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The First Slurp of IPPUDO Ramen Philippines

September 10, 2014 by Janey

IPPUDO known as one of the most popular Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen has finally opened in Manila, Philippines. It literally translates to “One Wind Hall,” Ramen King-awarded Shigemi Kawahara went against the wind in revolutionizing ramen in 1985, offering specially crafted bowls in a comfortable setting. IPPUDO Philippines first restaurant is located at 3/F Mega Fashion Hall. It is very spacious and can sit close to 80 guests.

The dining room is divided into the smaller area and the main dining area for bigger groups. There is also a bar fronting the kitchen for those who’d like to eat and run after the last drop of their ramen.

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With IPPUDO opening, it just reinforces that the ramen craze in Manila isn’t over and in fact, would likely to stay for good as Pinoys have given a space for it in the culinary landscape. Numerous folks were very excited with news that the same group behind the tremendously successful Yabu: House of Katsu, pioneer of the Tonkatsu craze in Manila, is bringing Ippudo to the local scene.

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At IPPUDO, each bowl must have a delicate balance of ingredients, broth and finely-crafted noodles. The ramen chef acts as the consummate story-teller in the kitchen, spawning art in every hot bowl. IPPUDO welcomes its patrons with much enthusiasm, knowing that every move from cooking to serving should be choreographed to perfect timing even down to the moment when the staff bids the customer, “…until we meet again.”

New Palate Gems at Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight

April 29, 2014 by Janey

Their restaurant frontage can barely be seen in 2010 with the long queues outside that wait to get seated. Flocks of families and foodies have trooped to Crystal Jade for their famed Xiao Long Bao and authentic Chinese dishes. You cannot spell authentic any less with the Chinese expats that are rebased here to head and run the Crystal Jade kitchen to ensure quality standards.

Crystal Jade is one of the largest restaurant chains and is just about everywhere in Singapore. They have established a strong presence in San Francisco and across the Asia Pacific region –in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Qingdao, Guangzhou among numerous places. The successful opening in Manila added to that portfolio, bringing in that passion of dishing out the finest delicacies served contemporarily.

We usually think of comfort food in the form of burgers, fries, and wings but when I want to eat a little more stylishly minus the grease and the common taste of diner items, I find my comfort at Crystal Jade.

Whenever I’m in the Greenhills area, there’s a magnetic pull to eat at Crystal Jade. I’ve been a long fan of their original Xiao Long Bao, Cantonese barbecue meats and noodles. In fact, I don’t order outside my usual of two orders of Xiao Long Bao, Noodle with Beef in Chili Oil (P228) and my all-time favorite Noodle with Dried Shrimp and Peanut in Spicy Sauce (P328 for sharing and P198 for snack portion).

I have visited again some weeks ago and noticed that they have renovated their interiors. It has maximized their seating capacity to serve more patrons and have shifted to vibrant welcoming hues of purples and pinks. I’m happy to report that their menu still retained their classic dishes and happier to tell that it has expanded to add more dishes that are surefire imminent bestsellers. Cuisine has delved into an authentic mix of Cantonese and Shanghai offerings that get your palate incessantly interested.

On the Table

Crispy Eel in “Wu Xi” Style P288

Prior to the recent visit, someone has made me try this before and it’s an appetizer that’s a staple on the table. It’s wonderfully crunchy that it cackles biting into it. The crispy eel has a dark sweet soy coating leaning towards a barbecue taste.

Ramen Nagi in Manila, Philippines

January 29, 2014 by Janey

It’s called Nagi in Japan and Butao in Hong Kong. It’s Ramen Nagi in Manila, Philippines. They can take down the signage and call it the unnamed ramen place and I will still be there again and again encircling my order with a crayon on the paper menu they provide.

Coco Asian Kitchen, Asian Dishes Merge in One Kitchen at Promenade

March 10, 2011 by Janey

Bubba was the first one who tried Coco Asian Kitchen and he’s been a fan ever since. Each time we are at Promenade and need to eat somewhere quick before a movie, his first pick is always Coco Asian (that almost sounded like always Coca-Cola. Har-har.) I only got to try Coco Asian dishes last January 2011 after a very tiring day at work (and yes, this is an overdue blog post like a dozen others).

With its own semi-private seating area adjoining the order counter, Coco Asian Kitchen is located in the mini common area of Promenade along with the other restaurants. Its signage alone lighted that corner of the Promenade and boasts of dishes from cuisines of Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. It was such a bright and refreshing addition to the roster that’s already there.

On the Table

Ube Ubod PHP 120

Quite an original dish, it’s the classic Filipino “lumpiang ubod” modernized in presentation and taste. The “lumpiang ubod” pouches will never bore especially its wrapper is made out of purple yam. Interesting take on a healthy dish –unless you doused in peanut sauce.

Cha Gio PHP 90

Coco Asian Kitchen’s version of the Asian spring rolls served with onion rings.

Tom Yum PHP 90

Coco Asian’s Thai hot and sour soup with shrimps, mushrooms and fragrant herbs was quite enjoyable. It had the right balance of spice and sourness with a touch of creaminess. I was serving myself cup after cup of the Tom Yum, competing with Rowena who seemed to enjoy it as well.

Dory Ala Coco PHP 290

Breaded dory fillets tasted light on its own but wonderfully palatable with the delectable coconut cream sauce. The dory was tender but without completely falling apart and it tasted fresh.

Goat Kaldereta (Stewed Goat) PHP 260

I didn’t try this because I don’t eat goat meat but the big serving dish was completely wiped out by Carlos and his comrades at his end of the table. They said it was one of the best tomato goat stew dishes they have ever tried and would definitely be back to Coco Asian Kitchen just to order it again.

Seafood Rice PHP

Fried rice mixed with a variety of seafood like shrimps, fish and clams

Sweet Potato Prawns PHP 360

I love Tempura a lot unless I’m cutting down on my starch intake because it makes me feel so bloated right after. The Sweet Potato Prawns were an intriguing alternative when I want to sink my teeth into medium-sized prawns.

It’s certainly not your usual tempura batter that’s soft and starchy but I welcome the crunchy texture it brings to my mouth. Think cereal prawns but smoother and thinner.

Green Chicken Curry PHP 260

I think it needed more color to pop out and make it look more appetizing

Tinumok PHP 260

Similar to the famous signature Bicol dish comprised of taro leaves simmered in coconut cream, Coco Asian Kitchen’s Tinumok is minced meat wrapped delicately in layers of taro leaves. Flavorful with good textural pieces of meat and leafy vegetable, it’s so rich and creamy that it’s perfect viand for steamed white rice.

Crispy Tilapia Fillet PHP 190

Bubba is a fan of their crispy Tilapia fillet. He’d knick and knack on it until he finishes the whole plate. ‘Nuff said.

Prices indicated are the price for the regular dishes/”for sharing” size. They also have personal size or “solo” meals that already come with rice. Coco Asian Kitchen also serves Bubble Tea Boy, a contender in the Bubble Tea scene that’s taking Manila by storm. Their ingredients come from Japan and bestsellers are Harajuku and Osaka.

Abet quite happy with his Bubble Tea Boy

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With my crazy smile, it looks like I am too 😉

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BUBBLE TEA BOY – 80

Kyoto – Royal Milk Tea

Harajuku – Caramel Milk Tea

Osaka – Honey Roasted Milk Tea

Uji Matcha – Green Milk Tea

Asakusa – Strawberry Milk Tea

Hakodate – Chocolate Milk Tea

Try Coco Asian Kitchen at the Promenade, Greenhills. Whether you’re craving for a little Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian or a twist of a Filipino classic, it’s all under one reliable roof called Coco Asian Kitchen. You’d certainly have your favorites soon.

Coco Asian Kitchen / Bubble Tea Boy

FC-1 G/F The Promenade

Greenhills Shopping Center

San Juan City, Philippines

(632)

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A Glich’s Life