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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes

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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes

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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Chawanmushi
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Shallot Oil Rice
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Pork Mince with Black Beans
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
3-Cup Chicken
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Stir Fried Pork and Tofu

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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Taiwan Braised Pork
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Soy Egg
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Briashed Tofu
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Pickled Cucumber

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

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Spicy Chicken Maki
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Shrimp Cocktail Maki
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Shrimp Tuna Maki

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.

Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes
Champion Hotpot New Dishes

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:

Easy-peasy Taiwanese cuisine at home with Ersao Frozen Delights

Did you know that Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant has been serving authentic Taiwanese food and drinks for the past twenty years?

If you remember the time when milk tea shops were not as ubiquitous as they are today, well you have Ersao to thank for being among the first eateries to introduce this delightful drink to the local food scene.

However, its contribution to the Pinoy foodie’s gustatory pleasures do not stop at its stores. Thanks to its easy-to-cook frozen food offerings, Pinoys can easily enjoy Taiwanese and other Asian delicacies at home or wherever they are.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

Using simple cooking methods, anyone, from culinary newbies to seasoned home cooks, can whip up a delicious spread in a matter of minutes.

Boiling

For instance, its Korean Hot Pot is a 1.2kg pack of toppings that include tofu, tempura, balls, sausages, sliced beef and more in a kimchi-flavored broth.

To cook, simply place in a hotpot and heat until boiling. Serve hot for the whole fam and enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish on a chill day.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

Frying

If you want to snack on something favorful, deep-fry some of Ersao’s Pork Taro Meatballs until golden brown. You can also boil them for seven minutes and add them to soups to make them heartier.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

Steaming

Steamed Buns

Taiwan is famous for its steamed bao buns that are pillowy soft, delectably chewy and stuffed with delicious filling.

To enjoy a classic favorite – a steamed bun filled with braised tender pork in a sweet and savory sauce – get a few buns from a pack of Ersao’s Siopao Asado in a steamer and steam for seven to eight minutes before serving.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

For a novel steamed bao experience, steam a few pieces from Ersao’s Salted Egg Yolk Steamed Bun pack for three to five minutes after thawing. Also known as Liu Sha Bao (which translates to “flowing sand bun”), it is filled with yolks of salted duck eggs, butter and custard powder which makes each bit oozing with flavor.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

Steamed Dumplings

Siomai is another favorite among Pinoys. Usually made with ground pork and flavored with aromatics, it is a simple dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, an appetizer or a viand with rice.

Ersao presents new ways to enjoy this delicacy with its siomai frozen food products such as its Purple Rice Pearl Siomai, pork-flavored meatballs encased in glutinous purple rice. To cook, simply steam for seven to eight minutes after thawing.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

Another Ersao Frozen Foods siomai variant is the Pork Siomai with Tobiko, made with ground pork encased in jasmine-flavored wrapper and topped with tobiko (flying fish roe). To cook, thaw then steam for seven to eight minutes.

Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

Other Taiwanese dishes that you and the fam can enjoy at home, thanks to Ersao Frozen Foods include:

Ersao Frozen Foods
Taro Rolls(Deep-frying). Taiwan highland taro paste wrapped in crispy pie crust.
Ersao Frozen Foods
Squid Croquette (Deep-frying). Fresh squid patty with crispy breading.
Ersao Frozen Foods
Shrimp Rolls (Pan-frying). Fresh shrimp paste wrapped in crispy pie crust.
Ersao Frozen Foods
Tobiko Sausage (Pan-frying). Juicy tobiko sausage made with freshly ground pork and blended with traditional rich-flavored seasonings
Ersao Frozen Foods
Pork Ear Cold Cuts (Microwaving). Best paired with rice, noodles, fresh vegetables or even as an appetizer.
Ersao Frozen Foods
Edamame (Microwaving). Steamed and seasoned young bean pods best served cold as side dish.

Want to serve tasty Taiwanese dishes at home to your family and friends? Stock up on Ersao Frozen Delights by visiting these Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant branches:

  • Mauban: 213 Banawe Street, Brgy. Manresa, Corner Mauban, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 89218603 or +63 917 1060363)
  • Sta Mezza: 129 Mezza Residences, Brgy. Doña Imelda Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 3549742)
  • Abad Santos: 1300 Jose Abad Santos, Tondo Manila (Tel: +63 2  82526223)
  • Banawe: 664 Banawe Street, Quezon City (Tel: +63 905 4029188)
  • Caloocan: A De Jesus Street, Cor 9th Avenue, Caloocan City (Tel: +63 917 1412222)
  • Cloverleaf: 3rd Floor, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, A. Bonifacio, Quezon City
  • E. Rodriguez: 82-C E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 85168168, +63 2 4111114 or +63 2 87100888)
  • JRU Shaw: 79 Shaw Blvd., Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City (Tel: +63 927 851 1228, +63 961 6034565  or +63 995 2542485)
  • San Lazaro: Vertex One Building, Batangas Street, Sta Cruz Manila (Tel: +63 2 83548938)
  • M Place: 16 GF, M Place Residences, Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City (+63 908 2973080 or +63 2 9047968)
  • Victoria E. Rodriguez: 285 E. Rodriguez Sr., near cor. Victoria, Quezon City (Tel: +63 977 7682970)
  • Wilcon: Ground Floor, Wilcon City Center, Visayas Ave., Quezon City (Tel: +63 916 3077881)
  • Zeta Tower: Shop no.24 Zeta Tower Bridgetowne Center C5 road, Brgy. Ugong Norte Quezon City (Tel: +63 945 9743998)
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods
Ersao Frozen Foods

You can also shop for these frozen foods at Ersao’s online store on Lazada.

To know more about Ersao’s products and offers, visit its website and follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.

Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express, SM Megamall

If you think that treating your fam to a delicious shabu-shabu meal would be a costly and difficult endeavor, think again.

Especially as we are now in the midst of rainy season, a steaming bowl of soup can be quite a source of comfort.

The good news is that y’all can enjoy a tasty hotpot meal, quick and easy at Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express at SM Megamall’s Eatogether Food Hall.

Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

Choosing from these tasty selections, family members can build their own shabu-shabu experience:

  • Meats (120g): chicken fillet (Php140), pork belly (Php150), beef karubi (Php150), beef chuck eye (Php180), Australian lamb (Php250), striploin (Php250), Angus beef (Php420), Wagyu Beef (Php520)
  • Seafood (100g): squidflower (Php60), half-shell mussel (Php60), shrimp (Php120), cream dory (Php60)
  • Shabu-shabu balls: fish ball (Php80), fish cake (Php80), squid ball (Php80), crabsticks (Php80), mushroom ball (Php85), lobster ball (Php110), cheese ball (Php120)
  • Vegetables (50g): native pechay (Php25), Taiwan pechay (Php50), cabbage (Php25), corn (Php40), enoki mushroom (Php120)
  • Soup bases: chicken and pork (Php50), spicy mala (Php60), sinigang (Php55), laksa (Php60)m sate (Php60), pickled vegetable (Php50), Chinese herb (Php60)
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

Or they can select from the affordably priced individual sets the one that best suits their shabu-shabu preference:

  • dumpling set (Php200 solo | Php320 regular)
  • vegetarian set (Php190 solo | Php300 regular)
  • pork set (Php200 solo | Php340 regular)
  • chicken set (Php220 solo | Php350 regular)
  • beef karubi set (Php230 solo | Php350 regular)
  • seafood set (Php250 solo | Php590 regular)
  • beef chuck eye set (Php420)
  • lamb set (Php480)
  • beef striploin set (Php480)
  • Angus beef set (Php650)
  • Wagyu set (Php800)
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

But for a hassle-free group meal, a hotpot for sharing option would be the fam’s best bet:

Couple Sets:

  • mixed seafood and beef (Php350 solo| Php750 regular)
  • mixed seafood and pork (Php350 solo| Php750 regular)
  • premium meats (Php1,390)

Family Sets:

  • seafood feast (Php1,590)
  • premium meats for 4 (Php1,620)
  • combination set (Php2,150)
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

We opted for a premium meats for 4 set where each family member got a personal soup pot (with our individual choice of soup base – mine was laksa, Hubby’s was spicy mala and the kids opted for chicken and pork), a sizeable selection of premium meats, seafood, vegetables and shabu-shabu balls, as well as a conduction stove in which to cook their own hotpot, we each basically had full control of our delicious and very filling shabu-shabu experience.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced shabu-shabu meal for the fam, Tong Yang Express is a great choice.

Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

This Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express branch is located at Eatogether Food Hall, Second Floor, SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Other branches are located at:

  • SM Center Pasig, Frontera Drive, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig
  • SM Light Mall, EDSA corner Madison Street, Mandaluyong
  • SM Cherry Shaw, 514 Shaw Blvd, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong
  • The Rise Makati, 7248 Malugay Street, Makati
  • Eatogether Food Hall, 2/F Unimart at Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Pasig

Check out my previous posts about Eatogether Food Hall in SM Megamall:

Hotpot, Yakiniku and Buffet at the re-opened Hosaku, SM North Towers

One of the restaurant openings I was most looking forward to last year was that of Hosaku.

Hosaku – from the Japanese word which translates to “bountiful harvest” – is managed by the Fredley Group of Companies, the same conglomerate behind restaurant brands such as Macao Imperial Tea, Mitasu Yakiniku, Nabe and Liang Crispy Rolls.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku is characterized by an exciting combination of three all-you-can-eat dining concepts.

Nabemono or Japanese Hotpot. A cooking method wherein raw foods are added to a pot of simmering soup stock to be cooked while at the table.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Yakiniku. Grilling prepared raw ingredients on a grill built into the dining table, and dipped in sauces called “tare” before eaten.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

International Buffet. Various cuisines from all over the world are showcased in specified stations for diners to view and select which they want to consume.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

I found this combination gastronomically intriguing, its food offerings fresh and tasty (especially the sushi!), and it service crew helpful and accommodating.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Plus, it also incorporated some novel equipment to facilitate its unique food service method such as its conveyor belt that delivers the raw ingredients to the tables, as well as its mechanized hotpot which makes it easy to get items seemingly lost in the broth.

Having attended its soft-opening with some of my foodie friends almost exactly a year ago, I was excited to see how the restaurant will figure in the local food scene.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

However, the pandemic hit the metro and Hosaku had to put its grand opening on hold.

A year later, Hosaku finally opens it doors on Valentine’s Day, giving sweethearts in the metro a novel venue to celebrate the Day of Hearts, with protocols in place to keep everyone safe.

Hosaku, SM North Towers

Hosaku, SM North Towers

These include:

  • Temperature checks at the entrance
  • Health declaration and contact tracing
  • No facemask, no entry policy
  • Provision of hand sanitizers and alcohol for hand cleaning and disinfecting

To maintain physical distancing within its premises, it had to re-think some of its operating procedures. For example, hotpot and yakiniku ingredients are no longer delivered via conveyor belt, nor are diners allowed to help themselves to the buffet items at their stations. Instead, these are served directly on their table by the wait staff upon order.

Dining Rates at Hosaku are:

  • Weekday Lunch: Php699 for adults | Php349 for kids
  • Weekday Dinner: Php899 for adults | Php449 for kids
  • Weekends/Holidays Lunch & Dinner: Php899 for adults | Php449 for kids

All prices have an additional 5% service charge and are VAT inclusive. Children below 3 feet in height will eat for free while the adult rate will be applied to kids above 4 feet in height.

For its grand opening on February 14, the first fifty customers in line will eat for free while the rest of the customers for the day will dine at 50% off. (Terms and conditions will apply.)

Hosaku is located at Ground Floor, North Towers, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

Hosaku Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Playful takes on Japanese cuisine at Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

The enjoyment of food need not be a sombre affair.

This is quite apparent when dining at Soru Izakaya, the Japanese restaurant hidden in Quezon City’s Tomas Morato suburbs.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

An izakaya is the Japanese version of the gastropub, a place where office workers can hang out after hours to have some drinks and a light meal.

At Soru Izakaya, fun permeates everything. The colorful interiors, for instance, are inspired by the aesthetic of bishoujo manga, traditional Japanese art as well as the bustling Tokyo nightlife.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

The food, on the other hand, is no less playful. Together with fellow Zomato bloggers and foodies, I checked out Soru Izakaya’s unique takes on Japanese food which include:

Whimsical Sushi.

Lava Maki (Php430). Salmon skin, crabsticks and mango topped with cubes of salmon and tuna doused with a mixture of spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Gyu Maki (Php290). Thinly sliced beef strips, seasoned shiitake mushrooms, cream cheese and tamago topped onsen egg.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Tori Kasai Maki (Php290). Spiced chicken thigh, cream cheese and kimchi topped with torched cheese.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Fresh Salads.

Poke Bowl (Php330). Fresh salad greens, ripe mango, cucumber mixed with cubes of salmon and tuna doused in a mildly spicy dressing and topped with wakame and nori.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Spicy Maguro Salad (Php355). Cold salad greens with miso and salad dressing serve as a bed for fresh tuna cubes topped with crispy tempura flakes.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Filling Entrees.

Tomahawk Katsu (Php355). Tender pork tomahawk cutlet, breaded and deep-fried doused in a sweet and savory katsu sauce and served with shredded cabbage in a roasted sesame dressing.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Tsukumen (Php360). Thick udon noodles topped with chashu slices and tamago served with a hot flavorful broth for dipping.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Tempting Desserts.

Tiramisu (Php250). Layers of frozen coffee-flavored lady fingers layered with cream cheese frosting, creamy ganache and blueberries.

Soru Iazakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Dark Choco Moist Cake (Php220). A moist chocolate cake base covered in dark chocolate infused buttercream frosting.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Something new.

Soru Nabe Special Hotpot (Php399 per person | +Php100 with seafood). This includes unlimited refills of:

  • Broth: choice of two among Tonkotsu, Spicy Tonkotsu, Sukiyaki, Curry, Chicken, Miso and Spicy Miso
  • Meat: beef, chicken and pork
  • Seafood: shrimp, clams, mussels, squid and fish fillet
  • Balls: assorted balls and kani
  • Noodles: vermicelli, glass noodles and egg
  • Entrees: gyoza, yakisoba, tempura, beef bowl, pork bowl, smoked pork bowl, chicken wings, vegetable tempura, takoyaki
  • Vegetables: napa cabbage, carrots, squash, white onions, enoki, bokchoy, corn, taro, kangkong and black fungus
  • Sides: kimchi, potato marble, kakiage, cucumber, steamed rice and chahan

This offering inspired by the Japanese nabemono (from words nabe or “cooking pot” and mono or “thing”) is best enjoyed with a rambunctious group like ours.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

So here’s my recommendation: when the enhanced community quarantine is lifted, how about we head off to Soru Izakaya along with our buddies for some fun times with food? You game?

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Until then, why not have its dishes delivered to you? During the ECQ, Soru Izakaya’s Maginhawa branch is open from 10am to 5pm daily with a limited menu available for takeout or delivery via Grab Express or Lalamove. To order, text your name, address, contact number and orders to +63 917 7040515, +63 917 6363526 or +63 935 7830298.

This Soru Izakaya branch is located at Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City.

Other branches are located at:

  • Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
  • Ground Floor, 140 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Unli Japanese Hot Pot at Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Nabemono (from the Japanese words nabe or “cooking pot” and mono or “thing”) is a variety of Japanese hotpot dishes. This is usually cooked on the table starting a flavored stock with diners adding pre-cooked and uncooked ingredients to the pot.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

I seldom get a chance to eat at hotpot places so I got all excited when I heard that the newly opened branch of Soru Izakaya in Tomas Morato offers a hotpot dish. Dubbed the Soru Nabe Special (Php599 per person), it provides diners unlimited refills of:

  • Broth: choice of two among Tonkotsu, Spicy Tonkotsu, Sukiyaki, Curry, Chicken, Miso and Spicy Miso
  • Meat: beef, chicken and pork
  • Seafood: shrimp, clams, mussels, squid and fish fillet
  • Balls: assorted balls and kani
  • Noodles: vermicelli, glass noodles and egg
  • Entrees: gyoza, yakisoba, tempura, beef bowl, pork bowl, smoked pork bowl, chicken wings, vegetable tempura, takoyaki
  • Vegetables: napa cabbage, carrots, squash, white onions, enoki, bokchoy, corn, taro, kangkong and black fungus
  • Sides: kimchi, potato marble, kakiage, cucumber, steamed rice and chahan

You know what got me more excited? The fact that from December 11 to 18, the Soru Nabe Special is at 50% off!

So off my office friends and I went to Soru Izakaya to enjoy this offer.

This resto boasts of the same colorful and visually appealing decor which takes its cues from bishoujo (pretty girl) manga, traditional Japanese art, the colorful Tokyo night life and the emergence of speakeasies.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

There’s a separate section for hotpot diners wherein two rows of four tables (total of eight tables) are equipped with table-top stoves which can accommodate the hot pots.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Each pot is divided in the middle to allow diners to cook using two different broths simultaneously.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

We found the Soru Nabe Special very filling and satisfying due the variety of its inclusions.

What can be improved, though, is the spacing of the tables in the hotpot area. They were placed too close together that we had to stand to allow other diners to pass thru to their seats.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Also, the staff took some time to fulfill our refill requests.

Still, this ain’t bad for lunchtime adventure.

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

Soru Izakaya, Tomas Morato

And here’s some good news: the unli hotpot is back from January 9 to February 9 with options for Php299 and Php399 packages, minimum of two people per table.

So what are you waiting for? Drop by with your friends and eat your fill!

This Soru Izakaya branch is located at Scout Torillo corner Scout Hernandez, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 12 midnight.

Other branches are located at:

  • Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
  • 140 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Union of cuisines at Four in Love BBQ Hotpot Buffet, SM Manila

Good food and good company come together in this newly opened restaurant at SM City Manila called Four in Love.

A joint venture of four restaurateurs formerly based in Singapore and Thailand, this new dining venue seeks to introduce new and exciting food concepts to the Pinoy foodie while still offering familiar items.

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Here, diners can give in to their cravings for four Asian cuisines, all at the same place and at the same time:

Korean samgyeopsal and Japanese yakiniku share the space on the table’s built-in grill.

Japanese shabu-shabu and Chinese hotpot have pride of place in the hotpot area

Thai mookata combines the grilling and hotpot in one crafty cooking method.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH, I joined in on the resto’s opening day celebrations. There, we found some old favorites and new appealing tastes as we explored all that Four in Love has to offer.

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four in Love is designed for groups with tables that can seat as few as two people to as many as ten, interacting and eating together, with all the action centered on the meats, seafood and vegetables being cooked right on the table. The place is frenetic with activity, with servers hurrying to and fro to deliver refill requests.

Diners can choose from three tasty and filling meal sets for their beyond unli-meat-ed food adventure:

Harmony Set (Php399/person). Plain, sweet and spicy pork slices.

Wealth Set (Php599/person). Plain, sweet and spicy pork slices; plain, sweet and spicy beef chuck: plain, sweet and spicy chicken thighs: pork belly, beef rib eye, squid, mussels, salmon belly, shrimps and Korean spicy noodles.

Abundance Set (Php799/person). Plain, sweet and spicy pork slices; plain, sweet and spicy beef chuck: plain, sweet and spicy chicken thighs: pork belly, beef short plate, short ribs and rib eye; squid, mussels, salmon belly, tuna belly, shrimps, scallops and Korean spicy noodles.

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

(By the way, those Korean noodles sure are spicy!)

Four In Love, SM Manila

All sets come with unlimited refills of six hot dishes, cold dishes, fresh fruits and dessert. The Wealth and Abundance Sets also come with creamy mozzarella to be melted on the grill for dipping of the grilled meats.

Four In Love, SM Manila

Do try Four In Love’s dipping sauces (from Thai peanut sauce to Japanese shabu sauce and more), mixed and matched with herbs, chilis, aromatics and other condiments which will add new dimensions to your food. Not sure how to make your own sauce? Easy-piece-y! Just follow the guide provided at the sauce station.

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

If your group wants to taste some exotic soups through the hotpot steamboat, just add Php99 for one soup or Php159 for two soups for hotpot per table. To experience a mukata and shabu-shabu combo, just add Php99 per table. The mala soup, for instance, with its distinctly Sichuan flavor, is definitely a must-try!

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Oh, and be sure to coat that mookata grill with some fat before grilling your meats so they won’t stick! Also, the juices from the grill will fall from the mookata straight into the boiling soup which will add more flavor to the broth.

Four In Love, SM Manila

All those bold and spicy flavors are sure to work up a thirst. Fortunately, you can just add Php39/person for free-flowing softdrinks!

You and your group can enjoy all these for two hours, more than enough time to eat your fill of your favorites. Be sure to finish off all your meats, though; leftovers will be charged Php300 per 100 grams.

So if ever you and the gang are in the mood for a four-in-one foodie adventure, just hie off to SM City Manila and have your meal at Four in Love! Take advantage of its Grand Opening promo and enjoy 20% discount on your food bill until October 7!

Many thanks to the management and crew of Four in Love for the warm welcome and the delicious and filling meal!

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four In Love, SM Manila

Four in Love is located at Unit 30, Lower Ground Floor, SM City Manila, Ermita, Manila, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2923095.

Four In Love BBQ Hotpot Buffet Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, 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 and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.