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Category: Food Reviews

  • What to Eat in Osaka: 13 Must-Try Food and Where to Get Them

    What to Eat in Osaka: 13 Must-Try Food and Where to Get Them

    We LOVE Japanese food, and it’s definitely one of the reasons why we were so excited to visit Japan, specifically Osaka. I’ve read a lot of food blogs, videos, and threads, and also received recommendations from friends. Unfortunately, with limited time and stomach capacity, we just couldn’t try them all. Anyway, we made the most of our time and had fun. In this food guide, I’m sharing the best we had in our Osaka food trip. Here’s a rundown, in no particular order. (If you haven’t yet, check out my post about the 11 places we visited in Osaka.)

    What to Eat in Osaka: 13 Must-Try Foodand Where to Get Them

    1. Sushi in Kura Sushi Shinsekai

    Sushi is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese food. There’s so many restaurants in Osaka offering and serving sushi, but we chose Kura Sushi for a conveyor-belt sushi or revolving sushi experience. We were surprised to learn that prices were so inexpensive here! We finished a total of 20 variants of sushi, with each dish having two pieces, and it cost us only ￥2000 (￥100 per dish). The simplicity, the freshness, and the presentation are all factors that contribute to eating sushi in Kura Sushi a glorious foodie experience.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByU68jPnJv6/

    2. Fatty Tuna Sashimi in Kuromon Ichiba Market

    Just like sushi, sashimi is another widely available food throughout Osaka from supermarkets (Family Mart, Lawson, etc.) and budget stalls to the classy restaurants, and everything in between. We were happy with the fatty tuna sashimi we had in Kuromon Ichiba Market! If I remember correctly, price was ￥1600. I know that seems extreme for a few pieces but these were exceptionally good quality of tuna. The marbling on this tuna was mesmerizing and so rich!

    3. Matsusaka Yakiniku Beef in Matsusaka M

    One night after hours of window shopping, we wanted to sit down for a more substantial meal. A quick search on TripAdvisor led us to the top awarded restaurant, Matsusaka M which serves some seriously good Matsusaka Yakiniku Beef. Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M “Yokocho” is a winner in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for restaurants, ranking number 1 in Japan, and number 5 in Asia.  We ordered the Matsusaka Beef DC Platter (￥27,600), which included 6 different parts of succulent Matsusaka beef and some vegetables to grill. Everything was excellent. Service was friendly and top-notch.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BynL-DTnoFN/

    4. Kobe Beef and Wagyu Beef in Kuromon Ichiba Market

    Wagyu beef and kobe beef as street food? Yes, it’s possible, in Japan! We were so curious how the kobe beef tastes like since it’s super expensive as compared to wagyu beef. At ￥2500, the kobe beef skewer was delicious – that’s all tender-licious beef right there, but I think we all agreed that we liked wagyu beef more. One skewer of wagyu beef set us back ￥1000 and it was worth the money.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNIIitHxru/

    5. Mixed Okonomiyaki and Special Yakisoba in Ajinoya

    Okonomiyaki is one of our favorite Japanese meals. Originating from Osaka, this pancake-style dish is crammed full of tasty ingredients and sauce and then fried. Part of the joy of eating okonomiyaki is seeing it being made right before you, and eating it socially with your friends – because it’s a lot to eat on your own (if we have the same appetite, I guess).

    When in the hunt for okonomiyaki, the right place to go is Ajinoya. Why? It’s  listed in the Michelin Guide to Osaka and we wanted to try something more special than the norm. We got the recommended Ajinoya’s Mixed Okonomiyaki (￥1300) which consisted of pork, octopus, shrimp, squid, a blend of ground pork and beef, and a heap of finely shaved cabbage. It’s cut into pizza-like slices and topped with bonito flakes. It was really good and fluffy, with tasty ingredients and condiments.

    Since we were already there, we took advantage of our seats and ordered their Special Yakisoba (￥2470) that came also with mixed surf and turf meat and seafood: prawn, squid, octopus, beef, and scallop. It’s a unique variation of okonomiyaki with yakisoba noodles. Ajinoya in Osaka offers such a wide variety of toppings and options for their dishes that you could come back over and over and always have a different experience. Superb!

    6. Black Pepper Salt Takoyaki in Kougaryu Main Store, America Mura

    A “cousin” of okonomiyaki, takoyaki is almost a synonym of Osaka. These little golf ball sized batter balls stuffed with a piece of octopus are perhaps the most famous thing to eat in the city. There’s a lot of takoyaki stalls throughout Osaka, yet we chose to try authentic Japanese takoyoki in one of the most popular ones in Osaka. Kougaryu is located in Amerca Mura (American Village) and it’s said to be the originator of the “amikake mayonnaise” style of takoyaki, which has fast become the standard for takoyaki today.

    Kougaryu uses carefully selected quality ingredients, including a special mayonnaise and select octopus. The dough, made with a dashi stock prepared from seven varieties of ingredients and mixed with Japanese yam, is flavorful, spongy, and addictive. We were lucky that we didn’t have to wait for more than 10 minutes to order. Their black pepper salt takoyaki, when squeezed with lemon, is so uniquely delicious!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZIMvMHupb/

    7. Tonkotsu Ramen in Ichiran

    It’s common to see a long queue in front of Ichiran in Dotonbori. Big fans of ramen can’t let it pass up! We waited for 30 minutes, and when it was our turn, we were so happy to experience paying and ordering via a vending machine and getting a ticket that corresponds to our ramen of choice.

    I was surprised that Ichiran, unlike the many ramen restaurants we’ve been in the Philippines, only sells one type of ramen, and that’s tonkotsu (pork marrow). You can customize your bowl of ramen with additional toppings and side dishes. You can also choose the richness of the broth and the heat level. I chose mildly rich and mildly spicy. Taste was tad buttery and perfectly salty and creamy. The slices of chashu and a scoop of fragrant wok-fried pork made the flavor even better. All in all, it was a beautiful bowl of ramen. We had a great experience eating at our own cubicle at Ichiran, definitely worth waiting in line to eat.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByP83hSHFVg/

    8. Tonteki in Tenjinbashi-suji

    Pork lovers will delight in Osaka Tonteki. We stumbled upon this restaurant online when we were looking for a good place to eat in Tenjinbashisuji, Kita. Osaka Tonteki offers an English menu with food photos, so there’s no problem even if their staff could speak only limited English. Tonteki translates to “pork steak,” and really, your eyes will pop out for that glistening glove of pork they serve.

    Osaka Tonteki is known for its thick slab of pork that’s cooked and caramelized in a fantastic sauce with a blend of soy sauce, sake, and mirin. A set meal consists also of rice (seconds are free), miso soup, and cabbage on the side. While my mom, husband, and sister went for the slab of pork, I got the pork hamburger (Ton-baagu トンバーグ) which was super good. No regrets!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/By7qt0-HUvW/

    9. Black Sesame Soy Milk Ice Cream in Kuromon Ichiba Market

    I love matcha ice cream in Japan but black sesame is another interesting flavor I’d been wanting to try. The black sesame soy milk ice cream available in the Information Center of Kuromon Ichiba Market has a pleasant nutty flavor. It’s a refreshing alternative to the overly sweet, candy-filled ice cream flavors. If you haven’t tried this before, I encourage you to be adventurous. 🙂 It’s seriously tasty!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByMdEoyHuuV/

    10. Kushi-katsu in Shinsekai

    If you’re in Shinsekai, try kushi-katsu. Kushi refers to the traditionally bamboo skewers and katsu refers to a deep-fried meat cutlet. Cut into bite-sized pieces, the ingredients are put on a bamboo skewer, coated in batter, and then deep-fried.

    In many kushi-katsu restaurants, there are signs about the most important golden rule when eating kushikatsu: “no double dipping.” This means that it’s not allowed to dip the kushi-katsu into the sauce for a second time once you’ve taken a bite considering hygiene.

    Kushikatsu Daruma is the most popular kushi-katsu restaurant in Shinsekai and probably in most other areas in Japan. We chose to dine in another place since it’s full and we couldn’t wait to be seated. There’s a lot more options anyway.

    With various selections, the menu seemed overwhelming. To save time and to be sure we get everything we wanted, we ordered the kushi-katsu set with 20 assorted pieces for ￥2,600. We had mushrooms, shrimps, quail eggs, onion, sweet potato, chicken tender, pork tenderloin, beef, chorizo sausage, crab claw, sardine, squid, cheese, eggplant, and more.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByU0-lIHDpQ/

    11. Omurice in Pomme-no-ki

    Pomme no Ki (or Pomunoki (ポムの樹)) is a chain in Japan specializing in Omurice or omelette filled with rice. There’s over 40 different types of omurice so if you’re an indecisive person, you may just want to ask the staff for the best-selling one or their recommendations. 😉

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByRiP8CnTWt/

    12. Curry Rice in Coco Ichibanya Honmachi

    Japanese curry is an ultimate comfort food. We have Coco Ichibanya branches in the Philippines, but we were curious to find out if the taste is any different from the source. After finishing a plate of fish curry rice, I thought the curry flavor was the same. I’m happy I can go to Coco Ichibanya in our home country whenever I miss Japanese curry. There’s something about Japanese curry that just makes one warm and fuzzy inside – perhaps it’s the mild blend of curry powder, the thick rich gravy sauce, the option of a fried pork katsu cutlet, and the fresh steamed Japanese rice.

    13. Beef Cutlet Takeru in Dendentown

    We looked for the most reviewed restaurant in Dendentown on Google and found Beef Cutlet Takeru. No doubt, this restaurant is a hit among locals and tourists. There’s a long queue even before the restaurant opened. There’s limited seating inside but the turnover of tables was quite fast. We had great grilling experience since we were the ones who grilled and cooked our meat in a Japanese bar setting.

    We each got a set meal of beef cutlet with miso soup, rice, and cabbage. Served on a plate, the raw beef cutlet (gyu-katsu) was beautifully decorated. What made us excited most was seeing the fatty marbling in the meat. The beef was super tender, and it was so delicious in medium rare, medium well, and even in well form. There’s little to no seasoning required, but seasoning such as salt, sesame oil, shoyu, and sweet wasabi were provided on our table. It was one of the best meals in our whole trip. The reviews were true and we can say the same: Beef Cutlet Takeru serves high quality beef that’s unbelievably juicy with a depth of flavor that you’ won’t forget! 🙂

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByMaaKNH5Nv/

  • 20 Taiwanese Street Food We Tried and We Recommend

    20 Taiwanese Street Food We Tried and We Recommend

    As mentioned in my previous post, the primary reason why we traveled to Taiwan this Holy Week was to eat Taiwanese street food. 🙂 Taipei has a lot to offer when it comes to cuisines, but it’s their local street food that really attracts tourists. We went to Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Jiufen, and Ximending and tried everything that looked delicious to suit our palate.

    If you’re overwhelmed or just wondering which food are worthy to eat in Taipei, here’s a post to serve as your guide. But ultimately, this piece of sweet advice from our Airbnb landlord is practical and best: “See a long line? Join them!” In Taipei’s night markets, the longer the line, the better the food. Check out my Taiwan Instagram Story Highlights for more shots.

    What to Eat in Taipei: 20 Taiwanese Street Food We Tried and We Recommend

    1. Grilled King Mushroom (100 NTD)

    Taipei’s bustling night markets are known for relatively cheap and varied street food. One of the largest is Shilin Night Market, which was very close to the Airbnb we stayed in. First we saw with super long line was this stall selling grilled huge and juicy mushrooms. All mushrooms are first coated with a sticky sweet and salty sauce which tasted a lot like barbecue sauce. Then, they’re dusted with spices with different flavors. We chose seaweed and curry and they were both yummy. The mushroom’s texture was similar to abalone. Loved it!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZQKefFGF0/

    2. Big Sausage Wrapped Small Sausage (大餅包小餅) (50 NTD)

    Taiwanese sausages are ubiquitous in all the night markets we visited. Lots of tourists also line up for this small pork sausage wrapped in a sticky rice sausage. It’s really good! Split open like a hotdog bun, the pork sausage was wonderfully sticky, chewy, messy, and filling. Like the mushrooms, the sausages were “barbecued” on the spot then topped with lettuce, salted vegetables, and garlic which make up the whole zesty taste. We chose black pepper flavor; it was spicy but not too overpowering to hide the taste. What made this dish extra special was the glutinous rice with the bun covering the sausage. If you’re in for an oily and tasty carbohydrates-filled meal, get this.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZSwRnl6IP/

    3. Black Pepper Bun (胡椒饼) (55 NTD)

    Another worth queuing up for is the black pepper bun. Packed with ground beef and scallions, these hot buns have a crusty bottom and a juicy and meat filling. Seeing the experts prepare the buns from start to finish is quite interesting. Since they’re super hot, it’s best to wait a while before taking your first bite.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZfncFlDQb/

    4. Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線) (55 NTD)

    Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle is always full of people standing in line waiting to get their all-famous silky noodles. Be patient, since the line moves fast and you’ll get your bowl soon enough. Founded in 1975, this food business is operated with a three-men team. Their mee sua is made with pork large intestine and Chai Yee flavor. For added taste, you can put condiments like the black vinegar and garlic or chili to garnish.

    5. Pork Ribs Noodle Soup (排骨酥面) (90 NTD)

    We stopped by in a casual restaurant in Raohe Night Market specializing in noodle soups. Their most recommended dish on the short menu is the pork ribs noodle soup, so we got it without hesitation. The pork ribs were tender, and the coated batter wasn’t too soggy despite that it was already soaked in the soup. Flavor was nice and the broth was aromatic and soothing. Two thumbs up!

    6. Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球) (50 NTD)

    It wasn’t love at first bite but these fried sweet potato balls were good even without fillings in them. These are traditional desserts you can find in any night market in Taipei, but they’re mostly popular in Jiufen. Hence, the sweet potato balls are commonly referred to as 九份芋圆.

    7. Earl Grey Milk Tea Soufflé Pancake (珍珠奶茶梳乎厘) (120 NTD)

    The pearl milk tea craze has hit hard especially in Asian countries, and it doesn’t end with the milk tea drink alone. There’s a lot of desserts nowadays with the milk tea and chewy pearls. One of which is the Bubble Tea Souffle Pancake. It’s a must-order for fans and lovers of fluffy pancake and boba tea. I don’t have a video but I can tell you this: it jiggles, wobbles, and bounces to bring you joy! 🥞😍⁣⁣⁣⁣

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BweonhBFsyg/

    8. Fried Taro Ice Cream (35 NTD)

    Ice cream that’s fried? Yes, it’s possible. Fried ice cream is another unique food to try when in Taiwan. We tried this fried taro ice cream in Shifen Old Street. It has a light, nutty flavor close to the taste of taro cake and fried taro in dimsum restaurants.

    9. Taiwanese Milk Tea with Pearls (珍珠奶茶) (Prices vary but average range is 50-70 NTD)

    For sure, you wouldn’t want to miss out on pearl milk tea when in Taiwan. You can easily spot a boba tea store in almost every corner, not an exaggeration, as these dominate the streets in Taipei. I like those milky drinks infused with just the right amount of tea fragrance or fruity zest. So far, the most popular is the brown sugar milk tea.

    10. Crispy Crablets (150 NTD)

    Crispy crablets is a popular Filipino finger food appetizer and beer accompaniment (pulutan). In Taipei, crispy crablets are offered as snacks. These are deep-fried so the result is crispy baby crabs with umami taste. No sauce required to delight.

    11. Xiao Long Bao (100 NTD)

    Because of lack of time, we didn’t have the chance to try xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung to see if they’re any different from the ones served in the branches of Din Tai Fung in Manila. Anyway, we stumbled upon a small sit-down eatery in Shilin Night Market which serves these tiny soup dumplings, and omg they’re amazing! You can sip the savory light broth and savor the meatiness of the xlb in one mouthful to satisfy your tummy’s desire.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwb-QB5FB7u/

    12. Sizzling Beef Tenderloin (鐵板牛排) (160 NTD)

    A sizzling beef steak may not be your no. 1 choice when you want to try lots of Taiwanese street food in the alleyways of Shilin Night Market since you can easily be full. But you can always share it with a friend! With a runny egg, the beef tenderloin was brought out on a hot pan, with pasta underneath. The steak was tender and full of beefy flavor. We absolutely enjoyed it. 🙂

    13. Oyster Omelet (蚵仔煎) (60 NTD)

    Oyster omelet is one of the top food I have in mind when thinking of Taiwanese street food. It’s glorious and special because it combines the softness of the eggs that dances up against the briny and slippery oysters. You’ll be swept away with the taste! Just in case it’s not tasty enough, ketchup or sweet red chili sauce can be added. Side note: I’m thankful my mom knows how to cook this well, so we can have oyster omelet every time we crave for one at home. 😀

    14. Taiwanese Cold Noodles with Peanut Sauce (50 NTD)

    Peanut sauce with noodles? You might think “ew” at first but once you taste it, you won’t go back. Interestingly, the noodles were served with miso soup separately and it was also good.

    15. Hotdog with Mozzarella Cheese (50 NTD)

    Mozzarella Hot Dog is not a classic Taiwanese street food since it “originated” in Korea and is known as “Mozzarella Cheese Hotteok,” one of the hottest Korean street food at the moment. They hotdog was wrapped in mozzarella cheese, batter then fried and sprinkled with sugar. You can add ketchup and/or mustard.

    16. Takoyaki Balls (50 NTD)

    We can’t say no to takoyaki balls! The octopus was really fresh and went well with the takoyaki coating. We chose the seaweed flavor and it’s really a must-try for takoyaki fans.

    17. Curry Fish Balls (35 NTD)

    Curry fish balls are a popular Hong Kong street food, but they’re also a familiar street food in Taipei. As a snack, these curry fish balls have a pungent smell and a spicy kick. If you love spicy food, these will be perfect to munch on. The robust curry flavor is unforgettable.

    18. Shaved Ice and Jelly Dessert (Like Halo Halo in the Philippines) (50 NTD)

    Looking for a refreshing treat? Salvation comes in the form of a bowl full of shaved ice with different toppings. In a food stall in Jiufen, we chose ours with an assortment of mochi, grass jelly, sago, and red beans. It’s like their version of the Pinoy halo-halo. Sweet!

    19. Glutinous Rice Cake (15 NTD)

    A great mildly sweet treat we had in Jiufen that everyone was getting was the “green tea ball.” It’s like a green tea flavored mochi with red bean filling. It can be finished in just two bites, so if you’re into green tea, better get more pieces. 😉 Ah Lan Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake is the most popular store here. Hakka cuisine is the cooking style of the Hakka people from China.

    20. Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大鸡排) (70 NTD)

    Hot Star Chicken is available in the Philippines, but we were curious and wanted to know how different or alike the large fried chicken tastes in Taipei vs. in Manila. I thought they’re pretty much the same. Lightly battered and double fried, the Hot Star Chicken was juicy and tasty with a good balance of salty, savory, and spicy. It’s spicy enough for me but you can ask to add chili powder at the counter if you can handle a bit more heat. Size was HUGE, bigger than two palm sizes combined and almost the length of my face. Whoa!

    List of Places

    Raohe Night Market
    North end of Kee Lung Road, Taipei, Taiwan
    Nearest MRT: Song Shan station Exit 5

    Shilin Night Market
    Near Dadong Road, Danan Road, Wenlin Road and Jihua Road, Taipei, Taiwan
    Nearest MRT: Jiantan station (but you can also walk from Shilin station Exit 2)

    Jiufen
    From Taipei: Hop on the train from Taipei Main Station to Rui Fang Station and board the Kee Lung Transit bus headed to Jiufen. It takes approximately an hour to get there. Alternatively, you can also board Bus 1062 from Zhong Xiao Fu Xing Station. It takes slightly longer, but it will be great if you want to enjoy the scenic view of Northern Taiwan along the way.

    Ximending Night Market
    Nearest MRT: Ximen station Exit 1

  • Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Taft Avenue in Manila is filled with food stalls and restaurants that cater mostly to students and thus offer items that are budget-friendly. Walk every five feet and literally you’ll wind up in a great dining spot. Walk some more and you’ll find Fantastic Chef in Leon Guinto Street. A sister company of Fantastic Baka, Fantastic Chef Taft is a swish restaurant that’s perfect for giving friends an intro to the joys of unlimited samgyupsal and savory banchan. Check it out.

    Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Fantastic Chef Taft is one of the newest entrants to the Korean bbq craze in the metro. The restaurant is bright and spacious, and the earthy tiles making up a rustic backsplash look chic and attractive. Orange chairs and yellow accents on the sides of the table are a nice change of pace as pop of colors in the seemingly mundane setup. All tables are equipped with a grill stove and a hanging induction equipment to take care of proper ventilation and make sure you don’t smell of smoke after a few rounds of sizzling meat. K-POP songs played on the background, which made the ambiance feel more Korean.

    Food:

    Haven’t tried Korean grilled bbq before? You can’t go wrong with pork, chicken, or beef cooked on the tabletop grill at Fantastic Chef Taft, where quality cuts of top-notch marinades and a good variety of sides combine into a memorable meal.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_nVnFlYfF/

    Food is prepared by Chef Jang Jungyun, a 3-star Michelin awardee and one of Korea’s A-list chefs, the same chef responsible for the food in Fantastic Baka. With this, you can order with confidence and choose from different cuts of meat, ranging from your usual suspects like pork belly and spicy pork bulgogi to some less routine stuff such as jowls and skirt meat. When in doubt, come with your friends or family so you can order and share everything, like we did. 🙂

    We started lunch with steamed egg which was fluffy and light. Then we had kimchi, japchae, cabbage salad, fish cake and soup as appetizers and enjoyed them as well with meat. For mains, we got one serving each of skirt meat, seasoned pork neck, cheek, rack, pork belly, spicy pork bulgogi, jowls meat, thin pork belly, spicy chicken bbq, seasoned chicken bbq, and beef plate.

    Like in any Korean bbq place, you don’t need to be a master chef to cook. My husband did most of the cooking and cut the meat with scissors to serve. We were pretty satisfied with the tender and tasty pieces of meat that came out with beautiful char. Meat with a hint of smoky notes and those marinated with sweet and spice stood out most for me. 🙂

    In the interest of doing Korean bbq right and getting the most out of your meal, here are some tips to consider:

    • Eat Korean bbq with banchan. When cooking, place meat on the center of the grill plate for about two minutes on each side. While waiting, dive into your banchan and feel free to snag pieces of meat to eat right off the grill.
    • Banchan is not merely an appetizer. These side dishes are usually served at the start of the meal, but they’re meant to be sampled all throughout, as they typically have acid and vinegar. Try it and you’ll appreciate when the acid cuts through all the rich flavor and fats of meat. For the ultimate flavor rapture, eat kimchi with pork belly in a single bite. Be adventurous!
    • Balance meat with some veggies (and maybe rice). Take some lettuce and aim to make each wrap a two-bite affair, not an overstuffed burrito. Wrapping meat in lettuce with rice and kimchi also wouldn’t hurt.
    • Order enough for the first round before asking for another. Don’t worry if you’re confused on which and how much meat to order. Unlike at a steakhouse where you might order an 8-oz steak for yourself, here you’re ordering for the group. The portion per course is enough for 1-2 people to share, so if you think you can’t finish all, take your time and don’t hoard food quickly. Later you can decide which item you would want seconds of. Fantastic Chef Taft charges PhP 200 if you have leftovers. So love food, don’t waste!
    • Ask for a new grill if you need one. In Fantastic Chef, the server swapped out the grill for us as it looked burned.
    • Dip grilled meat into the special melted cheese. If you love cheese, you’ll be happy to savor the best ever cheesy samgyupsal with special melted cheese dip.

    📢 To wash all food down, take advantage of their promotion until May 18, 2019: buy 1 fruit soju worth PhP 280 and get 1 free soju fresh. To catch all the latest offers and discounts, follow Fantastic Chef Taft on Instagram and Facebook.

    Price for Value:

    Craving for samgyupsal? Fantastic Chef Taft can be your next regular stop. It’s reliable for platters and platters of meat and all the good stuff. The good news? There’s no time limit!

    At PhP 499, you get unlimited orders of skirt meat, seasoned pork neck, cheek, rack, pork belly, spicy pork bulgogi, jowls meat, thin pork belly, spicy chicken bbq, and seasoned chicken bbq. Just add PhP 50 and take beef plate and seasoned beef plate to match your appetite. Overall, we’re pleased with the quality of food and the reasonable and affordable price. Fantastic Chef Taft is a must-try foodie destination and it’s certainly worth a shot! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FantasticChefTaft/” name=”Fantastic Chef Taft” description=”2472 Leon Guinto Street Taft, Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, email fantastictaft@gmail.com” rev_body=”Famous unlimited premium Korean BBQ at an affordable price!” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-04-08″ user_review=”4.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Spiral (Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Pasay City)

    Review of Spiral (Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Pasay City)

    Spiral has always belonged to the top 5 answers my friends say when asked about their most favorite buffet restaurants in Philippine hotels. For years, I have been aspiring to come back and re-experience a “gastronomic voyage nonpareil.” My first time at Spiral in Sofitel Philippine Plaza might have been a decade ago, so I thought spending our wedding anniversaries here with my family would be an epic moment.

    Last March 26, we celebrated our second wedding anniversary, and my parents’ had theirs last February. We agreed to have lunch last Saturday in this multi-awarded dining destination. I didn’t plan on eating breakfast on the day to prepare for the sumptuous spread, but since I woke up early, I had to give in and had a light meal. 😉 Thankfully, my appetite hasn’t waned and I still came with a hungry stomach.

    Review of Spiral (Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Pasay City)

    Ambiance:

    A Sofitel flagship, Spiral presents a bewildering array of choices with different cuisines available. The setting is quite modern and cozy, with an intimate and classy vibe and accommodation capacity is huge. This excellent buffet restaurant is divided into 21 dining ateliers. It features lustrous white marbles and glowing glass counters, where guests can watch how chefs masterfully prepare food right in front rather than in the back kitchen. At prime times, lines can go on forever, especially for tempura and ice cream, so remember to get there early.

    Food:

    At first glance, you’ll have a hard time choosing which station to hit first, but the good thing is that you can try all of them like we did. 🙂 While there’s a ton of dishes, I must say none was particularly outstanding and it’s hard to pick one or even a few favorites. I suggest planning ahead to choose your best bets and get your time and money’s worth. 😉

    Here are some suggestions:

    First Round: Appetizers. For starters, make your way to the 1. Salad and Appetizer and grab some fresh locally grown produce and organic colorful vegetables. Next, head out to 2. L’Epicerie, where meat and cheese lovers would discover heaven. Feast on a wide variety of premium aged hams, charcuterie, smoked fish, artisanal cheese from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Pair them with olives, herbs, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, sauces and condiments for an outstanding gourmet experience.

    Second Round: Japanese and Pizza. Love tempura but hate waiting? Get to 2. Hot Japanese quickly so you can be one of the first in the queue for ebi tempura, if you’re into it. 😉 Here, you can also enjoy a selection of traditional grilled seafood, meat and vegetables cooked at the robata or at the teppanyaki. Before returning to your table, take a few pieces of fresh sushi, sashimi, temaki, or nigiri from the 4. Sushi Sashimi Station, or try a slice or two of traditional wood-fired oven pizza at the 5. Wood Fired Oven.

    Third Round: Chinese Food. Travel to the Chinese counters and delight your senses with 6. Asian Noodles drenched in your choice of broth, sauce, soup stock, and condiments. You may wait for noodles to boil and cook, or request delivery to your table. If you choose to wait, just beside is the 7. Peking Duck Oven. Taste the perfection of roasted Peking Duck. Take another few steps and you’ll find the 8. Chinese Wok station and choose from a selection of Wok cooked Chinese dishes reflecting all parts of China whether Cantonese, Hunan, Sichuan or regional. End your Chinese food trip with 9. Steam Baskets and savor authentic steam and fried dim sum such as hakaw, siomai, wonton, and spare ribs.

    Fourth Round: Various Asian. Continue chowing down on Asian food. Visit the 10. Korean food bar for sizzling plates and freshly tossed vegetables. We tried their kimchi, bulgogi, squid chili barbecue, and other banchan. Adjacent to Korean is the 11. Thai food station where you can find fiery flavors of soups and curries. Next up, 12. Filipino food. Satisfy your palates with a delectable array of traditional Filipino dishes like beef tapa, adobo, kare-kare, and crispy pata.

    Fifth Round: Meat and Seafood. When it comes to meaty entrees, you can peruse the 13. Rotisserie station with rich portions of meat and poultry, such as roasted chicken, slow cooked lamb, beef, and pork seasoned with assorted herbs and spices. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try tandoori-spiced meats with Indian and Asian bread and sauces at the 14. North Indian food bar. Get your share of naan and tandoori as well. Love surf and turf? Balance meat with a helping of seafood. 15. Churrasco offers juicy skewered seafood, while 16. French Stove has grilled seafood.

    Fifth and Final Round: Desserts. Sweet endings are the perfect way to conclude a memorable dining experience. Succumb to the temptation of freshly baked French pastries of all shapes, fillings, textures and sizes at 16. La Patisserie. Craving for chocolate? Don’t miss the 17. Chocolaterie and indulge in artisanal chocolate, truffles and pralines. One bite of these will surely make you euphoric with its intense flavors and colors. To top it all, finish your meal with ice cream. 18. Creamery offers different ice cream flavors that are both fruity (mango, strawberry), and citrus (calamansi) along with coffee, chocolate, and ube. You can also request for a crepe topped with a scoop of ice cream.

    Note: I don’t have photos of food per station up close because one of the waiters came up to me when he saw me shooting with my camera. He said only shooting with a phone camera is allowed. I didn’t understand the logic behind so I asked why. He turned his back and walked away. Snotty behavior or he really just didn’t hear me? I asked the second time but he ignored me and didn’t seem to bother. Oh well.

    Price for Value:

    SPIRAL at Sofitel Philippine Plaza isn’t just one of the most buzzed-about hotel buffet restaurants — it also offers one of the best and most lavish food selections. It’s not known as Asia’s grandest buffet for nothing! So while you’re here, make the most out of your visit and eat to your heart’s desire.

    SPIRAL Manila’s rate per person is originally priced at PhP 2,750 for Mondays to Saturdays lunch buffet, but since I purchased through MetroDeal, I got a 27% discount and paid PhP 1,999 per head instead. Price is still expensive but it’s as expected of an indulgent experience. This buffet restaurant can pretty much satisfy any craving. Once you hit the dessert station afterward, you’ll just have to roll home. Food coma!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.spiralmanila.com/” name=”Spiral Manila” description=”Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard Pasay City 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For booking and reservation, contact +632 8326988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-04-02″ user_review=”3.7″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Go hungry and load up on delicious bites at Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew, where a curated list of Latin dishes keeps fans of comfort food content. We had dinner here last week. East Kapitolyo is an hour drive away from home with the usual metro traffic, but trying out Tittos’ luscious food made the trip worth it. Since this restaurant specializes in Latin cuisine, your first order of business should include any appealing starter from tacos, churros, nachos, and burrito to mains such as paella, steaks, elote, and chili beans.

    Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Ambiance:

    The ambiance was definitely festive, feisty, and colorful. The South American-inspired murals on the walls look very catchy and the wall arts make this place Instagrammable. With a hip and happy crowd, the atmosphere is inviting, evoking a fun feel for large groups of friends and families. Overall, the dining experience at Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew is not to be missed!

    Food:

    As you already know, my husband likes ordering nachos in almost everywhere we visit, and he didn’t skipped on this one. We shared an order of El Gigante Nachos (PhP 275, medio for 3 pax; PhP 545, grande for 6 pax). The nachos were topped with a trio of cheese, tomato salsa, chimichurri, Mexican crema, jalapeños, and chunks of beef. Truthfully, it was not one of the best versions we’ve had. Though it didn’t quite reach the same lofty heights, it was still a gratifying dish. Conveying beefiness and creaminess for the most part, it had just the right amount of crunch and chew.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbqWFdFRyI/

    Sisig Chicharrones (PhP 155) was a hit with crispy pork mask and pork chicharrones leading the way. The onions and pimientos made up for a little bit of spice, while melted cheeses and quail egg served as great accompaniments, all wrapped up into one soft flour tortilla. The familiar flavors here definitely worked!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvboTASFl_G/

    Beef Barbacoa (PhP 155) arrived with the beautiful house-made squid ink tortillas, meaty heft of shredded beef barbacoa, and chimichurri sauce which gave a great depth to the dishes. All these were tied together by the creamy Mexican crema, crunchy slaw, and potato strips. To elevate the course further, squeeze half of a lime for a nice citrus and zesty twist. A must try!

    Chiquitos (PhP 155) also did not fail us that night. We got a really satisfying back-and-forth between the deep-fried tacos and the tasteful salsa taquera. Sprinkled with crumbled queso fresco and Mexican crema, this appetizing dish was spot on: moist on the inside, but still crispy on the outside.

    For pizza, we ordered the best-recommended Truffle Pork Pizza (PhP 345) as seen on the menu. While the torched pork belly strips made a strong showing, it did not quite match how it looked. This pizza was shy on the taste of truffle and didn’t impart much of the Latin spices I expected for it to have.

    Price for Value:

    We don’t often go to Latin restaurants, so I was surprised that I liked the food here. They had a great mix of layered flavors which are simply delicious! Food deserves a thumbs-up, and the great vibe, attentive service, and affordable pricing make Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew a strong contender as a must-visit restaurant in Kapitolyo, Pasig. It’s also a nice place to take a date. Portions are enough for 2-3 people to share.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TittosMNL/” name=”Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew” description=”16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 535-9212O” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-03-31″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Binondo Food Tour: Best Recommended Places to Visit in Manila’s Chinatown

    Binondo Food Tour: Best Recommended Places to Visit in Manila’s Chinatown

    The last time I went on a food tour in Binondo was when I was four months pregnant. We were back with another bunch of my sister’s friends last Saturday, when my son is already four months old. Yas! 🙂 We’re Binondo gals who were born and raised here, so we pretty much have already dined in every single restaurant in the area. I haven’t blogged a single post about restaurants in Binondo though, because I’ve already grown too accustomed and I never realized how special they would be for other people.

    Nonetheless, arranging an itinerary for our Binondo food trip was easy. Instead of bringing our friends to each tried-and-tested place, we decided to bring and introduce them to our perennial favorites–some prominent and noteworthy destinations in Chinatown. We intended to dine in five restaurants, but our stomachs couldn’t take any more food, so after four hours of munching, we settled on four. 😛 Our experience was definitely fun like always, as we together explored our way through Binondo’s much-alive food scene.

    manila chinatown binondo ongpin street

    Binondo Food Tour: Best Recommended Places to Visit in Manila’s Chinatown

    1. The Great Buddha Cafe

    2F UBE Tower, 628 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
    Phone: (02) 288 8888, (02) 241 9999
    Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    The Great Buddha Cafe is very different from Buddha Bar in Makati, although both have “Buddha” in their names and a large statue of Buddha inside the restaurants. If you’re familiar with the original Eng Bee Tin store in Binondo, then you’ll find the wonderful cafe on the second floor interesting. The renovated place is now called the Grand Buddha Cafe, where mouthwatering Chinese food are served beside a souvenir shop selling trinkets of Filipino and Chinese culture. Soon, there will also be a museum showcasing the history of the famous hopia brand and the process on how hopia is made.

    This was our first stop and our meeting place. The Great Buddha Cafe is like a sister of Mr. Ube and Cafe Mezzanine. It has a modern ambiance, a casual setting housed in an expansive floor. Interior-wise, it’s a step up from a hole in the wall. We shared an order of xiao long bao (PhP 248, 10 pieces)–soup dumplings that burst in your mouth with a memorable explosion of flavor, especially when paired with the black vinegar and ginger condiment. We also tried stir-fried radish cake with pork floss (PhP 220). The nice golden crust was a delight to bite into!

    Having a party at your house? The Great Buddha Cafe is present in the Honestbee app or website, so you can enjoy great food delivered at your doorstep. To immerse in the full dining experience, visiting the place itself is more ideal of course.

    2. Big Bowl Noodles

    Address: 517 Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
    Closes at 9 p.m.
    Phone: (02) 244 8755

    Chinese noodles and noodle soups and classic small plates are what it’s about at this quaint stop. Fans excuse the nondescript decor and turn to this terrific under-the-radar food joint for the limited yet unique and exciting lineup of noodle specialties. With a low-key, mellow vibe, Big Bowl Noodles has no crazy waits and nice simple digs. We had Seafood Hofan (PhP 180) and also enjoyed the Sliced Beef Fried Noodles (PhP 170). These are two solid choices at a reasonable price.

    3. Sincerity Café and Restaurant

    Address: 497 Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
    Phone: 241-9991, 241-9990
    Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant is one of the oldest and most known restaurants in Binondo. Must-orders include the Sincerity Fried Chicken (PhP 180 half, PhP 360 whole) and Fried Oyster Cake (PhP 240 small, PhP 280 big). You can’t miss these when dining here! Sincerity Fried Rice (PhP 70 small, PhP 110) and Kikiam (PhP 60) are also your best bets.

    Aside from these staples, this restaurant is cherished for adobo frog (PhP 320) and deep fried frog legs (PhP 320). Unfortunately, these were unavailable when we visited since they’re seasonal. Unlike Big Bowl Noodles, Sincerity can get really crowded and waits can be long at prime meal times, but it works well when you have a craving. It’s best to go with family and friends to soak up the vibrant and bustling mood and enjoy dining at the tables.

    4. Wai Ying Fastfood

    810 Benavidez Street
    Phone: 243-6665, 242-0310
    Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

    For our final dining stop, we visited Wai Ying Fastfood, saving the best for last. At any time and on any day, this place can be a madhouse packed with both tourists and locals alike. But be patient, the food is worth the wait! Wai Ying is one of the best restaurants in Chinatown and you don’t need to burn a hole in your wallet to enjoy delicious Chinese fare.

    From dim sum to rice toppings and noodles, this two-story building with royal-blue walls doesn’t disappoint. It’s truly a magical pick when you’re looking to impress your guests. Order anything with confidence and you’ll nod with amazement in every bite. Elbow-to-elbow seating may be a downside, but the undeniably great food with intensely delicious flavors ensure everyone leaves happy. We ordered lemon chicken, hakaw (PhP 120), lava buns (PhP 90), fried mantou with condensed milk, milk tea jelly (PhP 85), and sugar cane juice (PhP 55).

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMNm8qlKPK/

    5. Eng Bee Tin Mall and Flagship Store

    Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli is the home of the BEST hopia, tikoy, and ube pao. It’s a grocery store along Ongpin that was established in 1912 and was reconstructed last year. It started as a simple stall, but now, the flagship store looks like a supermarket cafe. The sleek glass exterior allows customers to see the appealing shelves filled with recognizable hopia and tikoy variants.

    Eng Bee Tin is known for innovative and exciting flavors of hopia like buko custard, mochaccino, and golden pork floss. Premium flavors of tikoy are for those with an adventurous palate. Ube, strawberry, butterscotch, sweet corn, pandan, and muscovado tikoy are all available in different sizes. It’s too easy to fill your shopping cart with all these delicious finds! I got frozen xiao long bao (PhP 120, 10 pieces), which my sister tried from here before. Let’s see if it also gets my nod of approval. 😛

    Manila Chinatown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Binondo, Manila. It is the oldest Chinatown in the world! For this reasons and many more, visitors flock here in droves. Despite its accessibility, it still can be hard to figure out where and what to eat. Each restaurant offers its own list of specialty dishes, so if you’re not content with one, it’s okay to move on and try another. 🙂

    Manila Chinatown: List of Other Restaurants in Our Rotation: 👍

    1. King Chef Seafood Restaurant (Lucky Chinatown Mall)
    2. Lord Stow’s Bakery (Imperial Sky Garden)
    3. Quik Snack (Carvajal Street)
    4. Lan Zhou La Mien (Benavidez Street)
    5. Awi’s Cafe & Restaurant (Yuchengco Street)
    6. Ling Nam (T. Alonzo)
    7. Uno Seafood Wharf Place (Escolta)
    8. Tasty Dumplings (Norberto Ty corner Yuchengco Street)
    9. President Grand Palace (Ongpin)
    10. Café Mezzanine (Ongpin)
    11. Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian (Ongpin)
    12. Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food (Ongpin)
    13. Wan Chai Tea House (Ongpin)
    14. David’s Tea House (Tomas Mapua Street, Santa Cruz)
    15. 1919 Grand Cafe (Juan Luna corner Plaza Cervantes Street)
  • Promo Discounts and Reviews for Sun Basket Meal Service

    Promo Discounts and Reviews for Sun Basket Meal Service

    Nowadays people are eager to eat healthier and to take care of their bodies. Their primary concern is to consume food rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and gluten-free ingredients.  Healthy meals help the system work properly.  They lower the risks of any diseases or illnesses. The popularity of healthy, organic food has been rising ever since. And a lot of the population seems to enjoy it. An excellent way to perfect any work-out regime is to consume the right meals with the right ingredients.

    sun basket

    In our quick-paced world, it can be a challenge to wander around supermarkets looking for nutritious ingredients. For the dinner or lunch to turn out exactly how you had in mind, you need to waste time looking for the necessary ingredients. Instead of doing that, try ordering containers from meal delivering organizations. Even though meal delivering organisations are practical, not everyone wants to eat a pre-made meal. Some people take pleasure in preparing the meal from scratch. The good thing is that there are now options to order for a box of pre-measured ingredients which you can cook yourself.

    Promo Discounts and Reviews for Sun Basket Meal Service

    Meal kits that get delivered to your house are full of organic, seasonal ingredients and recipes that are easy to follow.  Not only are they nutritious and extremely delicious, but incredibly practical as well.  You can choose your own variety of food you like to be included in the box. You can pick any type of meal such as vegetarian, vegan, organic and even dairy free.

    This gives shoppers plenty of feast type choices. A lot of different organisations deliver dinners pre-made, which is not always a bad thing. However, some of them provide the instructions and directions. So, you can make the meal based on your personal preference. Like the taste, the appearance of your suppers will boil down to how you set them up. It doesn’t matter if you’re not an experienced chef. A person doesn’t have to be a professional cook to have fun making a fresh meal. Follow the instructions correctly, and the rest will fall in its place.

    Easy and quick recipes

     If you’re in haste and need a proper meal within half an hour, don’t worry. Many of the recipes include numerous meals that can be prepared in 20 minutes or less. On the other hand, whether you want to take your time, there are instructions for breakfast, lunch and dinner that can be made within 40 minutes. All in all, this type of cooking from meal kits doesn’t waste much time for the individual. Generally speaking, dinners are enjoyable and entertaining to get ready. They are significantly more fun than lunches because the flavor blends are all the more fascinating. The practicality of the recipes is yet another thing that people are pleased with. Click here to read more.

    The inside of the box

    Moreover, another exciting thing is that you can pick the date of the container’s arrival. Inside the box are all the types of pre-measured ingredients you’ve picked out. There’s also a recipe book to help the person prepare the meals. Many of the businesses like these, only put fliers in the boxes so that the person can read the preparations from there. There are some which offers a recipe book which has a lot of illustrations and instructions as a way to ease the path to a perfect meal. The person can look from the pictures for guidance. And see whether they are on the right track to prepare a similar design.

    If it doesn’t end up exactly like the picture, it will still be delicious. All of the ingredients are divided into separate paper bags according to the recipes. This is very useful because it keeps the components from spilling or mixing together. If you’re willing to find out more about the subject check here: https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/chef-meal-prep-tips/. As well as that, they are exclusively enclosed by their very own plastic sacks with names. Or they can be shipped in compartments if it’s an ingredient that requires one. This includes things like yogurts, sauces and so on.

    Price

    They say eating healthy is expensive. True! The good thing about some meal kits nowadays is that most of them fit an average person’s budget. One thing you can do is to check out your options online. For example, you can compare the Sun Basket pricing with other meal delivering organizations to see which meal kit would suit your taste and budget. It’s also best to check out the reviews first before making your first order.

    How much calories per meal?

    You might wonder how many calories come with each basket. The right answer is that the number varies from 500 to 800 calories per serving. If you’re doing some kind of fitness regime by keeping track of the intake on calories, it’s practical to purchase this meal kit. Moreover, a lot of users are satisfied with the combination of fresh foods and a heavy work-out. The calories and fat you burn by doing physical activity, you replace them with beneficial supplements.

    Vegan-friendly

    A lot of people have different preferences regarding food. Not everyone is a fan of meat or perhaps dairy products. Veggie lovers will be glad to realize that Sun Basket offers vegan centered feast designs in both their Classic and Family choices. This is a decent touch since some organizations don’t provide this option. Furthermore, but they use natural and privately sourced fixings. This is a major positive for a vegan feast. A vegan diet is more challenging, yes, but not to worry because this type of meal service has you covered.

    A few final words

    To conclude, it’s your choice whether you purchase a meal kit like this. If you want to give it a go, the first delivery will be free of shipping fee. It is true that organic food is more expensive than regular food you find in a supermarket. However, it is advisable that everyone should try at least one of the Sun Basket service because they will definitely leave you wanting more. The cooked meals will do wonders to your body. Moreover, they will fill you up on energy to spend on any other activities you have planned. Read this to find out more about what kind of service they provide.

  • Review of Cucina di Francesco Restaurant and Cafe (Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Cucina di Francesco Restaurant and Cafe (Libis, Quezon City)

    We had our post Valentine’s Day celebration at Cucina di Francesco, a community cafe that serves Italian comfort food, freshly-baked products and coffee drinks. It’s located across St. Pio Chapel, only three minutes of walk away from our office, making it an excellent spot for our dinner last Friday after work. While having dinner, the team surprised us and threw a baby shower. We had games and plenty of fun! Anyway, that’s another story to tell in a different time. Here’s a review of the restaurant and a food rundown.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuMF7IsFLu_/

    Review of Cucina di Francesco (Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Cucina di Francesco has a cool, casual, and confident atmosphere that remains mercifully undercrowded. The neutral space features a minimalist, elegant interior with color accents inspired by the Italian flag. Brick and beige walls are matched with wooden furniture and sleek and bright lighting that added a little warmth in the dining room. Everything looks crisp and clean. The painting on the wall by the stairs brings a further oomph; it’s designed by some UP Diliman Fine Arts students.

    Food:

    Toasted Ravioli (PhP 165) was an easy choice to begin with. It’s pan-toasted spinach ravioli drizzled with marinara sauce, a great appetizer.

    Next up, the Breakfast Pizza (PhP 360) was delicious and simple without having too many elements of complexity. Specially made bacon, ham, eggs, mozzarella, and marinara formed a great interplay of flavors with the crusty bread.

    Another pizza we tried that’s new on their menu was the Tre Formaggi Pizza (PhP 350). It’s your usual four-cheese pizza made with mozzarella, emmenthal, blue cheese, and bechamel and it didn’t disappoint. If you love cheese, get this.

    It was time now for the main attraction: Frutti di Mare (PhP 330). This pasta dish is one of the must-orders when dining in Cucina di Francesco. The pasta game is strong and I love the combined seafood flavors. Shrimp, clams, and anchovies provided a great salty overtone that’s then punctuated with sun-dried tomatoes in garlic butter and olive oil. It was very good indeed.

    Porchetta (PhP 780) is another bestseller and sure enough, the 14-hour roasted pork belly was lovely and extra aromatic. The porchetta was rich and crisp and it looked like a perfect centerpiece for a special-occasional meal.  Brimming with porky sapor, it was topped with garlic confit and was served with olive-fig tapenade, balsamic vinaigrette, and au jus gravy. The taste of the pork belly alone was on point even without these various condiments. The wonderfully crunchy, salty skin satisfies your basest cravings.

    Price for Value:

    Cucina di Francesco is a bustling moderately-priced Italian restaurant that’s a nice spot especially for families after visiting the chapel or for people working in Libis. If you’ve had your fair share of Italian food in other restaurants, then the dishes here wouldn’t be something that will particularly “wow” you, but they’re pretty decent. Must orders are pasta and pizza, of course. For occasions that require large groups, this place would be an absolute delight. Ask to be seated on the second or third floor (private function areas) and call ahead to easily snag and secure your reservation.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/cucinadifrancesco/” name=”Cucina di Francesco Restaurant and Cafe” description=”RER Compound (St. Pio Chapel), 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City 1110″ rev_body=”Call (02) 534 9935 or email cucinadifrancesco16@gmail.com” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-02-24″ user_review=”4.1″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]