eat all you can – Jellybeans in the City

Indulging in Unli Dim Sum at Xin Tian Di

Dim sum, a beloved Chinese culinary tradition, consists of small, flavorful dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates to accompany tea service. This Cantonese custom, which translates to “touch the heart,” has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. It’s no wonder that foodies, always on the hunt for delightful culinary experiences, flock to dim sum restaurants to indulge in a variety of savory and sweet bites.

Recently, one of the highlights of my “A Weekend that Never Ends” staycation with foodie friends was the Unli Dim Sum feast at Xin Tian Di, located within the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

About Xin Tian Di

Xin Tian Di blends the essence of classic Cantonese flavors with a modern twist, resulting in a remarkable dining experience. Its name translates to “New Heaven and Earth,” which encapsulates the restaurant’s innovative approach to Cantonese cuisine. Just as the historical Xintiandi in Shanghai transformed from obscurity to vibrancy, Xin Tian Di reflects the same spirit of renewal and transformation in its culinary offerings under the leadership of its new executive chef David Chu.

Xin Tian Di’s recently updated modern Chinese decor, featuring dark wood furniture with plush seating and intricate designs, soft lighting and elegant red accents, exudes sophistication while creating an inviting atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light in the daytime and provide a breathtaking view of the Ortigas district, while at night, modern light fixtures set the stage for an intimate dining experience. The restaurant’s layout includes a luxuriously appointed main dining area with thoughtfully spaced booths for pairs or small groups, tables with lazy Susans for larger gatherings, and comfortable chairs ensure utmost comfort, while several private rooms offer an exclusive retreat for special occasions.

The Unli Dim Sum Experience

The Unli Dim Sum offer at Xin Tian Di, priced at Php 1888 per person, promises an all-you-can-eat journey through an array of delectable dishes. While the à la carte menu is also available, who could resist the allure of unlimited dim sum?

Check out our delectable dim sum spread:

Premium Dishes.

We fired ourselves up for a grand dimsum feast with our free round of these extra-special dimsum.

Order-all-you -can

It was dimsum-to-sawa with these highly varied yet all scrumptious delights!

Steamed

Pan-Fried, Deep-Fried and Roasted

Desserts

Throughout our meal, the quality of service was exceptional. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing our dining experience. Sharing this feast with friends made it even more enjoyable, as we relished each bite together and discussed our favorite dishes. Standout moments included the surprise of the spicy kick in the Spicy Pork and Shrimp Dumpling and the delightful crunch of the Deep-fried Chinese Bun with Condensed Milk. My friends tried to get me to dig in to the Chicken Feet but I was more into my all-time favorite Hakao, Pork Buns, and, of course, the dessert dumplings.

Cin Tian Di Unli Dimsum — Hot Chamomile Tea

The vast array of dim sum at Xin Tian Di demonstrates the remarkable versatility and creativity inherent in this beloved Chinese culinary tradition. Dim sum clearly encompasses a wide range of small, flavorful dishes that can cater to various tastes and preferences. Xin Tian Di’s extensive 37-dish dimsum menu showcases how this custom can blend classic Cantonese flavors with modern twists, offering a rich tapestry of textures, flavors, and presentations. This not only highlights the adaptability of dim sum to contemporary dining trends but also underscores its ability to continually evolve while retaining its traditional essence.

The Unli Dim Sum experience at Xin Tian Di was a culinary highlight that perfectly complemented our staycation at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. After indulging in such a sumptuous feast, we felt so thoroughly satisfied that we were eager to retreat to our suite to recover, hehehe!

Truly, Xin Tian Di’s opulent setting and exquisite food made it an unforgettable part of our weekend.

Xin Tian Di is located at 4th Floor, Crowne Plaza Galleria, Ortigas Avenue corner ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, open daily to serve lunch from 11am to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm. It also delivers via FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

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

Want to book your stay at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria? Call +63287903100 or email cpgm.reservations@ihg.com and mention my code IKOTHGEL to enjoy 15% discount on the best available rates. (Offer valid until December 31, 2024.)

Disclosure: Staycation and dining experiences were sponsored by Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

Check out my previous posts about IHG properties in Ortigas Center:

#AWeekendThatNeverEnds: Family Fun and Work Productivity in 2 Iconic Ortigas Hotels

Two iconic Ortigas hotels reveal recent renovations for enhanced guest experience

Rediscovering Chinese flavors at Xin Tian Di, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

An anniversary foodie adventure at Seven Corners, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Top 3 Things You’ll Enjoy at The Gallery Bar, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Deliciously affordable food adventure at StrEATs in ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

Looking for a food adventure that’s deliciously varied yet affordable? Then ibis Styles Manila Araneta’s all-day dining restuarant, StrEATs, should be right up your alley.

ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is the first ibis brand of the Accor Hotels Group in the country. The economy hotel chain characterized by creativity and playfulness pays tribute to the vibrancy and energy of its location through callbacks to cultural milestones.

For instance, the newly opened hotel’s interior is peppered with photo spots that harken back to the Thrilla in Manila, the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier held at the Araneta Colisuem. Hotel guests and visitors can then take their photos for ‘gram in these themed spots.

StrEATs leads the way to awesome food adventures

StrEATs serves as a pathway towards various international culinary journeys, with a rotating menu carefully curated by Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto. While enjoying StrEATs’ well-appointed setting and frenetic energy, foodies can look forward to flavorful discoveries with appetizing stations that include:

Plus, you can always request for freshly made Baked Oysters and creamy gelato from Novotel’s Indulge at their respective stations.

Make the most out of your StrEATs experience!

Whether you find the prospect of an all-you-can-eat buffet daunting or you’re a seasoned buffet diner, here are a few tips to make sure that you maximize your time there:

Start small. Sample small portions of a variety of dishes. This allows you to taste everything without getting full too quickly.
Prioritize. If you’re a carnivore like me, go for the higher-cost items (like seafood, meats, and specialty dishes) if you want to get the best value.
Mix It Up. Alternate between different types of food (proteins, vegetables, carbs) to keep your palate interested and avoid flavor fatigue.
Pace Yourself. Eat slowly and take breaks. This helps with digestion and allows you to enjoy the meal longer without feeling uncomfortably full.
Post-Meal Activity. If possible, take a walk after your meal. It aids digestion and can help you feel less bloated. Fortunately, Gateway Mall is just a few steps away!

StrEATs daily serves breakfast from 6am to 10am at Php999/person, lunch from 12pm to 2pm at Php1,299/person and dinner from 6pm to 9pm at Php1,499/person.

StrEATs is located at Fifth Floor, ibis Styles Manila Araneta, General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8248 8444 or email IbisStyles.ManilaAranetaCity.Restaurants@accor.com.

Know more about ibis Styles Manila Araneta by visiting its website, or by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my posts about Accor Hotels and Restaurants:

Novotel’s Prana Indian Cuisine hosts Taj Uncorked: An Indian Champagne Dinner

Four reasons to gather and celebrate at Food Exchange Manila, Novotel Manila Araneta

Ice cream indulgence at Indulge, Novotel Manila Araneta

5 reasons why Novotel is your family’s staycation destination

Experience the ultimate Japanese feast with Ogetsu Hime’s Oget All You Can Promo at SM Megamall

Feel up to filling up on tasty Japanese food? Well, you need to hie yourself over to Ogetsu Hime then!

Whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular family dinner, Ogetsu Hime’s exquisite dishes, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect dining destination for families looking to bond over delicious food.

Thanks to its Oget All You Can Buffet, Japanese food lovers can fully sate their craving for just Php1,288.

This jampacked all-you-can-eat menu includes US Angus Tenderloin and US Angus Rib Eye expertly cooked by the chef on the teppanyaki grill in small batches to ensure freshness and flavor.

The buffet also includes premium sushi made using the freshest seafood and are prepared by skilled chefs right in front of the customers. The rolls come in a variety of flavors, from classic tuna and salmon to more unique combinations.

It also includes different variants of the ever-popular crunchy and flavorful tempura (buffet lovers simply could not get enough of this!), together with 130 Japanese food specialties and free-flowing drinks.

With so many food choices, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you’re not making the most of the dishes laid out. Well, here are ways to fully enjoy Ogetsu Hime’s Oget-All-You- Can Buffet:

Come hungry. The buffet offers unlimited servings of sushi, sashimi, rolls, and other Japanese specialties. It’s best to come hungry and ready to eat to get the most out of the promo.
Come with a group. The buffetis ideal for groups, as it offers a wide variety of dishes that everyone can enjoy. The more people in your group, the more dishes you can try, and the more enjoyable the experience will be.
Try everything. The buffet includes a wide variety of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, teppanyaki, and sukiyaki. Try different combinations and flavors to fully enjoy the experience.

Order in small portions. To ensure that the food is fresh and of high quality, customers are encouraged to order only what they can consume at a time. In fact, some of the buffet items are not laid out on the buffet table and are available for ordering in small batches, especially if they are best enjoyed freshly cooked. You can always order more as you finish their dishes, ensuring that the food is always fresh.
Don’t waste food. While the buffet offers unlimited servings, it’s essential to avoid food waste. Order only what you can consume and avoid ordering more than you can eat. Be mindful of the environment and the restaurant’s efforts to reduce food waste.

Come early. The buffet offer is quite popular and the restaurant tends to get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. It’s best to come early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the food and ambiance in a more relaxed setting.
Take advantage of promos for more savings. You can save on a few bucks by taking advantage of offers such as Kids Eat FREE (for kids 4’6″ in height or below accompanied by two full-paying adults) and FREE Birthday Buffet (for birthday celebrants accompanied by two paying adults dining in on the exact day of their birthday, three days before and three days after).

With these tips, you have no reason to hesitate to take the fam on a Japanese food trip at Ogetsu Hime!

This Ogetsu Hime branch is located at Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86377510 or +63 917 5762377.

Another branch is located at Level 5, Sky Park, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 85199840, +63 2 85199740 or +63 917 8096585.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Ogetsu Hime on Facebook and Instagram.

Catch the holiday feels at New World Makati Hotel with festive dining feasts and gift-worthy treats

New World Makati Hotel invites family and friends for that much-awaited Christmas celebration to cap off an unforgettable year. Those looking to come together for a holiday like no other will find an array of festive dining feasts as well as gift-worthy treats to share with those they hold near and dear.

Gift-worthy Goodies at The Shop

New World Makati Hotel’s Christmas hampers and baked goodies at The Shop are an ideal way to show loved ones how special and cherished they are.

Readily made hamper boxes come in three varieties: Grand, Deluxe, and the large and small Tangerine Box. The largest one is the Grand box which includes a fruit cake, chocolate tree, rocky road marshmallows, pralines box of 20, Christmas stollen bread, Christmas cookies, chocolate Santa, Christmas mendiant, and a bottle of wine.

The Deluxe hamper comprises a fruit cake, chocolate tree, box of mendiant, Christmas cookies, chocolate Santa, rocky road marshmallows, and a bottle of wine.

A choice between a large or small Tangerine Box comes with a chocolate tree, Christmas cookies, and rocky road marshmallows for the large box; while the small box contains Christmas cookies.

The Grand, Deluxe, and large and small Tangerine Boxes are priced at PHP7,000, PHP4,500, PHP900, and PHP450, respectively. Build your own hamper boxes are also available for a minimum spend of PHP4,500. All prices are in nett.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining Offers

All-You-Can-Eat Feast at Cafe 1228

Gather over a festive feast with all-you-can-eat a la carte dishes such as roasted turkey, grilled herb and garlic striploin steak, lamb chops, shrimp, blue crab, clams, and mussels, paired with a selection of salads, pizza, pasta, and more at the Western and seafood stations of Cafe 1228. For Asian and local favorites, there is lechon de leche with paella rice, oxtail kare kare, spicy beef caldereta, pancit palabok, and pork spare ribs as well as select dim sum and noodles.

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Cafe 1228’s Christmas feasts are priced at PHP2,000 nett inclusive of one glass of sparkling, white or red wine, and free flowing soda, chilled juices, and iced tea.

Set Menu & All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum at Jasmine

At Jasmine, guests will have a choice among four set menus and two vegetarian set menus, each comprising eight courses.

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Set Menu 1A includes Suckling pig barbecued combination platter, Double boiled chicken soup with Chinese herbs, Steamed prawn with garlic vermicelli, Braised assorted mushrooms with fungus and bamboo pith, Spareribs with mango, mayonnaise and garden salad, Braised e-fu noodle with honey barbecued pork, Glutinous dumpling with milk chocolate and peanut filling, and Hot taro cream sago with pandan and coconut.

Set Menu 1B highlights Combination platter of Cantonese style roasted duck and roasted pork belly, Assorted seafood with wintermelon and conpoy soup, Garoupa fillet with mango and mayonnaise in lettuce cup, Braised abalone with shiitake mushroom and premium oyster sauce, Wok-fried diced beef tenderloin with XO sauce, Fried rice with barbecued pork and vegetables, Glutinous dumpling with milk chocolate and peanut filling, and Chilled mango cream sago.

Set Menu 2A features Suckling pig barbecued combination platter, Japanese conpoy with abalone shells, seafood and bamboo pith soup, Wok-fried prawn with butter and Chinese bun, Pan-fried egg with bean curd and special meat sauce, Wok-fried diced beef with chicken and XO sauce, Dan dan noodle with minced pork, Chilled mango cream sago, and Steamed piggy bun with milk egg cream.

Set Menu 2B has Cold prawn salad with mango and cucumber, Pumpkin seafood soup, Braised sea cucumber with shiitake mushroom, Wok-fried beef ribs with black pepper sauce, Braised assorted vegetables with bean curd, Fried rice with Chinese sausage and taro, Chilled almond bean curd with fruits, and Steamed piggy bun with milk and egg cream.

Vegetarian Set Menu 1 has Crispy fried bean curd sheet roll with assorted vegetables, Corn and tofu soup, Minced vegetables with mushrooms in lettuce cup, Assorted vegetables with fungus and bamboo pith, Braised country style bean curd with Taiwan pechay, Fried rice with assorted vegetables, Fried sweet taro with sesame seeds, and Hot red bean cream and lotus seed.

Vegetarian Set Menu 2 includes Crispy taro with tofu salad, Assorted vegetables with seaweed soup, Minced assorted vegetables with fried vermicelli, Fried bean curd and abalone mushroom with truffle oil, Crispy eggplant with sweet chili sauce and pine nuts, Country style fried rice with cashew nuts, Fried sweet taro with sesame seeds, and Hot red bean cream with lotus seed.

Set Menu 1 (A&B) and 2 (A&B) are priced at PHP1,888 and PHP2,088, respectively and include one glass of red or white wine, iced tea, soda or local beer. Vegetarian Set 1 and 2 are at PHP1,388 and PHP1,588, respectively and include one round of iced tea, soda or local beer. All prices are in nett.

Guests can feast to their heart’s delight on favorites such as barbecued Honey roasted pork, steamed “Har gao” shrimp dumplings, “Xiao long bao” Shanghainese pork dumplings, “Shao mai” pork and crab meat dumplings, and Barbecued pork buns, as well as Fried wonton dumplings, Seafood taro puffs,
Barbecued pork puffs, and much more.

Festive additions include Cheese and Chinese chive dumplings, Scallop and fish roe dumplings, Shrimp and cheese spring rolls, Wok-fried beef tenderloin with sweet walnuts and XO sauce, Deep-fried shrimp mango with mayonnaise, and desserts Hot red bean cream lotus seed and Chilled almond bean curd with fruits.

A selection of rice, noodle, and congee dishes are likewise available such as Fried rice “Yeung chow” style, Chicken congee with shiitake mushroom, and Braised e-fu noodle with minced pork, salted fish and spicy sauce.

All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum is available for lunch service only at PHP1,588 on 24 December and PHP1,688 on 25 December and is inclusive of one round of iced tea, soda or local beer. A limited a la carte menu will likewise be available.

Christmas Cocktails at The Lounge

The Lounge is making spirits brights with an array of Christmas cocktails comprising Berry Smash, Eggnog, Red Sangria and White Sangria. Each cocktail is priced at PHP495 nett. A minimum spend of PHP800 nett on these drinks entitles guests a chance to win a special prize.

Bring New World Home with Holiday Platters

Those who choose to celebrate the Yuletide season at home can savor the festive flavors of New World with premium holiday platters ideal for intimate celebrations. A choice of eight set menus or a curate-your-own menu are available and is deal for families or groups of ten.

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To view each of the eight set menus, guests can visit the website here.

Set Menus 1 to 4 are priced at PHP13,000++ while Set Menus 5 to 8 are at PHP15,000++. Optional drink add-ons are canned soda or chilled juice, local beer or a bottle of red or white house wine. Add-on rates will apply. Delivery fee is PHP600 within Makati and BGC, PHP1,200 for Taguig and within Pasay, Manila, Mandaluyong and PHP1,500 within the rest of Metro Manila.

The New World Makati Holiday Brochure can be viewed here.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can fill up the online order form, call +632 8811 6888 ext. 3679, send a message on Viber at +63 917 888 4194 or e-mail fbreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.

Details and images provided by New World Makati Hotel in a recent press release.

Four reasons to dine in style at New World Hotel’s Cafe 1228

As we near the end of the tumultuous year of 2020, we should celebrate whatever joy and success we were able to wrest for ourselves, right?

After all, while there may have been many upheavals this year, we still made it through.

So let’s celebrate in grand style, shall we? Here are four reasons why we should do so at New World Makati Hotel’s Cafe 1228.

1) You can dine-in luxuriously.

The restaurant’s sprawling, airy and well-appointed premises are sure to get you in the mood to linger awhile, spending time with family and friends over good food.

2) You can dine-in safely.

With the restaurant’s recent reopening, it already adopted safety procedures and protocols for the New Normal under New World Makati Hotel Commitment to Care Care Health and Safety Program. The hotel, including all of its restaurants and facilities, are in compliance with the standards of its international owning company, Rosewood Hotel Group. Further intensified sanitation and safety protocols are set in place guided by the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. More details on this program here.

Foremost among these standards involves Cafe 1228 revamping its dining-in concept from an all-you-can-eat buffet to one that’s more in line with the New Normal: an order-all-you-can ala carte service.

Instead of filling your plate as you go from station to station, you instead select your choices from a well-curated list of Western and regional fare. You can order anything that’s on the menu as often as you can during dining hours.

3) You can dine-in deliciously.

Cafe 1228 brings the ultimate feast to discriminating diners. Your orders from the menu are all prepared ala minute and served to you at your table in solo portions, fresh and hot from the restaurant’s five cooking stations.

These include:

Hot off-the-grill. Let out your inner carnivore with freshly grilled dishes such as Lamb Brochette, Rosemary Chicken, Mahi-mahi in Kaffir Lime and Olive Oil, Herb and Garlic Marinated Beef Striploin, Pork Spareribs in garlic, calamansi, fish sauce, and Hungarian Sausage.

Fresh seafood cooked in five ways. Shrimps, clams, and blue crabs cooked with a choice of garlic butter, salt and pepper, Singaporean style, in white wine sauce or baked with garlic and cheese.

Pizzas and pastas, all cooked to order. Get a taste of Italy with pizzas such as Frutti de Mare, Parma Ham with Feta Cheese, Mushroom and Four Cheese, Margherita, and Mediterranean Vegetable. Have al dente spaghetti or penne noodles served with your choice from pesto cream, puttanesca, marinara and carbonara sauces.

Regional and local faves from Japanese, Chinese and Pinoy cuisines. Have a food trip around the country and Asia with assorted sashimi and sushi rolls, Wok-Fried Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Pork Buns and Lechon Belly Rice.

Appetizers and salads to pair with mains. Start your meal with Jamon Serrano with Manchego on Toast or with Toast topped with Parma Ham, Burnt Peach and Goat Cheese Foam.

Sugary treats for dessert lovers. End your meal on a sweet note with a wide variety of confections that include Chocolate Truffle Cake, Spiced Chocolate Pecan Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Mixed Berry Trifle, Bread and Butter Pudding and Puto Bumbong.

Refreshing beverages of your choice. Take your pick from among fresh fruit and vegetable juices, healthy drinks, smoothies, icy teas and beers.

This ultimate feast is available for lunch from Thursdays to Sundays and dinner from Thursdays to Saturdays. The dining outlet will also be open all week from 21-27 December 2020 due to popular demand.

4) You can dine-in on an irresistible deal.

The all-you-can-eat feast at Cafe 1228 is offered for lunch at PHP2,400 on Thursdays and Fridays and PHP2,988 on Saturdays and Sundays. For dinner, it is priced at PHP2,600 on Thursdays and PHP2,988 on Fridays and Saturdays (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day).

From December 21 to 23, the same rate for Thursdays applies: PHP2,400 for lunch and PHP2,600 for dinner.

50% off applies for Club Epicure & BDO credit cardholders at Cafe 1228. Club Epicure membership is FREE and comes with an array of exclusive discounts and privileges for dining offers, and will include room stays once staycations are accepted at the hotel.

For table reservations, guests can call +63 2 88116888 ext. 3679, send a message on Viber at +63 917 8884194 or e-mail fbreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.

This Christmas, indulge yourself and your loved ones a bit with a welcome change of scenery and a sumptuous feast at New World Hotel Makati’s Cafe 1228.

New World Makati Hotel is a world-class deluxe hotel located in the heart of Makati. With a thoroughly modern vibe and hints of Oriental influence, the hotel features 580 guestrooms and suites with Residence Club executive floor accommodation, a business center, sophisticated dining options, a well-equipped fitness center with sauna and spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and 1,800 square meters of dynamic function space for meetings and conferences. The hotel is located directly across Greenbelt, the country’s premier lifestyle shopping center. It is also nine kilometers from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and within steps of many embassies, as well as Manila’s top business addresses and upscale shopping venues.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I was invited to sample Cafe 1228’s ultimate feast. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to taste the fare to facilitate our honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Maximize your eat-all-you-can experience. Check out my survival guide.

Unli Japanese fusion dishes at Yakikai Buffet Restaurant

Bid adieu to your diets, Quezon City peeps, because here’s another reason to eat all you can!

Hidden away in one of the streets in Quezon City’s Scout area is a newly opened restaurant offering unli servings of Japanese fusion dishes: Yakikai. Its name is a combination of the Japanese words “yaki” (which means “grilled”) and “kai” (which translates to “meeting or gathering”).

Set in a renovated two-story house along Dr. Lazcano Street, Yakikai offers diners comfortable seating options indoors or al fresco.

Here, families and friends can meet up and enjoy each other’s company while indulging themselves in refillable yakiniku and a buffet of Japanese and Korean dishes.

And thanks to Yakikai’s Opening Promo, you and your gang can gorge yourselves on its set meals at discounted rates this December!

Premium Set (Php339 from Php499). Includes chicken teriyaki, spicy chicken yakiniku, samgyupsal, galbi sauce pork, peppered pork shoulder loin, sliced beef, beef tare yakiniku, spicy beef and fresh shrimp.

Emperor Set (Php599 from Php699). Includes chicken teriyaki, spicy chicken yakiniku, samgyupsal, spicy samgyupsal, galbi sauce pork, peppered pork shoulder loin, sliced beef, beef tare yakiniku, spicy beef, fresh shrimp, beef steak (chuck eye roll), jjamppong nobe, salmon sashimi and ebi tempura.

Both already sets include unli refills of cheese as well.

Plus, birthday celebrants can eat for free within their birthday month as long as they’re accompanied by seven full-paying adults and can present a valid ID.

With its comfortable surroundings, wide array of dishes and its accommodating wait staff, Yakikai seems poised to be the new destination of choice for buffet hunters.

So go ahead and schedule the next barkada meet up or family celebration at Yakikai! And be sure to wear something loose (wink! wink!).

Thanks to Bunny of AlwaysTheFunnyGirl for extending the invitation!

Yakikai Buffet Restaurant is located at 122 Dr. Lazcano Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open daily from 4pm to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 927 1383980 or +63 929 8235452.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Sumptuous Chinese Lunch at Lugang Cafe, Greenhills

Lugang Cafe is the offshoot of Bellagio, a Taiwanese restaurant chain which first opened in Shanghai in 2001, bringing with it a combination of authentic Taiwanese cuisine with a modern and vibrant restaurant design. Since then, it has grown its China operations to include outlets in key cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Najing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Wuhan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Xiamen, Quanzhou and Galaxy Macau.

Outside China, it is known as Lugang Cafe, currently with 7 branches in the Philippines, and recognition as a recipient of Philippine Tatler’s 100 Best Restaurant Awards.

Walking in to Lugang Cafe’s O Square branch in Greenhills Shopping Center, I can’t help but be impressed by its sleek, contemporary yet decidedly Asian decor. It has floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light (great for food photography!) and even allows passersby to peek at the chefs at work in the kitchen. It has distinctive wall art, fixtures and furnishings that give the place a luxurious and premium look and feel, quite a departure from the usual down-home (and sometimes shabby-looking) Chinese restaurants.

Even though the place was packed with the Sunday lunch crowd, we were lucky to find ourselves a table with the help of a very accommodating hostess. There was a frenetic kind of energy to the place, what with the servers rushing here and there and the din of clanging utensils from the diners.

For my Sunday lunch together with Hubby and my daughter #ExhibitA, we ordered an array of dishes that showcase Lugang’s penchant for carefully selected ingredients imported from China, cooked fresh (with no chemical additives), and developed by the 14 world-class chefs it employs.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php268 – 8 pieces). Did you know that in China, making Xiao Long Bao, also known as the soup dumpling for the flavorful pork skin broth that accompanies the pork leg meat inside the fine, delicate hand-rolled skin, is considered an art form? Lugang’s take on this challenging dish results in a very light and delicious dumpling that whets the appetite for more.

Steamed Vegetable and Pork Dumplings (Php268 – 8 pieces). A lighter take on the usual pork dumplings as the meat has to share the limelight with some greens.

Steamed Pan Fried Siopao (Php268). Another departure from the run-of-the-mill cuisine, this version of the steamed siopao has bottom which has been seared to a crisp texture, adding an interesting contrast in texture to the light fluffy bun that envelopes the meaty filling.

Spicy Beef and Tendon Noodles Soup (Php320). Tender choice cut beef sirloin slices and melt-in-your-mouth tendons are accompanied by a savory and spicy broth and firm handmade noodles (that I had trouble cutting with my soup spoon, hahaha!) and topped with aromatics. This is definitely something I would want to sip on during cold rainy days.

Pineapple Fried Rice (Php320). A twist on the regular fried rice, with cashew nuts adding texture and pineapple bits lending some sweetness to the dish. Although it went well with the viands we ordered, I think this rice is a bit too oily for my taste.

Beef Tenderloin with Crispy Garlic (Php680). A new dish offered by Lugang first introduced in this very branch last year, it features tender cuts of beef braised in a flavorful garlic sauce, quite a flavor grenade!

Fried Prawns with Oats (Php580). Humongous prawns covered in an oat-filled batter and deep-fried to a golden brown. While it has an interesting texture, I think that the oats do not do much to enhance the prawns’ taste.

All in all, our Sunday lunch at Lugang Cafe introduced us to a host of absorbing new tastes and textures, as well as wowed us with the luxurious restaurant interiors. We definitely wouldn’t mind returning and revisiting our favorites or trying out the other dishes being offered.

Which brings us to…

Lugang Cafe’s UlTEAmate Feast

From August 28 to September 28, weekdays at 2.30 to 5.30pm, diners can eat all the Steamed Pork Xiao Long Baos their hearts desire, together with other unlimited dumplings, for only Php298 per person at all Lugang Cafe branches. For more details, visit Lugang’s Facebook Page.

I might have some difficulty availing of this offer – what with work schedules and all – but take heart, I vow to find a way!

Lugang Cafe’s Lauriat Feast

Did you know Lugang can deliver platters and packed meals with your favorite Taiwanese dishes right at your doorstep?

This Lugang Cafe branch is located at Ground Floor, O’Square, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 906 2176217. Other branches are located at:

Level 1, Main Mall, South Arcade, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City (Tel: +63 906 2176216)
2/F The Block SM North Edsa, Pag-asa 1, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 3328725 or +63 915 7469693)
Skypark, Level 5, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner Mckinley Parkway, Taguig City (Tel: +63 2 5195663 or +63 906 4555873)
Glorietta 2, G/F, The New Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 4033303 or +63 906 4555879)
F Fashion Hall, Bldg D, SM Megamall Edsa cor. J. Vargas, Brgy Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City (Tel: +63 2 6316436 or +63 915 1742243)
Level 1, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila (Tel: +63 995 7564734)

The Max’s Group brings All You Can Wednesdays this June

Take your fill of all your favorite food this June with the Max’s Group’s All You Can Wednesdays promo.

The largest casual dining restaurant group in the Philippines, the Max’s Group will have eight of its well-known brands offer their best-selling products which you can eat all you want for only Php349 per brand, such as:

Fried Chicken at Max’s
Tacos at Pancake House
Pizza at Yellow Cab
Coffee and Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme
Beef Belly Strips at Sizzlin’ Steak
Ebi Tempura at Teriyaki Boy
Krispy Sisig at Dencio’s
Smoothies at Jamba Juice

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Click on the links above for more details.

This promo is available across 600 stores nationwide.

For tips on how to survive and make the most out of an eat-all-you-can scenario, check out my blog post here.

Check out my reviews of previous dining experiences at Max Group restaurants:

Buffet Survival Guide: All-You-Need-to-Know to Eat-All-You-Can

Family gatherings and get-togethers are best celebrated with food, lots and lots of it. Good thing there are all-you-can-eat buffets!

Originally, the term “buffet” referred to the sideboard table where dishes are served during family meals or parties. The word later evolved to refer to the format of serving food wherein diners generally serve themselves.

It’s no wonder that all-you-can-eat buffets have grown in popularity in recent years. Diners get to have their fill of whatever food they choose at a fixed cost, while being able to try out new dishes that they don’t normally order. And since the food is already served and just refilled, diners do not have to wait to enjoy their meal.

Savvy all-you-can-eat diners have come up with various techniques to make the most out of their buffet dining experiences Take these tips to heart to maximize your own buffet adventure.

Check for additional savings through discount promos. Some restaurants, like Vikings, offer promos wherein celebrants get to eat for free their birthday as long they are accompanied by a minimum number of guests paying the full rate. Other establishments offer discounted buffet rates to cardholders of partner banks such as BDO, or via restaurant booking apps such as Eatigo, or through deal sites like Metrodeal. Also, lunch buffet rates tend to be lower than dinner buffet rates so if you can schedule your meal during the lunch period, you can save a few bucks.
Make sure the food offerings are in line with your tastes. Whether you want to stick to classic favorites or you’re in the mood to be adventurous, make sure that the dishes served in your chosen resto are to your liking. An eat-all-you-can buffet of food that you don’t like is not a fair deal.
Get hydrated before eating but ease up on the drinks during the meal. Drinking some H2O, particularly lemon water, before starting your buffet quest will help in digestion while minimizing bloating and heartburn. However, drinking lots of liquids, especially fizzy ones, during the meal will use up some precious tummy room.
Don’t fill up on fillers. Pasta and grains can be quite filling so minimize the carbs to make room for dishes that would normally be expensive ala carte such as seafood, sushi, steaks and roasts.
Pace yourself. Take some time to savor each bites will let you maximize your dining experience while minimizing the feeling of bloating later.

Consider buffet dining a treat so don’t overdo it and make sure you enjoy the meal with great company.