Filipino, Greenhills: A cozy culinary journey through Filipino comfort food

A taste of old Chinatown at Comida China de Manila’s new location in Libis

In May of last year, my family and I were shaken up by an announcement that one of our go-to restaurants – Comida China de Manila – located along C5 in Pasig, was closing after twenty-six years of operations.

Comida China de Manila was established in 1996 along E. Rodriguez Avenue (C5 Road), serving Old Chinatown cuisine – dishes that harken back to the Cantonese panciterias that proliferated in Manila during the pre- and post-war years. It has gained renown and a loyal clientele for its homey atmosphere and its delicious classic Chinoy dishes.

We were quite saddened with the news as the restaurant had long been the setting of many memorable family meals and celebrations. It was a shame, we thought, that the pandemic precluded us from having a last meal at this landmark eatery prior to its closing.

Back in business

Well, let’s fast-forward to March 2023 when, during a grocery run at S&R along Libis, we caught sight of a familiar signage at the ground floor of the building. Oh yes, Comida China is back in a brand new location!

It took us a while to be able to eat here as we usually espy a line of diners waiting outside the restaurant whenever we passed by. However, one Sunday morning, just after attending Mass, the family was able to grab a table as the restaurant has just opened for the day.

Now under new management, the restaurant boasts of a more modern layout, though in a much smaller area, with a capacity of 50 dine-in seats (which, if memory serves me right, was about a fourth of the seating capacity of the previous location), with no areas allotted for special functions or private parties unlike the old location.

This new restaurant’s interiors also have a lighter and airier feel, thanks to the natural light streaming in from floor -to-ceiling glass windows that look out to the Libis road. Its decor still calls back to the days of Old Chinatown, thanks to tasteful wall art and shiny hardwood furniture.

Old faves are back, albeit in smaller portions

As we browsed through the menu, we were delighted to see that our old favorites are still there – the same dishes created and curated by Comida China’s celebrated cook who began his career in the original T. Pinpin Street branch in Manila.

However, due to the smaller kitchen size, the servings were also smaller, in sizes good for two people (so goodbye, bandehados!). Still, this suits my fam just fine as we could then order multiple viands to try out more flavors, such as:

Ho To Tay Soup (Php394). This savory soup is made with a rich broth that is simmered with pork, liver and shrimp. It is then garnished with vegetables and served hot, making it the perfect comfort food.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php330). This classic Chinese fried rice dish is a staple at any Chinese meal for the fam. The dish is made with day-old white rice that is stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and meat, such as shrimp, pork, or chicken. The result is a flavorful and filling dish that goes well with other Chinese viands.

Spicy Salt & Pepper Spare Ribs (Php579). These crispy and flavorful spare ribs are coated in a spicy salt and pepper mixture, deep-fried until crispy then topped with chilis and served with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Comida China Chicken (Php379). This signature dish is made with marinated bone-in chicken deep-fried until crispy then tossed in a sweet and savory red glaze.

Camaron Rebosado (Php457). This classic Filipino dish is made with large shrimp that were battered and deep-fried until crispy then served with a side of sweet and sour sauce.

The first of many

While the fam didn’t get to have our last meal at the old Comida China de Manila restaurant before it closed its doors, we were able to have our first meal at its newest one, and, thanks to its convenient location, excellent service and, of course, delicious dishes, it would definitely be the first of many.

Plus, I’ve heard from some sources that if this branch does well, there are plans to open more branches. So how about we extend some love and support to this newly opened Comida China de Manila?

As this branch is currently on soft opening, only payments via cash and credit card are accepted.

Table reservations for early lunch and dinner for groups of maximum of ten to fifteen persons are accepted during weekdays. Seating during weekends are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Comida China de Manila is located at Unit 4&5 S&R Membership Shopping, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open for dine-in and takeout Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 9pm, and Sundays from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries, contact +63 2 82819867 or +63 917 1100951.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Comida China de Manila on Facebook.

Have an Instant Party at Alex III, Tomas Morato

With the approaching holidays comes the much-awaited season of parties and get-togethers. Pinoys, in particular, love to celebrate with food, lots and lots of it. I recall my mom and titas slaving away in the kitchen, preparing their signature dishes for our family gatherings.

While I’m passionate about food, I’m not too keen on stressing myself out in the kitchen. Fortunately, thanks to a Foodie Meet-up held at Alex III’s Tomas Morato branch, I, together with my fellow foodies, discovered that I can treat my loved ones out to a feast of classic Filipino favorites, thanks to its Instant Party Menu.

Alex III’s Instant Party Menu consist of two sets of dishes. Both priced at Php2995, these feature home-grown Filipino party food enough for a group of five. These are all prepared and cooked with the same love and tradition that goes all the way back to Aling Asiang (or Mrs. Engracia Reyes), the matriarch of the family behind the Aristrocrat restaurant of which Alex III is an offshoot, being a business started by one of Aling Asiang’s grandsons.

Set One

This set includes:

Choice of 1 viand among Chicken Barbecue, Pork Barbecue, Barbecued Pork Belly and Whole Fried Chicken
Special Pancit Canton
Fresh Lumpiang Ubod or Lumpiang Shanghai
Kare-Kare
Crispy Pata
Steamed Rice

Set Two

This set includes:

Choice of 1 viand among Chicken Barbecue, Pork Barbecue, Barbecued Pork Belly and Whole Fried Chicken
Whole Fried Chicken
Whole Crispy Lapu-Lapu with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Camaron Rebosado
Special Pancit Canton
Shanghai Rice

Each set is served with garlic peanuts, a sushi sampler, your choice of soup (of which we sampled the Hototay and Sinigang na Salmon), bottomless iced tea and your choice of dessert (of which we sampled the Leche Flan and the Pandan Jellied Tapioca).

Both sets present diners with a combination of flavors that are dearly familiar, being dishes that were served during family reunions and fiestas when we were growing up. They also serve as a way for working moms like me to reconnect our present-day celebrations with the warmth and traditions of our childhood: that despite the hectic schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, we have a way to get together with our loved ones to exchange old memories and make new ones, while enjoying good food and good company.

With Alex III’s Instant Party Menu, the tradition of fun family celebrations with good food is made even better.

This branch of Alex III is located at Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Bayoran, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For reservations and queries, call +63 2 3711414 or +63 2 3711415. Its spacious, tastefully appointed and well-lit interiors make it a great venue for large family gatherings or office parties.

Other branches are located at:

201 Wilson Street, Little Baguio, San Juan City (open daily from 11am to 11pm | Tel Nos: +63 2 7240882 or +63 2 7264444)
29 Matalino Street, Diliman, Quezon City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel Nos: +63 2 9261266 or +63 2 9268942)
53 Pontiac Corner Chevelle Street, Fairview, Quezon City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel Nos: +63 2 3766286 or +63 2 3765179)

By the way, did you know that for your parties at home, you can have your favorite dishes from Alex III delivered right to your doorstep? Minimum order for delivery is Php500. For more details, contact the Alex III branch nearest you.

Disclosure: I attended the Bloggers’ Day held at this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.