Category: Food Reviews

Categories
Batangas Cavite Chasing Wonders Food Reviews Laguna Paete Quezon Reviews Rizal

CALABARZON Culinary Tour: A 2-Day Food Crawl Adventure in the South

Culinary Tours or Food crawls are truly one of the best ways to explore a place. Not only you get to experience local dishes but, you’ll get to know more about their rich culture and heritage as well.

Last April 2019, I was fortunate to experience the beauty of CALABARZON and its delicious local dishes and delicacies. I’ve been to all areas of CALABARZON for mountain climbing, beach bumming, glampings, and staycations but I’ve never tried exploring their food.

But glad that I can now fully say that CALABARZON is indeed blessed with history, culture, people, and FOOD.

Together with the Department of Tourism Region IV (CALABARZON) and QuePATTA (Quezon Province Association of Travel and Tour Agencies), for two days, we ranged over the province, met lovely people (their passion for food is WOW!) and ate mouthwatering cuisines in CALABARZON.

Read Also: Where to eat in Silang, Cvite: Asiong Caviteno Restaurant

Asiong Caviteno Restaurant – Sapin-Sapin


Where exactly is CALABARZON?

Calabarzon, also spelled as CALABARZON, formally known as Southern Tagalog Mainland and designated as Region IV-A, is an administrative region in the Philippines. The region comprises five provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, and one highly urbanized city, Lucena. – Wikipedia

The region is situated south of the National Capital Region, and is bordered by the Manila Bay in the west, Lamon Bay and the Bicol Region in the east, the Tayabas Bay and Sibuyan Sea in the south, and the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, and Metro Manila in the north. It is home to places like Mount Makiling near Los Baños, Laguna and the Taal Volcano in Talisay, Batangas.

TheCALABARZON Culinary Tour

This CALABARZON Culinary Tour is being offered by the QuePATTA
(Quezon Province Association of Travel and Tour Agencies).

The organization, together with the DOT Region IV-A believes that CALABARZON is so much blessed with heirloom cuisines that should never be forgotten. Thus, the CALABARZON Culinary Tour was born.

Casa De Segunda | Ms. Tina at the background


The Two-Day Culinary Tour

This is actually my first time to experience a food crawl and I loved everything about it. Everything was well organized and the chosen restaurants speak so much about its own native land. Listed below is our itinerary for our CALABARZON Food Trip.

DAY 1

  1. Asiong’s of Cavite – Silang, Cavite
  2. Casa De Segunda – Lipa, Batangas – Sidetrip
  3. Don Juan Boodle House – Lipa, Batangas
  4. Quezon’s Best House Of Pasalubong And Restaurant – Tiaong, Quezon
  5. Earthkeepers’ Garden And Restaurant – Tiaong, Quezon
  6. Ouan’s The Farm Resort – Lucena, Quezon

DAY 2

  1. Luisa and Daughter Restaurant – Lucena, Quezon
  2. Quezon Capitol Building Lucena, Quezon | Sidetrip
  3. Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan – Tayabas, Quezon
  4. Air Summit Gourmet – Tayabas, Quezon | Sidetrip
  5. Fisher’s Lake – Tayabas, Quezon | Sidetrip
  6. Food Carving in Paete – Paete, Laguna | Sidetrip
  7. Kape Kesada – Paete, Laguna
  8. Balaw Balaw Restaurant – Angono, Rizal

Yes, friends. We went to all these restaurants!  If you are interested to know more about our food tour, read on.

DAY 1 – Cavite – Batangas – Quezon

Day 1 was well spent. I guess it was clever to start in Silang, Cavite for the food tour since our last destination is in Angono, Rizal. Since we will start in Cavite, and I am from Cavite, I opted to go straight to our first destination. The entire day was full of fun and energy (hi, super hyper blogger friends!) PLUS food! Never been so full in my life. Haha!

1. Asiong Caviteno Restaurant

Location: Silang, Cavite

As mentioned in my blog review of Asiongs, if you are looking for a chill place with huni ng mga ibon and Imelda Papin songs in the background, this is your abode.

Being a chill-probinsyana-turned-nagpapaka-busy-city girl, Asiong is something that I wanted to spend my weekend with.

This restaurant is secludedly located inside Silang’s lush greens. Upon entrance, you’ll already feel relaxed as this is not the typical modern designed restaurant.

What to Order at Asiong’s of Cavite?

We went here for breakfast and here’s some of the dishes we ate. Don’t forget about the Pancit Pusit, please! Also, if you happen to visit Asiongs, you may want to look for the very hands on owner, Mr. Sonny Lua. I don’t know, he’s like a magnet. He made me laugh so hard with his witty jokes. Hehe. You’ll love the history of Asiong’s as well. Check it out in my Asiong’s Caviteno Restaurant Review.

Carioca Breakfast Meal – P260
Asiong’s Original Pancit Pusit – P380


Personally, Asiong’s is something that I’ll visit again for my next Silang, Cavite adventure. Maybe I’ll plan to try their lunch or dinner together with my Mama during the cold season.

2. Casa De Segunda

Location: Lipa, Batangas

Casa De Segunda is the home of Jose Rizal’s first love – Segunda Solis Katigbak.

I thought we will be dining here for lunch pero nag side trip lang pala kami. Hehe.

Casa De Segunda in Lipa, Batangas is very rich in history as this casa was built in the year 1880. This 136-year-old house surpassed World War I and II already and is the only remaining old house in Lipa.

Casa De Segunda – Since 1880

3. Don Juan Boodle House

Location: Lipa, Batangas

Our lunch for the first day was at the Don Juan Boodle House in Lipa City, Batangas. It’s just minutes from Case De Segunda. The other branch of Don Juan is located in Taal, Batangas.

  • Address: P. Torres Street corner G.A. Solis, 4217 Lipa, Batangas
  • Phone Number:  (043) 740-1828 / (0917) 1130-393 / ‎(0917) 5280-551
  • Operating Hours:
    • Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
    • Sat-Sun & Holidays: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Facebook page: Don Juan Boodle House Lipa

What to Order at Don Juan Boodle House?

1. Southern Tagalog Boodle

Boodle fight! Of course, we tried their Southern Tagalog Boodle. It comprises the following:

  1. Pork Binagoongan
  2. Bistek Tagalog
  3. Inihaw na Tambakol
  4. Tortang Talong
  5. Pork Ribs Kaldereta
  6. Pork Sisig
  7. Fresh fruit in season
  8. Served with sliced tomatoes, onions, salted eggs, atsara
  9. Steamed Rice

2. Taal Specialties

  1. Tapang Taal
  2. Adobo sa Dilaw
  3. Ginataang Sitaw Kalabasa
  4. Longganisang Taal
  5. Sinaing na Tulingan
  6. Fried Tawilis
  7. Inihaw na baboy
  8. Fresh fruit in season
  9. Served with sliced tomatoes, onions, salted eggs, atsara
  10. Steamed Rice

I am not a fan of tapa but Tapang Taal of Don Juan is surprisingly delicious! Plus, love their Tawilis!

Their ambiance is so Batangueno as well. Love that their servers wear baro’t saya.

4. Quezon’s Best House Of Pasalubong And Restaurant

Location: Tiaong, Quezon

After a hearty lunch at Don Juan’s Boodle House, we immediately headed to Quezon’s Best – the popular pasalubong and restaurant in Tiaong.

  • Address: Tiaong By Pass Rd, Tiaong, Quezon
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

What I love about Quezon’s best is they make sure that what they’re offering is of high value just like the below photo of their Organic Coconut Ainos which they are exporting!

We also stopped by for a quick merienda. Love their Halo halo and especially the puto! If you’ve already tried Lemon’s Square, mas masarap pa ito. Promise!

The mas-masarap-pa-sa-lemon-square puto!

Here’s their pasalubong station!

5. Earthkeepers’ Garden And Restaurant

Location: Tiaong, Quezon

After a quick merienda at Quezon’s Best, we went straight to Earthkeeper’s also situated in Tiaong, Quezon. I think we only spent around 5 minutes to go to the place.

  • Address: Km. 101, Tiaong, 4325 Quezon
  • Phone Number: (042) 545 7112
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Facebook Page: Earthkeepers

I love how nature welcomed us here. Everywhere I see, plants and trees are present. Earthkeepers indeed!

What to order at Earthkeeper’s Garden Restaurant?

What’s good about Earthkeepers is they are serving food in glass bottles/jars and banana leaves. Earthkeeper’s served us another surprising merienda.

We ate Sinulbot, a pre-kalamay merienda which is a rice cake, by the way. It’s sauce is made of coconut milk with brown sugar. With Sinulbot, we were served cold Buko Juice straight from the backyard of Earthkeepers!

Sinulbot – pre-kalamay merienda
Coconut trees in their backyard

5. Ouan’s The Farm Resort

Location: Lucena, Quezon

After a day full of activities and food, we were welcomed by one of the most popular resorts in Quezon, the Ouan’s The Farm Resort.

What I love about this resort is it is surrounded by trees. This family resort was also the venue for our candlelight dinner and Tagayan night, a special ceremony for VVIP as per QuePATTA’s Officer, Ms. Tina Tagala.

We are also humbled to know their family history through Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento II’s museum. Glad and inspired to hear their very story from the retired general himself. I guess his love for his family and wife is the reason for all his successes in life.

Retired General Recaredo A. Sarmiento – I love their family story!

Day 2 | Quezon – Laguna – Rizal

Day 2 is actually more full blast than our first day. We started with Quezon ending in Angono, Rizal. We also had side trips to different places to go while in Quezon and Laguna.

1. Grandma’s Kitchen – Ouan’s The Farm Resort

Location: Lucena

Our Day 2 started with a heavy breakfast from the quaint and lovely restaurant of Ouan’s Resort called Grandma’s Kitchen.

It is situated beside the resort’s swimming pools so you can already feel refreshed while watching friends and families enjoying the pool.

What to Order at Ouan’s The Farm Resort?

For breakfast, we had Malunggay Omellete, Tinapa, Quezon Longganisa, fried rice and lots of tomatoes. I also wanna note their coffee as I can compare it that of Banaue!

2. Luisa and Daughter Restaurant

Location: Lucena, Quezon

After bidding goodbye to Ouan’s Resort, which had been an instant favorite, we went straight to Luisa and Daughter Restaurant.

Luisa and Daughter Restaurant is a humble family-run restaurant in Quezon.

  • Address: Km. 101, Tiaong, 4325 Quezon
  • Phone Number: (042) 545 7112
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Here we were taught how to make Pancit Chami which can be regular or hot and spicy. Of course, I love how tasteful the spicy one is. It’s also a bit more salty and more saucy.

What to order at Luisa and Daughter Restaurant?

Pancit Chami is best paired with turon! And don’t forget to put on some calamansi for a more appetizing Pancit Chami!

3. Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan

Location: Tayabas, Quezon

  • Address: Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas City, Quezon
  • Phone Number: (042) 793-3654 or 55
    • Globe:  0918-951-0460
    • Smart: 0917-556-2642
  • Facebook Page: Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan

After a quick side trip to Quezon’s Capitol, we went straight to the popular Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas, Quezon for our lunch.

It was actually surreal to me because I have been reading this only before and finally, I get to explore and experience this restaurant with a man-made pond. The pond has over 60 floating kubo.

What to order at Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan?

After being served with grilled liempo (my favorite, of course!), grilled tilapia, and ginataang suso with pako, we were serenaded by this group of handsome Titos! I love them singing the hits today like ‘Buwan’ of Juan Carlos among others.

And of course, Buko Juice in Quezon!
Grilled Liempo – my fave!

6. Kape Kesada 

Location: Paete, Laguna

  • Address: Quesada St, Paete, Laguna
  • Phone Number: (049) 557 1436
  • Operating Hours: 8AM to 6PM
  • Facebook Page: Kape Kesada

Never thought I’ll get back to Kape Kesada after three years, I guess? This quaint coffee shop / art gallery situated at the heart of Paete, Laguna is just minutes away from the Paete church, Municipal Hall, and as far as I remembered, it is also near the wood carvers of Paete.

What to Order at Kape Kesada

Here we ate Kalamay (we call this Biko in Masbate), Minani (cubed cassava fried in garlic and salt ) and Laksa. Laksa, vegetables in coconut milk, is best paired with biko. It was a surprise at first but when I got to try it, it really blended well with the biko!

I think I ate around 10 pieces of biko that I forgot to take a picture! Haha!

Laksa | vegetables with coconut milk
Minani – cassava cubes/cutlets cooked like peanuts
Photo by: Aaron Nomo

7. Balaw-Balaw Restaurant

Location: Angono, Rizal

  • Address: Doña Justa Street, Angono, 1930 Lalawigan ng Rizal
  • Phone Number: (02) 651 0110
  • Operating Hours: 8AM to 12AM
  • Facebook Page: Balaw Balaw Restaurant

It was around 8PM when we arrived at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant in Angono, Rizal. Here I was surprised that Balaw-Balaw is actually an art gallery as well.

The interior of the restaurant is pretty quaint and I feel that the place together with its paintings and stuff tells a number of different stories. I would love to explore more and ask about the gallery next time I visit the place.

What to order at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant?

Balaw-Balaw is not your ordinary restaurant. Aside from the exotic food choices, Balaw-Balaw is also housing paintings, sculptures, among others.

For the food, I suggest you try their best seller, Minaluto. Minaluto is actually like paella with seafood, fried chicken at pork. You can also choose from their yellow (turmeric) or black (with tinta ng pusit) rice.

I was actually surprised by their food servings here:

  • Nilasing na hipon – this dish is made of shrimps marinated in alcohol, coated and then deep fried until golden.
  • Vegetable salads
  • Lauya – beef soup
  • Binalot na itik sa pita – native duck wrapped in pita bread
  • Minaluto – this is actually like the usual Paella. You may order the yellow rice (turmeric) or the black one (squid rice).

If given another time to visit Angono, I will definitely try again Balaw-Balaw Restaurant because I feel like I haven’t fully checked out the place when we were there.

CALABARZON Foodtrip Side trips

While going around on your food tour, here are some side trips that you may want to check out.

1. Food Carving in Paete

Location: Paete, Laguna

One good stop we had was the food carving in Paete, Laguna by Ernesto Sena (ship and flowers in vase) and Nomiric Baisas (flowers and eagle). Love that I actually got to experience actual food carving here in Paete!

2. Quezon Provincial Capitol

Location: Tayabas, Quezon

This century-old building in Tayabas is considered a national treasure. Its breathtaking Neoclassical Art-Deco style was designed by Architect Juan Arellano and is serving as an alarm clock for its people. Here, a familiar siren is being heard three times a day – at 7 in the morning, 12 noon and 5 in the afternoon.

3. Air Summit Gourmet

Location: Tayabas, Quezon

  • Address: Brgy. Dapdap, 4327 Tayabas, Quezon
  • Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Facebook Page: Air Summit Gourmet

Air Summit Gourmet is a sister-restaurant of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. It is an airplane-turned-restaurant still in Tayabas, Quezon, minutes away from Kamayan sa Palaisdaan.

I love how they have their own ‘immigration office’ where guests can ‘check-in’ before going up the plane. We were glad to be assisted by the owners of Kamayan to explore Air Summit. Wish we can go back and really experience dining here!

4. Fishers Lake

Location: Tayabas, Quezon

  • Address: Lucban – Tayabas Rd, Tayabas, Quezon
  • Phone Number: (042)793-3654/55 0918.951.0460 or 0917.556.2642

Another sister restaurant of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, Fisher’s Lake boasts an upscale-ish Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. One unique experience you will get is, since the tables soaked in the water, you’ll get to experience to eat with fishes on your feet. Free foot massage, everyone!

Pia’s Thoughts

Looking back to our two-day super foodie tour, which I thought was not possible by the way, I was glad that it was properly and strategically organized as I have never felt the hassle of touring around for days. Imagine going around CALABARZON in just two days?

With this, I highly suggest you contact Ms. Tina Tagala if you are interested to join a Culinary Tour around CALABARZON.

We would also like to express our appreciation to Stella Salvacion (My Journey Travel and Tours President), Nino Magararo (Rainsummer Travel and Tours Vice-President), Maria Luisa Villabroza (Myles Travel and Tours), and Marilyn Mendiola (Sunburst Travel and Tours Treasurer).

My warmest thanks to the Department of Tourism CALABARZON and QUEPATTA for showing us how beautiful and wonderful CALABARZON is!

Check out our CALABARZON Culinary Tour Travel Series:

  1. CALABARZON Culinary Tour: 2-Day Food Crawl in the South
  2. Asiong’s of Cavite | A Taste of Authentic Caviteño Dishes
  3. Casa De Segunda: Exploring The Home of Rizal’s First Love
At the Quezon Capitol Building together with my co-bloggers

Read More:

Categories
Food Reviews Reviews Silang

Asiong’s of Cavite | A Taste of Authentic Caviteño Dishes

Asiong Caviteño Restaurant, secludedly situated in Silang, Cavite is known for its palatable Caviteno dishes, relaxing ambiance, and serene environment covered with lush greens.

Note: This is our first stop for our two-day DOT CALABARZON Culinary Tour held last April 2019.

Asiong’s of Silang Cavite Details

  • Address: Buenavista Street, Bucal, Silang,  Cavite
  • Phone Number: +63 9267139400
  • Opening hours : 8AM to 9PM
  • Average Cost: P800 for two people
  • Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AsiongSilangCavite

How did Asiong Restaurant Start?

Established in 1960 in Cavite City, Asiong actually started as a sari-sari store and eventually developed into a hole-in-the-wall karinderia.

Going back to the early generation of the Lua Family, they started literally in ashes as their home was destroyed by fire in 1960. However, because of the determination of their parents and grandmother, they opened a carenderia for their neighbors serving home-cooked meals for them until it became a tradition for every Caviteno family to dine at Asiong’s Carenderia.

Unfortunately, the perennial flooding made them move out from the original site in Cavite City. Thus, Asiong of Silang, Cavite was born.

Read Also: Where To Eat in Makati: Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss | A Review

To cut the long story short, Asiong grew beautifully to what it is now, still holding to the traditional Caviteno food by their family.

So glad to know that Asiong features local heirloom dishes which have been with them for over three generations already!

Now, Asiong Caviteno Restaurant is fully managed by Sonny Lua, the youngest son of the founder of Asiong.

Glad to have met him in person!

Whenever you go south, we encourage you to drop by at Asiong for a taste of original Caviteno heirloom cuisine.

Plus, don’t forget to say Hi to Sonny Lua, the owner of Asiong, as this witty and passionate owner will never leave you without smiling with his witty jokes. 🙂

Read Also: LOOK: Bari-Uma’s Super Tasty Ramens Now in BGC

The Place

I can still remember how happy I was when I arrived at Asiong in Silang, Cavite. The more-than-an-hour commute from Imus was worth it!

Looking at the greens, the trees, the plants, always make me feel alive and peaceful. A much-needed break from the noise of the metro indeed.

Upon arrival, I can already see plants all over the place.

After taking some photos of the Asiong’s interior, I proceeded to their Al Fresco area.

‘Indeed, this is my happy place.’, I said to myself smiling.

So if you are in the lookout of something that soothes your soul, I suggest you visit this place.


What to Eat at Asiong Caviteno Restaurant?

Asiong was our first stop for the two-day CALABARZON Culinary Tour by DOT Region IVA and QUEPATTA.

Being a probinsyana-turned-city-girl, I always have this feeling of wanting to go back to any province that would somehow relieve the stress that the city is giving me every day. And Asiong is indeed a sight to behold, a venue for people who wants to relax their mind and eat organic food.

For as low as P800 for two, you will already enjoy your food trip at Asiong’s of Silang.

Read Also: The Reef Hotel and Residences Subic: A Review

Asiong’s Al Fresco Area. Love it here! Super chill lang.

We ate here at the Al Fresco area of Asiong with lots of plants surrounding us. I love that every area is instagrammable as well!

It’s a bit hot though, because, hello, summer. I wonder what it feels to dine here in cold weather?

Anyway, here’s what we ordered for breakfast. Hope we can come back for lunch or dinner!

1. Carioca Breakfast Meal

Price: P260

I got surprised when I heard that the name of this dish is Carioca. Because Carioca in our place is a merienda, right? Haha!

But this one is made of ground pork, carrots, and egg. At nung kinain ko na, manamis-namis and maalat – perfect combination for me!

The meal also came with garlic rice, cucumbers, fried banana, and sunny-side up egg. I also love the way they cooked the egg. Medyo sunog yung paligid. Hihi.


2. Asiong’s Pahimis Coffee

Price: P80

The Pahimis Blend is a combination of four varieties of coffee beans, namely excelsa, arabica, robusta, and liberica (barako).

The blend is a fine brew with a calming taste and relaxing aroma. The definitive blend of Amadeo, Pahimis Blend paved way to the town’s Pahimis Coffee Festival, celebrated every February 13. – Sourced from explora.ph

I so love their takuli (teakettle)! Super instagrammable.


3. Pan de Troso with Quesillo Dip

Price: P160

This 1950’s inspired pandesal is made with a hint of rosemary and garlic and best paired with Quesillo dip. Quesillio dip is made with kesong puti in olive oil and herbs. Yum!


4. Asiong’s Original Pancit Pusit

Price: P380

Pancit Pusit is actually a Caviteño noodle dish very similar to the famous pancit bihon or sotanghon.

We were fortunate to witness how Sonny Lua (Asiong’s owner) demonstrated the cooking of the original Pancit Pusit.

After a couple of minutes, ta-daaaah! Here’s Asiong’s Original Pancit Pusit. It’s actually just like the usual Miki Bihon pero kasama ang tinta ng pusit sa pagluluto.

It’s surprisingly delicious! Never thought that it would complement the usual Pancit Bihon.

5. Silang’s Sapin-Sapin

Price: P250

This rice cake or Sapin-Sapin is not just pretty in picture and in person, but is also tasty, soft, and delicious that you’ll want another slice!


Asiong Caviteno Restaurant Menu

If you’re wondering what are they serving and its prices, here’s their menu. Personally, I think the price points are fair enough. You’ll never leave unsatisfied.

How to get to Asiong Caviteno Restaurant in Silang, Cavite

Address: Buenavista Street, BucalSilang, Cavite

Via Public Transportation

1. If you are coming from Manila, take a transit bus going to Tagaytay.

Commuting to Asiong’s is actually very simple! There are several buses going to Tagaytay from EDSA that you can just hop in. In my case, I took the bus along Aguinaldo highway since I am from Imus Cavite and paid only P60.

It think if you will be coming from EDSA, fare is around P120.

2. Inform Kuya Kundoktor to drop you off Gov. Camerino Drive just before Phoenix gasoline station.

I highly suggest as well to use google maps so you’re sure where to go down.

3. Cross to the other side of the road and ride the tricycle to Asiong.

Good thing that there are tricycles are present in the area. Fare is P45 per ride.

Where to Stay in Silang, Cavite?

Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Silang, Cavite! For more Silang and Cavite hotels, check this link.

1. Marcopolo Garden

Built in 2015, Marcopolo Garden is a distinct addition to Tagaytay and a smart choice for travelers. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

Check Rates HERE

2. ZEN Home Monteluce Tagaytay

  • Address: Aguinaldo Hi Way, Lalaan 1st, Silang, Cavite, Silang, Cavite
  • Book Rooms HERE
  • Room Rates start at P5,355 (But Agoda is selling it at P1,111)

When visiting Tagaytay, you’ll feel right at home at ZEN Home Monteluce Tagaytay as it offers quality accommodation and great service. The property is just away from the city center, and it normally takes about minutes to reach the airport. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

Check Rates HERE

3. Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel 

  • Address: 8345 Santa Rosa, Tagaytay Road, Silang, Cavite, Silang
  • Book Rooms HERE
  • Room Rates start at: P1,280

Located in the Silang area, Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel is the ideal point of departure for your excursions in Cavite. From here, guests can make the most of all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

Check Rates HERE

Pia’s Thoughts

I promise to go back here with my Mama, maybe during the cold season. I think the cold weather will perfectly blend the sipping of hot coffee with the 1960s to 1980s songs in the background. Hihi.

Asiong Caviteno Restaurant in Silang, Cavite should be on top of your list if you are into makabayan style of cooking and if you want a taste of the old laidback life in the province.

Can’t wait to go back.

Check out our CALABARZON Culinary Tour Travel Series:

  1. CALABARZON Culinary Tour: 2-Day Food Crawl in the South
  2. Asiong’s of Cavite | A Taste of Authentic Caviteño Dishes
  3. Casa De Segunda: Exploring The Home of Rizal’s First Love

Read Also:

Categories
BGC Food Reviews Metro Manila Reviews Taguig City

LOOK: Bari-Uma’s Super Tasty Ramens Now in BGC

It was a hot weekday afternoon when we got the chance to explore the newest ramen house in BGC — the Bari-Uma Ramen.

Being the loyal Dalagang Pilipina (LOL), who prefers Sinigang na Baboy, Adobo, Tinola over other cuisines, you would know that I am really not a fan of ramen. Plus, I remember eating ramen for the first time in this popular ramen restaurant — I think I spent more than PHP 600.00 for a bowl and I was disappointed with the taste and the noodles. I don’t know if I ate it late but I didn’t even finish even a quarter of it.

But when an invitation came for a ramen review, I immediately said yes! Let’s give ramen another chance, shall we? Self? LOL.

Read Also: Manila Bay Cruise | A Date Night to Remember

Why ‘Bari-Uma’ Ramen?

Bari-Uma Ramen actually originated in Hiroshima, Japan in 2003. They are famous for theirtonkotsu shoyu base, which is tagged as Japan’s “strongest tonkotsu broth” (meaning the most flavorful in Japanese).

Also, ‘Bari’ means super and “Uma” means tasty in Japanese. Yes, Super Tasty indeed.

Bari-Uma is also present in neighboring countries like Hongkong,
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and of course, Japan.

Bari-Uma Ramen Details

Before we start about our experience, here are some of the restaurant’s details that you shouldn’t miss.

  • Location: Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
  • Mobile Number: +63 9063360930
  • Opening hours: 11am – 10pm
  • Average Cost: PHP1300 for two people (approx.)
  • Cuisines: Japanese

Bari-Uma Ramen is housed in Serendra, BGC, Taguig City. To exercise your imagination, if you are familiar in BGC, if you will be coming from High Street going to Serendra, Bari-Uma is at your right, and if from Market! Market!, you need to check the left side.

Because I can already call myself a BGC girl since I’m currently working there, I dind’t have any diffifulty in finding the place. Plus, there are lots of kind Kuya guards around the area that you can ask naman.

Upon entrance, you would notice the smiling staff of already guiding you to the vacant tables.

What I love about the place even if it’s a little small is that you will immediately feel the Japanese vibes because of it’s interior designs.

The place is quite small and there are just a few customers enjoying their ramen (I think it was around 1 PM then). Though if I remember correctly, I heard that when it’s lunch and dinner time, the place usually gets full.

So, be there early, ramen lover!

What to eat at Bari-Uma?

Aside from their super tasty ramens, they have other Japanese dishes that will surely satisfy you. Mind you, I got so full that day!

Let’s start with the highlight, Ramens, of course!

1. Ajitama-Uma Ramen

Price: PHP 380.00

This pork flavored shoyu soup is complemented with grilled thick-cut chashu, seasoned bamboo shoots, Spring Onions and flavored egg for only PHP 380.00.

Left: Kara-Tama Uma | Right: Ajitama-Uma

2. Nori-Tama-Uma

Price: PHP 420.00

For less than five hundred bucks, you’ll have pork flavored shoyu soup, with grilled thick-cut chashu, Seaweed, seasoned bamboo shoots, Spring Onions and flavored egg.

3. Kara-Tama-Uma Ramen

Price: PHP 420.00

Still, for less than five hundred, you’ll get pork flavored shoyu spicy soup, with grilled thick-cut chashu, seasoned bamboo shoots, Spring Onions and flavored egg.

If you are a spicy food lover like me, Kara-Tama-Uma is perfect for you! When this arrived at our table, I knew exactly what to get first.

And mind you, it didn’t disappoint! Try it if you want a spicy ramen.

4. Shoyu-Uma (Light soup)

Price: PHP 320.00

This ramen is pork flavored shoyu light soup, with grilled thick-cut chashu, seasoned bamboo shoots and Spring Onions.

5. Chashu-Uma Ramen

PHP 480.00

Pork flavored shoyu soup with grilled thick-cut 4pcs of Chashu, seasoned bamboo shoots, and Spring Onions.

6. Okasama-Uma Ramen

PHP 320.00

Also, don’t worry if you’ll bring your kids with you as Bari-Uma also offers Kid’s Ramen for only PHP 320!

7 . Gyoza

I am honestly never a fan of gyoza as well. Last time I ate gyoza I think was when I was with my blogger friend Allan at Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss in Makati.

But this one’s different. I can really feel the meat and it’s really tasty.

Prices:

  • Crispy and juicy gyoza
    • PHP 180 – 5 pcs
    • PHP 340 – 10 pcs
  • Spicy Gyoza
    • PHP 200 – 5 pcs
    • PHP 380 – 10 pcs
  • Teriyaki Gyoza
    • PHP 200 – 5 pcs
    • PHP 380 – 10 pcs
  • Age Mayo Salad Gyoza
    • PHP 200 – 5 pcs
    • PHP 380 – 10 pcs

8. Deep Fried Chicken

What I love about their chicken is it’s so juicy because their chickens are marinated with garlic, shoyu, vinegar and black pepper.

  • Karaage
  • Spicy Karaage
  • Teriyaki Karaage
  • TartarKaraage

Prices:

  • PHP 200 – 4 pcs
  • PHP 380 – 8 pcs

9. Japanese Authentic Yakitori

Yakitori Combo
Assorted grilled skewered meat ( Chicken and pork)
PHP 230 – 5 sticks

Yakitori (Chicken and Pork)
PHP 99 – 2 sticks

10. Japanese Clay Pot Rice

Japanese Clay Pot Rice Chashu
A pot of rive with diced chashu, egg, carrots and spring onions.
PHP 230.00

Japanese Clay Pot Rice Karaage
A pot of rice topped with deep-fried chicken, egg, carrots and spring onions.
PHP 230.00

Beverage

House Blend Ice Tea –The secret of this specific blend is a mix of Japanese Tea, Orange juice, Lemon juice and sugar.

Sake (Rice Wine) and Japanese Beer

If you’re looking for a cold wine or beer to complete your Japanese cravings, fret not because Bari-Uma has rice wines and Japanese beer for you!

Yamada Nishiki Sake – PHP 490.00
Kirin Beer – PHP 140.00
UtuUto/Fufu Premium Sake – Php 1,500.00

Bari-Uma Ramen Menu

Pia’s Thoughts

As mentioned above, I am really not a fan of Japanese ramen maybe because of my first experience. However, I’m happy that I gave ramen a chance because I am now craving for Kara-Tama-Uma! I really love the spice and the tenderness of the meat. Same with their Yakitori. Their house blend iced tea is also a surprise for me. I actually wanted to ask for a second glass. Haha!

Anyway, overall, I love how tasty, not just the ramens are, but every dish that was served to us. Will definitely be back!


Read Also:

Categories
Food Reviews Makati City Metro Manila Reviews

Where To Eat in Makati: Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss | A Review

Early this month, my blogger friend (Allan Gokongwei) and I went out on a Thursday date. After watching the Christmas lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens, we started to look for restaurants and I’m so glad Allan remembered Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss Makati.

Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss Makati Details

Address: Eton Tower Makati, 2nd Level Eton Tower, 128 V.A. Rufino cor Dela Rosa St. Makati City
Contact Number:  (02) 655 2310
Email Address: comments@moshi-koshi.com
Website: www.moshi-koshi.com

Read Also: 10 Tips To Save Money For Your Dream Vacation

 

What We Ordered

I have always loved Japanese food, but always, as always, I can’t decide that quick what to eat because I love everything! Lol

Allan ordered the Bento Chicken Teriyaki at P285 and mine was Beef Teriyaki at P295. Allan also pleaded me to buy Gyoza because it’s his favorite daw. Kaloka si besh. Haha!

[the_ad id=”1841″]

Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss Menu

Glad that I took a photo of Moshi Koshi menu! For a matipid like me, the prices are not so budget-friendly but don’t worry as your tummy will be happy. Haha!

 

The Presentation

We love how the bento meals were served both in black boxes. Along with the chicken and beef in bento comes with the side dishes that we were not able to finish. Not really fond of cold veggies. Hehe.

Read: LOOK: Bari-Uma’s Super Tasty Ramens Now in BGC

 

Here’s the blurry Gyoza. Five pieces cost P140.

[the_ad id=”1841″]

 

Moshi Koshi Makati – What’s inside the restaurant?

I’ve been to this branch just once but I can tell that the place is really clean. Not sure if the branch is still new but I love how the interior design complements with the Japanese feel of the place.

[the_ad id=”1841″]

 

How to Get to Moshi Koshi Makati

Address: Eton Tower Makati, 2nd Level Eton Tower, 128 V.A. Rufino cor Dela Rosa St. Makati City

Commute
Via Cubao:
– If you are coming from Cubao area, ride the bus going to LRT Ayala Leveriza
– Tell Manong Kundoktor to drop you off Ayala-Paseo
– From there, facing the Ayala Avenue, walk to your right, straight to the PBCom Tower
– Cross the street to Rufino Tower via the underpass
– Eton Tower is behind Rufino Tower
– Moshi Koshi Makati is at the 2nd floor of Eton Tower

Via Cavite/Baclaran:
– If you are coming from the south area, ride the bus going to LRT Ayala Leveriza
– Tell Manong Kundoktor to drop you off Ayala-Paseo or Rufino 
– Eton Tower is behind Rufino Tower
– Moshi Koshi Makati is at the 2nd floor of Eton Tower

[the_ad id=”1841″]

  • Meet my blogger friend, Allan!

Read Also: