dining destination – Jellybeans in the City

Hotpot Bliss: Elevate Your Dining Experience with Champion Hotpot’s New Add-ons and Buffet Dishes

When it comes to dining, we Filipinos have an innate penchant for camaraderie and shared experiences. Our vibrant culture embraces communal dining as a means of bonding and connection. And what better way to foster this sense of togetherness than through the heartwarming and interactive experience of hotpot?

Champion Hotpot, nestled at Santolan Town Plaza, understands this sentiment well and has become a go-to culinary destination for those seeking not just a meal, but an immersive adventure of taste and togetherness.

Discovering Champion Hotpot

Picture this: you’re gathered around a spacious table with friends and family, each person equipped with their very own stove to cook. Laughter fills the air as you collaborate on which ingredients to dip into the simmering broth. This is the dining scene at Champion Hotpot, a realm where every meal is a shared creation, and every bite is an opportunity to bond.

A Taste of Excellence: Champion Hotpot’s Evolution

Since its establishment in 2022, Champion Hotpot has been on a mission to introduce authentic hotpot to the Philippine dining scene. Part of the Tasteless Food Group, a luminary in the local food scene known for its successful ventures such as Hanamaruken, Scout’s Honor, and OK Bob, Champion Hotpot continues the group’s drive for excellence in culinary innovation.

Ambiance for Connection: Champion Hotpot’s Unique Setting

Champion Hotpot boasts of a spacious seating area furnished with tables topped with induction stoves, ready to bring your hotpot creations to life. But that’s not all—stations featuring ingredients like Champion Balls, Victory Veggies, Slammin’ Salads, and Noods await your selection, enabling you to craft a personalized hotpot masterpiece. For those craving variety, the Mongolian station offers the chance to fashion your custom Mongolian bowl, while the buffet area tempts with an array of cooked dishes and sushi. Of course, sweet-tooths will find their sugary treats in the dessert station.

A Popular Dining Destination

There’s little wonder then that Champion Hotpot became a bustling dining destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s popularity rests not only on its delectable fare but also on its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Champion Hotpot is a testament to how dining can transcend mere sustenance and transform into an experience that leaves lasting memories.

Elevating the Experience: New Premium Add-ons

Champion Hotpot elevates your dining experience even further with the introduction of its new premium add-ons. You can have servings of these added to your hotpot meal when you crave for something out of the ordinary.

Japanese A5 Wagyu (Php2,488). Strips of Japanese premium-grade wagyu renowned for its marbling and rich flavor. Dip these morsels into your hotpot and savor its rich flavor.

Mixed Seafood Platter (Php988). An ensemble of fresh seafood including shrimp, squid, clams and mussels that add the sea’s bounty to your hotpot meal.

Fresh Pastes Platter (Php688). A knockout assortment of fresh shrimp and chicken pastes that you can spoon into your hotpot for added meatiness and flavor.

A Buffet of Flavors: Signature Dishes Unveiled

Diners looking for even more variety will be delighted to discover new Signature Dishes added to Champion Hotpot’s buffet. Eat all you can of these novel flavors.

Don’t forget to check out the Taiwan Braised Pork, best enjoyed as a rice topping along with new side dishes, for a flavor explosion with every bite.

Craving for sushi rolls? Get your chopsticks ready for these new maki variants.

Champion Hotpot is definitely a place where flavors intertwine, laughter resonates, and bonds are strengthened. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive culinary journey that captures the essence of Filipino dining: shared experiences, cherished moments, and connections that linger long after the meal.

Champion Hotpot is ready to serve up hotpot happiness as well as an assortment of dishes, including dim sum, sushi, tempura, and Mongolian bowls for you foodies out there. Unlimited hotpot and buffet are priced as follows:

Hall of Fame Champs (Adults):

Weekday Lunch (Monday to Thursday) (Php788). Unlimited hotpot, cooked food, drinks and desserts.
Unlimited Mongolian Knockout Bowl for Lunch (Php450). 90 minutes of unlimited Mongolian bowls and drinks.
Weekday Dinner, Weekend (Fridays to Sundays), Holidays (Php988). 90 minutes of unlimited hotpot (including fresh seafood), Mongolian Knockout Bowl, cooked food, sushi, sushi, tempura, drinks, beer and desserts.
Single Diner (Php1,188)

Young Champs (Kids):

below 3 feet: FREE
3 feet to 4 feet: Weekday Lunch at Php288 | Weekday Dinner, Weekend and Holidays at Php388
4 feet or taller: Weekday Lunch at Php488 | Weekday Dinner, Weekend and Holidays at Php688

Note: Be sure to only get what you can consume. Leftovers are charged Php100 per 100grams.

Ready to embark on this savory adventure? Gather your family and friends to experience the heartwarming thrill of communal dining, all while indulging in premium add-ons and savoring signature dishes.

Visit Champion Hotpot at Ground Floor, Santolan Town Plaza, 276 Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue, Little Baguio, San Juan, open daily from 11.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, contact +63 2 85323459 or +63 917 703 4517.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Champion Hotpot on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers and content creators, I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous post on Chamption Hotpot:

Experience the joy of Chinese Hotpot at Champion Hotpot in Santolan Town Plaza

Taiwanese Culinary Bliss at Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Are you on the hunt for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine that will leave your taste buds singing? Well, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This award-winning Taiwanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Xiaolongbao, has found its way to the heart of the Philippines, and it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience!

The Moment Group brought the magic of Din Tai Fung to the Philippines in 2015, opening its first branch at the ever-vibrant SM Megamall. Since then, this food haven has expanded to other locations, including BGC, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia, delighting the metro’s foodies.

During a recent shopping trip with my Hubby and son at SM Megamall, we treated ourselves to a Taiwanese feast for lunch at Din Tai Fung.

The Meaning Behind the Name

Ever wondered about the meaning behind Din Tai Fung’s name? Each character holds significance that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s vision. “鼎” (Din) stands for Wok, symbolizing the traditional cooking method used to create some of their delectable dishes. “泰” (Tai) represents Peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Din Tai Fung – a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for you to indulge in Taiwanese goodness. Finally, “豐” (Fung) stands for Abundance, promising a dining experience that leaves you fully satisfied and wanting more.

The Concept and Ambiance

Similar to other Din Tai Fung restaurants, the ambiance of its SM branch is marked by simplicity and understated charm.

While waiting for our table, we watched the expert chefs busily crafting the dimsum and rolling noodles from scratch.

The newly renovated interiors feature light wood walls elegantly adorned with LED screens and anime-style posters, minimalist wooden tables and chairs, and a relaxed dress code which set the stage for a laid-back yet elegant dining experience.

Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Din Tai Fung promises an atmosphere that allows you to focus on what truly matters – the food.

Efficient Ordering, Serving, and Payment Process

One of the most unique aspects of dining at Din Tai Fung is the efficient and interactive ordering process. As my Hubby, son, and I settled into our seats, we were handed a clipboard with a list of mouthwatering dishes. Excited to explore the menu, we ticked off the dishes we craved, specifying the serving size and quantity we desired. Our choices were swiftly logged into the restaurant’s system, and a printed list was posted on our table to guide the servers in delivering the dishes we ordered.

After our meal, we settled our bill at the counter where payments via cash, credit or debit cards, Maya e-wallet are accepted.

The Mouthwatering Taiwanese Feast

Our lunch feast at Din Tai Fung was a combination of our all-time Taiwanese food faves as well as new dishes we wanted to try. The resulting symphony of flavors whisked us away to the streets of Taiwan.

Din Tai Fung’s iconic Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php375) are delicate parcels of heaven. Thanks to a visual guide shown by the wait staff, we were able to savor the full experience of eating our xiao long bao. This involved dipping our dumpling in a sauce made with made with ginger slivers, soy sauce and vinegar, placing it on a spoon and poking a small home into to release the broth, and then gently biting into it to get the full flavor explosion from the soup and the luscious pork filling.

Hubby couldn’t resist the Hot Sour Soup (Php215). The tangy, spicy, and savory broth filled with vegetables and tofu warmed him up for the rest of the meal.

Apparently, I also couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pork Roasted Garlic Bun (Php175), thanks to the rich, savory flavor of its pork, garlic, and scallions filling combined with the fluffy, steamed bun.

The Shrimp Shao Mai (Php255), on the other hand, is a treat to the eyes and tastebuds, thanks to its delicate wrapper and the sweetness of shrimp mingled with pork and mushrooms.

To balance our indulgence, we savored the Organic Spinach (Php285), lightly stir-fried with garlic and scallions. This simple yet delightful dish was a refreshing break, adding a dose of health to our feast.

The Salted Egg Squid (Php465), made with crispy, tender squid slices coated in a salty, savory egg batter, is an old favorite that we can always go for.

The 3 Cups Chicken (Php305), on the other hand, was a delicious viand cooked to perfection in a soy sauce, ginger, and scallion sauce; the chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by the rich sauce.

Of course, we couldn’t skip the Shrimp Fried Rice (Php275), a delightful combination of shrimp, chicken, and vegetables tossed in a fragrant soy sauce, ginger, and scallion base. The crispy rice and the medley of flavors complemented the other dishes in our meal.

Din Tai Fung at SM Megamall is quite worth a visit, with every dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The ambiance is inviting, the service impeccable, and the flavors unforgettable.

So, foodies, if you’re looking for an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that’s full of peace and abundance, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Head over to their branches across Metro Manila and embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones while savoring some of the finest Taiwanese cuisine around.

This Din Tai Fung branch is located at Level 2, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89971935 or +63 919 0845376.

Other branches in Metro Manila are located at:

City	Address	Operation Hours	Contact Number
Pasay City	Level 1 South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia	10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)	+63 2 85271364 / +63 928 5124433 / +63 928 5181466
Quezon City	2nd floor, City Center, SM North EDSA	10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)	+63 2 84590292
Taguig	LG/C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City	11 AM-11 PM (Mon-Thu) 10 AM-1 AM (Fri-Sat) 11 AM-1 AM (Sun)	+63 2 88091865 / +63 919 0785209
Makati City	R1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center	11 AM-9 PM (Mon-Thu) 11 AM-10 PM (Fri) 10 AM-10 PM (Sat) 10 AM-9 PM (Sat)	+63 2 88382344 / +63 919 0845732 / +63 960 4383830
Makati City	Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center	11 AM-9 PM (Sun-Thu) 11 AM-10 PM (Fri-Sat)	+63 2 71211933 / +63 919 0845370

Stay updated on Din Tai Fung’s menu and offers by visiting The Moment Group’s website or by following Din Tai Fung on Facebook and Instagram.

A Spanish-inspired Feast from Chef Tatung at Azadore

Indulging in a delightful lunch with my officemates at Azadore, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou’s newest restaurant in the Tomas Morato area, was a culinary adventure that transported us harried office workers to a world of international flavors with a touch of homegrown flair. There, we were able to experience Chef Tatung’s passion for food and sense of nostalgia which resulted to a memorable dining experience.

Romancing the Grill: Chef Tatung’s Concept

Drawing inspiration from his cherished memories of backyard barbecue parties and family gatherings, Chef Tatung crafted Azadore as an international grill with a heartwarming touch of home. The name itself, a playful fusion of “asador,” meaning “fire pit or grill” in South American countries, and “adore,” symbolizing love and cherish, perfectly captures the essence of this culinary haven.

A Journey Back in Time: The Converted Ancestral Home

As we stepped into Azadore, housed in a converted ancestral home on Scout Fernandez Street in Quezon City, we were instantly captivated by its timeless charm. The mid-century post American-era family home, transformed into a beautiful dining destination, enveloped us in a nostalgic embrace inspired by Chef Tatung’s childhood memories of grilling in his Cebu garden and his grandmother’s dining table.

Converting an almost 80-year-old home into a 300-seater restaurant was no small feat, but with the expertise of interior designer Ivy Almario, the team infused their unique style into the space while preserving its classic allure. The original footprint of the house was respected, paying homage to its architectural bones. Original materials and flooring were retained, gracefully blending the past with a modern twist. Azadore embodies the idea that we can embrace the present and future while staying connected to our roots and cherished traditions.

A Haven for Gatherings: Azadore’s Unique Spaces

Azadore offers a haven for both large and intimate gatherings. With an indoor seating capacity of 113 and the Breezeway Terrace, an al fresco area accommodating 180 people, the restaurant provides an ideal setting for various occasions. Whether it’s a family reunion, a milestone celebration like a birthday or anniversary, or even corporate events such as product launches or seminars, Azadore can caters to various large group functions. Former bedrooms have been transformed into private dining rooms, offering a more intimate ambiance for special gatherings.

A Spanish-Inspired Respite: Our Flavorful Escape

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy workday, we found respite in Azadore’s Spanish-inspired dishes. Chef Tatung’s vision of serving Spanish fare the way we Filipinos know and love them truly came alive in our lunch experience. Here are the highlights of our delectable feast:

Dinner rolls and butter

This much appreciated complimentary dish helped to tide us over while waiting for our orders to be served.

Paella Negra (Php1,350)

A captivating dish featuring rice flavored with squid ink, adorned with succulent octopus, shrimp, and clams. The flavors mingled harmoniously, creating a medley that pleased both the eyes and the taste buds. It is served with a side of creamy aioli but I preferred the rice dish without it.

Salpicao (Php690)

Tender cubes of beef tenderloin sautéed to perfection in garlic, butter, and wine. This may be a little “sauce-ier” than my usual preference for salpicao but it went well with our paella.

Gambas con Chorizo (Php950)

A mouthwatering combination of prawns, garlic, homemade smoked chorizo, parsley butter, and a hint of lemon juice. The flavors danced on our tongues, showcasing the skillful fusion of Spanish and Filipino influences.

These dishes were served in portions that suited our group of four quite well, resulting in well-satisfied foodies who can happily go back to being corporate drones.

In addition to savoring the sumptuous dishes, we couldn’t resist capturing the moment with some delightful photo opportunities. Azadore’s charming ambiance and visually appealing presentations provided the perfect backdrop for our Instagram-worthy snapshots.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits at Azadore

Azadore, Chef Tatung’s newest restaurant, has undoubtedly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful blend of international and local flavors. The passion and expertise poured into every aspect of this culinary gem, from its nostalgic concept to its converted ancestral home, make it a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you’re planning a gathering with loved ones or simply seeking a delectable respite from the everyday, Azadore promises a journey that will satisfy both your palate and your heart.

Embark on your own gastronomic adventure and discover the warmth and flavors of Azadore, where the love for food and cherished memories come together in perfect harmony.

Azadore is located at 111 Scout Fernandez Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 101 0070.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Azadore on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrating in style at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico

As a true-blue foodie, celebrating my natal day somewhere with good food and good vibes is a must.

So to commemorate my 46th trip around the sun, I took the fam to dinner at one of the metro’s most celebrated buffet restaurants: Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico.

It’s not actually my family’s first time at this establishment. Over the years, together with our extended family, we have celebrated several special occasions at Guevarra’s, from birthdays to graduations and balikbayan visits.

Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico — Guevarra’s in 2014

Vintage ambiance with an old-world charm

The place itself would strongly appeal to aesthetes, given its quaint vintage-inspired architecture and decor. Situated in a house built in the 1920s, the restaurant still retains much of the place’s old-world charm from its sprawling courtyard, imposing stairway and the intricate woodwork and chandeliers in the main dining hall.

Decorating the walls are pictures commemorating the restaurant’s namesake: Pedro Guevarra, a Filipino soldier, lawyer and legislator who became Resident Commissioner of the Philippines during the American Occupation. During his term as resident commissioner, he worked tirelessly for the approval of the Tydings-McDuffie Act which paved the way for the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth and its eventual independence from the US.

Also adorning the walls are plates signed by local celebrities which serve as their testimonials to their superb dining experiences at Guevarra’s.

Filipino buffet menu well-suited to celebrations

Chef Rolando Laudico is known for his modern take on classic Filipino dishes, and Guevarra’s menu reflects that. Its expansive array includes well-loved classics in Pinoy cuisine as well as hearty and tasty dishes from international cuisines.

Appetizers.

Breads, Rice and Pastas.

Mains, Grills and Carvings.

Desserts.

Budget-friendly celebrations

Despite its elegant setting and delicious food, Guevarra’s is surprisingly affordable. You can enjoy a sumptuous feast without breaking the bank with these buffet rates:

Regular Buffet: Php759 net (Seniors and PWDs at Php542.14)
Weekend Breakfast: P559 net (Seniors and PWDs at P399.29)

Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico is located at 387 P. Guevarra Street corner Argonne Street, Barangay Addition Hills, San Juan. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 870 1811, +63 2 87051874 or +63 917 3112222, or reserve online.

Buffet schedules are:

Lunch 11:00am – 2:00pm
Late Lunch 2:30pm – 4:30pm (weekends only)
Maagang Salu Salo 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Dinner 7:30pm -10:00pm
Weekend Late Lunch 2:30PM to 4:30PM
Weekend Breakfast 7:30AM to 10AM

Some reminders:

Pets are not allowed (sorry, leave your furry friends at home).
Guests are required to wear face masks at the Buffet Area.
Parking spaces are on a first come, first serve basis. Parking along Mabuhay Lane is prohibited.