Happy Foodies

Showing posts with label Manila. Show all posts

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4055780002_18b5ee2617_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">La Cocina Lamb Shank</figcaption></figure> We’re already 10 years into the new millennium but stepping into the foyer of La Cocina de Tita Moning, I can’t help but feel like I’ve left the 21st century at the doorstep and slipped back to another era. The gleam of the afternoon sun and chandelier reflects off the polished hardwood floor. Old paintings and photos hang all over the walls. The air conditioning was on but I seem to smell (or imagine smelling) a faint musty odor in the air, reminiscent of the redolence of old houses. I pass by the souvenir/pasalubong shop immediately past the sliding doors and save for the air conditioners and big refrigerators, I can easily mistake the decade for the 1930s, not the 2000s.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4276602196_3d56b35ea8_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Big Binondo Food Wok Map</figcaption></figure> Say Chinatown and one of the first things that comes to mind is the chow. It’s almost a sacrilege not to sample the food when one ventures to Binondo. Little wonder that Manila’s foremost streetwalker, Ivan Man Dy, came up with the Binondo Food Wok Map. He was getting too many texts and calls from people asking about the whereabouts of eating places in Manila Chinatown that he felt compelled to come up with something to help people find their way to the divine food offerings that await in the busy streets.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/4116959731_731a03014f_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Fireplace's Angus Prime Chilled Ribeye Steak</figcaption></figure> Majority of Filipinos are still meat eaters. We love a good and flavorful steak. And those looking for a more exquisite kind of meat would be glad to know that Manila isn’t short of restaurants serving high grade steaks. We only have to choose the dining experience to match with that sumptuous food. Here we steaked-out three restaurants offering some of the best-tasting steaks in Manila.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Shen Din Kha Makimi (P85 regular, P100 large)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3649859213_4cc674cf38.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shin Din Kha Makimi (P85 regular, P100 large)</figcaption></figure> Sunday is a nice time to go to Manila’s Chinatown. It’s less crowded, there’s not much traffic, and most restaurants have room to spare. Some would argue it doesn't really feel like being there in Binondo if it’s not crowded. But there are times when it would be nice to be able to sit down and grab a bite without wading through the crowds and waiting for a long time even for short order items on the menu. Your happyfoodies chanced upon this panciteria, Shin Din Kha, while on a food trip with friends about two weeks ago. We were full at that time so we had to bypass this small restaurant. But a recent Sunday lunch found us wandering here again, this time with hungry tummies.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="New Po-Heng Fresh Lumpia (P45/order)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3600279269_a5fe2f5b81_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New Po-Heng Fresh Lumpia (P45/order)</figcaption></figure> So what do we avid traveler-photographers do during the monsoon season? Hmmm, at times, we just brave the weather and go ahead with our trip. But sometimes, we’d wisen up and not push our luck, opting to stay in the city and find something else of interest. That is exactly what we did recently when along with two fellow foodie friends, your happyfoodies braved the Saturday monsoon rains to eat their way through a Saturday. Nevermind the overcast skies and intermittent rains, the muddy streets and damp air, but really, is there something more pleasurable than sniffing out the delicious smell of Chinese food wafting from shops and hole-in-the-walls and succumbing to the temptation?

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Tasty Dumpling Noodle Soup" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3052118745_f30f6a87b8_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tasty Dumpling Noodle Soup</figcaption></figure> Mention Binondo and one immediately conjures up images of crowded streets, Binondo church, Chinese herbal medicine stores, Eng Bee Tin hopia, and of course, the-hole-in-the-wall eateries. I used to live in Manila and Ongpin was a regular haunt but not anymore. Venturing to the Binondo Church one Sunday and the almost mandatory side trip to Eng Bee Tin, I chanced upon this seemingly small restaurant with the signage, “Tasty Dumplings”. And so started food trips to this eating place that yielded tasty surprises. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Tasty Dumplings Restaurant Facade" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/3061623292_6b9d012734_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tasty Dumplings Restaurant Facade</figcaption></figure> Tasty impressions Ironwulf said: It’s hard to miss this establishment at the back of Binondo Church since its large yellow signage is so evident on the street. Looking at the façade, it seems like a small establishment but inside, the area stretches back giving room to a large number of people. Interior is pretty basic. But one thing I noticed is that the place is pretty clean. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Tasty Dumplings Interiors" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3052950744_8293d4eb96.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tasty Dumplings Interiors</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: When I first stepped into this place, I was surprised by all that room that can comfortably seat almost 80-100 diners. The lighting is warm, the comfort rooms very clean, with a handwashing area that actually has hand soap in dispensers. I grew up eating in Binondo and I’m used to dingy eating places so Tasty Dumplings seem to be an anomaly in this area, but a very pleasant one at that. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Mushroom Meatball Noodle Soup (Php 106)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3052952450_8df3a1c726_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mushroom Meatball Noodle Soup (Php 106)</figcaption></figure> Tasty tests Ironwulf said: The menu of tasty dumplings is typical of what you might expect from any Chinese restaurant. But highlighted are some of their house specialties, one of which I ordered was their Meatball Soup. I like mushrooms so I chose that variety and tossed in the noodles. Tasty Dumplings boasts of its authentic Taiwanese-style Meatball Soup but honestly, I find the taste a bit subtle. The mushroom meatballs have a somewhat subdued taste as well for me. You have to chew in deeper to really taste the flavors. I like strong spicy flavors in my meal that I have to dip it in the chili. Generally, it’s a lightly flavored meal. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Pork Chop Rice/Noodle (Php 99)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3052116709_a45b52775d_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pork Chop Rice/Noodle (Php 99)</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: I’ve always ordered the house specialty, the thinly-sliced, Deep-fried Porkchop served with either rice or tossed noodles. I like mine with the soup and noodles. The soup stock has very subtle flavors which is a nice combination with the very tasty porkchop. The pork slices are very thin and flavorful. I’m a big eater but this alone is enough to fill me up. Ironwulf said: I think their thin Deep-fried Porkchop is the main meal people should try here. I enjoyed it more and also goes well with my meatball soup. Better actually. I remember wondering how they made it so thin and tender. The thin layer of breading also adds to the flavor. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Kuchay Dumplings (Php 70)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3060782821_8a9ce94cbb_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kuchay Dumplings (Php 70)</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: I find the dumplings a bit on the dry side though. First time I ordered them, they were still moist and tasty even after taking them home and reheating. Ironwulf said: Their steamed dumplings are best eaten as soon as they arrive. Hot and steamy. Leave it for a while and they turn dry easily and can actually taste bland after some time. Reheat! <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hongma (Big - Php 130, Small Php 110)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/3061621978_9bcea79df8_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hongma (Big - Php 130, Small Php 110)</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: But I think Tasty Dumplings redeems itself with the Hong Ma, roast pork cooked ala pata tim style. Laden with mushrooms, steamed chuanchay and anise, the meat is also very, very tender. The sauce alone can serve as a filling for the accompanying Silver Loaf Bread with its subtle hints of ginger and chuanchay flavors. The bread arrives warm and very pleasantly soft, with a very appetizing aroma. Ironwulf said: For the price, the large Hong Ma is a true value for money. Grab a slice of the steaming and warm Silver Loaf Bread. Add in a piece of roast pork meat, pour in a spoonful of sauce and top some chuanchay leaves and you’re in for a treat. The Hong Ma tastes similar to asado but better. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hongma on a piece of Silver Loaf Bread" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3061617878_6d38bd508c_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hongma on a piece of Silver Loaf Bread</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: For the drinks, I’d stick with iced tea or the usual colas as I find the Winter Melon Drink overrated. Ironwulf said: I’d stay away from the Winter Melon Drink which the waiters claim is their specialty drink. I ordered one and it tasted like an ubersweet gulaman sans the sago. I had to order some canned soda instead. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Tasty Dumplings Restaurant" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/3052954440_ce7691abfa.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tasty Dumplings Restaurant</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: Price-wise, overall, Tasty Dumplings offer good value for money. On the average, one would spend 100-120 for a tasty and filling meal. Ironwulf said: It is one budget treats find. Some meals are hit-and-miss but you wouldn’t go wrong on the prices if you are looking for something tasty to fill in your tummy without spending too much. Tasty Dumplings 620 Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila Tel. 242-5195 • Open from 9am-8.45pm, Monday-Saturday and 8am-8.45pm, Sundays (with branches at Masangkay, Sampaloc and Banawe, Quezon City)