where to eat in Paranaque – Jellybeans in the City

Now, why would my Pasig City-based family be in this restaurant on the other end of the metro on a weekend?

The answer’s pretty simple: we just finished a round of shopping at the IKEA nearby and we didn’t want to wait in line for its in-store restaurant.

Having espied this RACKS branch upon leaving the furniture store, I just knew that this is where the fam can sate our hunger quite happily. After all, eating at RACKS is always something the entire family agrees on.

Here are three reasons why:

1. It’s a place for casual and comfortable dining.

Surprisingly, RACKS is a homegrown brand but the look and feel of the restaurant is of the American Southwest from the wide and open layout, brick architectural features and farm-style decor, among others.

Smoking meat, essentially barbecue, after all, is an American tradition.

However, RACKS was actually launched by auto magnate Wellington Soong, exclusive distributor of Jaguar, Land Rover and Maserati in the 90s. It was then acquired by the Prieto family (the same group behind Shakeys, Tia Maria and Via Mare, among others) in the mid-2000s.

The new owners instigated some changes, such as transitioning the look of the restaurants from the all-white, country-style theme, to a more homey farmhouse style which is still in place in all of its outlets in the country, this branch included.

2. Its signature barbecue sauces just makes everything better.

Among the things RACKS is known for is its own-brand barbecue sauces. Available in two variants – Original and Extra Hot – these sauces are the perfect condiments to bring out the flavors or RACKS smoked ribs.

These sauces accompanies all orders in the restaurant but can also be bought by the bottle for Php340.

(Cooking hack: my mom also uses it as a marinade for her Crispy Tadyang recipe.)

3. Our family already has its go-to orders here.

Having patronized RACKS since its launch in the 90s (Hubby and I even had a few of our dinner dates in some branches), it’s no wonder that we have established our fast faves from its menu.

Our meal, of course, is centered around RACKS’ Classic Pork Ribs (Php495 quarter | Php775 half | Php1,565). Hickory-smoked in a blend of herbs and spices to achieve that rich and smokey flavor. Given the appetites of my family members, only a full rack can satisfy us.

Our order of Classic Pork Ribs is served with a two side dishes and we opted for our faves, tangy Coleslaw for Hubby and myself and snackable Mac ‘n Cheese for the kiddos.

In other restaurants, we could have had an appetizer of a plate of onion rings but not in RACKS. Oh, mo! Here, we start our meal with a sizable Onion Brick (Php345).

Our meal also includes our preferred grains: Java Rice (Php85 single | Php425 platter) for Hubby and the kids, and Garlic Rice (Php85 single | Php425 platter) for me.

Completing our meal is a Pitcher of House-blend Iced Tea (Php295).

Is it any wonder the fam tends to gravitate towards RACKS for a fuss-free yet delicious family meal?

This branch is located at Aseana Square, Entertainment City, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Tambo, Parañaque.

Other Metro Manila branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall, Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Paseo de Magallanes
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Ermita
Muntinlupa: Festival Mall
Paranaque:
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Tiendesitas
Quezon City: UP Town Center, Timog Avenue, Trinoma Mall, SM North EDSA
San Juan: Greenhills Shopping Center
Taguig: The Fort Strip

To know more about RACKS or to order online, visit its website. To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Have you ever found yourself somewhat distracted from the storyline of your newest binge-able Korean drama because you can’t take your eyes off the sumptuous dishes that your oppas and unnies are feasting on?

If you’ve been salivating over the colorful and appetizing food that make appearances in your favorite K-dramas, then Ayala Malls Manila Bay’s Korean Town should be right up your alley.

Home of authentic Korean specialties

Located in this hub is Hahn Restaurant, a stalwart when it comes to authentic Korean cuisine.

Inside its elegant interiors, you can sit down and dine in comfort as you experience Korea and its culture through food with your special someone, or with your family and friends.

You may also entertain a large group in one of the VIP Rooms (both can be combined into one even larger room for bigger parties).

You may also opt to enjoy your Korean food al fresco by stepping out to the veranda.

True to its positioning as the home of authentic Korean cusine, its offerings are prepared using traditional cooking methods such as fermenting, boiling, blanching, seasoning, and pickling. These are served with bap (cooked rice), kuk (dishes with broth), kimchi (traditional Korean sode dish made of fermented and seasoned vegetables) and banchan (side dishes), to be consumed at the same time, as the layering of flavors and textures is a hallmark of Korean dining.

A feast fit for an emperor

If you’re all set to expand your gastronomic horizons in Korean cuisine, Hahn Restaurant’s Emperor’s Feast will bring you the classic Korean faves, all in one set, meticulously prepared by the resto’s Chef Isagani according traditional Korean methods.

With this exciting meal set, you and a friend can enjoy a filling array classic Korean flavors for just Php980, which includes:

Kimchi-Jjigae. The central dish of the Emperor’s Feast, this hearty stew made with kimchi, pork belly and gochujang brings you spicy, tangy and umami flavors with each spoonful.

Hahn Gimbap. To cool your palate, you can bite into a few slices of cooked rice, crisp vegetables and meats rolled in dried seaweed sheets.

Bibimbap. For a truly satisfying meal for you and your companion, two servings of Hahn Restaurant’s best-seller – the Bibimbap, made with cooked rice topped with sauteed vegetables, kimchi, sliced meat and fried egg – will be served.

Banchan. Bite into these delicious side dishes to complement your meal.

To complete the set, you and your friend can choose two sodas from the restaurant’s beverage menu.

The Emperor’s Feast is truly a feast for the taste buds, but you need to hie yourself over to Hahn Restaurant asap to experience it as it’s available for a limited time only.

If you feel that a visit to a Korean restaurant is not complete without grilling some meat, you can always add an ala carte order of Pork Belly Samgyupsal for just Php350.

So whenever you feel like grabbing the food off the K-drama lead’s hands during your binge-watching sesh, just drop by Hahn Restaurant to get your taste of deliciously authentic Korean food.

Hahn Restaurant is located at Third Floor, Korean Town, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Paranaque City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 7pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79337658 or +63 906 2142575.

You may also order from its website for delivery. Here’s a tip: Use my code JellyHR15 and get 15% off your orders (excluding The Emperor’s Feast). Code is valid until August 31, 2022 for online purchases.

To stay updated on its latest promos and offers, follow Hahn Restaurant on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube.

Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting held in the restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to facilitate the experience for an honest review.