My eatsperience

A Long Weekend Food Trip Around Baler Aurora (+ Pantabangan)

November 16, 2025May 28, 2026Leave a comment

Every All Souls’ Day, we try to go home to Aurora to visit my late Dad and this year was no different. But instead of squeezing into traffic and stressing over parking, we decided to rent a motorcycle. Best decision ever. It made everything easier—from visiting my late Dad’s tomb, to squeezing through narrow roads, to spontaneously stopping wherever our stomachs told us to. And of course… our stomachs did a LOT of talking on this trip.

Ben’s Halo-Halo: The Signboard That Reeled Me In

Before checking in at Nalu Surf Camp, I spotted this huge, colorful sign for Ben’s Halo-Halo. I didn’t even know the brand, but apparently it’s originally from San Pablo, Laguna. The graphics on their signboard were so eye-catching that I told myself, “We have to try this later.”

Ben's Halo-halo Ice Cream Signage — *Ben’s Halo-halo Ice Cream Signage*

So after grabbing our rented motorcycle from El Dawn Surfing School near Punta Baler which by the way is PhP 800 for 24 hours, we went straight there. We ordered the Original and the Macapuno flavors (₱130 each), and they told us macapuno was their bestseller. But here’s what surprised me—the ice. It was so finely crushed it reminded me of an ice cream. Plus, the milk was already mixed in, so it was creamy from the first spoonful—unlike the usual halo-halo where you’re wrestling with ice chunks and pouring evaporated milk over a mini iceberg.

Ben's Halo-halo Ice Cream Menu — *Ben’s Halo-halo Ice Cream Menu*

The Original had that simple-but-yummy mix: leche flan ( I think), ube, macapuno, langka, corn syrup with tiny corn bits, and a few mystery additions that just worked. The Macapuno though? A bit too sweet for us, but maybe that’s because we’re not a fan of macapuno.

Ben's Original Halo-halo — *Ben’s Original Halo-halo*

Ben's Macapuno Con Yelo — *Ben’s Macapuno Con Yelo*

Still, it was the perfect “Welcome to Baler!” snack.

Gilliane’s Snack House and the Surprise Lomi Discovery

Somewhere near Quezon Park, we stumbled upon Gillian’s Snack Haus—plus a row of small stalls beside it. You can’t miss it. Just turn left from the main road if you’re coming from the town proper and it’s all right there.

Gilliane's Snack House Signage — *Gilliane’s Snack House*

The place was buzzling. Families, barkadas, locals, travelers—you name it. The prices were friendly and you could tell people actually enjoyed eating there.

Gilliane's Snack House Menu 1 — *Gilliane’s Snack House Menu 1*

Gilliane's Snack House Menu 2 — *Gilliane’s Snack House Menu 2*

Hubby ordered Beef Pares (₱110), which came with garlic rice, soup, and super spicy chili garlic. He liked alot of garlic and chunks of beef meat; for me, it leaned a little too sweet.

Beef Pares Order at Gilliane's Snack House — *Beef Pares Order at Gilliane’s Snack House*

I also grabbed Beef Mami for takeout, thinking I’d save it for later. Joke was on me—I ended up giving it to the hotel security guard because of what happened next…

The Big Bowl Lomi Story

Beside Gillian’s is another humble food stall selling Batangas Lomi. This stall deserves its own place for diners. I forgot to get their store’s name.

We ordered their Regular Lomi (₱160), expecting a normal-sized bowl… and then they handed us a bowl so big it could feed 3–4 people. We thought “Did they make a mistake?” But nope—that’s really the serving size.

The broth was thick, eggy, comforting, and loaded with toppings – like chicharon, kikiam, pork liver, squid balls, etc. The “Overload” version (₱220) uses the same bowl—just with more toppings. They also sell fried lumpiang shanghai and gulay, and it smelled so good we almost ordered, but at this point the lomi had already defeated us.

Batangas Lomi's Menu — *Batangas Lomi’s Menu*

This is why the Beef Mami I bought ended up with the friendly hotel guard. I didn’t want it to go to waste, and he happily took it.

Breakfast at Gillian’s

The next morning, guess where we went? Yup—back to Gillian’s. They were one of the few places open early.

Hubby got their “SpamSiLog” (₱80) which turned out to be ordinary luncheon meat, but the rice, soup, and fried egg made it filling. I ordered LongSiLog (PhP 80 for Pinoy sausage with fried garlic rice and egg) which was not included on the photos and Chicken Mami (₱70). Just with a few drops of chili garlic oil, it tasted so much better.

SpamSiLog from Gilliane's — *SpamSiLog from Gilliane’s*

Chicken Mami with boiled Egg at Gilliane's — *Chicken Mami with boiled Egg*

Bays-Inn Restaurant: A Familiar Restaurant

Later, when my craving for kinilaw kicked in, we headed to Akkaw Ihaw near Punta Baler—but no tuna that day. So we returned to the classic: Bays-Inn Restaurant, a place we’ve dined in multiple times already.

We ordered:

Sinuglaw (₱298) (combination of Pork Inasal and Tuna Kilawin, Sidak – their sisig + dinakdakan (₱308), Spanish Sardines Pasta Aglio Olio (₱238) plus a refreshing mango-skewer cold tea.

Bays-Inns' Sinuglaw — *Bays-Inns’ Sinuglaw*

But honestly? The Sinuglaw wasn’t as good as before. The pork inasal was too sweet, the fat-to-meat ratio wasn’t great, and the vinegar mix tasted different. Less ginger and onion than I remembered. Hubby enjoyed his Sidak though.

Bays-Inn's Sidak (Sisig + dinakdakan) — *Bays-Inn’s Sidak (Sisig + dinakdakan)*

Thankfully, the pasta and the mango tea saved the moment. Just wishing they added more parmesan cheese and crushed sardines than big pieces. It also has tomatoes and broccoli for added veggies.

Food took about an hour to arrive (long weekend woes!), so it helped that we ate light snacks beforehand.

The tea with the mango skewer was surprisingly good. The mango cubes tasted almost like pastillas—soft, sweet, and a bit sour. The tea itself was mild and slightly bland, but taking a sip and then a bite of the mango completely changed the flavor – refreshing in a unique way.

I wish I remembered the name of the drink, but the experience definitely stood out.

*Tea with Mango Skewer (forgot the name)*

Kabayan Batangas Lomi

After attending the Mass at Baler Church (San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church), we walked to a place we’d been curious about since Day 1: Kabayan Batangas Lomi. It was always full, and now we understood why.

Hubby ordered Special Lomi (₱80)—very affordable! It had 2 slices of boiled egg, crispy pork, and an eggy broth he enjoyed, though I found it thinner than the usual Batangas lomi.

I tried the Chami Special (₱80). Sweet, spicy, generous serving, and it instantly reminded me of the chami I had in Lopez, Quezon years ago. Such a nostalgic bite.

Hotel Eats: Nalu Surf Camp’s Sandbar Restaurant

At Nalu Surf Camp, we already scanned through their menu before seating and we ordered:

Sizzling Pakbet (₱195), Crispy Pako (₱175), Chicken Inasal (PhP 280), 1 serving of rice (which turned out to be huge—like 2 cups each!).

The Crispy Pako felt more like crispy breading than pako, especially compared to the rolled pako version from Baler Ortus Restaurant. It came with two dipping sauces – ranch-like sauce and sweet chili.

The Manok Inasal (PhP 280 for a quarter leg size) was on the salty and sweeter side.

Chicken Inasal with soy sauce and Atchara — *Manok Inasal with soy sauce and Atchara*

But the Sizzling Pakbet? Delicious. The alamang made all the difference and the vegetables still have their crisp texture with the right proportion of meat and fat. Small serving, but packed with flavor.

Here’s the Sandbar’s menu:

Ikigai: Not Japanese… But Quite a View

On our way home, we stopped by Ikigai, thinking it was a Japanese restaurant (because… the name). Turns out it’s a simple Filipino turo-turo. Nothing fancy with the food, but the view of Pantabangan Lake was stunning. Worth the stop.

Ikigai's Pantabangan Lake view — *Ikigai’s Pantabangan Lake view*

Wrapping Up

This short trip back home felt extra special because we got to try so many new places—but I’m convinced we wouldn’t have experienced even half of them if we didn’t rent a motorcycle. It gave us freedom to roam, stop, eat, and explore without stressing over parking—especially during a long weekend when everywhere is full.

Next time we’re back in Aurora, we’re definitely renting one again.

Another Food Adventure in Kuala Lumpur: From Yong Tau Foo to Local Snacks

November 9, 2025May 28, 2026Leave a comment

Kuala Lumpur is full of surprises for food lovers. During our trip, we explored food courts, small stalls, and Central Market, tasting everything from comforting hotpot-style soup to some desserts. Here’s a detailed account of our food journey.

Craving Yong Tau Foo at Pavilion Mall. We were craving for hotpot style but couldn’t find any at nearby hawker-style centers so when we saw Yong Tau Foo Stall at Food Republic in Pavilion Mall, we lined up immediately. The long line of customers and positive reviews for both taste and price made it an easy choice.

*Yong Tau Foo Step-by-step order with price colour tagging of ingredients*

Ordering was simple, (1) Pick your ingredients, (2) Choose a soup base then (3) Head to the sauce station. I chose their best-selling broth, but without spice, since I was sharing it with my husband. The server suggested adding sauces to adjust the flavor. We got a sweet brown sauce, a touch of red chili sauce, and crispy fried onions for topppings – a must for me!

*Hotpot ingredients: Noodles, dumplings, meat and other proteins*

The soup was light, warm, and comforting. My husband said it reminded him of ready-made hotpot soup or hotel breakfast buffet soups but nothing is special. While I preferred the soup base in Manila specifically in Divisoria Mall before the pandemic, the larger selection of ingredients here made it a satisfying meal for RM 23.50 which is also good for sharing.

*Yong Tau Foo staff preparing the orders*

Potato Corner and Being Juice. Later, we came across Potato Corner, which offers crispy squid (starts at RM 9.90) and fish tartar with chips (RM 10.90). We skipped these because we were still full from the hotpot. I’m not sure if these items are available in the Philippines now, but they looked tempting!

Potato Corner's Crispy Squid — *Potato Corner’s Crispy Squid*

Potato Corner's Fish Tartar and Chips — *Potato Corner’s Crispy Squid*

On our way back to Santa Grand Signature Hotel, we spotted Being Juice, a small beverage cart with colorful drinks and a fun-name menu. They offer alot of drink choices including Yogurt Series, Classic Smoothies and Iced Crushes. We tried the “Be Yo-Self” yogurt drink, which included mango, strawberry, raspberry, red apple, banana, and Greek yogurt. I expected it to be sour because of the berries, but it turned out mildly sweet, refreshing, and lightly tangy. For RM 14.90, it was a delicious treat.

Being Juice: Be yo-self yogurt drink — *Being Juice Drink Menu*

Empire Sushi: (supposedly for) Midnight Snack. We often passed by Empire Sushi in Pavilion Mall and noticed the long queues. On one visit, we finally decided to buy sushi for a midnight snack. I couldn’t wait and started eating as soon as we got to our hotel room. Some notes: Chopsticks were not included while Soy sauce and wasabi cost extra. Despite this, the sushi was fresh, flavorful, and had no aftertaste. The price was reasonable, not too cheap or expensive, making it a convenient and satisfying snack.

Empire Sushi Temaki — *Empire Sushi: Temaki*

Box of Empire Sushi Order: Assortment of sushi and sushi rolls — *Empire Sushi: Temaki*

Damascus Shawarma: Not Our Favorite. At Damascus in Bukit Bintang, my husband queued because the place is popular and highly rated online. We ordered a Hummus Beef Shawarma for takeaway. Unfortunately, it didn’t suit our taste. While it’s advertised as one of their best-sellers, we found it less flavorful than expected. Online reviews are mixed, and we agree with some of the negative ones. I wasn’t able to take a photo but this is hubby after paying and getting our number. Fortunately, we didn’t decide to dine in.

*Damascus at Bukit Bintang after paying and getting our queue number*

Exploring Central Market Snacks. We discovered several unique Malaysian treats at Central Market. First we had Cendol, green and grass jellies with fresh coconut milk, sweet corn, red beans, and palm sugar. It reminded me of Filipino halo-halo but simpler and less sweet. Instead of evaporated milk, they used coconut milk so the taste is unique but not similar to that of squeezed coconut milk bought in local Philippine Markets and used in viands.

Cendol's spoonfull of Ingredients — ***A cup of Cendol Drink***

Classic Tiramisu: Found at a nearby food bazaar, it had mild coffee bitterness balanced with gentle sweetness—perfectly smooth and flavorful.

Bhujia: Crispy fried noodles made from chickpea flour. I chose the mild version to share with my husband. It was less spicy and milder than the Sri Lankan version I had before, but still crispy and enjoyable. All snacks were affordable, though I don’t remember the exact prices.

A pack of Sev or Bhujia — ***Indian Snacks Stall***

McDonald’s Burger McDo: A Burger Surprise before our Flight Home. On our flight back to Manila, I craved a McDonald’s burger. Surprisingly, it came with SosCili chili sauce instead of ketchup. SosCili Chilli Sauce in McDonald’s Kuala Lumpur. I also lovedd the extra onions and pickles on my burger, so I asked for more. They generously added it at no extra cost, which was a big difference from Manila. The SosCili sauce had a perfect balance of spiciness and saltiness, elevating the burger and making it satisfying. I now hope to find this sauce locally—it would be great with burgers or other dishes.

SosCili Chilli Sauce in McDonald's Kuala Lumpur — SosCili Chilli Sauce in McDonald’s Kuala Lumpur

Final Thoughts. Our Kuala Lumpur food adventure was full of flavors, surprises, and memorable snacks. From the comforting Yong Tau Foo and fresh sushi to thirst-quencheing drink and not-so-sweet dessert, we left with happy stomachs and lots of delicious memories. Some foods didn’t suit our taste, like the shawarma, but that’s part of exploring a new city. Overall, Kuala Lumpur is one of the foodie paradise for anyone willing to explore both malls and street food gems.

Eating in Kuala Lumpur: Claypot Chicken, Laksa, Bak Kut Teh & More

October 25, 2025Leave a comment

Still in Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾 and continuing our food adventure! Over the course of a few days, we got to try several local dishes, and while not everything met our expectations, it was still a great experience overall.

Hong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice

My husband was really craving claypot chicken rice. We originally planned to visit Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice, a well-known spot with a lot of good reviews. Unfortunately, it was a bit far from where we were staying, so we made a spontaneous decision to return to Chinatown and try Hong Kee, which also had mixed reviews but was more accessible. We arrived just after lunchtime and noticed there were still a few groups dining, so we thought that was a good sign.

As soon as we were seated, a waitress promptly came to take our order. We decided to go with their best-seller—the Claypot Chicken Rice, which is also featured in their restaurant name. The serving was said to be good for 2–3 people, and we paired it with a cup of their in-house tea. The food came out fairly quickly. Our claypot dish looked promising, topped with generous bite-sized chicken pieces, just like what you’d hope to see in such a dish.

1 order of Hong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice good for 2-3 persons

Taste-wise, the rice had a strong soy-based sauce flavor, which was a bit too salty for me. Sadly, there were parts of the chicken that weren’t cooked well, which made the overall experience a little disappointing.

Bits of uncooked chicken in our claypot order

As for their tea, the taste reminded me of gulaman from back home—but without the sugar or the jelly, and with a strange aftertaste that I didn’t enjoy. My husband, on the other hand, ended up finishing most of the food—probably because he had been craving claypot for a while. Personally, it’s not a place I’d return to.

Lai Foong Restaurant

On a different day, while visiting the Central Market, we passed by Lai Foong Restaurant, a corner hawker-style place with lots of diners and multiple food stalls offering various specialties. It’s located at Kedai Kopi Lai Foong, 138, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre. I was craving laksa (being in Malaysia, how could I not?), and found only one stall selling it—Laksa Sifu, offering their Signature Curry Laksa.

When my bowl arrived, I was excited at first glance—it looked rich and full of flavor. But after my first spoonful of the broth, I felt something was missing. The soup lacked the strong coconut flavor I expected, and the toppings were unfamiliar to me—there were string beans and thick, chunky noodles that felt mismatched with the dish. The pork didn’t blend well with the taste either. Sadly, I couldn’t finish it. My husband ended up eating it while I had his Char Siu, which was also quite dry, so I didn’t bother taking a photo of it.

Samy & Min Bak Kut Teh

A more memorable experience came when we finally got to try Bak Kut Teh at Samy & Min Bak Kut Teh, located at the Food Place in Pavilion Mall. We only ordered one serving since we were still full from our hotel’s buffet breakfast. The portion was good for one to two people and came with a big cup of garlic rice, minced garlic, dipping sauce, and bite-sized fritters (deep-fried dough sticks).

We opted for the Pork Three-Layer Meat Bak Kut Teh, which was served piping hot in a pot filled with lettuce, mushrooms, and pork intestine skin. The broth was rich and flavorful—you could even eat it with rice alone. The pork was so tender that it fell apart easily, and we could cut it using chopsticks. I’m truly thankful I got to try this dish for the first time here because it really raised the bar for what I’ll expect from Bak Kut Teh in the future.

Samy & Min Bak Kut Teh - Pork Three-Layer Meat (set meal) — Samy & Min Bak Kut Teh – Pork Three-Layer Meat (set meal)

Wanjo Kg Baru

Another restaurant we tried—thanks to some online vlogs—was Wanjo Kg Baru. We didn’t really plan the visit, but after getting off the hop-on-hop-off bus, we ended up in Kampung Baru and stumbled across this place. It was already past 1 PM, and the street wasn’t busy, with only a few restaurants open. Wanjo stood out as it had that open-air feel and a decent number of afternoon diners.

Fried Chicken with Pork Lungs, boiled egg, cucumber, dilis, sambal and steamed cup of rice — Fried Chicken with Pork Lungs, boiled egg, cucumber, dilis, sambal and steamed of rice

We ordered one plate of Chicken Rendang and one of Fried Chicken, each served with a big cup of steamed rice, a few slices of cucumber, fried dilis, sambal, and boiled egg. My husband added some fried pork lungs to his meal. Between the two, I preferred the fried chicken for its flavor—there were distinct herbs and spices—but the meat itself was too dry and no longer tender. The pork lungs were also tough. The fried dilis was salty but paired nicely with rice, making it manageable. The sambal was more on the sweet side and not too spicy, which worked well as a side condiment.

Chicken Rendang with boiled egg, cucumber, dilis, sambal and steamed of rice

I couldn’t finish the chicken rendang or the rice. My husband washed down the meal with cold Milo, while I had a milk tea. One thing I noticed was that the hot drinks are cheaper than the cold ones, maybe because of the added ice? Not sure if it was just my order, but I couldn’t quite understand how vloggers gave such glowing reviews to Wanjo. For us, it was just okay. Maybe it’s one of those places that depends on what you order—or maybe we needed a camera crew with us to get the “influencer” version of the meal. Just kidding. 😅

Unfortunately, I don’t have the exact prices of our meals, but overall, the food experiences were quite mixed. Still, each one added a little something to our Kuala Lumpur trip—whether it was discovering a dish I’d happily have again or learning what to skip next time.

Little Penang Kafe – A Satisfying Escape from the Heat

September 29, 2025October 4, 2025Leave a comment

After walking around Kuala Lumpur’s popular tourist spots for some photo ops, the midday heat finally got to us. We decided to head into the air-conditioned comfort of KLCC Mall to cool down and grab lunch.

That’s when we stumbled upon Little Penang Kafe, located at No. 409-11, Level 4, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Despite a long queue outside, people were being seated quickly, so we decided to wait. My stomach was already grumbling, and seeing the happy faces of diners coming out gave us even more reason to stay.

Little Penang Cafe at KLCC Mall in Malaysia — *Little Penang Cafe at KLCC Mall*

I had been craving laksa, and one particular item caught my eye — Siamese Lemak Laksa (MYR 19.30). It was only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, which made it feel like a special weekend treat.

The broth had a rich coconut base mixed with a distinctly fishy flavor, topped with sliced cucumber, chilies, bits of pineapple and a calamansi. The noodle is firm and on a thicker side but it complements the soup. We requested mild spiciness, and it was just right — flavorful but not overwhelming. The fish flavor stood out — in a good way. It was unlike any laksa I’d tried during my 7-month stay in Singapore back in 2010, or even in the Philippines where I stay and get my laksa fix. This might be the most unique and satisfying bowl of laksa I’ve ever had since I consumed til the last drop!

An order of Siamese Lemak Laksa Bowl from Little Penang Kafe at KLCC Mall — *A bowl of Siamese Lemak Laksa*

A (spoonful) chopstick-full of Siamese Lemak Laksa Noodles with creamy broth — *A (spoonful) chopstick-full of Siamese Lemak Laksa* Noodles

We also ordered the Seafood Char Koay Teow (MYR 28.80). To be honest, I was already so in love with the laksa that this dish came second for me. But my husband really enjoyed it. I wasn’t a fan of Char Koay Teow when I tried it years ago — the version I had then had a burnt aftertaste — but this one was much better and didn’t have that issue. Also the ingredient were proportionate to its noodles.

*An order of Char Koay Teow at Little Penang Kafe*

Next up was the Chicken Satay (MYR 22.80), served with a spicy peanut sauce, along with cucumber, onion, and pineapple on the side. I’m personally more of a pork satay fan, so this didn’t stand out much for me. The peanut sauce was the best part — rich and spicy, it elevated the whole dish.

1 order of Chicken Satay with peanut sauce and side dishes: slices of cucumber, pineapple and red onions — *1 order of Chicken Satay with peanut sauce and side dishes*

For drinks, my husband got the Watermelon Juice (MYR 9.30), while I tried the Barley Drink (MYR 4.80) — and I’m glad I did! It came with floating barley grains that you could chew while sipping. It was light, refreshing, and something I’d definitely order again over the watermelon juice.

*Two glasses of Barley and Watermelon Juice*

Final Thoughts:

We’re really glad we discovered Little Penang Kafe. The food was flavorful, the atmosphere casual and comfortable, and it was the perfect spot to recharge after a hot day of sightseeing. It also made us more excited to visit Penang one day — Malaysia’s food capital — to try more authentic local dishes.

Here are the menu of Little Penang Kafe at KLCC:

Little Penang Cafe Menu 1: Chef's Recommendations — *Little Penang Cafe Menu 1: Chef’s Recommendations*

Dining at Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown: A Flavorful Food Adventure

September 23, 2025October 4, 2025Leave a comment

Chinatown is one of those places you’ll likely find in every country—and for good reason. It’s a haven for food lovers, offering an impressive variety of local and Asian cuisines. So, it’s no surprise that Kuala Lumpur’s own Chinatown is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Getting there, however, was an adventure in itself. Due to heavy traffic, we decided to walk and relied on Google Maps for directions. That turned into a bit of a workout—we found ourselves navigating up and down sloped pathways, which left us quite exhausted by the time we arrived.

Once we reached the heart of Chinatown located in Petaling Street, City Centre, we took our time strolling along the vibrant street, observing the food stalls and restaurants. Our strategy was simple: go where the queue is longest. After all, long lines usually mean good food. That’s how we ended up trying Rougamo.

Rougamo: A Chinese “Burger” to Start

We spotted some crowd gathered around a Rougamo stall. Rougamo, often referred to as the “Chinese hamburger,” is a traditional street food made with braised meat tucked into a crispy, flaky flatbread. We opted for the beef version, served hot and fresh. The flaky bread was opened like a pocket and generously filled. The first bite was satisfying—it reminded me a bit of the pepper pork bun (Hu Jiao Bing) I had at Raohe Night Market in Taiwan. However, the meat didn’t reach the bottom of the bun, so it lost a bit of its magic towards the end. Still, it was a great appetizer. Interestingly, we noticed that stalls closer to Chinatown’s main entrance sold similar Rougamo at a lower price—worth checking out next time!

Rougamo Stall at Kuala Lumpur Chinatown — *Rougamo Stall at KL Chinatown*

Main Dinner at Restoran Meng Kee Grilled Fish

From there, we made our way to Restoran Meng Kee Grilled Fish. The place stood out with its large open space and a bustling crowd, a promising sign.

*Meng Kee Grill Fish Restaurant Menu (front)*

*Airconditioned Room of Meng Kee Restaurant*

*Live seafoods of Meng Kee Grill Fish Restaurant 1*

*Live seafoods of Meng Kee Grill Fish Restaurant 2*

What we ordered:

Grilled Stingray (MYR 49.90) – The meat was firm and yellowish, likely due to turmeric seasoning. It tasted fresh, not fishy at all. The accompanying chili sauce had a nice twist with onion slices, and a squeeze of calamansi brought everything together beautifully. No wonder it’s one of their best-sellers.

*Grilled Stingray with chili- calamansi Sauce*

*Closer look at the Grilled Stingray Meat*

Sambal Cockles (MYR 26.60) – My personal favorite! The flavor was a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy, with hints of garlic and some herbs. It hit all the right notes. One order of rice isn’t enough for this cockles as the sauce is really good. Like what we usually say in Filipino “sabaw pa lang, ulam na!” I assure you, you’d want to double that cup of rice in one seating.

Sambal Cockles - sweet, sour, spicy — *Sambal Cockles*

Broccoli with Garlic (MYR 18.60) – A simple side dish, but full of flavor. The garlic-infused broth was so tasty, I could have sipped it like soup. This one was our appetizer instead of a side dish by the way as it was served first.

Grilled Chicken Wings (MYR 18.00) – A generous serving, grilled to perfection. Unfortunately, this didn’t quite hit the mark. There was an odd aftertaste that I couldn’t quite identify, and we didn’t end up finishing the serving. I personally prefer the BBQ marinade back home in the Philippines—sweeter, smokier, and more balanced in flavor.

*Closer look at the Grilled Chicken Wings with chili dipping sauce*

We also had a cup of steamed rice (MYR 2.20) and a cold beer to wash it all down. Note: Prices are based on their online menu since I lost the receipt.

Sweet Ending: Smoothies & Fresh Fruit

After our satisfying dinner, we walked around a bit and stumbled upon a small smoothie stall selling fresh fruit drinks served in a large cip. I had a smoothie made with dragon fruit and mango for just MYR 7.00—refreshing, colorful, and cheap! They offer single, double, or triple fruit combinations.

*Smoothie Choices along Kuala Lumpur Chinatown*

We also picked up fruit cups—pineapple and honeydew—for only MYR 3.00 each, significantly cheaper than what you’d find at a convenience store (around MYR 8.00). The stall had a wide variety, though unfortunately, no option for mixed fruit in one cup—something that would’ve been great.

Final Thoughts

All in all, our Chinatown food experience was both filling and memorable. Though we only sampled a few dishes, everything we tried was worth the effort (and the uphill walk!). It’s a must-visit spot for any foodie exploring Kuala Lumpur.

Weekend Food Stops in Pampanga: Worth Every Detour

September 5, 2025September 5, 2025Leave a comment

Whenever we drive from Nueva Ecija to Manila for work, we try to make the most of the trip—especially when it comes to food. If we have a couple of extra hours, we make it a point to explore eateries slightly off our usual route, guided by online reviews and a bit of curiosity. Pampanga, being a food haven, never disappoints. Over three weekends, we discovered some spots worth sharing.

1. Krishna’s Place Indian Restaurant – Indian Cravings Satisfied

Tucked along a curved street near the red-light district of Angeles City, Krishna’s Place may not look like much from the outside—a simple two-story building that’s easy to miss. But don’t let appearances fool you. This Indian restaurant serves satisfying dishes that are big on flavor without breaking the bank.

It was raining when we arrived, and the place was quiet post-lunch, so we had the ground floor to ourselves.

We started with our go-to Indian appetizer: Vegetable Samosa (₱90 for 2 pcs)—generously sized and packed with curried potatoes and greens. It came with two sauces: a spicy red one and a mild green sauce. But even without dips, the samosa was flavorful on its own.

One order of Vegetable Samosa (2 pieces) at ₱90

Next up was Pani Puri (₱150 for 10 pcs)—crispy shells filled with spiced potatoes and tamarind sauce. The flavor felt a little mild compared to the samosa, but still enjoyable.

1 order of Pani Puri at ₱150 (10 pieces)

We also had Butter Chicken (₱350) and Beef Masala (₱390)—both rich in taste and distinct in flavor. The sauces were well-balanced and didn’t just rely on spice for flavor. For the price, the portions and quality were impressive.

Beef Masala for only ₱390 — Beef Masala (₱390)

Overall, Krishna’s Place is a must-try if you’re in the mood for Indian food at affordable prices.

Empty plates at Krishna's Place Indian Restaurant — Empty plates at Krishna’s Place Indian Restaurant

2. Sisig ni Edwin sa Dau – Viral and Worth It

On our way back to Nueva Ecija, we made a quick stop at Sisig ni Edwin sa Dau, a roadside eatery that constantly pops up on social media. The place is located along the highway and doesn’t have dedicated parking, but since we came around 2–3 PM, we found a spot easily.

We ordered Pork Sisig (₱150) and Grilled Liempo (₱150). The sisig was a standout—crispy, flavorful, and served in a generous portion. Definitely lives up to the online hype. It was served on a sizzling plate so it’s hot upon serving.

The liempo was a bit salty, but it had more meat than fat, which we liked. Their sawsawan (calamansi, soy sauce, and chili) added a nice kick.

Grilled Pork Liempo on Banana Leaf (₱150)

Generous ingredients of dipping sauce: calamansi, soy sauce, vinegar, chilis

Simple, tasty, and budget-friendly—perfect for travelers looking for a quick, satisfying meal.

3. Dwaeji Galbi Restaurant – Korean Comfort Food for Sharing

Another place we tried was Dwaeji Galbi Restaurant, a Korean spot with plenty of parking (good for 8+ cars), making it easy for groups or families to stop by. The photo below did not capture the wide parking spaces.

We came here specifically for their Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) but ended up ordering a ₱1,000 set menu that included:

Jajangmyeon, Gunmandu (5 pcs fried dumplings) , Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) and Haemul Jjampong (spicy seafood noodle soup). The portions were huge—definitely good for 3–4 people.

The Jajangmyeon was delicious. The sauce was rich, slightly sweet, and had bits of corn. The noodles were chewy and springy—possibly homemade—and really made the dish stand out.

The Tangsuyuk was just okay—fried pork coated in flour, not very crispy, meat is a bit difficult to chew, and the sauce was average.

Same with the Gunmandu, which didn’t leave much of an impression. Fortunately their side dishes are good.

Side dishes / Banchan: Fishcake, kimchi,  Danmuji or yellow pickled radish and Cucumber Kimchi — Side dishes / Banchan: Fishcake, kimchi,
Danmuji or yellow pickled radish and Cucumber Kimchi

The Haemul Jjampong had a flavorful, spicy broth (more manageable for me than for my husband) and came with a decent mix of shrimp, mussels, small crabs and squid. Again, the noodles here were the highlight—firm, chewy, and comforting.

Note: The restaurant only has two comfort rooms – 1 for men and 1 for women, so it might get crowded during peak hours. But with large serving sizes and good food, it’s a solid choice for groups or anyone craving Korean noodles.

Final Thoughts

These weekend food stops made our regular drives more exciting and delicious. From Indian comfort food and viral sisig to Korean noodle favorites, Pampanga continues to surprise with its range of culinary gems.

These places may not be fancy, but they offer real, satisfying food at reasonable prices. If you’re passing through and have time for a quick detour, these spots are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re craving bold spices, grilled Pinoy favorites, or Korean noodles—Pampanga has something tasty waiting for you.

Looking for Something New: Our Ramen Wave Experience

August 28, 2025Leave a comment

My husband and I were in the mood for something different, preferably somewhere near Pioneer Corner Supermarket. We didn’t want to get stuck in traffic or deal with crowded spots, so we thought of checking out the food options near the grocery area—where Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things used to be.

To our surprise, the place had completely changed! It made us realize just how long it’s been since we last visited.

We checked a few restaurant menus, and one place stood out: Ramen Wave. There were already diners seated outside, which caught our attention. Curious, we peeked inside and saw even more people enjoying their meals. Then it started drizzling, so we took it as a sign to give the place a try.

Upon entering, we noticed the indoor setup was quite unique. Most of the tables were designed for solo dining, with high partitions that block your view of other diners. There’s a small sliding window in front of each seat—so if you want to see the person across from you, you’ll have to open it. It kind of reminded us of computer shops, where you’re in your own little space unless you lean sideways.

Outside, the tables cater more to groups—perfect for families or friends who want to chat and share meals without any dividers. There are also high chairs inside for side-by-side seating without partitions, but you’ll need to let the staff know your preference.

Since all the other seats were taken, we ended up in one of the partitioned booths and just opened the window in front of us to chat.

The interior also features a large menu board on the right as you enter, and beside it are black T-shirts with cute prints that are also for sale.

At the table, everything was already neatly arranged—chopsticks, a large ramen spoon, chili oil, red pepper powder, tissues on the right, and a stainless cup with a pitcher of room-temperature water on the left.

*Right of your table: chopsticks, a large ramen spoon, chili oil, red pepper powder, tissues on the right*

Ramen Wave's mini reception area — *Ramen Wave’s mini reception area*

*Sliding window to view the diner infront*

stainless cup with a pitcher of room-temperature water on the left. — *Stainless cup with a pitcher of room-temperature water on the left*

*Right side display of the partitioned dining booth*

Ramen Wave offers affordable Japanese food with good variety.

Among what we ordered, I liked the Katsu Curry the most. The curry sauce really brought out the flavor of the katsu — without it, the meat would’ve tasted a bit plain. The curry isn’t spicy at all, so it’s easy to enjoy, and you’ll want to scoop up every bit of the sauce. The katsu itself was tender, and the shredded cabbage on the side was fresh and crunchy.

The Karaage was also good. It had a light crunch on the outside with soft, juicy meat inside — and it’s boneless, which is a plus. The piece which was cut into smaller bite size were quite big. The breading wasn’t too thick, which we appreciated compared to other karaage we’ve tried before.

We also tried the Tonkotsu Ramen. The broth was flavorful and served at a manageable temperature — not too hot, but I personally prefer it a bit hotter. The noodles were firm, not soggy, which I really liked.

As for the Gyoza, it tasted like most gyoza, but it stood out because it had more meat inside and a nice chewy texture.

Overall, Ramen Wave is “sulit” (worth it) for the price, and we’ll definitely come back.

Here’s a clearer view of their menu from their Facebook Page:

*Ramen Wave Menu (clearer view form their FB Page).*

A Flavor-Packed Stop at The Coffee Library (San Fernando La Union)

August 2, 2025Leave a comment

I first heard about The Coffee Library from my father-in-law — he kept talking about how amazing their Tuna Steak was. So during our trip to San Juan, La Union (ElYu), we spotted their branch near a 7-Eleven. The café looked inviting, but parking was tight, so we skipped it.

On our way back, his kumpare mentioned another branch in San Fernando, tucked beside a SeaOil gas station. We got lucky with parking after lunch, so we finally gave it a go.

What We Ordered:

Cheese Burger (₱270)
Tuna Steak (₱300)
Baby Back Ribs (₱315)
Creamy Shrimp & Tuna Pasta (₱280)
Vietnamese Caphe Sua Da – Iced Milk Coffee (₱145)

The Coffee Library: 🍔 Cheese Burger

This burger didn’t feel like your usual fast-food kind — the patty was thick, juicy, and had a light char that gave it a smoky edge. The bun was soft but sturdy, not overly airy, and it balanced the meat well. What stood out? The white onions — they had a natural sweetness and umami that played perfectly with the crisp lettuce and tomatoes. Plus, there was a savory-sweet sauce (maybe from the meat juices?) that gave it that extra “what-is-this-it’s-so-good” flavor.

The Coffee Library: 🍖 Baby Back Ribs

A plate of baby back ribs served with a mound of white rice and a fresh salad containing lettuce, diced mango and strawberries, cucumber, and tomatoes. — *Baby Back Ribs served with a side of rice and fresh salad*

The meat was fall-off-the-bone in some parts, though a few bites near the bone needed extra effort. It was well-marinated with a rich, slightly smoky-sweet BBQ glaze. What really surprised me was the side salad — a refreshing mix of sweet mangoes, tangy strawberries, crisp lettuce, sesame seeds, raisins, and a tropical mango dressing. It felt like a mini “fresh” dessert on the side.

The Coffee Library: 🍝 Creamy Shrimp and Tuna Pasta

A plate of Creamy Shrimp and Tuna Pasta topped with shrimps, garnished with a basil leaf, served with two slices of grilled bread. — *A plate of Creamy Shrimp and Tuna Pasta topped with shrimps, garnished with basil leaf, served with two slices of grilled bread.*

This dish nailed the balance — creamy but not cloying (no “umay”), with a subtle seafood flavor from both shrimp and tuna. The shrimp brought that briny sweetness, while the tuna added depth. A little chili on top will give it a nice kick. I expected it to be heavy, but it was surprisingly light and flavorful from start to finish.

The Coffee Library: 🐟 Tuna Steak

A plated meal featuring a grilled tuna steak garnished with green onions, accompanied by a serving of white rice and colorful vegetables including green beans, potato and carrot. — *A plated meal featuring a tuna steak garnished with green onions, accompanied by a serving of white rice and colorful vegetables including green beans, potato and carrot.*

No fishy smell at all — even without lemon! The tuna was tender, moist inside, and had a clean, mild ocean flavor. The seasoning was simple, letting the freshness of the tuna shine. I now understand why both my father-in-law and his kumpare were raving about this dish.

The Coffee Library: ☕ Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Caphe Sua Da)

Vietnamese Coffee Caphe Sua Da (Iced Milk Coffee) at P145 — *Vietnamese Coffee Caphe Sua Da (Iced Milk Coffee)*

I had high hopes since I missed the one I tried in Vietnam. This one had that sweetened condensed milk richness, but the coffee wasn’t as bold or intense as I remembered. It leaned more on the sweet-milky side than the deep roasted flavor. Still refreshing, though the cup felt a bit small for the price.

✅ Final Verdict: The Coffee Library is worth the stop. Great flavors, decent prices, and a few standout dishes that are truly memorable. I’d happily go back to explore more from their menu — and maybe order that Tuna Steak again for myself.

Menu board featuring various coffee and beverage options, including Vietnamese coffee, iced coffee, blended beverages, fresh juices, smoothies, and tea with prices listed. — *The Coffee Library Menu board featuring various coffee and beverage options*

Menu board displaying various food options at The Coffee Library, including appetizers, salads, pasta, sandwiches, rice meals, pizza, and desserts, along with their prices. — *Menu board of various food options at The Coffee Library*

The Coffee Library counter featuring a modern espresso machine, various coffee supplies, and a bartender preparing drinks. — *The Coffee Library counter*

A Return to Comfort Food: Charlie Wanton Special in Mandaluyong City

May 17, 2025May 27, 2026Leave a comment

We just can’t get enough of Chinese food—our cravings brought us from the streets of Binondo all the way to Mandaluyong for a visit to Charlie Wanton Special. It’s a spot we’ve dined at many times before, and clearly, we’re not the only ones who keep coming back. Located just a few blocks from José Rizal University, Charlie’s has become a go-to for many, which makes finding a seat (and a parking spot!) more of a challenge these days.

Luckily, on this visit, just when we thought we’d have to skip dinner again due to the full house and tight parking, a staff member pointed us to their newly opened gated parking across the street—just past the nearby car wash. A small win that turned our night around.

Additional parking slots for Charlie Wanton Customers

Inside the extended parking slot of Charlie Wanton Customers

Once seated, we quickly ordered our favorites: the Beef Wanton Mami Special is always a must. The broth is rich and comforting, perfect for when you’re hungry and craving something warm. They even serve it with two extra bowls of soup, making the meal even more satisfying.

Closer look to Beef Wanton Mami + Soup — Beef Wanton Mami + Soup

We also tried their Green Chicken Curry Rice Bowl, which looked promising and came in a big, shareable serving. While it had generous toppings and came out piping hot (we had to poke holes in the rice just to release the steam!), I found the flavor a bit mild for my taste. A little more spice—or maybe a few green chilies—could’ve given it that curry kick I was looking for. I ended up bringing it home and tweaking it a bit.

We originally wanted the Tofu with Lechon, but by 7:30 PM on a Sunday, it was already sold out. As a backup, we went for the Fried Pinsec—crispy little bites of minced pork wrapped in wonton skin and deep fried to perfection. We didn’t even need the dipping sauce; it was that flavorful. My husband almost polished off the whole plate!

Here’s the pricelist of our orders:

Chicken Curry Rice (₱285) – big portion, but again, mild on spice.
Beef Wanton Mami Special (₱350) – still a winner.
Tofu with Lechon (₱350) – when available, a must-try!
Fried Pinsec (₱300) – our unexpected favorite
Asado Siopao (₱95) and Bola-Bola Siopao Special (₱130)

Both siopaos are massive and delicious. The asado had just the right balance of dough and filling, not too sweet. The bola-bola, with its thick meat filling and salted egg, was still delicious the next day, reheated on top of rice in the rice cooker.

Overall, our return to Charlie’s Wanton reminded us why we keep coming back. The food is comforting, the servings generous, and the experience always satisfying—even if you have to circle the block a few times for parking.

Plan your orders ahead with this menu copies:

Quick Bites at Ongpin St., Binondo Manila

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025Leave a comment

We kicked off our Binondo food trip bright and early, leaving Mandaluyong at 5:30 AM to make sure we arrived before the streets got too crowded. By 6:30 AM, we were standing in front of the historic Binondo Church, its centuries-old façade glowing softly under the morning light.

Our first stop was Chuan Kee Turu-Turo, a well-loved eatery known for its classic Chinese-Filipino dishes. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t open until 7 AM, so we returned to the church and joined the peaceful rosary prayer, taking in the quiet serenity before our food adventure began.

As soon as Chuan Kee opened, we hurried back to find early diners already. We ordered their Kikiam, Soup No. 5, and Chicken with Cucumber Xiao Long Bao (the green one). The kikiam came with s few slices of pickled radish and a sweet, slightly sticky sauce, but tasted fine even without it.

The Xiao Long Bao was an unexpected treat. Despite the “cucumber” in its name, it had no overpowering cucumber taste, just a light, healthy balance of flavors. The dough has the right thickness, complementing the savory chicken filling. I eagerly took a sip of the rich, steamy broth inside—only to burn my tongue! But it was worth it.

10 pieces per order of Xiao Long Bao (ate 1 already)

Chicken with Cucumber Xiao Long Bao at ₱240

Finally, the Soup No. 5, a dish infamous for its supposed aphrodisiac properties, had a deep, rich flavor that I preferred over the one served at Café Mezzanine upstairs. There are chunks of beef also though it’s on the pricey side for a small bowl (₱400). Until now I’m still wondering who named and what is the idea behind calling it Soup Number 5.

Here are other dishes you can order at Chuan Kee Fast Food.

Chuan Kee Turu-turo Menu 2 — Chuan Kee Turu-turo Soup Dimsum Dish Menu

From there, we walked toward Wong Kei, a small stall made noticeable by the piles of nearly dried sugarcane stacked beside it. The fresh sugarcane juice (₱100) was a bit pricey but refreshingly sweet with their clever marketing touch—a sticker that read “I Love Wong Kei” on the straw.

Along with our drinks, we ordered a variety of grilled barbecues: Rice Cake, Tofu, Sausage, and Veggie Balls (₱50 per stick). The tofu and veggie balls stood out the most, their soft, while the rice cake has a slightly chewy texture resembling tikoy. The sausage, however, was surprisingly bland—good thing the sauce and seasoning saved it, I mean all of it!

Wong Kei Barbecues: Rice Cake, Tofu, Sausage, Veggie Balls (₱200)

A short walk along Ongpin Street led us to the famous Lord Stow’s Bakery, its inviting aroma of freshly baked pastries drawn us in. A foreigner was filming a vlog about their egg tarts as we entered, adding to the store’s bustling charm. It’s a small eatery with a few chairs serving coffee, pasta and more. We got a box of six egg tarts (₱320) and upon our first bite, I understood the hype. The flaky crust gave way to a smooth, creamy custard that was perfectly balanced—not too sweet with enough softness. If I weren’t trying to cut down on sugar, I could have easily devoured the whole box!

To Go: Lord Stow’s Bakery 6 pieces Egg Tart (₱320)

Nearby, we made a stop at Shanghai Fried Siopao Shop, a no-frills stall selling at ₱35 per piece of fried siopao. The size is slightly small (similar to what we buy at 7-11 Convenience Store) that looked liked it was steamed first then pan-fried at the bottom. It had a mix of pork and chicken filling on my taste, with bits of fresh onions that added a natural sweetness. It didn’t come with sauce but it wasn’t dry either. Still, I wished I had something to drizzle over it.

We also grabbed a plain Bichu (₱35), a large, deep-fried treat that had a light hint of saltiness but wasn’t greasy even when consumed after hours of our trip to Nueva Ecija. It turned slightly soggy, but it was still delicious.

Other food items you can buy at Shanghai Fried Sioapo Shop was siomai, buchi, hopia and more.

We then passed by Oishiekun Chinese Bites, where we couldn’t resist trying their Milky Bichu (₱70)—yes, another Bichu, but this one was coated in sweet milk powder, just like the ones in 90’s ice scrambles! Though it was smaller than the plain Bichu, it was still big enough to share, and they even cut it into bite-sized pieces and provided sticks to keep our hands clean. Hours later, it had gone a bit stale, but the sweet, milky flavor still held up.

Oishiekun Chinese Bites Milky Bichu pack — Oishiekun Chinese Bites: Milky Bichu pack

Other Chinese Snacks are sold in this store so check out the menu below.

While wandering through the narrow Carvajal Street, we stumbled upon Lian Niang Restaurant, a hidden gem tucked away in an alley. We decided to try their Pan-Fried Dumplings (₱200) and Beef Noodles (₱250). The dumplings were fantastic—crispy on the bottom yet soft and juicy inside, almost like a pan-fried xiao long bao. However, after waiting over 30 minutes for the beef noodles, we found out our order was never placed! In hindsight, it was a blessing since we were already too full to enjoy it.

Lao Niang Restaurant’s Takeout/Takeaway Menu

8 pieces Lao Niang Restaurant’s Pan Fried Dumpling (₱200)

Just a few steps away, we tried the famous Puo Hing Fresh Lumpia, but it wasn’t for me. It had sugar granules in the filling making it too sweet, and lacked garlic, which I usually love in fresh lumpia. I still prefer Aboy’s Fresh Lumpia from SM Megamall.

Our final stop was Mixue Ice Cream Shop on Dasmariñas Street, a random discovery while searching for something to quench our thirst. The store had cute snowman (Snow King) products displayed and I regret not trying their ice cream. Instead, we ordered a Peach Earl Grey Tea, which had just the right amount of sweetness with fruit bits—a refreshing way to end our food crawl.

Looking back, we barely scratched the surface of what Chinatown has to offer. There’s still so much to try, so I guess another Binondo food trip is definitely in order!

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