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  • Review of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet (Binondo, Manila)

    Review of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet (Binondo, Manila)

    Strategically located in the heart of Chinatown, the Philippine’s oldest business district, Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel provides good amenities of an international standard business hotel. When my maternal grandmother found that Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet (來來大酒店) serves all-day buffet, she invited us to go try it out for breakfast. I thought it was definitely a great idea since this hotel in Binondo is just near our place and the cost per person doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Offered with a whopping price of PhP 148 (from 7AM-10AM), how could we say no? Also, restaurants around this area has not really disappointed us—until that day. 🙁

    We might had just expected more Chinese dim sum and more familiar palatable Chinese food to delight our taste buds. In any case, it was a nice try. The good news is that food variety they have on the buffet are on rotation, so it’s best to keep an eye every now and then to see what’s on the table.

    Review of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet 來來大酒店 (Binondo, Manila)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    On the surface, interior design at Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet looked rather unassuming considering that it’s placed in a “hotel of international standard.” The restaurant’s ambiance was contemporary, cozy, and clean. Red table linens easily created a decent “Chinese restaurant” setting. Buffet tables were arranged at the farthest end of the dining room, and dining furniture were set across with enough space for everyone to move freely about.

    Food: ★☆☆☆☆

    This buffet restaurant in Binondo may be a good place where hotel guests can comfortably dine in to start the day, but foodies must understand that there’s a lot more choices of restaurants in Chinatown where they can go for a leisurely meal.

    Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet’s food selection simply failed to impress. We had plain porridge, white bread and eggs, ampalaya (bitter gourd), fish, salted pickled mustard (kiam chye), Chinese cabbages, hotdogs, pork, garlic rice, noodles, and soup. At one glance, I knew they’re skippable. Tastes were not terrible but nowhere near a worthy representation of what Chinese cuisine has to offer. I was with my family and that was what counted more than the unappetizing food.

    Price for Value: ★☆☆☆☆

    If you’re satisfied with these food selections for morning buffet, then dining at Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet may be the best bang for your buck and you’ll have plenty fun finishing multiple plates. Nothing was wrong with the tastes of the food; these were just not my ideal choices for a all-you-can-eat meal. I’m better off paying the same amount of money to get a bowl of ramen noodles or a short order of my favorite dumplings in Binondo. 很抱歉，我不想回來.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.chinatownlailai.com/” name=”Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel Buffet” description=”801 Ongpin St. Cor. Padilla St. Binondo, Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (+632) 25-22-888, (+632) 736-6501, or (+63927) 810-2559 ” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-01-09″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”15″ ]

  • Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)

    Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)

    Every time we pass by Ippudo Ramen at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Fall, we always see a long queue. The line alone easily draws in more interest and attention from the hungry foodie souls in the area. Some people have the patience [of saints] to wait for more than half an hour for their turn to be seated. Regrettably, I’m not one of them, yet I still felt positive that Ippudo Ramen is a place that’s worth a trip on its own merit.

    Last week, my boyfriend and I watched Walang Forever in Robinsons Place Manila. After the movie, we went downstairs searching for a restaurant for dinner. My eyes lit up when we found Ipuddo Ramen in the mall—without any queue outside. It was a miracle! 😛 Apparently, this famous hip Japanese restaurant has opened just recently and soon this year it will be branching out to more locations in the Philippines. Happy New Year, btw! 🙂

    Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Ippudo Ramen’s interior design in Robinsons Place Manila looked edgy and functional. It was nothing too fancy, just a straight up restaurant with traditional Japanese decors such as the lanterns and simple furniture. Although it’s tucked away in a busy mall, I was pleasantly surprised that Ippudo keeps an intimate kind of feeling and peaceful atmosphere inside. Splashes of vivid red, white, and black made up a color palette making the restaurant interior exhale a certain sophistication that resonate with its Asian style. Spotlights spread through the area gave an inviting glow. Soup spoons and bowls displayed on the walls reminded me of Ramen Nagi.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Warm hospitality was provided the moment we came in. There’s no annoying movie-star vibe in the no-frills dining room, and service was reliable and friendly. With engaging personality, the staff asked us about our thoughts on each dish and he made sure we had a good time.

    Food: ★★★★★

    For starters, we had a short order of Hakata Style Gyoza (PhP 195, five pieces), Ippudo’s classic pan-fried dumplings. The meat and vegetable-stuffed gyoza had an extra crispy exterior, while its inner skin remained soft. Size was small so each piece fit right into the mouth. It was great with the vinegar soy sauce.

    Unagi Rice in Stone Pot (PhP 490) is a winning comfort food, I tell you. The chunks of grilled unagi on top of shredded egg and the bed of sweet soy sauce-based unagi flavored rice were phenomenal. Include this in your stomach’s itinerary next time you plan to dine in at Ippudo Ramen. 🙂

    Served on our table with a glimmering sheen of fat on top, the best recommended Akamaru Shinaji Special (PhP 490) was powerful as its taste struck a perfect balance with the rich broth, spices, and the pork belly. With salted soft-boiled egg, the “very hard” delicately bouncy noodles had an al dente bite to them. Topped with “umami dama” miso paste,cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions, and fragrant garlic oil, this ramen bowl of glory is right in my personal wheelhouse.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Ippudo Ramen is where us noodle junkies can get a proper fix. It gives patrons a run for their money with its memorable ramen and exceptional Japanese offerings. This restaurant is a solid standout with top-end food creations in a setting that’s unassuming relative to the hype. I would love to come back for another foodie adventure with my sister. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ippudoPH” name=”Ippudo Ramen” description=”Midtown Wing, Robinson Place Manila, Pedro Gil St Cor Adriatico St, Ermita Brgy 667 Zone 72, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 353 0701″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-01-03″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Mad For Wagyu Buffet at Heat (EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Review of Mad For Wagyu Buffet at Heat (EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Roasted Wagyu Beef. Wagyu Xiao Long Bao. Wagyu Tacos. Wagyu Panini. Wagyu Sushi. Wagyu Shawarma. Wagyu everything! Sounds exciting? This is just the beginning. The list goes on and on. 🙂 Bottom line: Heat at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel invites everyone, especially die-hard fans of wagyu, to come try out their special offer that’s available every Saturday for dinner in 2016: MAD FOR WAGYU. This buffet features premium wagyu beef entrees that will make you feel completely and utterly stuffed and satisfied.

    Through the years, by consistently raising its culinary bar on inventive take on all sorts of food, Heat remains the kind of establishment you walk into and immediately feel good about. The KTG went up for it last Saturday and had plenty fun. Each dish was well-executed and clearly prepared and cooked by people who know what they’re doing the kitchen. Ticking both the quality and value boxes is easy, and our foodie group did it with aplomb.

    Review of Mad For Wagyu Buffet at Heat (EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Heat’s interior design looks enchanting for a dinner with friends, family, or for business. Two years have gone by and I still have the same adoration for the ambiance. (Read my short review here on Zomato.) Muted browns paired with other more vibrant colors give the restaurant a cozy and fun feel.

    No doubt, Heat in EDSA Shangri-La Hotel is almost jaw-dropping in the design department with the impressive arrangement of tables that can accommodate large and small groups. The soft lighting sets off an effect that’s formal and not overly stuffy. Such stunning surroundings enhance the phenomenal gustatory experience.

    The function rooms create a mood of hushed intimacy, but the outside “communal” dining area as well exudes a refined, understated glamour. Needless to say, this appealing feature of taste and aesthetics places Heat at the top tier of romantic dining venues, a reputation it has enjoyed for years.

    Service: ★★★★★

    EDSA Shangri-La Hotel is known as a really outstanding hotel with exceptional service. The staff at Heat is armed with professionalism, efficiency, and great attitudes. What I loved the most was the complimentary five-minute massage that the guys at Chi Spa offer to all Mad For Wagyu customers.

    The team behind must have acknowledged the fact that most people feel tired, drowsy, and/or sleepy after eating so much. I had the massage while resting and pacing my meal right before dessert. It was good and I felt so relaxed. The person who went before me even struggled to keep his eyes open. 😛

    Food: ★★★★★

    At Mad For Wagyu, wagyu beef, as the name implies, is the main star. For those who are not familiar, wagyu is the priciest (about USD 190/kg) and the juiciest, richest steak in the world. The flavor mostly resides on the fat, and it consists of a mouth-filling savoriness combined with a palate-coating richness. The texture is as tender as lightly cooked fish. Once cooked, the delicate red marbled slices of wagyu transforms into savory, meaty, umami goodness.

    We demolished the lot…and a whole lot of it!

    Wagyu ShawarmaWagyu Beef Jerky

Wagyu Beef Tartare

Chef Tobias Unger, Executive Chef of EDSA Shangri-La Manila

    Chinese Station: Wagyu Beef Balls, Wagyu Beef Asado, and Wagyu Xiao Long Bao were supremely delectable. Roast duck, roast pork, Hainanese chicken, and seafood dumplings were items that left me almost breathless. Above all though, my favorite has to be the Xiao Long Bao! 🙂 Wrapped with a delicately steamed skin, the juice-filled bun formed a tender, springy ball inside.

    Japanese Station: Fresh sushi and sashimi were presented neatly and colorfully. True wagyu lovers should aim to try the Gyu Maki, which is topped with wagyu beef, for something different than usual.

    Grill Station: While Mad For Wagyu buffet is heavy on meat-centric offerings, the lobsters also end up being truly craveable. Have them grilled with butter and call this king of crustaceans a winner. If you have a big appetite on more meat, wagyu sirloin, wagyu ribeye, and wagyu burgers must strike your fancy no less.

    Soup Station: Adding on to the variety of food at Mad For Wagyu, soups with noodles are also available by request. I dove into a bowl of seafood laksa noodles which gave a warm and gentle comfort with a bit of spice.

    Carving Station: Looking to impress, the Wagyu Roast Leg of Beef and the Wagyu Tomahawk are a serious carnivore’s dream. I especially loved the roast beef for it was riddled with that mouthwatering marbling and succulent, beefy flavor. Fork tender, the texture was smooth and deeply satisfying.

    On the other hand, there’s nothing really more enticing than seeing a gargantuan piece of Wagyu Tomahawk. The slab of meat was so big that it looked like a guitar. 🙂 Caramelized roasted-brown outside, inside was nice and pink, and in the center, a warm cherry red. A closer look revealed the veins of marbling fat that makes it so good.

    Lots of condiments with different flavors are available in the Sauces Station, but I preferred eating the wagyu beef without any additional sauce accompaniment.

    Desserts Station: Don’t leave without treating yourself some desserts. If you’re tired of eating the same old desserts, it will be cool to try the Wagyu Chocolate Crepe! This crepe was shaped into the Wagyu symbol, a signature dessert that’s a perfect ending to the fantastic cuisine. It wasn’t too sweet and tasted just like a regular crepe. Adding strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits and ice cream is optional.

    Don’t miss these items:

    • Red-wine Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek by Chef Tobias
    • Marinated Wagyu Tenderloin Beef by Chef Yusuke Hino
    • Stewed Wagyu Beef Brisket with Radish and Homemade Sauce by Chef Tony
    • Wagyu Beef Ball Pao Bun by Chef Andy Liew
    • Wagyu Beef Cheek Cannelloni by Chef Marco

    Beverage Packages:

    • Wagyu Beertail (PhP 450) – beer mug lychee margarita, Corona beer, tequila, lychee nad lime, comes with a wagyu neck pillow
    • Unlimited Wine Pairing (PhP 750) – Piccini, Rupe Ai Sassi Montepulciano, Italy Chairman’s Selection, Shiraz, Australia Cadet D’OC, Cabernet Savignon, France Felix Solis, Tempranillo, Spain Calterra, Carmenere, Chile
    • Free Flowing Draft Beer (PhP 700) – Stella Artois On Tap

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Positive dining experiences at Heat are frequent—perhaps even the norm. If you’re a foodie in Ortigas, Mandaluyong, or anywhere near this part of the metro, you have found yourself in the perfect locale. For lovers of wagyu, you really can’t go wrong with Heat’s theme. Arrive hungry, and savor everything!

    Mad For Wagyu buffet net price per person is PhP 2415. While this may require saving more than a few hundred of pesos, tasting and indulging in delicious premium wagyu beef in various forms is worth the potential scrimping in the aftermath. 🙂

    Operating hours: 6 pm to 10:30 pm

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/edsashangrila/dining/restaurants/heat/” name=”Heat – Mad For Wagyu” description=”Lobby Level, Tower Wing, Edsa Shangri-La, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 6338888 ext. 2740″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-30″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    On the Saturday before Christmas, Louie and I planned to celebrate the holiday and have a quiet dinner in a restaurant in Tomas Morato. The Frazzled Cook was our top choice, however for some reason, Waze wasn’t able to guide us to the right direction and we could not find the place after driving up and down the street past the address where it should have been. We ended up in Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel, a nonetheless fine choice where food is just what we’re in the mood for.

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel has been awarded as one of the Philippine Tatler’s 2009 Best Restaurants on its 6th month in operations. That says a lot about the quality of its food. “Buenisimo” is a Spanish word which means very good or someone exceptionally beautiful.

    The restaurant is owned and run by Chef Gino and Giannina Gonzales, son and daughter of celebrity chef Gene Gonzales of Cafe Ysabel. The menu at Buenisimo is a collaboration of Cafe Ysabel’s favorites, traditional fare that their family used to have on Sundays and new experimental dishes with unique taste concepts and pairings. I personally have met Chef Gino in a Yummy Magazine event held in Enderun, BGC and I know he makes really delicious and crave-worthy food, so it was interesting to actually sample dishes in one of his restaurants. 🙂

    Review of Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    As a cozy nook in the heart of Tomas Morato, this place sets the standard for “special-ocassion” dining. With its clean lines and neutral colors, the interior design exudes a luxury feel made for celebrating something special. Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel in Tomas Morato provides a modern take on Filipino minimalism. The relaxed yet upscale atmosphere looked impressive.

    Service: ★★★★☆

    The staff was gracious and accommodating, helping make for a relaxing setting that’s as casual or formal as you want to make it. When there were more guests though, servers were not as attentive and they did not respond promptly when called for as when there were fewer active tables. That’s pretty understandable at prime times, but there must be a room for improvement in terms of efficiency and alertness to keep a high level of customer service.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel delivered a perfectly roasted chicken that’s brined overnight served with caramelized onion gravy. The dish is called Giannina’s Roasted Chicken (PhP 318) on the menu, and it’s definitely one of the most recommended comfort food in the list. Along with mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side, the roasted chicken had crisp skin and tender and juicy meat that draws the difference between good and great. As soul-satisfying as it is, this entree can be the ultimate weeknight staple.

    Four Cheese Pizza (PhP 468) made with pomodoro, mozzarella, bleu cheese, gruyere cheese, white cheese, and fresh basil was great. The bottom part revealed a soft crumb that is pliant and chewy, not crackery or tough, that transitioned from being soft and bread-like to moist and slick right where the cheesy flavors and sauce meet it. The pizza was tad salty and had the right amount of cheesy goodness with a bare hint of sweetness.

    Three Mushroom Truffle Cream (PhP 438) was overwhelmingly good. Made with shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms. We chose the spaghetti type of pasta over penne and fettuccine, and it turned out well. The creamy pasta was intensely flavored with fresh mushrooms, and truffle oil gave a savory depth. We love it! 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel serves excellent renditions of food without an ounce of pretense. Staffs give guests a warm welcome and offer its approachable menu in the vibrant, stylish setting. All in all, this charmer in QC makes wow-worthy dishes matched with fair prices to boot. It deserves its well-earned reputation for premium-quality cooking.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.ilovebuenisimo.com/Buenisimo/Home.html” name=”Buenisimo by Cafe Ysabel” description=”24 Sct. Tuason St, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservation, call (02) 410 5050″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-29″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Rekado Atbp. is a Filipino restaurant that ably executes traditional Pinoy food favorites and one that does so in a trendy setting. I treated my family to lunch in its branch in BGC Stopover a day before Christmas when we were exploring new restaurants in Bonifacio Global City. Serving generous portions of food, Rekado Atbp. is a laid-back spot that’s totally recommended for big-group and family-style dining.

    Review of Rekado Atbp. (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Rekado Atbp. in BGC Stopover Pavilion has classy interior design and theme that combines orange and versatile brown conveying luxury and earthiness. It’s interesting how these colors create an upbeat yet formal dining ambiance as they communicate a certain air of maturity and liveliness at the same time.

    The use of wood textures on the walls and dining fixtures made an interesting visual detail. The restaurant’s soft lighting was also a key element that heightened a more elegant experience. The chandeliers looked very nice and chic. I wished I could bring them home! 😛

    Service: ★★★★☆

    Servers were not as attentive as they should have been at the latter part of our stay. Maybe their minds were on holiday mode and they were also thinking about vacation? Anyway, for the most part, they were nice and friendly. Our orders came out fast and plates were taken as they empty.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Green mussels taste more like the sweet, briny ocean. Since mussels are such a blank canvas, dressing them up with flavors that can ultimately transform the dish to the next level must be a breeze. Tahong Chips (PhP 199) served with cream cheese dip put on a nice try. The chips were crispy and tasty with the condiment, but the true taste of mussels did not stand out in every bite.

    Tahong Sisig (PhP 250), on the other hand, was a stunner. Presented on a hot plate, the garlicky chopped green mussels were tempting and great with plain white rice. We sprinkled calamansi juice and mixed it all over. The result was a dish that’s decidedly tangy, exotic, and over-the-top delicious. Adding in chili made it even more palatable, and this is best for fans of heat. Bulls-eye!

    Binagoongan Verde (PhP 255) isn’t your standard lechon kawali. It consisted of crisp lechon kawali rubbed with shrimp paste served with green mango puree. The pork was juicy and well-spiced. The taste of bagoong was overpowering in this dish and it added a layer of pungency. For newbies, sometimes the aroma alone can be too much to handle. But for us who appreciate fermented shrimp paste, a whiff of it makes us become like a bee to flowers.

    Adobong Kangkong at Tokwa (PhP 95) was made with river spinach and tofu cooked in soy sauce and topped with toasted garlic. It’s got a nice kick and contrast between the sour vinegar, sweet soy sauce, and nutty garlic. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians gotta love it. 🙂

    Combined with vegetables, Bulalo Soup (PhP 460) was commendable in its simplicity, but it slightly lacked the taste of beef shank that we imagined. There’s nothing too bad about it, but it’s not life-changing either. The beef was really tender and fell off of the bone. It won’t hurt to eat the beef fat inside the marrow once in a while, especially this holiday season. It’s pure decadence!

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Finding a good restaurant in BGC is easy. It’s a culinary zone that’s expanding fast with new delicious spots in just about every corner. Still, it’s a breath of fresh air when the food is legitimately awesome. Rekado Atbp. is a recommended Filipino restaurant that serves great food at great value. 🙂 The next time you’re on the hunt for some Pinoy comfort food or need a reward for working late at the office in BGC, Rekado Atbp. is the move.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/rekadoatbp/” name=”Rekado Atbp.” description=”31st Street Corner 2nd Avenue, BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 3307720″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-28″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branch: Rekado The Columns, Salcedo Village, Makati City – Ground Floor, The Columns Tower 2, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Bel-Air, Makati City

  • Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Where to eat in Vietnam? One of the things we enjoy most about traveling is discovering and tasting the local cuisine and specialties of the place. When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, we tried dining at many Asian restaurants, and two among the best recommended ones are Quan An Ngon 138 and Saigon Steak 123. It’s a shame that I could only name a couple, and this is largely because we realize we’re not huge fans of Vietnamese cuisine. In any case, you can’t go wrong with these mainstays if you want tasty, comforting fare with a pleasing mix of traditional and modern at cheap prices. 🙂

    Top 2 Restaurants We Recommend When in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

    Quan An Ngon Restaurant

    Opposite the entrance to the Reunification Palace, Quan An Ngon 138 is a large restaurant located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street where we enjoyed a very good authentic Vietnamese meal. It was our tourist guide who directed us at this place and he’s right when he said it’s a good option for those seeking a bite to eat before or after visiting the palace. We were seated in the open-air format, with solid wooden tables, interesting handmade decors, and nice outdoor plants.

    Stepping inside the restaurant, we saw that Quan An Ngon Restaurant looks like one of those 18th century Vietnamese houses, one for the elites, no less. Walls are adorned with paintings and decorations.  Different stations prepare different kinds of food on the spot, and guests can observe them while cooking and preparing. The food selection is extensive and the quality is not bad. For those who like to taste local Vietnamese food in a wonderful and relaxing ambiance, this is the place! 🙂

    Quan An Ngon 138 is where the holy grail of pho awaits. This no-nonsense Vietnamese joint really does cater to a lot of pho fans. We gulped down satisfying noodle soups with rich and flavorful broth and fresh and appealing vegetables. With springy noodles and fresh bright herbs, the Chicken Noodle Soup and Beef Noodle Soup were aromatic and full-bodied. They’re the perfect food for chasing away the doldrums of winter, except there’s no winter in Vietnam. Temperature was just the same as in Manila.

    The Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls were heavenly. Filled with thinly sliced savory pork, cabbage, glass noodles, and carrots, these crispy deep-fried spring rolls were far more complex in flavor and texture than the usual Shanghai spring rolls I know. The food presentation also won my heart. 🙂

    Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
    Phone: +84 8 3825 7179

    Saigon Steak 123 – European Steakhouse

    On our way to Ben Thanh Market, we thought of stopping by at a local restaurant for some refreshments as we were tired of touring around the famous landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon Steak 123 – European Steakhouse caught our attention since its menu showed specialties of European and Vietnamese food. The menu emphasizes on wagyu steaks, hamburgers, and pasta, but we only tried local items.

    The atmosphere was romantic and cozy. This place is worth the splurge when you want to impress someone on a date out. Service was superb and the staffs spoke English relatively well (better than most locals we met on the streets).

    For dinner, we ordered the Fresh Spring Rolls which consisted of pork, prawn, vegetables, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper and served with dipping sauce. The veggies along with herbs were crisp and they were neatly packaged in a deliciously chewy-soft wrapping that we snatched up and ate with our hands. The pieces were refreshingly cool and just great for a light meal.

    For something out of the ordinary, we ordered the Vietnamese Pancake and thought it’s good but quite oily. It was served with coconut milk-flavored crepe made out of rice and topped with shrimps with shelves on and slivers of fatty pork. A lot like a crêpe, the Vietnamese pancake was thin and slightly crispy with airy and translucent texture. I enjoyed it very much. Yum! 🙂

    Address: 123 le Loi, District 1 Hcmc | 123 le Loi, District 1 Hcmc, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Phone: 8 3914 0747

    Click here to read about the top 10 tourist attractions we visited in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

  • Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    Life went by so fast in the past few weeks. I barely have the time to sit down and reflect on lessons I learned by far, yet I made a promise to myself to blog about the top five restaurants we tried in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia before 2015 ends, else the details might just go to oblivion. So, here it goes.

    Since we came with a packaged tour itinerary, most of our meals were already prearranged and we did not have a hard time finding places to eat. There were time when we had free days though, and these were when we decided to check out the city’s best-rated restaurants (according to TripAdvisor) by ourselves. We rode tuk-tuks, asked the locals for directions, and eventually found our way through. If you’re a foodie, you may also find this list helpful. 🙂

    Top 5 Restaurants We Recommend When in Cambodia

    1. Haven Training Restaurant

    HAVEN Training Restaurant offers just the normal kind of food and not some unique Cambodian delicacy, but what it sets it apart from others is that it works as a non-religious social enterprise and a training restaurant for vulnerable young adults from orphanages and safe shelters, as well as underprivileged young adults from very rural poor areas.

    The people who serve food here are mostly young, and HAVEN supports their transition from institution to real world, giving them a chance to step out of the poverty cycle. The trainees are also provided with protected and guided shared housing, meals, medical care and a monthly training allowance. Furthermore we offer them English and computer lessons.

    With regard to the food, HAVEN Training Restaurant in Siem Reap makes really good food matched with an appealing presentation. The place was packed at the peak of lunch hour. We did not come with a reservation but were lucky enough to score one small table in one corner. All the tables were spread out in a lovely garden setting, making for a memorable and romantic experience.

    Fish Fillet with Green Mango · $8.00


    Cordon Bleu (Chicken) · $8.00

    See its menu.

    Address: Chocolate Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 78 342 404
    Hours: Open today · 5:30 – 9:30 PM

    2. The Sugar Palm Restaurant & Bar

    The Sugar Palm has branches both in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. We visited the one in Siem Reap for dinner just before we went to the airport on our last day in Cambodia. This place was designed and purposefully built as a large wooden Khmer-house style restaurant set on the upper floor. An extended bar area at the center is where guests can have a pre-dinner cocktail or be entertained while waiting for a table.

    Our tour guide warned us that prices of food in this restaurant are expensive. Indeed, the tabs are far costlier than those in local eateries, but the delicious meal we had was worth it. The Sugar Palm was awarded as the 2014 winner and received a certificate of excellence by the TripAdvisor Community. Another compelling reason why tourists must try the food here is that Restaurateur and TV Chef Gordon Ramsay himself recommends it.

    The only thing I didn’t like was that cooking time took long and we were so hungry. Other than that, their rendition of Khmer dishes with a slight modern twist was great. Ambiance was very airy and homely. Wait staff was friendly and professional.

    Khmer Chicken Satay · $5 

    Prawn Khmer Curry · $8.50

    Fried Noodles with Beef · $5.50

    See its menu.

    Address: Taphul Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 63 964 838

    3. Amazon Angkor Cambodia

    This restaurant was near our hotel. Upon entrance, we were astounded by its massive space and large spread of food in a buffet setting. Amazon Angkor offers a wide exhibit of Cambodian and international cuisine featuring Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and others. Overall, the different tastes and flavors were enjoyable.

    While dining, guests get to watch a live performance onstage. Musicians playing folk songs and Apsara dancers gave a good overview on the Cambodian tradition, culture, music, and arts. The show started at 7:30PM and ended at 8:30PM. At the end of the show, we were allowed to take pictures with the dancers. Buffet set per person including the show costs $10. For this price, the value was unbeatable.

    Address: Krous Village, Svay Dangkum, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
    Phone: +855-12 966 98

    4. Samroh Srah Srang Restaurant

    We stopped by at Samroh Srah Srang Restaurant (in front of the Srah Srang Lake) for lunch when we were touring the Angkor Wat Complex. The restaurant looked simple and straightforward, but the food was good and typical Khmer. We were seated in the air-conditioned dining area, so we treated the experience as a nice and welcoming break from all the walking (and temple-hopping) we’ve done for the past four hours.

    Spring Rolls and Mixed Veggies with Nuts

    Chicken Curry

    Iced Coffee

    Address: Group5, North Srahsang Village , Nokor Thom Commune | Siem Reap Angkor Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
    Phone: (0) 12 77 89 42

    5. Friends the Restaurant

    Like HAVEN Training Restaurant, Friends the Restaurant also operates its business with a cause. This colorful training restaurant near the National Museum is not only famous in Phnom Penh, Cambodia but also across the globe.

    It is run by Mith Samlanh whose vision is to build the futures of former street children and marginalized young people in Phnom Penh since 1994. Friends has a shop called attached to the restaurant that sells all sorts of handmade stuff created by the students and villagers.

    We had the pleasure of eating sumptuous food and supporting their development of local people. Friends the Restaurant has a little of everything from tapas, burgers, and salads to desserts and drinks for the veggie lover, the fish and seafood lover, the adventurous, carnivores, and the sweet tooth. It’s a warm and charming place that’s quiet, much like a lovely oasis that’s very relaxing.

    Burmese Chicken Curry with Crispy Noodles, Smoked Chili, and Pickled Mustard Greens · $5.75

    Khaiphaen’s Grilled Beef Salad with Szechuan Peppers and Crispy Frangipani Flowers · $6.50

    Mixed Berry and Green Apple Crumble with Coconut Ice Cream · $4.50

    See its menu.

    Address: #215 Street 13, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
    Phone:+855 12 802 072

  • Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Yumchee at BGC Stopover Pavilion is a newly opened premium fastfood restaurant that aims more toward serving traditional Chinese comfort food in a contemporary, hip setting. Chinese comfort food can be a dangerous game to play now with fierce competition in Metro Manila. So many places mess it up, and the catastrophes tend to be bigger than those at more straightforward restaurants. But I tell you, Yumchee does it incredibly well. This is where savory Chinese dimsum and congee sit nicely aside bowls of noodle soup and some delicious combinations of viands. I had lunch here with my KTG foodie friends two weeks ago. 🙂

    Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Arriving at Yumchee felt very much like discovering a little-known gem. The setup is similar to regular casual fastfood joints where dining guests view the menu behind the counter to order and pay. What’s notably different though is that the menu is animated. 🙂 Photos of food are enhanced with hot steam smoke, an effect that makes dishes look more appetizing.

    Yumchee is outfitted with simple fixtures, comfortable furnishings, clean flooring, and bright lighting. It’s spacious enough to accommodate big groups. For business lunches, family dinners, or after-work meals, this is the place to be.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Everything was pleasant. Dishes came out fast as what you would normally anticipate from a fastfood or quick-service restaurant. We met the owners and they were very accommodating. Staffs were also attentive and helpful. I hope that this positive attitude will remain consistent even after their soft opening.

    Food: ★★★★★

    Dim Sum

    “Dim sum” is to the Chinese what tapas is to the Spanish. It’s all about small servings of different dishes representing a variety of great foods and tastes. We tried the following and thought they were absolutely well executed—a far cry from food stalls normally selling such a hearty delicacy in the busy parts of the city.

    The Pork Shrimp Siomai (PhP 85), the Beancurd Shrimp Roll (PhP 85), and the Shrimp Dumpling (PhP 85) were stuffed to the brim without overwhelming the wrapper. I guess it’s worth mentioning that the wrapper was moderately thick and not doughy. It was tender but with a bit of elastic chew. Translucency was made perfect, barely revealing what’s stuffed inside. The fillings were moist and packed with the true flavor.

    Not skimpy on the meat filling as well, Fried Wanton (PhP 85) had a crisp crust and the sauce served with it was quite delicious. It could have been a deeper golden brown though, to add points for attraction.

    Yumchee’s Asado Siopao or BBQ Pork Buns (PhP 85) had three defining components: the fluffy steamed bun, tenderness of the pork, and its aromatic asado flavor. When combined, it resulted to a messy, colorful, glorious snack of sweet delight, with multiple textures to boot. It’s one of the dim sum you can order and eat while on-the-go.

    Noodle Soup

    Clean and thin in texture, the Wanton Noodle Soup (PhP 159) in itself was a filling meal with delicate flavors and a soul-satisfying warmth. Bouncy pork was the star. Overall, this entree tasted okay but not at par with the wanton soup of my youth, the one that originally made me fall in love with the salty, slippery comforting soup dish. I thought the difference lies in the broth. It’s a worthy dish to try at Yumchee nonetheless.

    Two times better than the Wanton Noodle Soup, the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (PhP 159) had sizable portions of juicy and tender beef brisket that lent body and flavor to the broth for the most part. The soup tasted like it was made with care in a real kitchen using real ingredients. This version was good enough as it did not come out strong on MSG. Would I want to hunker down on a cold night with only this bowl to keep me company? Probably yes, when I’m in BGC. 🙂

    Congee

    Congee or Chinese porridge is a staple in our home. The right water to rice ratio is the key to cooking it perfectly, and both Yumchee’s Pork with Century + Salted Egg Congee (PhP 159) and Mixed Seafood Congee (PhP 189) were able to pass our taste test. They’re silky and comforting while not being sludgy or overly heavy. The grains of rice were soft and thoroughly blended together. Yummy!


    Set Meals

    Set meals at Yumchee consist of one main dish, one side dish, and rice or soup. Options are as follows: Steamed Rice + Soup, Vegetable Fried Rice + Soup, Stir-fried Noodles + Soup, Seasonal Vegetables. I highly recommend the Chicken Chop (PhP 199) which reminded me of Taiwan’s crispy chicken chops, Orange Chicken (PhP 199) for its sweet orange-y kick, Beef Brisket (PhP 219) for the well-marbled meat, and the Fish Fillet with Tofu (PhP 199) which was presented in a mild sauce with melt-in-your-mouth soft fish fillet and tofu.

    Drinks and Desserts

    Drinks and desserts served were wickedly refreshing. I had the Iced Milk Tea (PhP 68) and was successfully satisfied. It was smooth, creamy, and fragrant. 🙂 Shaved ice with fruits (PhP 78 each) were awesome thirst-quenching concoctions with condensed milk. The combination of fruit selections kept every bite an interesting one. (Note: You get to pick two toppings for each order.) In the hot and sticky heat in the Philippines, a bowl of Shaved Ice will hydrate and cool you down fast.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    I have to admit, I entered Yumchee with low expectation and some trepidation. I grew up and still live in Chinatown, so pretty much, tasty and authentic Chinese food is easily accessible both in restaurants nearby and at home.

    Biting into our first dim sum at Yumchee, I wondered then, could this possibly be any good? The answer is yes!  Prices are no way on the steep side and their menu is solid, too—better than most Chinese fastfood joints away from Binondo. 🙂

    Yumchee Menu

    On the same venue, we also got to greet Boss Spanky a happy birthday since he had just celebrated his birthday a few days ago. The birthday cake with The Kain Tulog Gang’s logo was made by Goldilocks. The cake’s print design looked really adorable and it’s incredibly edible! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yumchee/848347238595929″ name=”Yumchee” description=”G/F Bonifactio Stopover, 31st St., cor Rizal Drive, BGC, Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +63917 7172821″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2015-12-05″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Operating hours: 10:30am-10pm