#ShareTheSpice with Chowking’s new fiery delight: Introducing the Spicy Chao Fan

Indulging in delicious and affordable Chinese cuisine has always been a delightful experience for Pinoy foodies. In its quest to tantalize taste buds and ignite culinary adventures, Chowking, the leading chain of Chinese quick-service restaurants specializing in Filipino-Chinese cuisine, has introduced its newest masterpiece: the Spicy Chao Fan, ready to take you on a spicy flavor journey that will leave you craving for more.

Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
A Celebration of Spice: The Grand Launch

Chowking recently held an exhilarating product launch event for its Spicy Chao Fan at the prestigious Atrium of Enderun Colleges, nestled in the vibrant McKinley Hill of Taguig City. The air was charged with anticipation as Chowking’s esteemed celebrity ambassador, the charming Kim Chiu, graced the occasion. With her infectious energy and love for Chinese cuisine, Kim Chiu took center stage to present the fiery sensation to an enthusiastic audience of media and fans. The event, aptly billed #ShareTheSpice, marked the beginning of an unforgettable adventure in flavor.

Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking: A Legacy of Flavorful Fusion

Chowking has become a household name, combining the best of Filipino and Chinese flavors into delectable creations. With over 600 branches across the Philippines and a presence in the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, Chowking has established itself as a leader in the highly competitive fast-food industry. Renowned for its affordability and an extensive menu featuring Chinese favorites, such as Beef Wonton Noodles, Lauriat, and Siopao, Chowking has captured the hearts and palates of millions.

Introducing the Spicy Chao Fan: A Fiery Twist to a Classic Delight

Prepare to ignite your taste buds with the Spicy Chao Fan, Chowking’s newest sensation that takes the beloved stir-fried rice dish to new heights of spiciness. Crafted with precision, this flavorful delight combines day-old rice, a medley of crisp vegetables including carrots, peas, and onions, and meat for that signature Wok-Sarap flavor. Stir-fried to perfection in a wok and seasoned with a tantalizing blend of sauces and seasonings, and just the right amount of salt and pepper, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan

“When we were creating the Spicy Chao Fan, we deliberately wanted it to have the right level of spice that everyone can enjoy. It’s not soicy for spicy’s sake, it has just the right Spicy Wok-Sarap kick that will leave you wanting more,” said Jonathan de Quitoz, Chowking Brand Director for Chao Fan and Brand Operations.

Kim Chiu: The Perfect Spicy Companion

In the world of showbiz, one name stands out as the perfect embodiment of charisma and relatability: Kim Chiu. Known for her captivating performances in television shows and movies, Kim Chiu has captured the hearts of Filipinos with her infectious energy and genuine love for food. As Chowking’s beloved celebrity ambassador, Kim Chiu’s vibrant personality, spicy charm and way of reinventing herself make her the perfect match for the Spicy Chao Fan. Her presence adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to Chowking’s newest creation.

Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Savor the Spice, Anytime, Anywhere

Craving a fiery feast? Whether you prefer the cozy ambiance of dine-in, the convenience of take-out, the on-the-go experience of drive-thru or the sheer ease of ordering online or via the Chowking App, Chowking has got you covered. The Spicy Chao Fan is available at a Chowking branch near you, ready to be savored at your convenience. Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and embark on a taste adventure that will leave you craving for more.

#ShareTheSpice Challenge

During the event, Kim Chiu also introduced the #ShareTheSpice Challenge. For a chance to win gift certificates and special prizes from Chowking, all you have to do are:

  • Try the Spicy Chao Fan.
  • Post about it on any social media platform with the hashtag #ShareTheSpice and #SpicyChaoFan.
  • Tag two of your friends who you want to share the spice with.
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking Spicy Chao Fan
Chowking’s Commitment to Excellence

Beyond delivering mouthwatering flavors, Chowking takes pride in its commitment to customer service, quality, and sustainability. Recognized for its dedication to excellence, Chowking ensures that every dining experience is a memorable one. From the warm smiles of their staff to the cleanliness of their establishments, Chowking goes the extra mile to create an atmosphere that resonates with their customers.

Ignite Your Senses with Chowking’s Spicy Chao Fan

Get ready to ignite your taste buds and embark on a thrilling culinary journey with Chowking’s Spicy Chao Fan. This fiery twist on a classic stir-fried rice dish combines affordability, flavor, and an unmistakable touch of spice. From the grand launch featuring the vibrant Kim Chiu to the legacy of excellence behind Chowking, every element comes together to create an unforgettable experience. So, head to your nearest Chowking branch, and let the Spicy Chao Fan take you on a mouthwatering adventure you won’t soon forget.

To know more about its menu and offers, follow Chowking on Facebook and Instagram.

Pinoy comfort food at Goodah, Timog Avenue

Whenever I feel stressed or harassed, I always get a strong craving for comfort food. These are dishes that I usually associate with delicious home cooking, the kind that my mom would serve me whenever I was sick or sad.

For over thirty years, Goodah has been the has been the go-to place for people seeking fuss-free comfort food that appeals to down-home Pinoy palate. These include the traditional hot and quickly-served Filipino snacks like goto and lugaw, as well as the hugely popular silogs. Being so popular among all sorts of people, it soon adopted the monicker “ang pagkaing for every all!”

During the height of the lockdown due to the pandemic, I was able to enjoy Goodah’s comforting dishes with my fam while stuck at home through its Salo-Salo Set Meals (thanks to Rowena of TravelEatPinas for thoughtfully sending me this meal set!)

Goodah Salo Salo
Goodah Salo Salo

However, as the lockdowns gradually eased (but my work and life stresses did not) I wanted to experience Goodah’s down-home Pinoy dishes in a dine-in setting.

So off I went with my fellow unnies to the Goodah branch along Timog Avenue.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Here, we were able to sit down and take a break from our daily grind as we gossiped about our Hollywood idols and K-pop stans while we feast on Pinoy comfort food.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

These include:

Batangas Lomi with Tokwa’t Baboy (Php134). A noodle dish made with thick yellow noodles in a thick and starchy soup topped with bits of pork meat, pork offal, pork rind and kikiam. It’s best enjoyed with a side dish made with tofu and pork bits in vinegar sauce.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Arroz Caldo Special (Php179). A porridge made with glutinous rice and accompanied by chicken pieces, hard-boiled egg and topped with crunchy fried garlic and chopped scallions.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Pork Bingoongan (Php319). A classic Pinoy dish wherein pork belly is stewed in shrimp paste (bagoong).

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Kare Kare (Php345). A Filipino stew wherein ox and pork meat and offal are served in a thick and rich peanut sauce along with vegetables.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Supermeal A (Php150). A budget-friendly rice meal that includes tocino, lumpiang shanghai, pancit canton, kropek (prawn cracker) and leche flan.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Supermeal B (Php160). Another rice meal that’s light on the budget which includes tapa flakes, lumpiang shanghai, pancit canton, kropek (prawn cracker) and leche flan.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Ribsilog (Php195). Crispy fried pork ribs served with garlic fried rice, fried egg and atchara.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

Leche Flan (Php39). The Pinoy version of creme caramel which is made of egg-and-milk custard with a soft caramel layer on top.

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

With such comforting dishes to be enjoyed, should there still be room in my psyche for stress and negativity? I guess not!

Dispel your own blues with Pinoy comfort food by dropping by a Goodah branch near you today!

Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue
Goodah Timog Avenue

This Goodah outlet is located at 57 Timog Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in and takeout from 8am to 8pm, and for delivery from 7am to 9pm via Pick*A*Roo, and 25-hours via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Other Gooodah outlets are located in Alabang, Valenzuela, Pasig, Granada and Fairview in Quezon City, as well as in Sucat and Bicutan in Paranaque.

Know more about this much-loved Filipino food brand through its website. Stay updated on Goodah’s latest offers and promos by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Salo-salo surprise from TravelEatPinas and Goodah!!!

For many of us Pinoys, food is part of our love language: in fact, kamustahans sometimes come in the form of “Kumain ka na ba?” and part of our welcome greeting to visitors is “Kain na kayo!”

For my fellow memshie Rowena of TravelEatPinas, it’s a way to touchbase with an old friend: me!

Having missed our chickahans over sumptuous spreads, she decided to send me a salo salo package from Goodah!!! that the fam and I can enjoy for our weekend lunch.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Just the name Goodah!!! evokes so much childhood memories. Since the 80’s, this restaurant chain has been the go-to place for people seeking fuss-free comfort food that appeals to down-home Pinoy palate such as the well-loved lugaw and silogs.

And with Pinoys spending more time at home nowadays, there are more opportunities to bond over a good meal.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Thanks to Goodah!!!’s Salo-Salo Meals, the fam can get together to enjoy the various ulam that everyone loves, share stories and experiences and spend time with the people who matter the most.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

With Salo-Salo Meals at less than Php1,000 per set, memshies all over the metro can easily gather their loved ones over hearty meals that they won’t have to slave over in the kitchen.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

My Salo-Salo Meal set for example, is made up of Pinoy classics:

Crispy Pata. This dish of deep-fried pork trotters is the centerpiece of many Pinoy hapag-kainans.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Beef Nilaga. “Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga.” is an adage that teaches us the value of perseverance because of the delicious rewards that await us, no doubt because the comforting nilaga is a reward in itself.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Lumpiang Shanghai. Whether as ulam or finger food, you can’t go wrong with this ubiquitous dish.

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

I’m ever so thankful that my memshie Rowena remembered me and gave my family and wonderful meal to share.

So if you’re thinking if I’m doing good now, well, yeah, I’m perfectly Goodah!!!

Goodah Salo Salo

Goodah Salo Salo

Other Salo-Salo Meal sets available include:

  • Set A: Pork Ribs, Kare-Kare and Garlic Kangkong with Pork
  • Set B: Pork Bistek, Pork Sinigang and Daing na Bangus
  • Set C: Herbed Chicken, Pork Liempo and Pinakbet

This Goodah!!! outlet is located at 9 Granada Street, Valencia,Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 88758124 or +63 2 82473188.

It delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

GoodAh!!! Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Piestang Pinoy from 121 Restaurant

Ooh, we’re right smack in the middle of the holiday season, and I bet you’re missing the experience of going back to the province, getting together with the relatives for the annual family reunion and gorging yourself on regional dishes while joining the merrymaking of the town fiesta, right?

Well, that’s currently not possible, and, somehow, substituting a real clan get-together with a virtual party over Zoom just doesn’t feel the same.

After all, is it a real party if you all can’t partake of the same tasty delicacies?

Well, how about letting the guys at 121 Restaurant whip up a fiesta for you and your folks?

121 Restaurant

With its Pyestang Pinoy platters, you can relive your festivities virtually with well-loved Pinoy dishes with servings sizeable enough for a big family meal (Pambahay, good for 10 people), an office party (Pambatalyon, good for 20 people) or for a whole clan (Pambarangay, good for 50 people).

Take the Ati-Atihan (Php292 per person), for example. This hearty meal brings the energy of the famous Aklan festival with its inclusions of:

Grilled Liempo.

121 Restaurant
121 Restaurant

Lumpiang Shanghai.

121 Restaurant
121 Restaurant

Pancit Bihon with Canton.

121 Restaurant
121 Restaurant

Biko.

121 Restaurant
121 Restaurant

Other Pyestang Pinoy variants include:

  • The Kadayawan (Php274 per person): Pork Siomai, Bangus Tempura, Pancit Bihon with Canton and Sapin-sapin.
  • The Higantes (Php335 per person): Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit Palabok, Marinated Fried Chicken and Biko.
  • The Sinulog (Php370 per person). Grilled Liempo, Grilled Porkchop, Lumpiang Shanghai and Pork Siomai

Each Pyestang Pinoy Set is served with rice. Free 2-liter Coke provided for orders good for 20 people and more.

121 Restaurant

If you feel like gifting someone with a scrumptious taste of home, you can send them a Paborito Box (Php459), single servings of Pinoy faves conveniently packaged in one box. Choose from three variants such as:

  • Luzon: Lumpiang Shanghai, Nachos, Porkchop, one slice of Biko and one piece of Polvoron
  • Visayas: Pork Siomai, Cheesesticks, Pork BBQ Sticks, two pieces of Polvoron
  • Mindanao: Lumpiang Shanghai, Empanada, Buffalo Wings, Monggo Soup, one pack of Peanuts and one piece Polvoron

So if you’re hosting your fam’s virtual reunion, you can all be one in merrymaking and feasting on favorite Filipino dishes with 121 Restaurant’s Pyestang Pinoy.

121 Restaurant

To order your Pyestang Pinoy sets or Paborito Box, call +63 2 7577 7557 or +63 917 3296997, email sales@121resto.com or order online.

121 Restaurant

Payments via cash on delivery, bank transfer or G-Cash QR code are accepted. 121 Restaurant delivers in Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pasay, San Juan, Taguig, Paranaque, and Quezon City.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to facilitate a feature story.

Fun feasting at Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Chinese cuisine has left an indelible mark on the Filipino palate.

Step into any Pinoy celebration and you will be hard-pressed to avoid dishes such as the pancit, lumpia, asado and lechon Macao or the use soy sauce and soybean products as well as produce such as pechay (Chinese cabbage) and mustasa (mustard greens).

This strong influence is rooted in the trading relationships between the Chinese and Filipinos before the Spanish era, and the waves migration among the ethnic Chinese to the Philippines.

This mingling of culinary influences is celebrated in Lido Cocina Tsina, established in 1936 by Mr. Lido, a Cantonese chef. Aside from classic Chinese favorites like noodles, dimsum and siopao, Mr. Lido would also roast porkloin in his wood-fired brick oven every morning. It has since then become Lido’s signature dish that customers kept coming back for.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH, I visited. Lido Cocina Tsina’s E. Rodriguez Avenue branch where sampled some of Lido’s much-loved dishes which include:

Chunky Pork Siomai (Php121). The traditional Chinese steamed pork dumpling is best enjoyed dipped in soy sauce with calamansi juice and a bit of chili-garlic paste. This is always a winner with me, more so here at Lido because the siomai pieces are packed with meat without extenders.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Shrimp Foo-Yong (Php446). This saucy egg dish with a healthy serving of plump shrimp folded in is one of Lido’s best-sellers.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lumpiang Shanghai (Php255). This Filipinized version of the spring roll is always a hit with the kiddies. Ground pork mixed with finely chopped carrots, onions and shallots is wrapped in lumpia wrapper to form cylinders which are then fried to golden brown. It is great as an appetizer or as a viand paired with rice.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php121 for solo | Php297 good for two to three persons | Php605 good for eight to ten persons). This fried rice is arguably the most famous Chinese rice dish in the Philippines. Char siu (barbecued pork) is chopped and sauteed along with shrimp, peas, onions and eggs in a wok together with cooked rice. The reason for its enduring appeal seems to be in the way it complements the other viands.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Spareribs in Salt and Pepper (Php285). Simply seasoned with salt and pepper and lightly coated with an egg and flour mixture then deep-fried until the pork attains a slight crispy exterior surrounding tender meat. This dish is usually served tossed with sauteed peppers, garlic and green onions.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Manchurian Wings (Php374). Tender fried chicken wings doused in savory-sweet soy ginger sauce. This is one of those dishes that are so good they make you reach for another serving of rice again and again.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Chami Special (Php176 solo | Php292 good for two to three persons | Php726 good for eight to ten persons). Asian wheat (miki) noodles sauteed in a flavorful sauce with pork bits, shrimp and crisp vegetables, this is a welcome break from the usual pancit guisado.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Pugon-Roasted Asado (Php391 for one-fourth kilo). This cured pork loin freshly roasted every morning in the restaurant’s pugon or wood-fired brick oven which adds smoky flavors to the already flavorful meat. Its flavor meshes well with the Yang Chow Fried Rice but is also a good filling for Lido’s hot pan de sal.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Buchi (Php110). These deep-fried sesame balls with lotus cream filling are staple desserts in many Chinese restaurants and are a fitting end to this Chinese feast.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Want something to perk you up after a heavy meal? Check out Lido’s Siphon Brewed Coffee, available hot and iced.

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

So if you want a taste of Chinese food that captured the hearts and tummies of Pinoys, drop by your nearest Lido Cocina Tsina branch!

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

Many thanks to Elaine and John of Lido Cocina Tsina for the warm welcome and the fabulous feast and to EJ of #WeLoveToEatPH for extending the invitation!

Lido Cocina Tsina, New Manila

This Lido Cocina Tsina branch is located at 1014-1020 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 34145436 or +63 2 84776878.

Other branches are located at:

  • Shaw Plaza One Building, 561 Shaw Boulevard, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
  • Quezon Avenue corner Examiner Road, West Triangle, Quezon City
  • 16 Visayas Avenue, Vasra, Project 6, Quezon City
  • Block 8 Lot 9 Commonwealth Avenue, Batasan Hills, Quezon City
  • 43 Mindanao Avenue (beside Phoenix Gas Station, Project 8, Quezon City
  • Upper Ground Floor, Z Square Mall, Banawe, Quezon City
  • Unit 6-7, La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue corner Sabio Street, San Lorenzo, Makati City
  • Ground Floor, Radiance Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard, Buendia, Pasay City
  • Avenue Garden Building, 532 UN Avenue corner Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila
  • 35 Dona Soledad Avenue, Betterliving Subdivision, Don Bosco, Paranaque City
  • Ground Floor, Puregold Sucat, Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro, Paranque
  • South Park High Commercial Complex, 262 Alabang-Zapote Road, Talon, Las Pinas City

No time to drop by a Lido branch? Have your favorite Chinese dishes delivered to you by calling +63 2 8888-LIDO (5436) or visit lidodelivery.com.

Lido CocinaTsina Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a food tasting held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other Chinese restaurants:

Have an Instant Party at Alex III, Tomas Morato

With the approaching holidays comes the much-awaited season of parties and get-togethers.  Pinoys, in particular, love to celebrate with food, lots and lots of it.  I recall my mom and titas slaving away in the kitchen, preparing their signature dishes for our family gatherings.

While I’m passionate about food, I’m not too keen on stressing myself out in the kitchen. Fortunately, thanks to a Foodie Meet-up held at Alex III’s Tomas Morato branch, I, together with my fellow foodies, discovered that I can treat my loved ones out to a feast of classic Filipino favorites, thanks to its Instant Party Menu.

Alex III’s Instant Party Menu consist of two sets of dishes.  Both priced at Php2995, these feature home-grown Filipino party food enough for a group of five.  These are all prepared and cooked with the same love and tradition that goes all the way back to Aling Asiang (or Mrs. Engracia Reyes), the matriarch of the family behind the Aristrocrat restaurant of which Alex III is an offshoot, being a business started by one of Aling Asiang’s grandsons.

Set One

Alex III, Tomas Morato

This set includes:

  • Choice of 1 viand among Chicken Barbecue, Pork Barbecue, Barbecued Pork Belly and Whole Fried Chicken
  • Special Pancit Canton
  • Fresh Lumpiang Ubod or Lumpiang Shanghai
  • Kare-Kare
  • Crispy Pata
  • Steamed Rice

Set Two

Alex III, Tomas Morato

This set includes:

  • Choice of 1 viand among Chicken Barbecue, Pork Barbecue, Barbecued Pork Belly and Whole Fried Chicken
  • Whole Fried Chicken
  • Whole Crispy Lapu-Lapu with Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • Camaron Rebosado
  • Special Pancit Canton
  • Shanghai Rice

Each set is served with garlic peanuts, a sushi sampler, your choice of soup (of which we sampled the Hototay and Sinigang na Salmon), bottomless iced tea and your choice of dessert (of which we sampled the Leche Flan and the Pandan Jellied Tapioca).

Alex III, Tomas Morato

Both sets present diners with a combination of flavors that are dearly familiar, being dishes that were served during family reunions and fiestas when we were growing up.  They also serve as a way for working moms like me to reconnect our present-day celebrations with the warmth and traditions of our childhood: that despite the hectic schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, we have a way to get together with our loved ones to exchange old memories and make new ones, while enjoying good food and good company.

With Alex III’s Instant Party Menu, the tradition of fun family celebrations with good food is made even better.

This branch of Alex III is located at Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Bayoran, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm.  For reservations and queries, call +63 2 3711414 or +63 2 3711415.  Its spacious, tastefully appointed and well-lit interiors make it a great venue for large family gatherings or office parties.

Alex III, Tomas Morato

Alex III, Tomas Morato

Alex III, Tomas Morato

Other branches are located at:

  • 201 Wilson Street, Little Baguio, San Juan City (open daily from 11am to 11pm | Tel Nos: +63 2 7240882 or +63 2 7264444)
  • 29 Matalino Street, Diliman, Quezon City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel Nos: +63 2 9261266 or +63 2 9268942)
  • 53 Pontiac Corner Chevelle Street, Fairview, Quezon City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel Nos: +63 2 3766286 or +63 2 3765179)

By the way, did you know that for your parties at home, you can have your favorite dishes from Alex III delivered right to your doorstep? Minimum order for delivery is Php500.  For more details, contact the Alex III branch nearest you.

Disclosure: I attended the Bloggers’ Day held at 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.

Zomato Tagaytay Food Crawl Third Stop: Siglo Modern Filipino

The last and final stop of our Zomato Tagaytay Food Crawl was held at Siglo Modern Filipino. Located along the Tagaytay – Calamba Road beside the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and right across Picnic Grove, Siglo is the restaurant attached to the View Park Hotel Tagaytay.

Siglo (which translates to “century”) is so-named in honor of 100 years of evolution of Philippine food, from the Spanish and Latin influences brought by the colonizers, as well as flavors from China, America and Southeast Asia which found their way here via trade.

Siglo synthesizes a century’s worth of Filipino culture and cuisine from all over the country,  and supports the local economy by using ingredients sourced from local farmers.

It also seeks to preserve heirloom recipes – dishes that your great-grandmother might have cooked and using ingredients like adlai and siling labuyo that she might have used – while still innovating on the classic Filipino dishes through modern techniques and added creativity.

The restaurant is quite small (can seat at most 50 diners) but it has a lot of charm. Ethnic-inspired furniture and decor abound, and its advocacy for the appreciation of Filipino cuisine is apparent in the use of traditional materials and design.  When you sit down and wait for your order, you can amuse yourself in puzzles and trivia that feature Filipino food courtesy of the placemats used.

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

My fellow foodies and I were served the Blockbuster Bilaos, hefty servings of themed Pinoy delicacies with dishes representing different locales in the country.  These are best shared among a group of 4 to 6 people.  Bilaos are flat and round-shaped implement used in separating rice grains from other particles like chaff, dirt and small pebbles.  When I was young, the rice that was delivered to us had a lot of impurities so my yaya and I oftentimes had to pick the impurities from the rice (hence the term “nagpipili ng bigas“) that was laid in a bilao.

Siglo Bilao (Php1,800)

This bilao features native Tinola, classic Kare-Kare, Crispy Tawilis, Pancit Pusit and Siglo Salad.  These are all heirloom recipes of Filipino dishes collated by Siglo’s team during their travels.  For me, the standout among these dishes is the Pancit Pusit; it had the distinctive salty-sour garlicky taste of Adobong Pusit which I absolutely love.  I would have eaten more of this were I not afraid of going home with black teeth (it would have been worth it, though!)

https://flic.kr/p/N8f5wW

Barkada Bilao (Php2,200)

This bilao boasts of timeless classics that barkadas (groups of friends) crave for when they’re hanging out such as Regular Bulalo (a staple in Tagaytay), Crispy Sisig, Calamares Frito, Himagsikan Wings (Siglo’s version of spicy buffalo wings in which the chicken pieces are glazed in shrimp paste and honey sriracha sauce) and gising-gising.

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Luzviminda Bilao (Php2,400)

Named after the portmanteu of the Philippines’ three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – this bilao features dishes representing bestsellers from north to south, serving as a quick culinary tour of the country.  It includes Bagnet Ilocos, Chicken Binakol, Seafood Kare-Kare, Lumpiang Shanghai and Ubod Salad.  The standout in this bilao is the bagnet with its savory tender meat and crispy crackling skin.

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

All the bilaos come with steamed rice and fresh fruits.

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

We washed down our food with a refreshing Pomelo Amaranth Juice which is not part of Siglo’s menu but is actually the welcome drink of View Park Hotel.

Siglo Modern Filipino, Tagaytay

Siglo Modern Filipino is located at the Ground Floor of View Park Hotel, 3500 Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Sungay East, Tagaytay City. It is open Sundays to Fridays at 7am to 10pm and Saturdays from 7am to 12mn.

Disclosure: Together with other Zomato foodies, I was invited to attend 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.