chinese food – Jellybeans in the City

AMAH reinvents itself with renovated premises and updated menu

The term “hidden gem” gets thrown around quite an awful lot, particularly in the foodiesphere. Often referring to largely unrecognized, underrated or out-of-the-way places that offer unique and delightful dining experiences, hidden gems serve as the Holy Grail for many of us foodies. Being able to discover one and share it to our networks is usually a highlight experience.

One such hidden gem is AMAH in Taguig.

The rooftop restaurant with awesome scenic views of Bonifacio Global City is the brainchild of Chef Jose Villareal. Together with his fellow culinary students from Enderun Colleges, particularly co-Chef Gab Escalambre, he set up a fine dining restaurant serving Filipino-Chinese heirloom dishes in his family home during the pandemic. This is where they can gain real-world, on-the-job experience while continuing to hone their craft.

AMAH recently reopened its doors, with new features for its diners to enjoy which I discovered during a visit with my foodie friends.

Renovated restaurant premises

Since my last visit to this restaurant in 2023, some improvements have been implemented in the restaurant which are sure to enhance the dining experience.

The former al fresco dining area has been converted to a fully air-conditioned space. This change makes the restaurant a lot cooler and comfortable during the summer months while sheltering the diners from unwanted downpours during the rainy season.

More tables and chairs have also been added to the main dining area as well as well as to the upstairs section, significantly expanding the restaurant’s capacity and making it suitable for large gatherings and parties, while retaining pocket spaces for more intimate meals.

Bold menu updates

Chefs Jose and Gab also revamped AMAH’s menu with even fresher twists on Filipino and Asian-fusion viands, all prepared with exacting methods and exquisitely served by their wait staff. These show-stopping fare give diners an experience of the delicate balance between presentation, flavor and textures. These include:

So whether you’re planning a special intimate dinner for two in a picturesque setting or a large family or office gathering with show-stopping dishes, AMAH is surely your best bet, especially with its recent improvements.

Book your table by messaging AMAH on Facebook or Instagram or call +63 962 8767085.

AMAH is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Western Bicutan, Taguig City, open Mondays to Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm and Fridays to Mondays from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant.

A taste of old Beijing at Dragon Court, Manila Prince Hotel

Ever since the Manila Prince’s Dragon Court reopened its doors last September, I’ve been wanting a taste of its esteemed menu. After all, this gastronomic destination is on a worthy mission: to preserve the restaurant’s cherished signature flavors while introducing a tantalizing array of new dishes, an endeavor that foodie who’s always on the lookout for delicious adventures fully supports.

Old-World Beijing Charm

The Manila Standard aptly described Dragon Court as emanating “old Beijing feels,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. Stepping into this restaurant transported me to a realm that seamlessly blended old-world Beijing charm with the excitement of contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Immersed in hues of red and gold, Dragon Court exudes an unmistakable aura of traditional grandeur. Dragon motifs, lanterns, and traditional arches gracefully adorn the restaurant, creating an ambiance that’s both regal and inviting. High-backed chairs encircle round tables equipped with iconic lazy Susans, ensuring an enjoyable, communal dining experience.

Well-Suited for a Myriad of Celebrations

Dragon Court proves to be an ideal venue for a myriad of celebrations. From intimate family dinners to larger get-togethers, this restaurant effortlessly caters to diverse occasions, making it a versatile destination for Chinese food enthusiasts seeking not just a meal but a memorable experience.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, Dragon Court offers private rooms that elevate the dining experience. I discovered that these spaces are not only perfect for intimate gatherings but also serve as splendid venues for Filipino-Chinese engagement ceremonies known as tinghun, adding a cultural and personal touch to special events.

Chinese Culinary Journey

The heart of Dragon Court lies in its culinary offerings, a diverse menu curated by Chef EJ Yap and her team. This tasty collection takes diners on a journey through classic and innovative Chinese delights, some of which I was able to enjoy during a recent visit with a friend.

Dimsum Delights

The dimsum offerings are a testament to the craftsmanship in Dragon Court’s kitchen. From the delicate folds of Xiao Long Bao (Php300/3pcs) to the burst of flavors in the Shrimp and Pork Siu Mai with Crab Roe (Php280/3pcs), each bite is a symphony of taste. The Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Php240/3pcs), more commonly known as Hakaw, with its generous and succulent filling, further elevated our dimsum experience.

Savoring Soups

I can say that Dragon Court’s soul-warming soup selections certainly started our meal right. The Eight Treasure Wintermelon Soup (Php390), a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, and the Braised Assorted Seafood and Fish Maw Soup (Php320), a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients, showcase the culinary prowess behind each creation.

Satisfying Mains

The main courses at Dragon Court are a celebration of the diverse possibilities inherent in Chinese cuisine. I can’t imagine a Chinese meal without Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php280), and this was no exception, as it pairs well with other delicious dishes such as another classic like the Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple (Php380).

The Vegetarian Stewed Eggplant in Clay Pot (Php320) offered a hearty and flavorful option, while the Braised Grouper Fillet and Vermicelli in Hotpot (Php420) was quite a sensory delight. On the other hand, the Fried Shrimp Ball with Mozzarella Cheese (Php680) presented a delectable surprise.

Sweet Endings

No culinary journey is complete without a sweet denouement, and Dragon Court delivered it in style with its Hot Almond Cream with Glutinous Rice Ball (Php120), a warm milky embrace for the taste buds, and the Mango Tapioca Pudding (Php220), which provided a refreshing and delightful conclusion to the feast.

Want a similar Chinese feast? Dine in at Dragon Court and take yourself on sumptuous journey through classic and contemporary Chinese cooking.

Dragon Court is located at Manila Prince Hotel, #1000 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila near UN Square, open daily for lunch service from 11am to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 53282222 local 1231 or email fnb@manilaprince.com.

Keep updated on Dragon Court’s menu and offers by visiting Manila Prince’s website or following the hotel on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Menu items were served at no charge in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature story.

From Hong Kong to SM Megamall: Tim Ho Wan’s Delicious Dim Sum Experience

Tim Ho Wan is a renowned dim sum restaurant that originated in Hong Kong and has since expanded to several countries, including the Philippines. The restuarant’s humble beginnings can be traced all the way back to a small, nondescript restaurant in Hong Kong.

In 2009, Chef Mak Kwai Pui, who had previously worked at the Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, opened a small dim sum restaurant in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. The restaurant was named Tim Ho Wan, which means “add good luck” in Cantonese. The small eatery quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality food, with many customers willing to wait in long lines just to taste its delicious dim sum. (I’ve seen this for myself when the family failed our attempt to dine at this restaurant during our Hong Kong trip a few years ago due to the long line.)

In 2010, Tim Ho Wan was awarded a coveted Michelin star, becoming the cheapest restaurant in the world to receive the prestigious honor which soon catapulted Tim Ho Wan to fame, and the restaurant soon expanded to other locations in Hong Kong and other countries.

In 2014, it opened its first Philippine branch in SM Megamall, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, which proved to be quite a hit, generating the same long waiting lines as its Hong Kong counterpart during its early days.

Now, a few years down the line, my family was lucky enough to skip the wait when we dropped by SM Megamall and decided to have our late lunch at Tim Ho Wan.

The restaurant’s interior is elegantly designed with a modern touch, offering a cozy and comfortable dining experience. The staff are friendly and accommodating, making you feel welcome and at home. You are promptly given the menu and an order slip where your will make your selections.

As for the food, Tim Ho Wan is famous for its dim sum, which are small steamed or fried dishes that are perfect for sharing. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dim sum dishes, including siomai, barbecue pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and many more. Each dish is carefully crafted with fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked to retain their flavors and textures.

One of the most popular dishes at Tim Ho Wan is the baked barbecue pork buns (₱170/30pcs), which are definitely a must-try. The buns are soft and fluffy, with a savory and slightly sweet filling of tender pork that melts in your mouth; this dish more than lives up to being the signature offering of Tim Ho Wan.

Another favorite is the steamed prawn dumplings (₱190/4pcs), which are delicately steamed to perfection, with plump and juicy prawns and aromatics enveloped in a thin layer of translucent skin.

Of course, we can’t leave out the perennial favorite, the steamed pork and shrimp dumpling (₱170/4pcs). These plump bites of ground pork and shrimp bits encased in wonton wrappers are always a welcome addition to any dimsum meal.

Aside from the dim sum, Tim Ho Wan also serves other classic Chinese dishes like noodles, rice, and vegetable dishes.

Its jade wanton soup (₱195) is a standout, a comforting combination of pork and shrimp dumplings in a clear yet richly savory broth.

The beef brisket tendon noodle soup (₱298), on the other hand, consists of tender beef brisket and melt-in-your-mouth tendon, slow-cooked to perfection, then served together with chewy egg noodles in a rich and flavorful broth that has been simmered for hours with a variety of spices and aromatics.

Those who need to have rice with every meal shouldn’t fear because Tim Ho Wan’s spareribs rice (₱188) has them covered. This classic Cantonese dish features tender and juicy pork spareribs that are marinated in a savory sauce served on a bed of steamed white rice and garnished with a variety of fresh herbs and spices.

Prices at Tim Ho Wan are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option for groups or families. The servings are also quite generous, so you definitely get your money’s worth.

Dining at Tim Ho Wan in SM Megamall is a great experience for those looking for quality dim sum and Chinese dishes. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious food make it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with your loved ones. So, the next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and give it a try.

This Tim Ho Wan branch is located at Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 84708836 or +63 956 3442605.

Other branches are located at:

Level 1, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil, Manila (Tel: +63 2 83543562 | +63 916 6689080)
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 77299367 | +63 917 8492111)
Upper Ground Level, City Center, SM North EDSA, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 8 3742966 | +63 917 8492200)
Upper Ground Floor, Uptown Mall, 36th St. cor 9th Ave., BGC, Taguig City (Tel: +63 2 7764549 | +63 945 3303446)
Ground Level, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City (Tel: +63 2 88076021 | +63 915 8226560)
Upper Ground Level, Expansion, Alabang Town Center Ayala, Alabang, Muntinlupa (Tel: +63 2 88017261 | +63 917 1087461)
Upper Ground Level, SM Seaside Cebu, South Road Properties, Antuwanga, Cebu City (Tel: +63 32 3415770 | +63 917 1186453)

Stay updated on Tim Ho Wan’s promos and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Chinese family meal at Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

For many of us Filipinos, Chinese food has become one of our go-to cuisines when dining out.

Not only has Chinese culinary influences permeated our own cuisine, its sheer variety and rich traditions have made fans of all sorts of food lovers.

The same is true with my family. Most of the time, when craving for a break from our usual lutong-bahay, we would hie ourselves to our local Chinese restaurant.

Since my childhood, Luk Yuen has been a family favorite. After attending Mass at SM Megamall, my parents usually took my brothers and me to dinner at the Luk Yuen outlet at the basement.

Now that I have a family of my own, with each of us having our own individual preferences when it comes to food. I’m happy to rediscover my faves at the same Luk Yuen outlet that my parents used to take me to, and that, despite our widely disparate gastronomic preferences, my husbands, kids and I can all happily enjoy a meal at this restaurant.

We started our meal with complimentary Hot Chinese Tea, traditionally used by Chinese diners to help ease digestion, boost metabolism and prevent overeating, among other health benefits.

We can’t have a meal at a Chinese restaurant without ordering a platter of Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php265). This dish consists of cooked rice sauteed in a wok together with bits or char siu pork, cooked shrimp, scrambled egg yolks, along with chopped scallions, carrots and peas. While flavorful as it is, it goes so well with other Chinese dishes.

Another staple of Chinese cuisine is dim sum, and my family members are all fans of the Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Php210). Also known as hakaw, it is made of plump shrimp and cooked pork wrapped together with aromatics in a transparent wrapper with its signature pleats. Its Cantonese name

Deep-fried Bean Curd (Php175). A tasty appetizer also known as Crispy Tofu, it is made with cubes of soybean curd, deep fried and tossed in salt, pepper and chilis.

Birthday Noodles (Php465). Also known as Long-Life Noodles, this dish is the forebear of our own pancit and is traditionally served during one’s birthday with noodles consumed without breaking to signify a wish for a long life.

Boneless Chicken in Lemon Sauce (Php345). Marinated chicken thigh fillets, breaded and deep-fried, then drizzled with a tangy lemon sauce.

Peppercorn Spareribs (Php395). Bite-sized pork spare-ribs deep-fried to crispy juiciness and topped with garlic and served with chilled vinegar.

With these dishes, the fam’s combined appetites were sated and we were able to revisit some of my favorite dishes from my childhood visits at Luk Yuen.

All the dishes were flavorful, satisfying and affordable, certainly a great choice for a family meal during a bout of shopping.

This Luk Yuen branch is located at the Lower Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building B, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86334396 or +63 956 7366816.

Other branches are located at Cash & Carry, Alabang, Greenhills, Glorietta and Capitol Commons.

Let’s #ChooseTheSarapEveryday with Chewsarap

Despite the pandemic that still rages on, life continues.

Amid the trials and challenges we face, and continue to encounter, there are moments that we choose to savor, and milestones that we celebrate. Those are the times when we choose the sarap out of life.

One such moment is the birthday of my eldest. My unica hija – whom I usually refer to in this blog as #ExhibitA – is now a young adult, and I wanted to mark the day with a special meal.

However, with my busy work day, I didn’t have time to shop for ingredients, let alone spend time in the kitchen putting together various dishes.

Fortunately, I won’t have to, thanks to Chewsarap!

Operating on the philosophy that good food need not be expensive, this cloud kitchen offers a well-curated menu consisting of Chinese, Korean and Filipino cuisines, affordably priced and available in portions ranging from solo to family and party trays.

#ExhibitA’s birthday feast consisted of:

Hot Prawn Salad (Php350 for 2-3 persons | Php600 for 4-5 persons | Php900 for 7-8 persons).

Succulent prawns tossed in mayonnaise and cream then topped with sweetened fruits.

Salted Egg Chicken Wings (Php240/3 pcs | Php900/12 pcs).

Juicy chicken wings covered in Chewsarap’s special salted egg sauce.

Roast Beef (Php450) half portion | Php850 full portion).

Beef belly cooked sous vide for forty-eight hours and served with gravy and barbecue sauce.

Hainan Chicken with Curry Rice (Php300 for 1-2 persons | Php500 for 3-4 persons | Php900 for 6-8 persons).

Chicken cooked sous-vide on top of curry rice and served with ginger and soy dipping sauces.

The fam loved the varied dishes I served for my baby girl’s birthday dinner. Our intimate feast included old favorites as well as new flavors that broadened our culinary horizons, all made fresh on the day of delivery.

Plus, ordering this feast was so easy. Here’s how:

Visit chewsarap.com.
Select your orders.
Upon checkout, fill up your delivery details and choose your shipping option (pickup or delivery).
After getting the total bill, make your payments (cards/e-wallets, bank deposit and GCash are accepted).
Send proof of payment via Viber or by messaging Chewsarap on Facebook or Instagram.

Want to cook show-stopping viands such as these without the work of food prep?

Order Chewsarap’s Ready-to-Cook Meals such as:

Chicken Tenders
Beef Tapa
Japche Noodles
Pork Sisig
Beef Stew

Why should we choose the hassle, when we can #ChooseTheSarap, everyday?

Disclosure: Product samples were provided.

Classic Chinese Meal at EmERALD Restaurant

Where do you go for authentic Chinese food when you’re in the Manila-Pasay area?

Well, Hubby recently introduced our family to EmERALD Restaurant, situated along the historic Roxas Boulevard.

It’s one of those no-frills kind of Chinese eateries where occasions such as baptisms, weddings or graduation parties of loyal patrons are celebrated amidst a feast consisting of the fam’s favorite Chinese food.

From its round tables with their corresponding Lazy Susan turntables to help distribute the wide array of dishes served family style, to the frenetic energy as wait staff quickly serve EmERALD Restaurant’s signature dishes to their waiting diners, everything about this place is quite characteristic of much-loved, old-timey Chinese joints that we visited with our parents when we were kids.

During our family’s visit at this restaurant, our brood enjoyed a delicious and bountiful lunch which consisted of:

Spinach with Garlic (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php1,020 large). A side dish made of spinach stir-fried with garlic.

Seafood Polonchay Soup (Php360 small | Php540 medium | Php1,080 large. Thick egg-drop soup made with spinach and seafood.

Three Kinds of Cold Cuts (Php350 small | Php525 medium | Php1,050 large). Platter of Chinese-style cold cuts which include asado (flavored with soy sauce, five-spice and sugar), century egg and seaweed.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php960 large). A popular wok fried rice made with pork, shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas as well as chopped scallions and carrots.

Beef with Broccoli (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1350 large). Beef strips stir-fried with garlic, ginger and brocolli.

Lemon Chicken (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1,140 large). Battered and deep-fried chicken pieces and served with a thick and sweet lemon-flavored sauce for dipping or coating.

Spare Ribs with Salt & Pepper (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1140 large). Marinated and deep-fried pieces of pork spare ribs seasoned with salt and pepper.

Camaron Rebusado (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1,350 large). Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with sweet sauce.

Shakes (Php150). Icy shakes made with milk and fresh fruit.

What I love about eating at an old-timey Chinese restaurant is the layering of flavors, from the soup and sides to the mix and match of dishes in each bite. Also, given the family-style of food serving, it was a great way to introduce our kids to dishes that are new or unfamiliar to them.

Considering how many viands we ordered, I was initially doubtful if we could fully consume our spread. However, it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried at all because the fam finished off the meal with hardly any leftovers.

EmERALD Restaurant is located at Ground Floor, Gedisco Terrace, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, open daily for dine-in and pick up from 6am to 9pm. For reservations and orders, call +63 2 70918137, +63 915 7073167 or +63 968 6009827.

To know more about EmERALD Restaurant, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

The Manila Hotel’s Red Jade Restaurant re-opens

The Manila Hotel’s stunning Red Jade restaurant, which specializes in authentic Chinese dishes, reopened on Friday, June 10, 2022. After a hiatus, Red Jade once again welcomes diners with not just crowd pleasers and best-selling dishes, but an expanded menu selection.

Diners can expect to explore a menu of traditional Chinese dishes prepared with a modern flair along with nods to other regional cuisines of China. The historic Manila Hotel’s local and foreign clientele who have either dined in its main hall or booked its function rooms for private gatherings know that Red Jade is famed for food prepared with time-honored cooking techniques, premium ingredients, and uncompromising quality.

Diners have long celebrated the famed Red Jade’s Imperial Peking Duck, which takes hours to prepare and is expertly carved for patrons. Dim sum lovers can enjoy a wide selection of items, among them the Steamed Shrimp Dumpling “Har Gao,” Crispy-Fried Shrimp Stuffed with Cheese, and Pan-Fried Radish Cake “Bi Feng Tang” style. Other menu highlights include the Scallop and Duck Liver with Foie Gras Sauce appetizer, Honey-Roasted Pork Barbecue, Roasted Suckling Pig, Crispy Pork Belly (Lechon Macau), Stuffed Chicken with Eight Treasures in Lotus Leaf, Fresh Garoupa served steamed or braised, as well as male mud crabs and green lobsters, and many others. It’s even got its line-up of desserts like the Red Jade Signature Chilled Mango Pudding, Chocolate Sesame Ball, and Chilled Almond Beancurd with Lychee, to name a few.

One of its most popular offerings, however, has been the “Dim Sum All-You-Can” special. Available beginning Monday, June 13 along with Red Jade’s comeback, guests can enjoy delightful dim sums that are meticulously hand-crafted by our chefs to bring out amazing flavors and textures. Guests can order them to their heart’s content for only P1,288 nett per head. Soon, Red Jade will also launch the “Dim Sum All-You-Can” discounted vouchers for a limited time this June. Be sure to catch the promo! The “Dim Sum All-You-Can” offer is available at lunch time from Monday to Friday only.

Red Jade is known to its loyal guests as one of the most beautifully decorated Chinese restaurants in the country. Guests who enter Red Jade feel like they have been transported to a different world, a place that evokes a sense of majesty. The restaurant is highlighted by the stunning décor of wall relief murals in jade. A luxurious ambience permeates the space, drawn out by the dramatic lighting that creates a lovely contrast with the stylish wallpapers, detailed ceilings, and red tones all around—an elegant tribute to Chinese traditions and flavors right in the heart of Manila.

With its name and ambiance calling to mind luck and prosperity, Red Jade will surely be a venue for joyous celebrations among family, friends, colleagues, and associates over expertly prepared food, flawless service, and a refined atmosphere. Experience all of it again, starting this Friday, by booking a table now!

Red Jade, located at the ground floor of the historic Manila Hotel, is open daily from 11am to 3pm for lunch, and 6pm to 10pm for dinner. Reservations can be made by calling (632) 8527 0011, (632) 531 0011 or emailing restaurantsrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

#ChinoyComfortFood at White Flower Tea House

The mark of a good Chinese restaurant is a is a widely varied menu. This recognizes the myriad of gustatory possibilities in Chinese cuisine.

Personally, I love its localized variant, Chinese food that has been adapted to suit the Pinoy palate. Called Chinoy cuisine, its dishes are both flavorful and filling.

Foodies can get a taste of Chinoy comfort food crafted and curated by Chef Decker Gokioco at White Flower Tea House, one of the eclectic culinary stalls in Powerplant Mall’s The Grid Food Market.

Here, Chef Gokioco showcases his unique Chinoy heritage, and also calls back to his treasured childhood memories of going on Sunday visits with his family to the celebrated home of Chinese cuisine in Manila: the Binondo. By combining both traditional and modern approaches, the chef produced a menu that features both favorite flavors and fresh forays into Asian cuisine.

Recently, White Flower Tea House unveiled its new appetizers which include:

Mapo Tofu Dip (Php220). A new spin on the famous Mapo Tofu dish which has been turned into a dip made with braised ground pork and silken tofu, served with crispy fried wanton chips.

Prawn Toast (Php350). A snackable treat made with deep-fried prawn paste served on top of dense savory bread along sweet mayonnaise and a serving of sweet-and-sour sauce.

Egg Floss Shrimp (Php550). A Singaporean-inspired dish made with deep-fried battered shrimp tossed in curry leaves, chilies and egg floss.

With such delicious appetizers, we can definitely look forward to tasty meals from White Flower Tea House.

Dine in at The Grid Food Market to taste these Chinoy comfort food creations hot and fresh, or order them for delivery to enjoy them wherever you are.

White Flower Tea House is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 9 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda, RiderKo and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow White Flower Tea House on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.

North Park delivers via GrabFood Signatures

With many of us still having qualms about dining outside, it’s no wonder that food delivery services have been our lifeline, not just to good food, but also towards supporting our favorite restaurants in this time of pandemic.

In its bid to bring good food to people staying at home, leading super app Grab launched its GrabFood Signatures Program, wherein it partnered with leading food brands. These popular establishments then deliver their famous dishes plus offer irresistible discounts and other promos via GrabFood.

Among GrabFood Signatures’ partner restaurants is North Park, a homegrown Chinese restaurant which brings old fashioned and well-loved Chinese food that have found a place in the hearts and palates of Pinoys.

Wanting to give my fam a break from out usual lutong-bahay fare, and to also give my yaya a break from the stress of cooking and preparing the family’s lunch, I decided to order in via my Grab app and I chanced upon a Grab Signatures promo granting Php150 off my order.

Well, I lost no time ordering my family’s faves from North Park:

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php228). Delicious egg fried rice with shrimps, chopped BBQ pork, carrots, and green peas.

Pork Sionai (Php348/12pcs). Steamed dumplings made with ground pork, vegetables and aromatics.

Boneless Honey Lemon Chicken (Php263). Boneless chicken marinated in freshly squeezed lemon juice and seasonings, thickly coated with a sticky sauce made with honey and lemon.

Braised Noodles with Wanton (Php218). Wanton made with paper thin flour skin filled with diced pork and shrimp generously poured with premium oyster sauce over Hongkong Noodles.

The fam had wonderful meal with such a delicious and hearty fare from one of our favorite restaurants.

North Park branches in Metro Manila include:

Pasig: The Strip Commercial Complex Ortigas
Mandaluyong: Greenfield District
Quezon City: SM Hypermarket Cubao, Tomas Morato, 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

Want to enjoy similar offers? Just check the Messages tab in your Grab App for promo notifications.

About Grab

Grab is the leading super app in Southeast Asia, providing everyday services that matter most to consumers. Today, the Grab app has been downloaded onto over 185 million mobile devices, giving users access to over 9 million drivers, merchants and agents. Grab offers the widest range of on-demand transport services in the region, in addition to food, package, grocery delivery services, mobile payments and financial services across 339 cities in eight countries.

About GrabFood

Operating under the Grab super app, GrabFood is an online food delivery service that connects local food businesses to people. GrabFood presents a variety of food based on what’s available around consumers: Filipino, Western, Asian, European, Fusion and so on. Today, GrabFood’s services are available in areas of Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Cebu, with plans to continue expanding to reach more areas in the country.

Download the Grab app here.

The Jelly List: Top dishes from Asian restos for your Chinese New Year Feast

Kung hei fat choy, foodies!

This year, Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, falls on the first of February.

We can expect a lot of get-togethers, wishes for happiness and prosperity, and of course, lots and lots of food to celebrate the occasion.

Luckily, we’ve got quite a plethora of delicious dishes for us to enjoy with family and friends, whether at our favorite Asian restaurants or at home right here in the metro as we welcome Chinese New Year. Some of my favorites are:

Modern Shanghai’s Birthday Noodles

Noodles are generally eaten on someone’s birthday as a way wishing them long life, so how about enjoying as a way of wishing each other a Happy New Year? Modern Shanghai’s Birthday Noodles include chopped meat, hard-boiled quail eggs and veggies tossed together in a wok to make a flavorful noodle dish.

Drop by Modern Shanghai branches at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Shangri-la Mall in Mandaluyong City, Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City, Evia Lifestyle Center or Vista Mall Global South in Las Pinas City, S’Maison Conrad in Pasay City or Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa or order via the Bistro Delivers app.

More deets about Modern Shanghai here.

Yang Chow’s Yang Chow Fried Rice

Yang Chow Fried Rice is a staple in many a Chinese feast. And no wonder: pre-cooked rice stir-fried in a wok along with chopped char siu, scallions, veggies and scrambled egg make for a tasty companion to many Chinese dishes.

Enjoy this dish at Yang Chow Industria in Libis, Quezon City or order via GrabFood.

More deets about Yang Chow here.

Eat Fresh Famous Hongkong Street Food’s Salt and Pepper Spareribs

One of my favorite Chinese dishes, this is made with pork spare ribs seasoned with salt, chili peppers and five spice powder, then deep fried until the outside is crispy to complement the tender meat inside.

Enjoy it at Eat Fresh outlets along Jose Abad Santos Street in San Juan, Banawe Street and at The Popup in Katipunan in Quezon City, and along C. Raymundo Avenue in Pasig City. You may also order via GrabFood.

More deets on Eat Fresh here.

North Park’s Boneless Honey Lemon Chicken

This dish never fails to appeal to the entire family! From crispy and juicy pieces of battered and deep-fried chicken pieces to its tangy-sweet sauce, it is a welcome addition to any Chinese meal.

Enjoy it at North Park Noodle House branches in Muntinlupa (Alabang Town Center, SM Supercenter, Westgate), Quezon City (Banawe), Paranaque (Bicutan, Caltex Macapagal), Makati (Convergys, Glorietta 3, Osmena Highway, Salcedo Village, Makati Avenue, Paseo de Roces), Quezon City (Eton Centris, Fairview Terraces, Araneta, Cubao, Shell Mindanao Avenue, Tomas Morato), Mandaluyong (Greenfield), Taguig (FTI, Market! Market!), Pasay (Mall of Asia Annex), Pasig (Medical City), and Manila (Manila Ocean Park), San Juan (P. Guevarra). You may also order for delivery online or through its hotline +02 837373737.

More deets on North Park Noodle House here.

Wangfu Chinese Cafe’s Salted Egg Squid

This decadent viand made with breaded and deep-fried squid rings flavored with mashed salted egg yolks has become a family favorite!

Enjoy it at Wangfu’s branches in Ayala Malls Vertis North, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Eastwood City, Serendra, Tomas Morato, SM Fairview or SM Marikina. You may also order for delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Lido Cocina Tsina’s Shrimp Foo-Yong

This is an exciting discovery that I never tire of recommending to friends: a saucy egg dish with a healthy serving of plump shrimp folded in which is chock-full of flavor.

Discover it for yourself at Lido Cocina Tsina’s branches located in Quezon City (Banawe Toad, Commonwealth Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Mindanao Avenue and Visayas Avenue), Las Pinas (Alabang-Zapote Road), Makati (Chino Roces Avenue), Manila (UN Avenue), Paranaque (Dona Soledad Avenue, Dr. A. Santos Avenue) and Pasig (C. Raymundo Avenue). You may also order for delivery online or via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

More about Lido Cocina Tsina here.

Hainanese Delights’ Hainanese Chicken Rice

The dish is traditionally prepared by poaching a whole chicken at sub-boiling temperatures, with some of the resulting stock combined with ginger, garlic and other aromatics used to cook the accompanying rice, producing a yellowish, flavorful and oily rice. It is usually served with three dipping sauces: a spicy red chili sauce, a dark soy sauce, and freshly ground ginger.

Enjoy it Hainanese Delights outlets at Robinsons Place Ermita, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, SM Fairview and Waltermart Munoz. You may also order for delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Bistro Charlemagne’s Drunken Lengua in Mushroom Sauce

This spectacular dish made with tender pan-seared ox tongue with mushrooms and asparagus in white wine sauce is a mainstay in many of my fam’s celebrations.

Enjoy it at Bistro Charlemagne branches located in Ayala Malls Feliz and Ayala Malls Manila Bay or order for delivery via GrabFood.