Tag: traditional flavors

Fabulous Asian feasts for fam and friends at Manila Ocean Park

The summer season brings with it awesome opportunities to explore the metro’s sights with your nearest and dearest while taking advantage of the myriad of delectable food choices that Manila has to offer.

Take Manila Ocean Park, for example. Not only is it the Philippines’ first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination, it also serves up a lot of great dining selections for a fabulous foodie adventure for fam and friends.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats

You won’t have to worry if you work up an appetite while visiting the park’s eight exciting attractions; you can easily and deliciously sate your appetite with these in-park restaurants.

Makan-Makan Asian Food Village

The park’s famous Asian fusion restaurant seeks to bring back authentic Asian flavors that Pinoys love, thanks to its recently revamped menu, carefully crafted to satisfy diverse palates while keeping to the spirit and culture behind every dish.

Whether you’re keen to fill the tummies of an entire family or just want to explore fresh tastes and textures of Asian cuisine, Makan Makan Asian Food Village should be right up your alley!

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Chili Crab (Php1,199). A Singaporean classic – plump crab coated in a tantalizing blend of spicy, sweet, and savory chili-tomato sauce.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Salted Egg Crab (Php1,299). Succulent crab draped in a luxurious salted egg yolk sauce, resulting in the marriage of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Black Pepper Crab (Php1,199). A flavor explosion of whole crabs drenched with cracked black pepper, garlic, and butter, delivering a deliciously fiery kick.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Fish Steamboat – Bangus (Php850). A heartwarming hotpot of fresh bangus slices, vegetables, tofu, and noodles simmering in a savory broth.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Mango Salsa Fish – Tilapia (Php420). Grilled tilapia fillets crowned with a zesty mango salsa, resulting in a symphony of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Salted Egg Prawn (Php450). Plump prawns cloaked in a crispy salted egg yolk, offering a delectable interplay of creamy indulgence and savory satisfaction.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Oatmeal Cereal Chicken (Php250). Crispy chicken coated in a golden oatmeal cereal crust, served with a side of zesty chili sauce.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Kam Heong Pork Rib (Spicy Sweet Pork Ribs) (Php300). Malaysian-style pork ribs sautéed with dried shrimp, curry leaves, and chili in a fragrant “Kam Heong” sauce.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Thai Chili Tofu (Php250). Soft tofu deep-fried to a golden crisp, bathed in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce, and crowned with a sprinkle of green onions, grated carrots and sesame seeds.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Chopsuey (Php220). A colorful stir-fry bursting with fresh flavors and bathed in a light savory sauce that evolved into a Pinoy staple ulam.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Malay Fried Noodles (Php400). A tantalizing twist on traditional noodles, brimming with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Crispy Noodles (Php380). A hearty feast of stir-fried noodles with an array of meats, delivering a symphony of rich and satisfying flavors in every mouthful.
Makan Makan
Laksa. A spicy noodle dish prepared with a rich and spicy coconut curry soup that beautifully melds traditional spices with contemporary culinary techniques.
Makan Makan
Makan Roasted Chicken. Succulent marinated chicken slow-roasted to perfection.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Seafood Fried Rice (Php250). Fragrant fried rice teeming with juicy shrimp, squid, and scallops, and garnished with a flourish of spring onions, a perfect companion to Makan Makan’s signature viands.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
A fabulous Asian feast at Makan Makan

As if that array of mouthwatering dishes is not reason enough to hie yourself over to Makan Makan, the restaurant ups the ante with these irresistible promo offers!

Manila Ocean Park Eats
For just Php850, fill up on Fish Steamboat that comes with 3 FREE cans of Pepsi Lime and 3 cups of Steamed Rice
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Add Php120 to your order of Chili Crab or Black Pepper Crab to pair it with FREE can of ice-cold Cerveza Blanca and 2 FREE bottles of San Mig Light

Makan Makan Asian Food Village is located at the 2nd Floor, Hotel H2O, Manila Ocean Park Complex, Luneta, Ermita, Manila. For more details on its menu and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Shanghai Noodle & Porridge

At Shanghai Noodle & Porridge, innovation meets tradition as time-honored recipes combine with the freshest ingredients, crafting an tasty yet affordable culinary experience that transcends boundaries. And talk about fresh: noodles are here are made from scratch and pulled upon order in just 10 seconds, thanks to its noodle-making machine. At Php180/bowl, you’re all set for a dining escapade that’s quick, filling and flavorful.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Seafood Lomi Supreme merges Filipino flavors with Tian Mian soup. Featuring premium seafood sourced from the bountiful Philippine seas, this dish boasts a luscious broth infused with Tian Mian Jiang, delivering a symphony of savory-sweet sensations.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Zha Jiang Mian, Beijing’s signature dish that embodies the essence of Northern Chinese tradition, is a bowl of perfectly cooked noodles draped in a savory sauce crafted from fermented soybean paste and tender minced porkand enhanced with crisp, fresh vegetables.

Shanghai Noodle & Porridge is located at Ground Floor, Manila Ocean Park Complex (beside Taiwan Eating House), Luneta, Ermita, Manila.

Taiwan Eating House

Taiwan Eating House beckons you into a world of Taiwanese culinary delights, featuring beloved classics. Here, you can savor the rich tapestry of flavors that define the island’s culinary heritage as traditional recipes intertwine with contemporary twists.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan (Php160). Slow-cooked pork belly, infused with fragrant garlic, crispy fried shallots, and a whisper of five-spice powder, nestled atop a bed of steamed rice and adorned with a perfectly hard-boiled egg and fresh bok choy.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Sheng Jian Bao (Php80/2pcs). Soft flour dough enveloping succulent pork meat and aromatic onion leeks, resulting in bursts of savory goodness and a tantalizing glimpse into the heart of Taiwanese street food culture.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Guotie (Php120/6pcs). Finely chopped pork meat and fresh kuchay encased in a delicate flour-based wrapper and enhanced with a touch of rose wine.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Crispy Beef Pancake (Php70/pc). A Taiwanese beef roll experience, featuring tender slow-cooked beef complemented by a sweet bean sauce and generous sprinkling of green scallions, encased in a crispy pancake.

Taiwan Eating House is located at Ground Floor, Manila Ocean Park Complex (beside Shanghai Noodle & Porridge), Luneta, Ermita, Manila.

Twist Treats

Nothing rounds off a summer adventure than some frozen sweets! Fortunately, Twist Treats’s signature Egg Waffle Overload (Php120 each), a marriage of crispy egg waffles with velvety ice cream topped with marshamallows, candy sprinkles and chocolate chips, hit the spot perfectly. Each loaded waffle is meticulously prepared to order, ensuring freshness.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Egg Waffle Overload with Strawberry Ice Cream
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Egg Waffle Overload with Vanilla Ice Cream
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Egg Waffle Overload with Chocolate Ice Cream
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Time to cool down with this frozen delight!

Twist Treats is located at the entry of Manila Ocean Park Complex (beside the ticket booth), Luneta, Ermita, Manila.

So go ahead and take the time to go on summer outing with your kith and kin at Manila Ocean Park: enjoy itsfun and educational attractions, and be sure to treat your companions to tasty culinary delights while you’re there!

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats

Know more about Manila Ocean Park’s attractions and food selections by following it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Book your tickets now through its website.

Disclosure: I attended food tasting events held at the restaurants mentioned here. Food items were served at no cost in exchange for honest feedback and this feature.

Check out my previous posts about great eats at Manila Ocean Park:

Gourmet Food Trippin’ at Manila Ocean Park
HAPAG: Your destination for comforting Filipino food during your Manila Ocean Park adventure

Rediscovering Chinese flavors at Xin Tian Di, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

If you’re on the lookout for a remarkable dining experience that blends the essence of classic Cantonese flavors with a modern twist, look no further than Xin Tian Di. Located on the fourth floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Quezon City, this restaurant is a haven for those seeking an elevated take on Chinese cuisine.

The name “Xin Tian Di,” which translates to “New Heaven and Earth,” encapsulates the restaurant’s innovative approach to Cantonese cuisine. Just as the historical Xintiandi in Shanghai transformed from obscurity to vibrancy, Xin Tian Di reflects the same spirit of renewal and transformation in its culinary offerings.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Xin Tian Di’s recently updated modern Chinese decor, featuring dark wood furniture and elegant red accents, exudes sophistication while creating an inviting atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light in the daytime as well as provide a breathtaking view of the Ortigas district while at night, modern light fixtures set the stage for an intimate dining experience. Thoughtfully spaced booths for pairs or small groups, tables with lazy susans for larger gatherings and comfortable chairs ensure utmost comfort, while private rooms offer an exclusive retreat for special occasions.

Recently, my foodie friends and I had the privilege of feasting on Xin Tian Di’s signature dishes, which included:

BBQ Combination Platter. A masterpiece of Chinese-style grilled dishes which includes Char Siu, Crispy Pork Belly, Roast Duck, Jelly Fish, and Spicy Beef paired with the accompanying sweet soy and ginger sauces.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Hot Prawn Salad. Made with deep-fried prawns, meticulously glazed with creamy mayonnaise, resting atop a bed of fried noodles.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Seafood with Bamboo Fungus Pumpkin Soup. Creamy pumpkin soup, enriched with a medley of seafood, danced in a delicious broth infused with bamboo fungus and pumpkin essence.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Vegetable with Three Kinds of Egg. A harmonious and protein-packed blend of crisp bok choy, fresh eggs, salted eggs, and century eggs.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Wok-Fried Beef Tenderloin in Black Pepper Sauce with Flying Noodles. Thinly sliced beef tenderloin, stir-fried in a savory black pepper sauce, elegantly presented surrounded by steamed vegetables alongside noodles that seemed to be magically cascading from floating chopsticks.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Deep-Fried Pork Spare Ribs Marinated in Garlic and White Beancurd. Flavorful and tender pork spare ribs topped with toasted garlic and chilis resting on a bed of Chinese lettuce.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Deep-fried Halibut in Pomelo Sauce. Golden-brown halibut complemented by a tangy and spicy pomelo sauce.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Xin Tian Di Special Misua Seafood Noodles. Flavorful misua noodles, succulent seafood, and vibrant vegetables in one dish.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Xin Tian Di Masachi. Sticky rice balls made from glutinous rice, ground peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Almond and Black Grass Jelly with Fruit Cocktail. A refreshing and sweet creation made with smooth almond and black grass jelly complemented by vibrant fruit cocktail.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

This culinary journey through Xin Tian Di was a symphony of flavors and a celebration of culinary artistry. From the tantalizing appetizers to the extraordinary main courses and the unforgettable desserts, every moment was a testament to Xin Tian Di’s commitment to elevating Chinese cuisine.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure that merges tradition with innovation, Xin Tian Di awaits—ready to amaze your senses and create memories that will linger long after the last bite.

Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di

Xin Tian Di is located at 4th Floor, Crowne Plaza Galleria, Ortigas Avenue corner ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, open daily to serve lunch from 11am to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm. It also delivers via FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

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

Want to book your stay at Crowne Plaza Galleria? Call +63287903100 or email cpgm.reservations@ihg.com and mention my code IKOTHGEL to enjoy 15% discount on the best available rates. (Offer valid until December 31, 2024.)

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant where dishes were served at no cost to the attendees to facilitate honest feedback.