The rainy season came with torrents, with a spike in traffic jams and flood-like situations in low lying areas in Metro Manila. Luckily, there are multitudes of worth-trying restaurants near us, so we didn’t have to drive too far from home. My husband wanted comfort food for dinner, browsed through Zomato, and found tacos on Hogshaven Smokehouse’s menu. I couldn’t find the story of Hogshaven Smokehouse anywhere online, and its website features only Dulcelin Gourmet’s cakes. It had me a little confused, but we gave in and went anyway. And holy smokes, their dishes are classically delicious!
Apparently, Dulcelin Gourmet (specializes in cakes, famous for its Mango Torte) opened Hogshaven Smokehouse in July 2017 as a dine-in restaurant in West Triangle, Quezon City where people can enjoy gourmet-style savory food. It’s two menus in one setting. We got the best of both worlds and loved it!
Review of Hogshaven Smokehouse By Dulcelin Gourmet (Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)
Ambiance:
Hogshaven Smokehouse has a bright and modern appeal where people can dine well. Like the best cool places, you’d want to spend time here. The room is comfortably covered in wood panels, wallpaper, and glass. The semi-communal seating makes for a space that always seems to have a reassuring hum of conversation.
Generally, this is a no-stress, no-brainer kind of place. Dulcelin Gourmet x Hogshaven Smokehouse is a restaurant that you want to talk in without having to whisper or feel intimated. Sure, you could come here on a date, but neither the food nor the atmosphere feel ideal for a one-on-one meal. This is a place where you bring your friends or family members. Three or four of them, preferably. Tables are set up for groups, and the menu is made up of lots of interesting things to try.
Food:
Of course, we ordered Nacho-Rizo Supreme (PhP 195), the primary reason why we came. Hogshaven Smokehouse’s nachos aren’t overloaded with heavy ingredients. The melted cheese formed a slightly gooey pull with a silky smooth texture. It complemented well with the homemade chorizo toppings and tomato salsa on freshly cooked tortilla chips.
Another great appetizer to share was the Seasoned Fries Trio (PhP 229), which consisted of straight-cut sidewinder and sweet potato fries, served with sriracha mayo. Packed with flavor, the fries were crisp on the outside and tad soggy inside. I could imagine munching on these alongside a meal such as a full rack of ribs. 🙂
So yes, we got Kitayama Wagyu Short Ribs (PhP 349) on the table. But instead of the usual ribs, it’s tender wagyu short ribs with a spin. Cooked Korean-style, kimchi rice and poached egg made all the difference. Overall, it’s a spicy and scrumptious rice meal that took our attention. Feed your eyes!
Next, we had Buttermilk Fried Chix (PhP 599), an absolutely must-order. Marinated in buttermilk then fried until crisp, the three pieces of juicy and crunchy boneless fried chicken thighs are ready to take you to heaven. Ah, they’re so good—and even better than Kettle’s version of buttermilk fried chicken which we also very much adore. The dish came with sausage gravy and steamed white rice.
The Roast Beef Belly (PhP 299, single) with mushroom gravy was also a hit. The tender beef slices were moist and tasty enough, cooked with red wine and served with French beans and steamed white rice. It’s comfort food that’s satisfying but not one we’ll feel extremely confident to order next time.
For desserts, we had one slice each of Dulcelin Gourmet’s award-winning Mango Torte (PhP 140) and the decadent Ube Flan Cake (PhP 145). The Mango Torte was made of crispy-chewy nougatine, golden mangoes and cream, while the Ube Flan Cake was made with chiffon cake covered in Ube cream and a creamy flan center. Both were a fantastic way to end a meal!
Price for Value:
Dulcelin Gourmet X HogsHaven Smokehouse’s varied menu makes it easy to have everything from a light meal to a try-everything group extravaganza. Offering many different kinds of food, they do almost all of it well. If you need a bite of something savory, get quite a frenzy over their chicken, beef, and pork dishes. Want something sweet? Make sure to try their specialty desserts. Prices are not exorbitant but are decent, given the generous portions and great food.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
That sounds like a great place to eat. The food all looks so good. I will check it out if I am in the area!
All of the food looks delicious and I’m now craving those nachos. They look amazing, with just the right amount of cheese and topping.
Nothing like that around here where we live. From your photos everything looks delicious and top notch.
I wish this restaurant was close to us. I love exploring different restaurants that are not chains. They have so much more creativity.
All those food looks tasty, wish we could visit that place too. I’d love to try the Nacho-Rizo Supreme and Mango Torte.
Mango Torte?? Si, porfavor and gracias! That place looks friendly and the food fabulous. Any chance they’ll be opening up one in Tallahassee Florida? Gracias for the intro. BB2U
Everything looks so good! That purple cake is just beautiful too!
This looks like a pretty chill shop. Those fries look like something I could eat all day.
All of these foods look so delicious! I would love to eat here one day. Some of those desserts look so unique.
Okay I’ll go straight to the desserts lol. I miss those type of sweet treat! Looks like a great place.
Sounds like a great place to get your barbecue fix, plus the desserts look amazing as well. It’s definitely worth checking out!
This looks like a pretty cool restaurant. Love the presentation of the food. Thanks for sharing your review.
That purple cake is such a nice color. I’d be up for trying the chicken and I know my son would be all over trying freshly made tortilla chips.
Oh man, all of this food looks amazing! I may need to try this place if I’m ever in the area! YUM!
Good god it’s 5 in the morning and this just made me ravenously hungry. What a fantastic smokehouse. That food I tell you is on point
Mmmm smokehouses never disappoint! This place looks so yummy and the Fried Chix looks sooo good! I would eat so many haha
First the venue was very appealing I like how they decorate it so cozy. And the food all of the menu is so mouthwatering. I wish I could visit someday!
Awesome place especially if you’re looking for some really good food! Good to know that the service doesn’t disappoint as well!
This food all looks like it is so good. I am huge on some comfort food and this would hit the spot.