the grid food market – Jellybeans in the City

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

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

Burgers have a nearly universal appeal.

The way that ground beef patties grilled to juicy and delicious perfection, other fixins and sauces thrown in to add new dimensions of flavor, and the fluffy buns to encase all those yummy elements come together into that appetizing burger are sure to get many of us salivating.

Well, there’s a new name in burgers within the local foodie scene, and that’s Bored & Hungry.

The burger shop based in Long Beach, California is built around a cryptocurrency theme. Restaurateur Andy Nguyen bought three non-fungible tokens (NFTs) from the Bored Ape Yacht Club, one of which became the store’s official logo.

Initially opened as a ninety-day pop-up in Long Beach, its launch attracted over 1,500 customers, prompting Nguyen to make the restaurant permanent, offering a streamlined menu of smash burgers, veggie burgers, French fries and soda while accepting payments in US dollars and cryptocurrency.

Well, it soon made its way to Philippine shores, opening limited-time popup stores at the Marriott Grand Ballroom and at Powerplant Mall’s The Grid Food Market.

The good news is that the Tasteless Food Group and Hungry Dao brought it back and is giving it a permanent outpost at The Grid Food Market starting March 10, 2023, making this Bored and Hungry’s first Asian branch.

You know what that means: the metro’s foodies now have more opportunities to feast on the burger joint’s much-lauded Bored OG Burger.

Made with two all-beef patties smashed thin and grilled until crispy around the edges along with caramelized onions, slices of American cheese and house-made burger sauce encased in butter-toasted brioche buns, the Bored OG Burger is an experience not to be missed; it has even been cited by Good Morning America as America’s Best Burger of 2022.

At Php395 ala carte, it’s now priced Php200 cheaper than at previous popups, thanks to the group being able to source local suppliers for the burger’s ingredients.

I just love the rich beefiness of this juicy burger, along with its the deliciously crispy edges that explode with flavor with every bite.

Burger fans who want to complete their burger meal may opt for a Bored OG Burger Combo which already includes the burger, fries and drink for Php595.

They can also just choose to order the French fries ala carte for Php150.

So don’t miss the chance to savor Bored & Hungry’s celebrated burger offering as its available for a limited time only!

Bored and Hungry is located at Stall No 7, The Grid Food Market, R2 Level Expansion, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive corner Estrella, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila. (A second branch is also coming soon at Public Eater, Fourth Floor New Wing, Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City).

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:

Exciting Thai Flavors at Flower Boy, The Grid Food Market

Craving for some excitement? A taste of adventure? A journey to the new and unfamiliar?

Why not try a cuisine that’s off your beaten path?

One of the eateries managed by Lowbrow Casual Restaurants, Flower Boy, operates a stall in The Grid Food Market and offers diners a peek into the bright and rich flavors of Thai cuisine.

Fried Squid Platter (Php440). Large rings of succulent squid, dipped in Sprite flavored batter then deep-fried to golden brown crispiness. Served with crunchy prawn crackers and Jaew sauce.

Bagoong Fried Rice (Php290). Steamed rice topped with scrambled egg and Flower Boy’s own recipe for bagoong made with shrimp paste, rendered pork fat, crispy ham, and tamarind.

Chicken Pad Thai (Php350). Flower Boy’s version of one of Thailand’s national dishes is made to appeal to the Pinoy palate but still keep to its Thai roots. This stir-fried noodle dish is savory, mildly sweet with lots of umami, thanks to its sauce which is cooked for three hours. It looks gorgeous and smells wonderful, too, wouldn’t you agree?

Mango Sticky Rice (Php250). A classic Thai dessert made with succulent mango slices served with sticky rice topped with toasted coconut flakes and coconut cream.

Thai Iced Tea (Php140). Thailand’s popular refreshment made with brewed black tea flavored with spices and sweetened with condensed milk..

Flower Boy is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 3 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow Flower Boy 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:

Cool down with fun icy treats at Dripp, The Grid Food Market

The long, hot summer may be giving way to the rainy season but we’re not there yet, folks!

So whenever the heat and humidity of the metro threaten to befoul your mood, know that you can always counter them with something delightfully delicious: cereal soft-serve and swirls from Dripp!

Located inside The Grid Food Market in Powerplant Mall, Dripp is all set to be your go-to stall for yummy post-meal desserts or your icy snack to help you stay cool on a hot day.

What goes into your Dripp? A whole lotta goodness, that’s what!

It all starts with Dripp’s creamy 100% fresh milk soft-serve base, then comes added flavors and textures from:

Cereals such as Coco Pops, Froot Loops, Frosties, Koko Krunch, Milo Cereal, Trix, Gold Corn Flakes, Honey Stars and Honey Gold Corn. For an additional Php25, you can add premium cereals such as Dunkin Caramel Macchiato, Dunkin Mocha Latte, Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms, Oreo O’s, Reese’s Puffs, Chips Ahoy Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Cruch, Chocolate Churros and Wendy’s Frosty
Mixins such as Polvoron, Milo Powder, Crushed Oreos, Matcha Powder, Barquillos Crisps, Dark Chocolate Sticks, Almonds, Black Sesame, Candy Sprinkles, Cashew Nuts, Rice Crispies, Choc Nut, Mini Kitkats, Crushed Grahams and more
Drizzles such as Caramel, Chocolate, Honey and Strawberry

For Php180, you can Make Your Own Soft Serve Flavors by picking one each from the Cereals, Mixins and Drizzles selections to add to your premium milk-based soft-serve or choose from the top combinations recommended by Dripp’s very own Chef Patrick Go which include:

The Grrrid Blend: Gold Corn Flakes, Graham, Caramel
Choco Crunch: Koko Krunch, Rice Crispies, Chocolate
Pop That Matcha: Coco Pops, Matcha Powder, Chocolate
Funfetti: Froot Loops, Candy Sprinkle, Strawberry
Milo Loco: Milo Cereal, Crushed Oreos, Caramel
Fruity Stars: Trix, Honey Star, Strawberry

But the fun doesn’t end there: Dripp recently made a move towards creating more out-of-this-world ice cream concoctions with its new secret menu which includes:

Hot Cheetos: inspired by the fan-favorite snack, this sundae is covered in crushed Hot Cheetos for a sweet-salty dessert with a kick
Dripp Scramble: Dripp’s own version of the classic Pinoy dessert overloaded with sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and more
my personal pick, Horlicks Crunch: this has that distinctive, malty flavor that reminds you of ‘50’s American-diner milkshakes, to which I added more crunch in the form of almond slices

So, really, whether the summer season is on the rise or ebbing away, there’s always a reason and an opportunity to treat yourself to a cool and creamy delicious delight at Dripp!

Dripp is located Stall 19, The Grid Food Market, R2 Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

For more details on its promos and offers, follow Dripp on Facebook or 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:

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.

#ChinoyComfortFood at White Flower Tea House

The mark of a good Chinese restaurant is a is a widely varied menu. This recognizes the myriad of gustatory possibilities in Chinese cuisine.

Personally, I love its localized variant, Chinese food that has been adapted to suit the Pinoy palate. Called Chinoy cuisine, its dishes are both flavorful and filling.

Foodies can get a taste of Chinoy comfort food crafted and curated by Chef Decker Gokioco at White Flower Tea House, one of the eclectic culinary stalls in Powerplant Mall’s The Grid Food Market.

Here, Chef Gokioco showcases his unique Chinoy heritage, and also calls back to his treasured childhood memories of going on Sunday visits with his family to the celebrated home of Chinese cuisine in Manila: the Binondo. By combining both traditional and modern approaches, the chef produced a menu that features both favorite flavors and fresh forays into Asian cuisine.

Recently, White Flower Tea House unveiled its new appetizers which include:

Mapo Tofu Dip (Php220). A new spin on the famous Mapo Tofu dish which has been turned into a dip made with braised ground pork and silken tofu, served with crispy fried wanton chips.

Prawn Toast (Php350). A snackable treat made with deep-fried prawn paste served on top of dense savory bread along sweet mayonnaise and a serving of sweet-and-sour sauce.

Egg Floss Shrimp (Php550). A Singaporean-inspired dish made with deep-fried battered shrimp tossed in curry leaves, chilies and egg floss.

With such delicious appetizers, we can definitely look forward to tasty meals from White Flower Tea House.

Dine in at The Grid Food Market to taste these Chinoy comfort food creations hot and fresh, or order them for delivery to enjoy them wherever you are.

White Flower Tea House is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 9 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda, RiderKo and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow White Flower Tea House 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:

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Middle Eastern classics at OK Bob

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, here’s something that’s sure to catch your fancy.

OK Bob, the newest stall in The Grid Food Market, recently launched new menu items crafted by Chefs Decker Gokioco and Jorge Mendez, giving the metro’s foodies more chances to sate their cravings for kebabs, curries and more.

Middle Eastern food is comprised of a variety of cuisines from a long list of countries, it is generally characterized by the frequent use fragrant spices, olive oil, nuts and creamy elements.

The resulting flavors and textures from this culinary tradition come into play with OK Bob’s newest dishes.

Crab Biryani (Php2,500).

Indulge yourself with the flavors of the sea and spices with OK Bob’s Crab Biryani. Fresh 500g crab is braised in curry-spiced yogurt and served on a bed of spiced Basmati rice with fried onion, cilantro, papadum and coriander cream.

OK Bob Plate Meat Combo (Php450).

Grilled chicken and beef served on a bed of spiced Basmati rice accompanied by fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce, buttered Naan bread with garlic sauce and Tikka spiced hot sauce.

Beef Kabab Roll (Php320).

Grilled marinated ground beef skewer on top of romaine lettuce and cilantro encased in a bread roll and served with Persian-spiced fries, cucumber raita and sumac salad.

Don’t miss this chance to expand your food horizons with these exciting dishes from OK Bob!

OK Bob is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 2 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow OK Bob 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:

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Crowd faves from Ping Pong Diplomacy, now back and available for delivery

Do you remember the part in the movie Forrest Gump where, after recovering from battle injuries, our hero became proficient in table tennis, joined the US Army Team, and even competed against Chinese teams during a goodwill tour.

That exchange of ping pong players between the US and China in the 1970s is a depiction of ping pong diplomacy. This paved the way for normalizing relations between the two countries then at opposite ends of ideological spectrum – the US and the People’s Republic of China – and aided in the stabilization of global politics.

This historical snippet just goes to show that it’s oftentimes better to work together to achieve mutual benefit than to always oppose each other.

In much the same way, Chinese and American cuisines found a way to work together with the return of Ping Pong Diplomacy as a cloud kitchen at The Grid Food Market.

It brought back crowd favorites from its previous store that are now served in aluminum trays good for sharing for two to three people (reheating instructions included!). These are great when enjoyed at home or wherever the adventurous foodie may be in the metro.

These best-selling dishes include:

Dan Dan Rice (Php515). Japanese fried rice is stir-fried with the house Dan Dan paste and oil, along with squash, green peas, shiitake and ground pork, then served with two fried eggs, crispy chicken skin and crushed peanuts.

To reheat:

Option 1: Transfer to a microwavable container and heat in the microwave in high heat for one minute.
Option 2: Remove the egg and stir-fry the rice in a hot pan until heated through.

Simple Fried Egg (Php290). Four crispy deep-fried eggs topped with pork floss, hoisin sauce, crispy chicken skin, sauteed shallot, chili and spring onions.

To reheat:

Heat for three to five minutes in an oven or toaster pre-heated to 270 deg F (132 deg C).

Not Mapo Tofu (Php475). A new twist on the classic Mapo Tofu dish wherein steamed soy custard is covered in house mapo tofu sauce then topped with fried leeks, ground pork, sesame seeds and ground Szechuan peppercorns.

To reheat:

Option 1: Remove plastic lid and cover the tray with aluminum foil, then steam for 10-15 minutes until the tofu is warm.
Option 2: Partially submerge the container in hot water for ten minutes until the tofu is warm. Leave at least one inch from the top to avoid getting water on the tofu.

With local culinary greats like Chefs Him Uy de Baron and Noel Mauricio helming Ping Ping Diplomacy’s kitchen, food lovers can expect more of the exciting blend of Chinese and American flavors that they love from Ping Pong Diplomacy.

Ping Pong Diplomacy is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com or bit.ly/shop-ppd. It will also soon be available for dine-in at Stall 8 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati.