Give in to your tummy’s rumblin’ at Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Foodies, if there is one thing you can count on, it’s the fact that your Tita Jellybeans is always on the prowl for new and exciting gastronomic experiences to share with you.

And, boy, do I have great news!

There’s this restaurant along Mayon Street in La Loma, Quezon City (a place I’m a bit unfamiliar with but I didn’t let that stop me from going on this foodie adventure) that specializes in takoyaki and milk tea called Gulu Gulu.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

If you’re thinking that it’s just another snack bar or street food stall, you’ve got another think coming. For one thing, the place is not a stall at all but a beautifully designed and well-appointed cafe. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in bright, natural light while Japan-inspired murals add color to the interiors. Tables and cushioned chairs are spread in the sprawling space, giving diners comfortable seats in which to enjoy their food. Comics and short story books are also displayed, adding to the relaxing cafe feel. Almost every nook and space can be an Instagrammable spot.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Plus, you can watch Gulu Gulu’s takoyaki masters in action in the open kitchen as they prepare the food fresh upon order.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu’s real claim to fame, of course, is its food.

With a name derived from the sound of a rumbling stomach, Gulu Gulu strives to satisfy hunger with delicious and filling fare that are definitely worth several return visits.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

First of these is its takoyaki, claimed to be the best ones in town and unlike any other takoyaki balls you may have tasted. I really can’t argue with that claim. Made with the freshest ingredients like chopped octopus, cabbages and onions, they come in wondrous and creative variety, giving even the takoyaki connoisseur new ways to enjoy this delicious snack.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Available takoyaki flavors include: Classic (Php65/3pcs | Php120/6pcs), Pork Floss & Nori (Php70/3pcs | Php130/6pcs), Tuna Floss (Php70/3pcs | Php140/6pcs), Roe (Php70/3pcs | Php140/6pcs), Seaweeds (Php70/3pcs | Php140/6pcs), Chizu-Yaki (Php70/3pcs | Php130/6pcs), Spam-o-Yaki (Php70/3pcs | Php130/6pcs) and Crispy Takoyaki (Php130/6pcs).

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

If you feel like having something more substantial, you can always opt for a sushi roll. Here, Gulu Gulu does not scrimp on the variety either. Take your pick among these sushi flavors: California Roll (Php220/8pcs), Crazy Maki (Php280/8pcs), Cheese Mango Roll (Php260/8pcs), Crispy Maki (Php250/8pcs) and Salmon Aburi Roll (Php230/8pcs).

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

You can also mix ’em up by getting a 12-piece sushi box with 4 pieces each of California Roll, Crazy Maki and Cheese Mango Roll for just Php230!

If you’re feeling really peckish, you can always go for a Rice Bowl, consisting of a Japanese meat dish topping a steaming bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. Choose from these rice bowl options: Torikatsudon (fried breaded chicken cutlet – Php210), Katsudon (fried breaded pork chop – Php210), Ebi Tendon (shrimp tempura – Php210), Gyudon (beef strips – Php230), Grilled Salmon Steak (Php290) or Japanese Curry (Chicken or Pork – Php240).

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

You can also add a serving of Ebi Tempura (deep-fried batter-coated shrimp – Php150/3pcs | Php240/5pcs), Yakisoba (stir-fred noodles – Php200) or Kakiage (deep-fried batter-coated veggies – Php125) to complete your meal.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Now, what to drink as you eat your fill of those delectable Japanese food? Gulu Gulu’s got you there as well with its extensive line of teas that make use of the finest and first-boiled black, green, red and jasmine tea leaves, lusciously chewy black pearls, nata de coco, grass jelly and other add-ons to bring you the highest quality drinks in amazing variants.

Milk tea flavors include: Original with Pearl (Php100/700ml), Milk Tea with Nata de Coco (Php110/700ml), Milk Tea with Grass Jelly (Php110/700ml), Taro Milk Tea with Pearl (Php115/700ml), Chocolate Milk Tea with Pearl (Php110/700ml), Matcha Milk Tea with Pearl (Php115/700ml0, Original Cheese Tea (Php130/500ml | Php150/700ml), Chocolate Cheese Tea (Php135/500ml | Php155/700ml) and Brown Sugar Milk Tea (Php120/700ml).

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Definitely not to be missed is the Salted Egg Milk Tea (Php130/500ml | Php155/700ml) which should appeal to the Pinoy’s penchant for sweet and salty combos.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

If fruit teas are more your thing, you can select your favorite blends from among: Signature Fruit Tea (Php130/700ml | Php160/1000ml), Special Lemon Tea (Php80/500ml | Php100/700ml | Php130/1000ml) or Orange Tea (Php80/500ml | Php100/700ml).

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

You might also want to check out the new fruit tea flavors Mango Gulu, Strawberry Gulu and Dalandan Tea.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

So if you happen to be in the area and you feel your tummy rumblin’, you know where to go!

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Don’t miss out on these special offers you can enjoy in this Gulu Gulu branch until February 28:

  • 15% off on sushi rolls and rice bowls
  • 2 Taro Milk Teas for Php165

To know its latest promos and offers, follow Gulu Gulu on Facebook or Instagram.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

This Gulu Gulu branch is located at 405 Mayon Corner Calamba Street, La Loma, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 83595787, +63 916 2125964 or +63 932 6144675.

Other branches are located at Savemore Nagtahan, SM North EDSA, SM San Lazaro, SM Sta. Mesa, Sto. Domingo Avenue, QC and Dapitan Street corner Maria Cristina Street in Manila.

Don’t want to leave home? Have your takoyaki and milk tea delivered right to your doorstep by coursing your Gulu Gulu order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting here together with fellow foodies. Food items mentioned here were served to let us sample the fare and elicit our honest feedback.

Double servings of Ramen at Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Are you loving the recent spate of cold weather, foodies?

Chilly days like these make me want to slurp on some fully loaded and steaming hot ramen. When I’m feeling particularly ravenous, I don’t think a single bowl would suffice.

Well, wouldn’t you know it: at the newly opened Dabururamen at SM Megamall, I can get two bowls for the price of one! Yey!

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

“Daburo” is one way of saying “double” in Japanese. With its ramen dishes available on Buy 1 Take 1 deals, Dabururamen gives you double the flavor and double the ramen goodness with every order.

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Are you curious yet on what you can enjoy at Dabururamen? Here’s a sampling:

Daburu Ramen (Php358 for double | Php188 for single). The house special ramen with rich broth, chashu slice and marinated egg, resulting to a hearty blend of authentic Japanese flavors. Definitely incredouble!

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Kamabaku Ramen (Php348 for double | Php198 for single). Dabururamen’s version of the Tantanmen and my new favorite! Its blend of nutty and spicy sweetness can’t be beat!

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Melting Gyoza (Php98 for 6pcs | Php190 for 12pcs). The classic Japanese dumpling made with minced pork and chopped vegetables gets an upgrade with the addition of oozing melted cheese!

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

House Special Takoyaki (Php168 for 6pcs | Php298 for 12pcs). A mixture of wheat batter and chopped octopus formed into succulent and savory balls topped with special sauce and bonito flakes.

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

So the next time you’ve got a monster craving for ramen or just want to chase the chilly weather blues away, drop by Dabururamen!

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Daburu Ramen, SM Megamall

Update: I went back to Eatogether Food Hall with my foodie friends and was able to try more of Dabururamen’s dishes. Check them out!

Shoyu Ramen (Php328 for double | Php185 for single). Crispy pork katsu tops a bowl of savory clear soup, spring onions, nori and mushrooms.

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Cheesy Katsudon Poppers (Php275). Cheese-stuffed breaded pork roulade drizzled with Dabururamen’s Emperor sauce and served with cabbage salad and oriental veggies.

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

And again, more of that fabulous Dabururamen. Yey!

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Now I’m looking forward to more visits!

Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Dabururamen is located at Eatogether Food Hall, Second Floor, SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For delivery, call in your orders at +63 917 1598522 or +63 9605151688. You may also course your order through FoodPanda, GrabFood and Poodtrip.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting here together with fellow foodies. Food items mentioned here were served to let us sample the fare and elicit our honest feedback.

Raintree #ValentineFoodCrawl: Valentine Roll at Motto Motto, BGC

Certain types of food have been known to get you in the mood for love (wink! wink!).

Called aphrodisiacs, these food stuffs are believed to arouse passions for more than gustatory delights.

But did you know that sushi also falls under this category?

The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish incorporated in sushi are said to be quite helpful when it comes le amour.

Motto Motto, BGC

When eaten together with a romantic partner, sushi becomes a sensual experience: the meticulous formation of precise shapes and colors using different ingredients, the interplay of flavors and the feel of the varying textures in one’s mouth.

Motto Motto, BGC

(Plus, sushi tends to be quite light so there’s less risk of overeating, making it a perfect date food!)

Motto Motto, BGC

To give lovers in the metro the perfect opportunity to bask in each other’s presence while enjoying good food, Motto Motto brings back its playful take on sushi: the Valentine Roll (Php395).

Motto Motto, BGC

Made with spicy tuna, avocado and blue fin tuna marinated in sake and soy sauce, it is a perfect example of Motto Motto’s playful Japanese concept.

Motto Motto, BGC

Consisting of eight rolls fashioned into four cute heart shapes garnished with pink salt, it is a feast for the senses and is perfect for sharing for two lovebirds.

Pair it with Motto Motto’s signature refreshments and you’ve got a date!

Book your Valentine outing now as this yummy sushi dish is available only within February.

Motto Motto, BGC

Motto Motto is a collaboration between Raintree Hospitality Group and Tokyo Japan’s Piglet. It features all-day Japanese dishes that stimulates the senses and tickle the fancy, prepared and served in a fun and whimsical fashion.

If you’re looking for a fun gustatory adventure with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, Motto Motto is the place to be.

Motto Motto is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open for takeout on weekdays and for dine-in on weekends. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8362173 or send a message via Facebook or Instagram. Payments via cash, GCash, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Pak! Pak! Chicken also delivers via FoodPanda.

Got my #YabuAtHome, finally!

One aspect of pre-COVID-19 life that I miss the most is dining out.

The excitement as I step into one of my go-to restaurants, the anticipation for my favorite dishes and the joy of biting into familiar flavors and textures… all these are part of the enjoyable experience of dining out.

Some of the dishes I enjoy most when eating out are the katsu sets from Yabu: House of Katsu.

Yabu takes pride in its tokatsu. Thick cuts of premium meat from local farmerd are coated in panko (Japanese bread crumbs) and deep-fried at precisely 165 deg C then allowed to rest. The result: brightly golden katsu with crispy panko coating giving way to juicy and tender meat.

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Aside from the freshly-made tonkatsu, each Yabu katsu set consists of refillable steamed rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage and slices of seasonal fruits.

Yabu, Ayala Malls Feliz

The fam and I enjoy dining at Yabu for the delicious katsu and the unli rice and shredded cabbage. Being able to eat our fill at this resto makes for great value for money.

However. the pandemic made itself known to the world in quite a big way, and with all the restrictions resulting from the quarantine, dining out will never be the same.

There was a time when I despaired of ever getting to enjoy the katsu sets I craved for.

Then, Yabu introduced the notion of enjoying its signature katsu sets without having to leave the house.

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Thanks to #YabuAtHome, now available via GrabFood’s long-distance delivery, I had my family’s katsu faves delivered to my home, where we can enjoy them in comfort and safety. These included:

Rosu (Pork Loin) Set (Php460). Thick and juicy pork cutlet with a trimming of fat.

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Hire (Pork Tenderloin) Set (Php425). Thick and juicy cutlet with no fat.

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Chicken Set (Php430). Thick chicken breast fillet.

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

Each katsu set comes with pre-packaged katsu sauce, miso soup, shredded cabbage with dressing, and a serving of steamed rice. While we had to waive the unli rice refills, we were able to make do by cooking additional rice at home. Problem solved!

I’m so glad that I won’t be deprived of my katsu faves during quarantine.

Yabu, Ayala the 30th

This Yabu: House of Katsu branch is located at Lower Ground Floor, Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City, open for dine-in and takeout Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm, and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 87293872 or +63 915 5130094.

Japanese dining for the fam at Teriyaki Boy

For years now, my family has been getting our Japanese food craving satisfied by Teriyaki Boy.

This local chain under the Max’s Group occupies the space between fast-food and high-end Japanese restaurants by offering the fam’s Japanese food faves at reasonable prices.

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Our go-to branch is the one nearest our home located at SM City East Ortigas. Here, we feast on classic such as:

Tonkatsu (Php289). My son’s favorite Japanese dish consisting of a tender piece of pork cutlet that’s been breaded and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served with shredded cabbage and drizzled with sesame dressing along with a tangy-sweet katsu sauce.

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Katsu Ju (Php355). My daughter’s go-to order consisting of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet which is simmered in sweet soy sauce with leeks, onions and a beaten egg and then served on top warm rice.

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Dynamite Sushi (Php114/4 pcs | Php210/8pcs). This sushi roll made with fresh tuna, chili oil, togarashi and Japanese mayo is one of the ploys employed by Hubby to stimulate my appreciation for spicy food.

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Another bonus of dining at this particular branch is that it shares the space with another Max’s Group brand, Sizzlin’ Steak, enabling Hubby and me to also sate our craving for steak by cross-ordering an Australian Marbled Steak (Php699) for each of us. This tender and juicy piece of imported meat, grilled to our preference (medium to medium-well) and served with rice, French beans, cherry tomatoes and herb butter on a sizzling plate, ready for the satisfying sight, sound and smell of flavorful gravy being poured over it.

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

During the enhanced community quarantine, Teriyaki Boy paused its operations but has since re-opened for for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

Teriyaki Boy, SM City East Ortigas

So if the quarantine has you missing those tasty Japanese dishes you so love, check if there’s a Teriyaki Boy outlet near you.

This Teriyaki Boy branch is located at Second Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Santa Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 7pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 96381817 or +63 2 88879000.

Teriyaki Boy also delivers via its website.

Affordable lunch at Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

While securing school supplies at SM Megamall last weekend, Hubby and I decided to have lunch at one of our old haunts here: Komoro Soba, now renamed to Komoro Japanese Dining.

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Five years ago, when our offices are both located in the Ortigas area, this Japanese restaurant was our go-to place for affordable teishoku.

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

These are Japanese meal sets comprised of white rice, miso soup, tsukemono (pickled fruit or vegetable) and your choice of viand. While the rice serves the purpose of being filling, the miso soup provides the comforts of umami, while the tsukemono helps to cleanse the palate and counterbalance flavorful viand.

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro’s version of the teishoku is adapted to Filipino taste by replacing the tsukemono with seasonal fruit which almost serves the same function.

Mixed Tempura Teishoku (Php139). Shrimp, chicken and vegetable pieces dipped in batter and served with tempura sauce.

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Tonkatsu Teishoku (Php147). A juicy piece of pork cutlet breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown and served with shredded cabbage, a salad and tart katsu sauce.

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Prior to eating our teishoku, we shared a serving of Zaru Soba (Php98), chilled buckwheat noodles served with a light dipping sauce called tsuyu to whet our appetite.

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

It was a quick tasty meal to fuel us for a bout quarantine shopping.

This Komoro Japanese Dining branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City,

Another mall-based branchbia located at Lower Ground Floor, SM City Southmall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City.

Komoro also delivers Japanese Bento meal sets in Makati and BGC. To order, call +63 2 9858240 or +63 917 5870809 or message Komoro Bento on Facebook.

No-stress meal from Jampax Foods Delivery

Momshies, just because you spend more time at home nowadays doesn’t mean you’re less stressed, right?

With all that juggling between working from home, and all the stuff you need to work on at home, it’s enough to make you get frazzled sometimes.

Fortunately, the folks over at Jampax can take stress out of preparing your family’s next meal.

Jampax Foods

A group of friends who used to work in food industry before the pandemic hit our shores banded together and put their skill sets to bear to whip up tasty yet affordable rice meals for online selling.

Jampax Foods

Here’s a sampling of what you can expect from Jampax:

Gyoza (Php45/5 pieces). Mini-versions of the popular Japanese potstickers made with ground meat and minced vegetables flavored by garlic and aromatics wrapped in thin dough wrappers. This is my daughter’s favorite dumpling and she considers no Japanese meal complete without it.

Jampax Foods

Jampax Foods

Katsudon (Php110). Tender piece of pork loin, breaded and deep-fried served with egg cooked in a sweet and savory sauce over steamed rice and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. My little boy can’t get enough of it!

Jampax Foods

Jampax Foods

Chicken Inasal (Php85 | Php100 with rice). A boneless quarter leg of chicken flavored in the traditional Ilonggo marinade of calamansi, pepper, coconut vinegar and annato then roasted until tender and flavorfully smokey.

Jampax Foods

Jampax Foods

Other dishes from Jampax’s home-cooked menu include:

  • Chicken Teriyaki (Php85 | Php100 with rice)
  • Karaage (Php85 | Php100 with rice)
  • Tonkatsu (Php85 | Php100 with rice)
  • Pork Siomai (Php40/5 pieces)
  • Japanese Siomai (Php55/5 pieces)
  • Lumpiang Shanghai (Php45/5 pieces)

These dishes are jam-packed with flavor and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

  • A single order can be a busy office worker’s hassle-free lunch
  • Several orders can be family’s quick and easy dinner
  • Large orders can be a crew meal for outdoor projects and or party fare for big celebrations

Want to stock up on food you can cook later? Jampax also offers marinated chicken wings and chicken breast fillets at Php200 per half-kilo pack (in flavors garlic parmesan, hickory barbecue and buffalo flavors), as well as frozen pork siomai, Japanese siomai, gyoza and lumpiang shanghai for Php70 per twelve-piece pack.

So momshies, kiss the stress away for your fam’s mealtime. Just order your food at Jampax by calling +63 915 5850297 or sending a message on Facebook or Instagram between 8am and 6pm daily with a two-day lead time (same day orders may be accommodated depending on stock availability). Cashless payments via BPI and GCash are accepted and encouraged. Delivery is free in selected areas in Cavite.

Jampax Foods

Jampax Foods

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Three reasons why Go Bento is your new go-to place for your quarantine Japanese food cravings

It’s been four months since we’ve been hit with this crazy pandemic and many of us foodies may be chomping at the bit. Four months of isolation, munching on the same lutong-bahay, or stressing on how to stretch our limited food budget may be taking their toll.

But take heart, fellow foodies!

Here are three reasons why Go Bento can be your new go-to place to give your taste buds a break from your usual ulam, without you having to break the bank.

One: It is the home of affordable, everyday Japanese food.

The resto takes its concept from the Japanese bento, a takeout or home-packed meal good for one person which already includes rice, a fish or meat viand and cooked veggies, all placed in a box that can be taken anywhere.

However, other food options such as donburi (rice bowls) and ala carte dishes are also made available to suit the tastes and budget of you Japanese food lovers out there.

Go Bento’s tasty offerings, all costing no higher than Php200, include:

Beef Misono Bento (Php190). Thin slices of beef stir-fried in a garlicky yakiniku style sauce, served with rice, stir-fried veggies and miso soup.

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

Mixed Tempura Bento (Php190). Japanese-style battered and fried shrimp and mixed vegetables served with tempura sauce, rice, veggie salad and miso soup.

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

Gyudon (Php155). Thin slices of beef simmered with onions in a mildly sweet, dashi-flavored sauce and served on top of rice.

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

Hambagu Curry (Php110). Japan’s version of the Salisbury or hamburger steak served with a fried egg in a sweet Japanese curry sauce over rice.

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

Miso Nori Hambagu (Php75). Japanese-style beef burger patty topped with nori, shredded cabbage and signature sauce served in a bun.

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

If you’re feeling just lightly peckish, you can also snack on:

California Maki (Php95/4pcs).

Go Bento, BGC

Chicken Thigh Yakitori (Php50/stick).

Go Bento, BGC

Chicken Skin Yakitori (Php35/stick).

Go Bento, BGC

Potato Takoyaki.

Go Bento, BGC

Two: You can Go Bento at home.

Go Bento delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda so you can feast on your Japanese comfort food faves or take a break from your WFH tasks with a tasty snack.

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

Three: You can safely dine in at Go Bento.

Protocols are already in place to minimize physical contact and ensure your safety so you can dine in comfort.

So, foodies, there’s no need to stress yourself out on your dining options. The next time your Japanese food craving hits, you know where to go: Go Bento!

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento, BGC

Go Bento is located at 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, open daily from 11am to 8pm for dine-in, takeout, pickup or delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda. Safe cashless payments via GCash also available. For inquiries, reservations or orders, call +63 2 88651565 or +63 998 9529796.

It recently opened a new branch along Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, open daily from 10am to 5pm. For inquiries, reservations or orders, call +63 998 5875592.

Disclosure: Together with a fellow foodie, I attended a food tasting held at this resto where food items were served to allow us to sample the fare to facilitate our honest reviews, and were not paid for by the attendees.

Sushi to share from Mumei Sushi

Sushi lovers out there will be happy to know that they can just have their sushi faves delivered right to their doorstep, thanks to Mumei Sushi!

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi began operations in 2018, providing sushi sets on consignment to Robinsons Supermarkets in North Luzon.

The Quezon City-based company then decided to expand its operations to the next frontier: online selling.

In this new space, Mumei Sushi was able to expand its product line in new and creative ways to include items such as:

Rolled Sushi. Aside from the classic faves such as tuna, salmon, kani and California Maki, Mumei Sushi also offers imaginative takes involving new savory or spicy ingredients – such as Seven Spice, Shredded Nori and Bonito Makis – as well as fruitier combinations – such as Kiwi, Avocado and Strawberry Makis. These sushi rolls are priced from Php25 to Php45 per piece but assorted pieces can also be packaged in a Holiday Box (Php1,299 for 50 pieces), Birthday Box (Php2,499 for 100 pieces) or a Grand Sushi Feast (Php4,799 for 200 pieces). Imagine walking into a party with that ginormous box!

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi Tamago (Php45/pc). Sushi made with thin layers of rolled up egg placed on top of sushi rice.

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Sashimi in Can (Php399). Slices of fresh tuna and salmon, ready to eat and served in a tin can for presentation and portability.

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Onigiri (Php100/pc). Hefty triangular blocks of sushi rice wrapped in nori filled cooked meat dishes such as spicy beef amd Pinoy sisig.

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Spam Musubi (Php100/pc). A popular snack or lunch item in Hawaii, made with a slice of grilled spam placed on top of a block of sushi rice wrapped together with nori.

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Tempura Soba (Php300/serving). Japanese-style deep-fried battered shrimp served together with thin yet firm buckwheat soba noodles. Both are well-complemented by the special dipping sauce that accompany each serving.

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

With Mumei Sushi, Japanese food lovers can easily enjoy their faves as well as explore new ways to enjoy sushi.

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Mumei Sushi

Here’s a friendly reminder: given that sushi is best served cold, do consume the sushi immediately upon delivery.

Mumei Sushi

It is also best enjoyed with family and friends, so don’t forget to share your sushi stash with your nears-and-dears!

To get your hands on these delectable sushi treats, call +63 2 33528462, text +63 999 4025936, +63 977 4721528 or +63 923 5177609. You may also send a message via Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Comforting ramen at Ippudo

Did you know that Tokugawa Mitsukuni, a prominent daimyo that lived during the early Edo period in 1600s, was claimed to be the first person to ever eat ramen? The dish was said to have been introduced to him by Chinese neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Shunsui who became the daimyo’s advisor after fleeing the Manchu rule in China and seeking refuge in Japan.

After a business meeting in SM Mall of Asia, my officemates and I decided to have lunch at Ippudo for a taste of its celebrated ramen.

Ippudo, SM MOA

Founded in 1985 by Shigemi Kawahara, who has been dubbed The Ramen King, Ippudo is the stage by which the famed ramen chef showcases his “tao” – the way of the ramen. This is centered on the philosophy of continuously innovating to remain true.

My lunchmates and I were able to het a taste of Ippudo’s artistry and innovation with our orders.

Tantanmen (Php520). Made with thick wavy noodles immersed in Ippudo’s signature tonkotsu (pork bone) broth infused with tantanmen oil. It topped with a generous serving of ground pork, torched chasu (pork belly), cilantro, parmesan cheese and onsen tamago.

Ippudo, MOA

Shiromaru Special (Php495). In this classic Hakata-style ramen, pork belly and pork loin are placed on top of ultra-thin noodles in Ippudo’s tonkotsu broth, garnished with salted soft-boiled egg and seaweed.

Ippudo, MOA

Shiromaru Tamago (Php420). The Shiromaru with salted soft-boiled egg.

Ippudo, MOA

Akamaru Special (Php499). In this modern-style ramen, a special blend of miso paste and garlic enhances Ippudo’s tonkotsu broth. Served with thin noodles and pork belly slices, it is topped by ajikikurage (flavored black fungus), salted soft-boiled egg and seaweed.

Ippudo, MOA

It was easy to discern the care and craftmanship that went into the ramen, from the flavorful broth, the springy noodles to the meticulously prepared toppings. These bowls are quite pricy too, so they’re not for everyday eating, but well-suited for those times when you want to treat yourself to an exceptional bowl of ramen.

Ippudo, MOA

Ippudo, MOA

You might be wondering how you can enjoy Ippudo’s carefully crafted ramen during quarantine. You would be glad to know that it recently opened some of its branches for curbside or courier pickups, making it possible for ramen lovers to have Ippudo at Home. Here’s how:

  • Send a message to a Yabu branch nearest you via Viber (+63 919 0744557 for SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5 and Powerplant Mall | +63 919 0744564 for Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Magnolia, Ayala Malls Vertis North | +63 919 0744560 for Uptown Mall, Mall of Asia and Robinsons Place Manila)
  • Include the following details in your message: name, email address, birthday, date, time and store for pickup, orders and desired quantity
  • After receiving billing confirmation, make your payments via GCash, BPI or BDO
  • Send proof of payment via Viber
  • Arrange for pickup

So if you’ve been longing for a taste of Ippudo, fret not. Your lovely bowl of ramen is just a few phone taps away!

This Ippudo branch is located at Second Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Other branches are located at:

  • Robinsons Place Manila
  • Robinsons Magnolia
  • Ayala Malls Vertis North
  • Greenbelt 5
  • Power Plant Mall
  • Uptown Place Mall
  • SM Megamall
  • Ayala Malls the 30th
  • Eastwood