where to eat in cainta – Jellybeans in the City

Discover new delicious Indonesian street food possibilities at Bhoy Martabak, Cainta

Did you know that martabak is a much-beloved Indonesian street food? It is a kind of stuffed pancake that can be sweet or savory, sold by street vendors and food stalls in cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. It is also commonly found in night markets and food courts, as well in some bakeries and coffee shops.

Types of Martabak

There are two main types of martabak: the sweet variant (martabak manis) and the savory one (martabak telur).

Martabak Manis is usually served as a sweet snack or a dessert. It consists of a thick pancake made with condensed milk, crushed peanuts and sesame seeds.

I had my first taste (and several since then!) of this sweet delicacy, thanks to Sammy’s Restaurant where I developed a strong liking for the Choco-Cheese Martabak Manis variant, so much so that during the quarantine lockdowns, I ordered some for my kiddos and gave one to my officemate for her birthday. It is usually presented divided in two with the halves on top of each other, making a sort of sandwich which is then cut into serving pieces. It can also be served open-faced to showcase the sweet fillings. It’s quite an unusual yet so tasty dessert that will make for a pleasant surprise for anyone receiving it.

The Cheese-Corn Martabak Manis, on the other hand, is not as sweet as the chocolate variant, so it’s perfect for those who are not so much into sweets.

The savory type, on the other hand – Martabak Telur – consist of spiced minced meat and egg filling which is cooked in the griddle along with a thin dough which is fried to crispiness. When paired with rice, it’s great as a light meal while on its own, it is tasty snack to tide you over until lunch or dinner time.

Martabak Origins

Martabak is believed to have originated in the Middle East, specifically in Yemen or Saudi Arabia, and was introduced to Indonesia by Arab traders. The name “martabak” is thought to come from the Arabic word “mutabbaq,” which means “folded.”

Over time, the dish has evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in the many variations of martabak that are popular in Indonesia today. Martabak has become a beloved street food in Indonesia, and it is often associated with late-night snacking or as a breakfast food. It is also enjoyed in other parts of Southeast Asia and has gained popularity in other countries as well.

And now, thanks to Bhoy Martabak, the delicious possibilities that this delicacy offers is now more immediately accessible to foodies east of Manila.

Bhoy Martabak now open

This new food stall concept is owned and operated by the same husband-and-wife team behind Sammy’s Restaurant and Sammy’s Cookin’ – Chef Sammy and Dorothy Isidro – who parlayed their experiences as musical performers in top hotels in Indonesia into food businesses.

Bhoy Martabak brings different flavors of this Indonesian delicacy – even including yummy Pinoy touches!

Check them out:

Martabak Telur

Another Martabak Telur variant you might want to try is Corned Beef (₱70). Boy Martabak serves these savory snackables with your choice between spicy and non-spicy mayo-based sauce. You can also make a complete meal with your Martabak Telur by adding ₱20 for rice and bottled water.

Martabak Manis

Cheese (₱165) and Chocolate (₱145) Martabak Manis are also available. You may also opt for single topping miniature versions of this dessert for ₱70 and just go for add-ons such as chocolate (₱7), cheese (₱10) or corn (₱10).

So if you’re in the mood for something special and unique – whether sweet or savory – drop by the Bhoy Martabak stall at Decoro Building (same building as Angel’s Pizza), Bonifacio corner L. Santos Street, Cainta, Rizal, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and orders, call +63 947 7201401.

Know more about its products and promos by following Bhoy Martabak on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Disclosure: I attended the opening of this new stall together with my fellow foodies. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Chef Sammy:

Four reasons why Sammy’s in Cainta is a hidden gem worth uncovering

5 reasons why you should have your date night at Sammy’s Cainta

#EatsInTheEast: Pancake House, Sierra Valley

With so much development going on east of Manila, residents and visitors can definitely look forward to beloved restaurant brands making their presence felt in the area.

One such brand is Pancake House which has been serving up comfort food to Pinoys – morning, noon and evening – since the 1970s.

One of its newer branches opened at the gate of Sierra Valley in Cainta, a soon-to-rise real estate development planned to contain a mall and mid-rise condominium.

This makes it an ideal stopover for motorists traversing Ortigas Avenue Extension from Antipolo and Taytay to Cainta and Pasig, and vice versa.

That’s how it was for my fam: on the way back from an errand in Tanay to the metro, we stopped by this Pancake House branch for lunch and enjoyed the restaurant’s offerings such as:

Caesar Salad (Php245). Bacon bits and croutons tossed with crisp salad greens in Caesar Salad dressing and sprinkled with grated parmesan.

Best Taco in Town (Php99). Mexican-seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese encase in a crispy taco shell.

Classic Pan Chicken (Php230/2pc). Juicy chicken pieces are fried to a beautiful golden-brown with a satisfying crunch with every bite and accompanied by its unique savory and buttery gravy.

Classic Country Medley (Php310). A filling combo consisting of 2 pieces Classic Pancakes, 2 pieces of Country Sausage and Pineapple Juice.

House Specials Set (Php325). A sulit bundle consisting of Pancake House favorites: a Best Taco in Town, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and garlic bread and a piece of Classic Pan Chicken with its sIgnature gravy.

Golden Brown Waffle (Php199). A classic waffle cooked to a crispy and delicious golden brown.

Our Pancake House favorites like the Classic Pan Chicken, Caesar Salad and the Best Taco in Town are always a hit with the family, and we enjoyed tasting the unfamiliar dishes.

So, whether you’re a resident of a nearby village or a motorist passing by, you know you can always drop by this Pancake House outlet for a bite or two of delicious comfort food.

This Pancake House branch is located at Sierra Valley, Ortigas Avenue Extension corner Suburban Drive, Cainta, Rizal.

5 reasons why you should have your date night at Sammy’s Cainta

Sure, the restrictions from the pandemic may have prevented you going out on grand dinner dates with your beloved for several months but that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for lackluster date nights, right?

Certainly not when Sammy’s provides the perfect venue for wining and dining with your special someone. Let me tell you why:

1. It’s quite a hidden gem.

There’s a reason many romantic adventures take place in some out-of-the-way locale. Physically separating you from the normal hustle-and-bustle of your daily life will help bring your focus to just you and your partner.

Sammy’s is located inside a subdivision in Cainta, but still accessible from Metro Manila, so you can easily have that quick romantic escapade with your special someone.

Sammy’s also complies with safety protocols set by its LGU so be sure to fill up the health declaration form and follow physical distancing while you’re there!

2. Its decor sets a romantic mood.

Owner Chef Sammy Isidro and his wife Dorothy converted the second floor of their house into a cozy restaurant.

Its high ceilings give it an airy feel, while rustic lamps and fixtures that glow with warm lighting make it an intimate setting.

Large windows provides a view of the lush foliage outside which as a backdrop for your romantic adventure.

3. Its Indonesian-inspired cuisine is simply extraordinary.

Chef Sammy and Dorothy spent seventeen years in Indonesia which certainly influenced the food the Sammy’s serves.

These include:

Beef Konro. A large cut of beef rib slow-braised for hours until tender and drizzled with a flavorful sauce made with its own drippings. This dish is good for sharing.

Mie Goreng. Also known as Bakmi Goreng, this hearty dish is made with stir-fried noodles in a sweet and savory sauce tossed with herbs and strips of scrambled egg.

Nasi Goreng. Indonesian-style fried rice flavored with the traditional sweet soy sauce called kecap manis and other seasonings, then served with fried egg, krupuk (traditional cracker) and chicken satay.

Beef Rendang. A delicious and slightly spicy dish made with beef braised and slow-cooked in coconut milk seasoned with herbs and spices until the liquids evaporate and the meat takes on its caramlizes, becoming dark brown and tender, and infused with rich flavors.

Martabak Manis. One of Indonesia’s most popular desserts which consist of a thick pancake made with condensed milk, crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. The Choco-Cheese variant has been my favorite since I tasted it two years ago, while the newly introduced Cheese-and-Corn is a delicious new discovery.

With exotic yet flavorful dishes such as these, your dinner date is sure to become a gastronomic adventure !

4. You get serenaded after your meal.

Did you know that Chef Sammy is also known as The Singing Chef?

He and his wife spent seventeen years in Indonesia as singers in Hotel Mulia Senayan Jakarta, where they showcased the Pinoys’ vocal talent to an international audience.

They treat their guests to a song or two after dessert, and their duets are so nakakakilig!

5. You can have your favorite dishes delivered to your home.

Sammy’s now delivers via Grabfood, so if you want to relive your Sammy’s experience at home, or if you’re simply craving for Indonesian flavors, you can just grab your smartphone and tap away!

Chef Sammy also operates Sammy’s Cookin’, which provides catering services as well as deliver cakes, pastries and other sweets to foodies within Metro Manila.

Sammy’s Cookin’ To order, call 0939 1483960.

So even in the midst of a pandemic, you can still find the time and the place for a little romance, thanks to Sammy’s.

Check out my previous adventures with Sammy’s:

Sammy’s is located at 14 Raspberry Bend Street, Valley View Executive Subdivision Phase 3, San Juan, Cainta. The restaurant is open Tuesdays to Sundays for breakfast from 8am to 10.30am, lunch from 11am to 1.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

Seating is strictly by reservation so call +63 939 1483960 to book your table. You may also use the same number to order from Sammy’s Cookin’.

You can also hold intimate gatherings such as birthday shindigs, proposal dinners, engagement parties and wedding or baptismal receptions (with a maximum guest count of twenty) at Sammy’s.

For updates on its menu and offers, follow Sammy’s on Facebook or Instagram.