restaurant review – Page 13 – Jellybeans in the City

Flavor Adventure Feast at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar

I admit: I do have mixed feelings about this #ReturnToOffice thing.

While it does provide a welcome change of scenery from my home office desk and an opportunity to meet up with office friends, the hassle of the long commute to and from the office can get me stress levels soaring.

One of my coping mechanisms is to treat myself to something delicious. After all, good food does have a way of lifting my spirits.

So armed with my SuperCard, I took my office teammates on a Flavor Adventure at the nearby Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar branch along Tomas Morato Avenue.

The SuperCard is the loyalty program that combines dine-in and delivery benefits from Shakey’s and Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, and R&B Milk Tea Philippines.

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar branch features comfortable and airy interiors with high ceilings, ample seating and bright colors that calls back to the vibrant flavors of its signature dish.

Here, my friends and I were able to enjoy a SuperCard Exclusive: the Flavor Adventure Feast!

This delectable group meal combines the various flavors and textures of the restaurant’s dishes to cater to four to five persons and provides at least ₱475 in savings, to boot!

Dine-in patrons just need to present their SuperCard enjoy the Flavor Adventure Feast for just ₱1,499. Foodies who want to enjoy this group meal at home via takeout or delivery for ₱1,574.

Here are what my teammates and I feasted on for lunch during our #RTO day:

1 Whole Chicken

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken brings about its famed dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

1 Carbonara to Share

A platter of this cream-based pasta made this meal all the more filling.

4 Hearty Soups

Bowls of hearty chicken soup warmed our tummies and got us raring for more.

4 cups Java Rice

This flavorful rice dish with its bright orange color and slight nutty flavor goes so well with grilled dishes, especially the peri-peri chicken!

4 Regular Sides

Side dishes dishes such as coleslaw, corn ‘n carrots and mashed potatoes complement the flavors and texture of the Peri-Peri chicken.

To complete the meal, the Flavor Adventure Feast also comes with 1 Liter drink.

Going back to the office after two years of working from home may be stressful, but I know I can always look forward to feasting on the wondrous flavors offered by Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar.

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at 295 Tomas Morato Avenue, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Sudaily from 10am to 9.30pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square, Eastwood Mall
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Market! Market BGC, Uptown Parade, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken:

Peri Peri Chicken, SM East — Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, SM City East Ortigas

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Capitol Commons

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Gil Fernando Marikina

Delish family dine-in with Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s Hearty Flavor Feast

Holiday Epic Feast for the fam at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Eastwood Mall

Revenge dining with friends at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, BGC

Create Your Own Meal at Cafe France, Greenhills

Hospital visits are seldom fun.

Even for consultations for minor medical complaints like my daughter #ExhibitA had, having to carve out time from her day (and mine, as I had to accompany her) can be quite a bit of a hassle.

With all the hospital protocols and procedures, one might get the feeling of being always at the mercy of outside forces.

So you can just imagine our relief when we espied a Cafe France branch hiding behind Cardinal Santos Medical Center’s steel parking lot.

Cafe France is a chain of cafes that offer coffee, food products, and breads, including bread crumbs, baguette breads, chocolate croissants, sultana rolls, butter croissants, pastries, savories, rice meals, sandwiches and beverages.

Its airy and well-appointed interiors provides a warm and welcoming haven that contrasts with the hospital’s sterile environment.

Not only did its presence assure us of something good to eat after our business with the hospital, it also offers us to take some control of our experience, thanks to its delightful offer.

Create Your Own Meal (Php349)

Our meal includes a fresh and healthy bowl of Salad which we can choose from among these choices: Fruit & Nuts, Grilled Chicken, Oriental Shrimp and Mixed Greens.

Then comes a filling half-serving of Pasta which we can select from these options: Seafood Marinara, Creamy Truffle Carbonara, Aglio Olio Shrimp, Italian Meatball and Lasagna Roll.

Another hunger buster is a half-portion Sandwich to be chosen among delectable options such as Egg Salad, Tuna Onion, Chunky Chicken, CF Premiere Clubhouse and Seafood Deluxe Clubhouse.

These items are served with the Soup of the Day and our Drink of choice between Iced Black Currant Tea and Freshly Brewed Coffee.

Since I’m quite a sweet-tooth, I opted to add a Dessert in the form of a cake slice or a piece of cream puff to my meal for Php95.

Well, we’ve enjoyed a very satisfying meal with these winning combinations!

Plus, those who are not into pastas and sandwiches may choose to partner their salad, soup and drink with a rice meal instead for the same price. They can select their meal among Roast Chicken, Beefy Mushroom, Hickory Chops, Chicken Mediterranean and Chicken Chimichurri.

Pastries

My daughter and I are both great lovers of French pastries so we simply couldn’t resist ordering some to-go.

Chocolate Croissant (Php85). Also known as pain au chocolate, this is a traditional French pastry made from layers of buttery and flaky croissant dough filled with premium chocolate.

Almond Croissant (Php115). A delightfully textured French pastry made with layers of croissant dough filled with creamy almond filling and topped with almond slices.

We seldom look forward to hospital visits but we’re sure that we’ll have a bright spot in our day the next time we go to Cardinal Santos Medical Center and dine again at Cafe France!

This Cafe France branch is located in the Steel Parking Area of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, 10 Wilson St. Brgy. Greenhills San Juan City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 7am to 8pm and Sundays from 7am to 3pm.

Other Metro Manila branches are located in the following areas:

Manila: UN Square Mall, Manila Doctors Hospital, Ongpin, Times Plaza Building
Makati: RCBC Building, Zeta II Building, Makati Medical Center
Quezon City: UERM Memorial Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Fisher Mall Supermarket
Pasig: The Medical City
Mandaluyong: VRP Medical Center, SM Megamall
Muntinlupa: Asian Hospital
Paranaque: Park & Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hanamaruken Ramen welcomes the new year with its latest flavor: Mabo Dofu Donburi

Are you a Japanese food fan? Are you game to widen your Japanese food horizons?

Well, here’s a piece of good news just for you!

Hanamaruken Ramen kicks of the year by expanding its delicious menu to include something quite special: the Mabo Dofu Donburi!

Your favorite ramen place translates the much-loved spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu dish into a tasty Japanese rice bowl. Made of coated silky tofu cubes covered thick and spicy aromatic sauce topped with chopped spring onions, fried leeks and shredded red pepper on a bowl of steamed rice, it has a milder and slightly sweeter flavor is due to the use of distinctly Japanese ingredients such as miso and mirin.

Similar to other Sichuan dishes, the Mapo Tofu was popularized in Japan in the 1950s, where it was adapted for Japanese tastes through the use of local ingredients.

Today it is one of Japan’s most beloved dishes which has made its way to one of the metro’s top Japanese food destinations.

For a complete and filling Japanese meal, pair this rice bowl with a serving of Nanban Karaage (Php380), Hanamaruken’s take on the Japanese-style fried chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce and served with a side of prawn crackers and tartare sauce, and a glass of Peach Lemon Iced Tea (Php90) to chase the spice away and soothe the palate.

Hanamaruken Ramen was founded in 1982 by Takaku Arakawa, who drew inspiration from his family’s rich background in butchery to create a distinct marriage between meat and ramen, resulting to its Signature Happiness Ramen.

Aside from authentic ramen bowls, Hanamaruken Ramen also serves rice bowls, sushi and small plates of Japanese appetizers.

In the Philippines, this ramen store is managed by the Tasteless Food Group.

So go ahead and drop by your nearest Hanamaruken Ramen branch to welcome the new year with the fresh flavors of the Mabo Dofu Donburi!

This Hanamaruken Ramen branch is located at Ground Floor Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 7pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 7043871.

Other branches are located at:

2F Garden Wing, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City (+63 2 77535949 | +63 917 6212130)
2F Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa (+63 2 88699857 | +63 917 6235931)
The Grove by Rockwell, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City (+63 917 6237181)
Ground Floor Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (+63 917 7017211)
Forbes Retail, Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (+63 917 635 6259 | +63 2 8259202)
Ground Floor Santolan Town Plaza, Santolan Road, Little Baguio, San Juan City (+63 917 7032729)

You may also order for delivery at Tasteless.ph or via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow Hanamaruken Ramen on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Hanamaruken Ramen:

Happiness Overload at Hanamaruken, Trinoma

Get your bowl of happiness at Hanamaruken

From Hong Kong to SM Megamall: Tim Ho Wan’s Delicious Dim Sum Experience

Tim Ho Wan is a renowned dim sum restaurant that originated in Hong Kong and has since expanded to several countries, including the Philippines. The restuarant’s humble beginnings can be traced all the way back to a small, nondescript restaurant in Hong Kong.

In 2009, Chef Mak Kwai Pui, who had previously worked at the Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, opened a small dim sum restaurant in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. The restaurant was named Tim Ho Wan, which means “add good luck” in Cantonese. The small eatery quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality food, with many customers willing to wait in long lines just to taste its delicious dim sum. (I’ve seen this for myself when the family failed our attempt to dine at this restaurant during our Hong Kong trip a few years ago due to the long line.)

In 2010, Tim Ho Wan was awarded a coveted Michelin star, becoming the cheapest restaurant in the world to receive the prestigious honor which soon catapulted Tim Ho Wan to fame, and the restaurant soon expanded to other locations in Hong Kong and other countries.

In 2014, it opened its first Philippine branch in SM Megamall, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, which proved to be quite a hit, generating the same long waiting lines as its Hong Kong counterpart during its early days.

Now, a few years down the line, my family was lucky enough to skip the wait when we dropped by SM Megamall and decided to have our late lunch at Tim Ho Wan.

The restaurant’s interior is elegantly designed with a modern touch, offering a cozy and comfortable dining experience. The staff are friendly and accommodating, making you feel welcome and at home. You are promptly given the menu and an order slip where your will make your selections.

As for the food, Tim Ho Wan is famous for its dim sum, which are small steamed or fried dishes that are perfect for sharing. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dim sum dishes, including siomai, barbecue pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and many more. Each dish is carefully crafted with fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked to retain their flavors and textures.

One of the most popular dishes at Tim Ho Wan is the baked barbecue pork buns (₱170/30pcs), which are definitely a must-try. The buns are soft and fluffy, with a savory and slightly sweet filling of tender pork that melts in your mouth; this dish more than lives up to being the signature offering of Tim Ho Wan.

Another favorite is the steamed prawn dumplings (₱190/4pcs), which are delicately steamed to perfection, with plump and juicy prawns and aromatics enveloped in a thin layer of translucent skin.

Of course, we can’t leave out the perennial favorite, the steamed pork and shrimp dumpling (₱170/4pcs). These plump bites of ground pork and shrimp bits encased in wonton wrappers are always a welcome addition to any dimsum meal.

Aside from the dim sum, Tim Ho Wan also serves other classic Chinese dishes like noodles, rice, and vegetable dishes.

Its jade wanton soup (₱195) is a standout, a comforting combination of pork and shrimp dumplings in a clear yet richly savory broth.

The beef brisket tendon noodle soup (₱298), on the other hand, consists of tender beef brisket and melt-in-your-mouth tendon, slow-cooked to perfection, then served together with chewy egg noodles in a rich and flavorful broth that has been simmered for hours with a variety of spices and aromatics.

Those who need to have rice with every meal shouldn’t fear because Tim Ho Wan’s spareribs rice (₱188) has them covered. This classic Cantonese dish features tender and juicy pork spareribs that are marinated in a savory sauce served on a bed of steamed white rice and garnished with a variety of fresh herbs and spices.

Prices at Tim Ho Wan are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option for groups or families. The servings are also quite generous, so you definitely get your money’s worth.

Dining at Tim Ho Wan in SM Megamall is a great experience for those looking for quality dim sum and Chinese dishes. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious food make it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with your loved ones. So, the next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and give it a try.

This Tim Ho Wan branch is located at Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 84708836 or +63 956 3442605.

Other branches are located at:

Level 1, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil, Manila (Tel: +63 2 83543562 | +63 916 6689080)
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 77299367 | +63 917 8492111)
Upper Ground Level, City Center, SM North EDSA, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 8 3742966 | +63 917 8492200)
Upper Ground Floor, Uptown Mall, 36th St. cor 9th Ave., BGC, Taguig City (Tel: +63 2 7764549 | +63 945 3303446)
Ground Level, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City (Tel: +63 2 88076021 | +63 915 8226560)
Upper Ground Level, Expansion, Alabang Town Center Ayala, Alabang, Muntinlupa (Tel: +63 2 88017261 | +63 917 1087461)
Upper Ground Level, SM Seaside Cebu, South Road Properties, Antuwanga, Cebu City (Tel: +63 32 3415770 | +63 917 1186453)

Stay updated on Tim Ho Wan’s promos and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Indulge yourself in delicious treats at Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory in Mitsukoshi Mall BGC

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is a popular confectionery brand that originates from Japan. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in producing a range of unique and delicious cheese-based snacks and sweets, which have become popular among locals and tourists alike.

One of the brand’s most well-known products is its signature cheese cookies. These are made using a special blend of high-quality cheese, butter, and flour, resulting in a rich and flavorful cookie that is both crispy and crumbly. Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory also produces a variety of other cheese-based snacks, such as cheese wafers, cheese bars, and cheese cakes.

Over the years, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory has expanded its reach beyond Japan and now has stores and kiosks in several countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and the United States. The company’s success has been driven by its focus on producing high-quality products and its commitment to constantly innovating and developing new and unique flavors.

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory’s branch at Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC has become a go-to destination for those looking for a unique and tasty snack or dessert. The store offers a wide range of products, but there are a few things that I discovered that I particularly love about this establishment during a snack break with a balikbayan friend.

First on the list is the salt and camembert cookies, made with premium Hokkaido milk, French guérande sea salt, and camembert cheese filling in between. These cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a unique combination of its main ingredients that creates a distinctive flavor profile. The cookies are also light and crispy, making them the perfect snack for those like my friend who don’t want anything too heavy.

Another thing I so love about Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is its Cow Cow soft serve ice cream. Made with Hokkaido milk and cream, this ice cream is rich, creamy, and has a uniquely smooth texture.

Finally, the convenience of the location is another factor that customers appreciate. Located in Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory in line with the central Japanese theme of the mall. It is easily accessible for those living or working in the area, or just like my friend and I, those enjoying a day out and about.

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory’s Mitsukoshi Mall BGC branch offers an array of delicious and unique treats that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Its signature salt and camembert cookies are a must-try, offering the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Additionally, the cow cow soft serve ice cream is a heavenly treat that is sure to please even the most discerning ice cream lover.

Aside from its delicious treats, the convenience of Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory’s location in Mitsukoshi Mall BGC makes it a perfect spot to grab a quick snack or dessert while shopping or exploring the area.

So if you’re curious as to what the hype with Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is all about, I suggest you drop by a branch nearest you to satisfy your curiosity and give it a try!

This Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory outlet is located at Basement 1 of Mitsukoshi Mall on 8th Ave. corner 36th St., Grand Central Park, North BGC, Taguig City.

Other branches are located at:

G/F Central Garden – Ring Area, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Paranaque City
G/F Estancia Mall (East Wing), Capitol Commons, Pasig City
G/F The Podium Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong
G/F Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong
2/F Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
3rd Floor Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City
2nd floor Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City
Level 1 Activity Center, Ayala Malls Vertis North, QC
Level 1 Robinsons Place Manila – Pedro Gil Wing, Malate, Manila
G/F Eastwood Mall, Bagumbayan, QC
Upper ground Floor, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Paranaque
NAIA Terminal 3, Andrews Avenue, Pasay City

From Samosas to Lassis: A Culinary Journey at Swaadisht Manila, Uptown Mall BGC

Swaadisht is a Hindi word that means “delicious” or “tasty.” The term is often used to describe the flavors and spices of Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine is known for its wide range of flavors, aromas, and textures, and is heavily influenced by regional variations, religious and cultural practices, and historical events. Swaadisht is an important aspect of Indian cuisine, and is a reflection of the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

India has a rich culinary history that dates back thousands of years. The country’s cuisine has been shaped by a variety of factors, including religion, culture, geography, and climate. The cuisine of each region of India is unique, and features a diverse range of ingredients and flavors. Some of the most popular ingredients in Indian cuisine include rice, lentils, vegetables, spices, and herbs.

If you want to explore the flavorsome possibilities of swaadisht, then head on to the Indian restaurant aptly named Swaadisht Manila and feast on these must-try dishes:

Vegetable Samosa (Php207). These crispy and savory triangular-shaped pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and onions. Served with tamarind and mint chutneys, they make for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Paneer Lababdar (Php537). A vegetarian delight, paneer lababdar is a popular Indian dish made with cottage cheese cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. Served with plain naan or rice, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

Plain Naan (Php163). A staple in Indian cuisine, naan is a type of flatbread that is cooked in a tandoor oven. At Swaadisht Manila, you can enjoy freshly baked naan that is soft, fluffy, and perfectly complements any dish.

Chicken Biryani (Php581). A fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice, succulent chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is a perfect example of the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine.

Mango Lassi (Php196). This sweet and refreshing drink is made with ripe mangoes, yogurt, and a touch of sugar. It’s a perfect beverage to cool down your palate after enjoying some spicy Indian cuisine.

Swaadisht Manila serves authentic Indian cuisine, known for its rich blend of spices and unique flavors, that is sure to tantalize your taste buds, taking you on a gastronomic journey to the diverse culinary traditions of India from classic vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, biryanis, tandoori items, and bread to unique appetizers and desserts. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure that every dish is flavorful, healthy, and delicious.

This Swaadisht Manila branch is located at Third Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily for dine-in, takeout and delivery from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79431373 or +63 926 6529598.

Another branch is located at Citywalk 1, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 85184405 or +63 995 5552485).

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

New Rice Baked Oysters at Seafood and Oyster Bar, The Grid Food Market

Craving for fresh oysters?

Well, the shuck-ingly good news is that you can simply hie yourself down to The Grid Food Market to eat your fill of these tasty samples of the sea’s bounty.

Seafood and Oyster Bar (SOB) operates an Oyster Cart which serves up freshly shucked oysters you can slurp right off the shell.

Yep, you can savor their briny taste and silky texture – whether raw with spiced vinegar, doused with garlic butter, heated with a few drops of tabasco or as an oyster shot – as easy as walking up to an SOB Shuck Buddy and ordering your preferred variant.

And why not?

Oysters, after all, are quite good for you. They are low-calorie sources of Vitamin B12 (said to help in keeping your brain healthy) and micronutrients Vitamin D, copper, zinc, and manganese (which help in keeping osteoporosis at bay).

But wait, there are more reasons to enjoy them: Seafood and Oyster Bar is launching three new rice baked oyster flavors.

Check them out:

Truffled Mushroom (Php280/3pcs | Php550/6pcs). The best of the land and sea meet up with oysters topped with cheese and earthy truffle-flavored rice with mushroom bits.

Herbed Chili Garlic (Php280/3pcs | Php550/6pcs). Oysters topped with cheese and herb-and-garlic flavored rice with that subtle heat from the chilis.

Creamy Sisig (Php280/3pcs | Php550/6pcs). The savory, fatty and citrusy flavors of every Pinoy’s favorite dish gets mixed in with all those fresh oyster goodness.

Curious yet? Be sure to give these a try!

Catch these fresh bites of the ocean Wednesdays to Sundays by heading straight to Stall No 8 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati.

(PS: They will also soon be available at Public Eatery in Robinsons Magnolia.)

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow Seafood and Oyster Bar on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

#ChinoyComfortFood at White Flower Tea House

America’s BEST BURGER of 2022 available at The Grid Food Market

Affordable and fuss-free lunch at Chic-Boy, Tomas Morato

Ever since my coworkers and I were required to #ReturnToOffice, the highlight of our working day is our mid-day meal together: our so-called #HappyLunch.

One fine day, our lunch break forays took us to the recently re-opened Chic-Boy nearby.

Chic-Boy serves a variety of Filipino comfort food, notable for its delicious and affordable menu items that cater to a broad range of customers, and to our petsa de peligro-prone group in particular.

The name “Chic-Boy” is a combination of two words, “chicken” and “baboy” (Filipino for pork), which are the two main ingredients used in most of the dishes. The restaurant chain’s concept revolves around serving tasty and budget-friendly Filipino food in a casual and welcoming environment.

The restaurant has a casual, no-frills ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a quick and fuss-free lunch. As it is conveniently located in a strip of eateries a mere walking distance from our workplace, we had no trouble getting here and sating our lunch cravings.

The service is fast and efficient, ensuring that we got our food in no time; the server even gamely took our photos for those requisite group photo opps.

Of course, the highlights of our dining experience here are Chi-Boy’s affordably priced yet deliciously filling dishes, all served with steamed rice and a bowl of hot soup, such as:

Cebu Lechon Liempo (Php190). This is Chic-Boy’s best-selling dish, and for a good reason! The tender and juicy pork belly is roasted Cebu Lechon-style, giving it a crispy skin and mouth-watering flavor. It’s served with a side of vinegar dipping sauce that perfectly complements the meat.

Lechon Sisig (Php170). The crispy, savory, and spicy chopped pork belly is a must-try for anyone who loves sisig. The dish is perfect as a pulutan or a main dish that goes well with rice.

Chicken Inasal Paa (Php155). Chic-Boy’s version of Chicken Inasal is a crowd favorite. The grilled chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, giving it a deliciously smoky flavor. It’s served with a side of sinamak (spiced vinegar) dipping sauce that enhances the taste of the chicken.

So if you’re on the lookout for an affordable and fuss-free lunch, Chic-Boy in Tomas Morato is the perfect destination for you . With its wide range of tasty yet budget-friendly Filipino dishes, including the best-selling Cebu Lechon Liempo, Lechon Sisig, and Chicken Inasal, Chic-Boy offers a deliciously Filipino dining experience that won’t disappoint.

This Chi-Boy branch is located at The Terraces, Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Borromeo Street, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, open for dine-in, delivery and pick up from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86316213 or 63 929 2323237.

Know more about its menu and offers by visiting its website or following Chic-Boy on Facebook and Instagram.

Ramen gastronomy: Signature ramen variants at Ippudo SM Mega Fashion Hall

Whether we’re right smack in the heat of summer or battling the rains during the wet season, any weather is ramen weather. The iconic Japanese noodle dish has a unique charm that captivates food lovers all year round.

Even during these scorching hot summer days, the allure of a steaming bowl of ramen is hard to resist. When the colder rainy weather comes, a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful broth, tender noodles, and an array of toppings warms the soul and satisfies cravings for comfort food. No matter the weather, the comforting warmth and umami flavors of the ramen provide a sense of coziness and indulgence.

This is why Ippudo’s branch in Mega Fashion Hall is quite the hotspot for foodies anytime of the year.

Ippudo was founded by Shigemi Kawahara in 1985 in Fukuoka, a city known for its ramen culture. Kawahara’s dedication to perfecting the art of ramen led to the development of Ippudo’s signature tonkotsu broth, a creamy and flavorful pork bone broth simmered for fifteen hours that sets Ippudo apart.

With its unique flavors and innovative approach to ramen, Ippudo quickly gained popularity in Japan, leading to the opening of multiple branches across the country and soon moved towards global expansion, hence its presence at one of the country’s largest malls, among others.

Ippudo’s arrival in the Philippines has been met with great enthusiasm from Filipino food enthusiasts, who have embraced the authentic flavors and quality of Ippudo’s ramen as demonstrated by its signature variants available at its SM Mega Fashion Hall store:

Shiromaru (Php395 Classic | Php475 Special | Php550 Supreme). This is Ippudo’s claim to fame, featuring a creamy tonkotsu broth, thin and straight Hakata-style noodles, and tender slices of thick-cut and slow-cooked chashipork belly. It is topped with scallions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger, and can be customized with additional toppings like mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Akamaru Shinaji (Php400 Classic | Php485 Special | Php555 Supreme). This ramen variant builds on the Shiromaru with the addition of spicy and umami-rich miso paste and a special garlic oil. The result is a bolder, more complex flavor profile that has become a favorite of many Ippudo regulars.

Karaka-Men (Php400 Classic | Php485 Special | Php555 Torched). For those who love a bit of heat, the Karaka-Men is an excellent choice. It features a rich tonkotsu broth that is infused with spicy miso paste and garlic oil and topped with a variety of ingredients like spiced minced pork, sesame seeds, and scallions. It way be served topped with torched slow-cooked jumbo rolled chashu pork belly slice for added smokiness.

As any true-blue ramen lover knows, the proper way to eat Ippudo’s ramen consist of these steps:

Sip the soup and enjoy the richness of the broth which is brought about by the use of the choicest ingredients and many hours of preparation.
Pick up some of the noodles and slurp them to savor the flavor.
Delight your palate with the ramen toppings and the harmony they create with the broth and noodles.

These ramen are great on their own but you won’t want to miss Ippudo’s Hakata-style Gyoza (Php235) which consist of five pieces of classic pan-fried dumplings served with gyoza vinegar.

Ippudo is an excellent destination for anyone who loves ramen, anytime rain or shine. With so many different options to choose from, there is something for everyone. No matter what you order, you are sure to enjoy the delicious flavors and expertly crafted dishes that Ippudo is known for.

This Ippudo branch is located at Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall Building D, EDSA corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 919 0744557.

Other branches are located at:

Robinson’s Place, Magnolia
Robinson’s Place Manila
Eastwood City, Libis
Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City
Ayala Malls Vertis North
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center
Greenbelt 5, Makati
Ayala 30th, Pasig

Stay updated on Ippudo’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Ippudo:

Cozy and comfortable dining at Ippudo, Robinsons Magnolia