Foodie – Jellybeans in the City

Today’s your last chance to celebrate Chuseok with Ball Katsu’s Pick A Prize Promo!

As September draws to a close, so does the vibrant celebration of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. This annual event is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and indulgence in delectable Korean cuisine. If you haven’t seized the opportunity yet, there’s no better time than now to immerse yourself in the festivities and make the most of Ball Katsu’s Pick A Prize Promo.

Ball Katsu, a brainchild of the esteemed Korean chef Paik Jong Won, adds an exciting twist to the classic katsu by transforming it into delightful katsu balls. Before this month concludes, dive into the world of Korean flavors and savor the chance to win amazing prizes at Ball Katsu.

The Korean Twist: Explore Ball Katsu’s Innovative Katsu Balls

Visualize the traditional katsu – a succulent, crispy-on-the-outside yet juicy-on-the-inside pork cutlet. Now, imagine that same katsu, expertly shaped into charming, flavorful balls. That’s the magic of Ball Katsu.

Korean chef Paik Jong Won, renowned for his culinary ingenuity, took the beloved katsu and transformed it into delightful balls. Each ball encapsulates the flavors of katsu within a convenient, bite-sized form. It’s a fusion of textures and tastes that’s both unique and appetizing, adding a Korean twist to a well-loved classic.

A Delicious Korean Foodie Adventure at Ball Katsu

Located in Mega Fashion Hall’s Food Hall, Ball Katsu is your gateway to a yummy adventure. The unassuming setup might belie the gastronomic delights that await you, but don’t you worry, you’ll find a tantalizing array of options, including katsu balls, rice bowls, and curry rice dishes.

The katsu balls, of course, steal the spotlight. Each bite-sized sphere is a burst of flavor, showcasing the perfect harmony of tender meat and crispy coating. Ball Katsu launched its hottest flavor, the Hot Pepper Ball Katsu (Php159/pc), proving the versatility of these bite-sized delights!

For those seeking a heartier meal, the Regular Ball Katsu Rice Bowl (Php189) presents an equally satisfying experience.

The Cheese Ball Curry Rice (Php269), on the other hand, offer a comforting and aromatic journey through Korean flavors.

The Pick A Prize Promo: Seize the Last Moments of Excitement!

As the clock ticks towards midnight on September 30, 2023, seize the last chance to be part of the Pick A Prize Promo at Ball Katsu. Celebrate Chuseok as you savor the delectable katsu balls and potentially win incredible prizes.

Here’s how to join:

Make a minimum purchase of 350 pesos in a single transaction to qualify for the promo.
Like and follow Ball Katsu’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Pages, and share the promo post.
Present a screenshot showing that you’ve followed and shared Ball Katsu’s social media pages.
Show the receipt as proof of purchase to the Ball Katsu staff.
After verification, pick a prize from the Ball Katsu Box/Bowl.
Each customer can avail of the promo once during the entire promo period.
Instant prizes can be redeemed on the same day or at the end of the promo period. Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.
Fill up the acknowledgment form for your prizes.
Staff will stamp the receipt to verify the promotion.

Make the Most of Chuseok: Hurry and Join Ball Katsu’s Celebration!

For Korean pop culture enthusiasts and food lovers alike, the last day of September is the last call to partake in this unique celebration. Chuseok is a time to immerse yourself in Korean traditions, and Ball Katsu offers not only a delightful gastronomic journey but also a chance to win exciting prizes through their Pick A Prize Promo. Don’t let this opportunity slip away; be part of the Chuseok festivities at Ball Katsu.

Ball Katsu is located at 5th Floor SM Mega Food Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items were served at no cost in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature.

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.

Delicious delights and family fun at Shakey’s newest store in SM Cherry Antipolo

Foodies and families east of Manila have something delicious to look forward to!

Shakey’s, the beloved American pizza restaurant chain, has just opened its newest branch in SM Cherry Antipolo so get ready to indulge in mouthwatering dishes and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Shakey’s – A Beloved Pizza Chain

The name Shakey’s calls to mind memories of delectable pizzas, crispy fried chicken, and those oh-so-addictive Mojos. Did you know that Shakey’s was founded in Sacramento, California, way back in 1954? Over the years, it has become a global sensation, and luckily, we Pinoys have over 300 Shakey’s locations across the country.

Shakey’s stands out because of its focus on creating a warm and inviting environment for families and groups. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply having a casual get-together, Shakey’s has got you covered.

A Convenient Location for Families

Located at SM Cherry Antipolo, along Marcos Highway, the new Shakey’s branch couldn’t be easier to find, making it a perfect destination for families in the area. Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, you’ll have no trouble reaching this food haven.

The ambiance at here is nothing short of delightful. The restaurant is adorned with colorful murals that add a cheerful touch to the dining experience. Nostalgic posters take us back to Shakey’s rich history, where family traditions and great food are celebrated.

The space is designed to make families feel right at home. With comfortable tables and booths, you can relax and enjoy your meal without a worry. But that’s not all – the open kitchen concept adds a dash of excitement. Watch as the staff prepare your favorite dishes right before your eyes. It’s a culinary spectacle that’ll leave you eager to dig in!

It is also located just across the street from St. John Mary Vianney Parish Church, giving Sunday mass attendees a perfect venue to carry on the spirit of togetherness and celebration.

You can also hold large parties and events at this branch where the restaurant’s versatility shines through its catering options. Be sure to include Shakey’s iconic 32″ Giant Pizza in your party package to give your shindig that show-stopping centerpiece.

Exciting Promotions and Meal Deals

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: Shakey’s Flavorful Family Feast Classic Meal Deal! For just P2,299, five to six people can indulge in a filling and flavorful feast.

It includes your choice of any of Shakey’s 12″ Large Thin Crust Pizza, such as its newest pizza variant, the Texas Chicken BBQ. Sweet, smoky, and sensational, it’s topped with cheese, onions, and drizzled with Shakey’s very own BBQ sauce – a flavor explosion in every bite!

The meal deal also includes a family-sized Skilletti, such as this Carbonara Supreme. Imagine creamy white sauce pasta with bacon, ham, and button mushrooms, sprinkled generously with premium parmesan cheese, and served with garlic bread.

Of course, a visit to Shakey’s wouldn’t be complete without its famous Chicken ‘N’ Mojos. The meal deal includes six pieces of these delightful chicken pieces and a serving of flavorfully crisp battered potato slices.

And to wash it all down, you’ll get a pitcher of iced tea to keep the whole family refreshed.

Flash your Supercard, and you’ll receive a FREE Welcome Pizza – such as the Manager’s Choice! Packed with ham, beef, Italian sausage, green bell pepper, and onions, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.

And as if that’s not enough, you’ll also get a Basket of Flavored Mojos, thanks to the restaurant’s partnership with Potato Corner. It’s a flavor extravaganza that’s too good to miss!

Irresistible Additions

When it comes to family dining, variety is the spice of life, so why not elevate your meal with delectable additions?

Take the classic Caesar Salad (Php279), for example. Its fresh lettuce, premium bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons tossed in Caesar dressing is the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

On the other hand, the Tender Crrrunch Chicken Fingers (Php249 | 6pcs), made from tender chicken breast meat, coated in flavorful breading, and fried to a golden crunch, adds a new exciting texture to your repast.

Solo diners can relish the best deal with the Bunch Of Lunch (Php229), offering a slice of Hawaiian Delight Hand Tossed Pizza, Chicken ‘n’ Mojos, Skilletti, and Garlic Bread, all of their Shakey’s faves in one plate.

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a delicious family meal (or a solo foodie trip!), head over to Shakey’s SM Cherry Antipolo!

This Shakey’s branch is located at Ground Floor, SM Cherry Antipolo, Marcos Highway, Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City, open daily from 10am to 10pm for dine-in and takeout.

Enjoy your Shakey’s meal at home by calling its delivery hotline +63 2 77777777, or ordering online through its website or the Shakey’s Super App (available on the App Store and Google Play) .

Keep updated on Shakey’s promos and offers by following it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Check out my previous post on Shakey’s at:

2020 Meet Up Meal Deal at Shakeys, Tomas Morato

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

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

Yabu’s Unique Katsu Experience

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

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

Delicious Katsu Selections at Yabu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inviting Ambiance at Yabu SM Megamall

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

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

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

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

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

Other Yabu branches are located at:

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

Yabu House of Katsu also delivers via GrabFood.

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

Check out my previous posts about Yabu House of Katsu:

Katsu adventure in Yabu, Ayala Vertis North

Katsu Indulgence at Yabu, Robinsons Place Magnolia

Return to my katsu love at Yabu, Ayala Malls Feliz

Katsu family lunch at Yabu, Robinsons Galleria

The perfect gift for foodie moms: Ka Tunying’s Ma’s the Chef Pasta Set

Mother’s Day is already here, and what better way to celebrate this special occasion than by giving Mom a gift that she will love? If, for some reason, you’re still looking for that special something that will make her heart skip a beat, consider gifting mom with the Ma’s the Chef (Pasta Set) from Ka Tunying’s.

From Ka Tunying himself

Ka Tunying’s is the casual “tambayan” and “restoran” in one that caters to the #PanlasangMakabayan. It is named after its founder, veteran broadcaster, TV personality, and radio commentator, Anthony Taberna.

In the media, Ka Tunying may be known for his hard-hitting opinions on the topics of the day, but we can’t deny that he serves up sweet and savory delights (and everything in between) at his namesake restaurant. With branches located in Quezon City and Tagaytay, Ka Tunying’s has been serving affordable, no-frills yet delicious Pinoy dishes such as Kaldereta, Arroz Caldo, and Sisig to satisfy the Pinoy food cravings of urbanites, families, barkadas, travelers, balikbayans, and more for the past seven years and counting.

For Mother’s Day this year, it curated its top picks for moms, which include the following:

Ka Tunying's Mom's Cookie Jar — Cookie Jars

Ka Tunying's Special MOMents — Mother’s Day-Themed Cakes

The perfect gift for foodie moms

As a true-blue foodie, is there any wonder why I would just love the Ma’s The Chef Pasta Set? I’m certain your foodie mom would love it, too, especially if she’s the type who likes to whip up something fancy in the kitchen but not necessarily have to slave all day making it.

It includes all the ingredients that Mom needs to make her special tinapa pasta:

Plus, she also gets a set of wooden utensils and a chopping board can be used for both preparation and serving. Also, the gift bag is beautifully packaged with a pretty pink bow and flowers that Mom will surely appreciate.

You know what? Family members can make this gift even more special by cooking the pasta themselves and presenting the fruit of their labor to Mom as her special meal on Mother’s Day. This is a great way to bond with Mom and show her how much she is loved and appreciated.

So do present your foodie mom with this special treat for Mother’s Day. It’s beautifully packaged and comes with all the essentials that Mom (or the fam!) needs to make her special tinapa pasta dish in a jiffy.

You may order Mom’s Ma’s the Chef gift bag online, by messaging Ka Tunying’s on Facebook or by calling +63 917 1038673 or +63 995 2376684. The gift bag will be available until May 31, 2023, so you still have time to surprise Mom with this special gift.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Ka Tunying’s: