Entries Tagged 'Ortigas' ↓

10 Reasons to Visit TENYA in SM Megamall

Preceded by the tonkatsu, curry, and ramen, another Japanese food staple has come to the Philippines – Tenya’s authentic Japanese Tendons!

Having started by Mr. Yoshio Iwashita in 1989 through his first outlet in Yaesu underground mall at Tokyo Station, Tenya has grown to be one of the famous restaurant chains in Japan known for high quality tendon and tempura at a good price.

Their first foray into the Philippine market is a 50-seater restaurant at the bridgeway of SM Megamall‘s 3rd floor. We’ve visited the restaurant and tried some of their dishes 2 weeks ago.

Tenya Restaurant

Tenya Tendon Restaurant in SM Megamall

What is Tenya’s Tendon

Tendon is a culinary tradition from Asakusa, Tokyo which is short for tempura donburi (rice bowl). It is composed of battered, deep fired seafood, meat, or vegetables with Japanese steam rice drizzled with Tenya’s secret donator sauce and served miso soup.
All Star Tendon

All Star Tendon

Here’s NomNom Club‘s 10 flavorful reasons why should visit Tenya as well:

1. Black Tiger Prawns

Tenya uses Black Tiger Prawns (Suahe) raised with sanitary aquaculture practices assuring a sweet, succulent, and juicy product.

2. All Star Tendon (P325)

A bowl of mouthwatering black tiger prawns, squid, salmon, kani stick, green beans and mushroom tempuras perfectly complemented by steaming hot Japanese rice and Tenya’s signature Dontare sauce.

Classic Tempura Teishoku

Classic Tempura Teishoku

3. Infrared Automatic Fryer

Good food nowadays are not just a result of good recipe and cooking, it can get a boost from technology as well. Tenya tempura dishes are cooked using specially developed automatic fryer powered by infrared heat technology for quick and consistently fried tempura.

4. Classic Tempura Teishoku

A Japanese set meal classic. Served with Japanese rice, potato salad, miso soup, tempura sauce, radish, ginger, and pickles.

Isobe Cheese

Isobe Cheese (P 185)

5. Asakusa Special Tendon (P295)

Big succulent black tiger prawns (3) and green beans, battered and deep-fried to perfection with a hint of Tenya’s signature Dontare sauce, served on top of steaming Japanese rice.

6. Isobe Cheese (P185)

Cheddar cheese wrapped in roasted seaweed and tempura fried.

Buta Kimuchi Tendon

Buta Kimuchi Tendon (P295)

7. Buta Kimuchi Tendon

Big slices of perfectly cooked pork belly (3) served with Japanese Kimuchi and authentic steaming hot Japanese rice.

8. All Star Soba

This is like your ALL Star Tendon but with Soba! High quality soba and udon imported from Japan. Served with choice of hot or cold udon or soba., Japanese rice, tempura sauce, radish, leeks, ginger, and noodle soup.

All Star Soba

All Star Soba (although this photo has the Asakusa Special Tendon)

Popsciles & Cheesecake!

Popsciles & Cheesecake!

9. Popsicles & Cheesecakes for Dessert

The photo says it all! 🙂 I was reminded of Uncle Tetsu’s Cheesecakes here while the posicles are perfect for summer here in the Philippines.

10. Secret Dontare Sauce

As if Tenya’s tendon is not enough by itself, each tendon is made even more special with their secret dontare sauce.The sweet flavour is a perfect combination for the tempura and rice.
So I hope those Ten Tenya Reasons are good enough to make you salivate and try Tenya Tendon Restauran in SM Megamall soon! 🙂
Kids Meal

They also have a Kid’s Meal with Yakult for your little ones. 🙂

Tenya Restaurant SM Megamall

Tenya Restaurant @ SM Megamall

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Aside from Japan and the Philippines, Tenya Restaurant also operates in Thailand and Indonesia.

It Feels A Little More Like Christmas @ Figaro Shangri-La Mall!

My wife and I frequent the old Figaro Coffee shop in Shangri-La Mall. So when we got news that a new one has opened a few weeks ago, we made sure to visit the new place.

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KyoChon Redefines Korean Fried Chicken in the Philippines

Surely you have tasted at least one of the more known Korean fried chicken brands in the Philippines. Top of mind may most probably be BonChon, 4Fingers, or even the one from Kogi Bulgogi.

Kyochon Philippines

Kyochon Philippines

But barely 6 weeks in the Philippines, new player Kyochon have been making waves based from both customer reviews and media feedback for its double fried chickenKyochon Chicken. NomNom Club was able to try ’em first hand a few weeks ago.

Kyochon Chicken

Kyochon Original

Kyochon Original

Their star offering, are of course – the Kyochon Chicken. It is offered in four (4) variant series – Original (Kyochon series), Honey (Honey series), Spicy (Red series), and the Soonsal series.

The first variant is a crunchy and crispy chicken with a light taste of garlic and soy which is a good starting point if you’d like to eventually try all four.

Honey Series

Honey Series

The second one is my personal favorite. The honey series is the sweetest among the four because of the honey glaze sauce covering its crispy chicken skin. Did you know that the chicken is marinated for 24 hours in a special seasoning then fried and coated with natural honey sauce?

The third variant is for spicy-chicken lovers. It uses Kyochon’s original hot sauce made from Korea’s hottest red chili peppers. Surprisingly, I liked this as well because its level of spiciness was tolerable and just right for my taste.

Red / Spicy

Red / Spicy

Finally, the Soonsal series is a special rice-battered, boneless and skinless breast-thigh meat. It comes with a choice of 3 dipping sauces. Among the four, I think it’s the KyoChon honey chicken which would click with Filipinos because of it’s sweeter profile.

Soonsal Series

Soonsal Series

Kyochon Philippines Chicken Prices

For WINGS, a ‘small‘ order consists of 5 pcs of chicken and costs P149. The ‘medium‘ order has 10 pcs at P290 while the ‘large‘ order with 20pcs is at P540.

For DRUMSTICK, a ‘small‘ order consists of 2 pcs of chicken and costs P149. The ‘medium‘ order has 4 pcs at P290 while the ‘large‘ order with 8pcs is at P540.

Tip: Cost-wise for both wings and drumsticks, the small and medium orders are similar. You can only save with the large order.

The Soonsal pricing is similar to the drumsticks as indicated above. Other soonsal variant includes Soy Soonsal, Soonsal Ricebowl, and Soonsal Salad.

Kyochon Salad with Blueberry Sauce

Kyochon Salad with Blueberry Sauce

Kyochon Chicken Arrives in the Philippines

Kyochon Chicken Arrives in the Philippines

Kyochon Chicken Sauces

A particular Kyochon difference I noticed from other Korean fired chicken in the market would be its sauces. Kyochon Chicken are more moist and sauce-heavy in the glaze which is a good thing. The Original Kyochon series sauce is a mix of garlic and soy while the Honey series uses real honey. The Red series uses domestically grown red pepper concentrate

Potato Wedges

Potato Wedges

Other Kyochon Dishes

The other Kyochon dishes we were able to try were the salad with blueberry sauce (P120++), wedge potato (P150) and Kimchi Fried Rice (P99).

They also serve Barley, Corn, Green, and Sparkling Tea at P70. The barley tea I was able to try was plain and simple. If you want your drink without the fancy mix, then they’re for you.

They also serve beers like San Mig Light, Pale Pilsen, and Premium SMB at P65.

Perhaps I’d try their Chili Chicken Steak Rice and Galbi Chicken Steak Rice, both priced at P280, in my next visit.

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice

Lastly, I highly recommend KyoChon’s combo meals. They are wallet-friendly considering that it’s a served restaurant and not fast-food:

  • Combo 1 10pcs wings + salad + 2 rice + 2 drinks = P549
  • Combo 2 20pcs wings + salad + 4 rice + 4 drinks = P999
Barley Tea

Barley Tea (right) & Green Tea (left)

Kyochon: From South Korea to the Philippines

Kyochon SM Megamall

Kyochon SM Megamall

Kyochon started in South Korea as early as 1991. With a tagline “Chicken Like You Never Had Before,” Kyochon Korea has established its iconic Kyochon Chicken.

KyoChon Philippines strategically choose to open its first branch in SM Megamall, in particular at building B which houses the newest mall wing – the Mega Fashion Hall. In fact, it was part of the recent Mega Food Tour as curated by top blogger Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet.

Kyochon Industrial Interiors

Kyochon Industrial Interiors

Moreover, SM Megamall is situated at the center of Metro Manila, not too far from Makati, and still considerably reachable from Quezon City.

The Kyochon Promise

Kyochon Philippines Prices

Kyochon Philippines Prices

Kyochon offers three core promises. The first of which is that they offer good dining experience because they “are not fast-food“. This is followed by their commitment to serve only good and healthy chicken. And finally, the use of all natural ingredients so you can be assured that their pickled radish does not contain lacier acetic acid, sodium saccharine, and no MSG.

Kyochon Chicken is double fried with thin batter resulting to a less greasy and light taste made rich with its various sauce. We highly recommend it specially the Honey Chicken.

KyoChon Korean Fried Chicken

The 4 Kyochon Korean Fried Chicken Series

Kyochon Philippines might be a late-comer when compared to its competitors but I think they just elevated the standard for Korean fried chicken in the Philippines. Have you tried Kyochon in SM Megamall? Share with us your feedback and review in the comment section below.

Top 10 Restaurants From My Mega Food Tour

Lugang Cafe Restaurant

Arabian Coffee Maker @Lugang Cafe

16 restaurants, 4 hours, 1 stomach. That in a summary, is how you would describe in numbers the SM Megamall “Mega Food Tour” held the other night at the new wing called Mega Fashion Hall. It almost broke my 18-restaurant- food-tour record back in 2009. 🙂

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The Cheezified & Baconized Blog Post

KFC Cheezy Bacon Fest

KFC Cheezy Bacon Fest

No flowery words needed, cheezified and baconized blogs will do. Or better yet, have some cheezified fries and baconized burgers!

Well, you can even have ’em both with the new KFC Cheezified & Baconized offerings!

Cheezy Bacon Pasta Bowl (P80)

Cheezy Bacon Pasta Bowl (P80)

Drizzle cheese and sprinkle bacon to literally anything and it automatically becomes a crowd favorite!

Pessimist? Then try KFC PhilippinesCheezy Bacon Fest and give in to your insatiable craving as the KFC Rice Bowl (top photo) and KFC Pasta Bowl are indulged with creamy cheese sauce and helpings of smoky bacon.

It turns into the Cheezy Bacon Rice Bowl (P90) and Cheezy Bacon Pasta Bowl (P80), respectively. Have your KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken Fillet covered with Cheese Sauce and Bacon bits on top.

Moreover, KFC snacks such as the Twister (P85), Chik’n Fillet, Bucket of Fries and the Zinger were also delightfully cheezified and baconized.

 

Cheezy Bacon Zinger

Cheezy Bacon Zinger (P105) – KFC’s Original Zinger with Sliced Cheese and Bacon Strips

Cheezy Bacon Chik’n Fillet

Cheezy Bacon Chik’n Fillet (P50) – Original Recipe Chicken Fillet sandwich with Cheese Sauce and Bacon Bits

 

Cheezy Bacon Bucket of Fries (P75)

Cheezy Bacon Bucket of Fries (P75)

NomNom Club‘s favorite though is the Cheezy Bacon Bucket of Fries where the signature KFC Fries is loaded with Cheese Sauce and Bacon Bits for P75. I bet you’ll surely enjoy this.

My second favorite is how the classic mashed potato was made more enjoyable with cheese sauce and bacon bits as toppings. The Cheezy Bacon Mashed Potato costs P29 for the regular size and P49 for the large one.

Cheezy Bacon Mashed Potato

Cheezy Bacon Mashed Potato

Cheezify & Baconize Anything

You can actually go beyond the above-mentioned KFC meals and snacks and go about cheezifying and baconizing anything on the KFC menu according to your fancy for an additional P30.

As you can see, I tried adding some cheese and bacon bits to my favorite blueberry krushers (I called it Blue Bacon)! It wasn’t actually my best idea but hey, I am adventurous enough to try something wild! YOLO! 😛

Cheezified & Baconized Blueberry Krushers

Cheezified & Baconized Blueberry Krushers

You can come up with your own crazy combinations as well! Check KFC on Twitter/Facebook @KFCPhilippines / www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines for some crafty ideas.

Which KFC snack or meal, do you think would be possible to cheezify or baconize? 🙂

 

A Cool Journey with the New Starbucks Frappuccino: Dark Mocha & Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding

It’s a journey from East to West as Starbucks Philippines introduces a cool twist to their Green Tea and Dark Mocha Frappuccino – they infused it with White Chocolate Pudding!

Starbucks Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding Frappuccino

Starbucks Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding Frappuccino

Green Tea & Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding Starbucks Frappuccino

Starting today, all Starbucks Philippines store will be offering their newest pair of blended beverage called Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding Starbucks Frappuccino and the Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding Starbucks Frappuccino.

Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding Starbucks Frappuccino

I love the added soft and chewy texture of the white chocolaty pudding to the Green Tea Frappuccino which lends it an extra decadent taste to the oriental take of the Green Tea Frap.

Topped with whipped cream, a Tall serving is at P 180 while the Grande is at ₱190. Venti comes at P200. I say get the Venti with a small addition to maximize the enjoyment,

Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding Starbucks Frappuccino

At first thought, the White Chocolate Pudding Dark Mocha Frap would sound like an overdose of chocolate. Given the dark mocha frap, adding more chocolate, albeit white, seem to be overdoing it.

Starbucks Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding Frappuccino

Starbucks Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding Frappuccino

But hold that judgement and test it to the taste. I was not disappointed as the beverage came out to be a good combination as well. If you think about it, the white chocolate pudding is soft and does not provide an overwhelming white chocolate taste hence complementing the dark mocha in a good way.

Chocolate lovers would find the combination of the dark chocolate and smooth white chocolate pudding to satisfy their chocolate cravings. It is also combined with Starbucks roast coffee, dark cocoa, chocolate chips, and milk blended with ice and topped with whipped cream and chocolate powder.

P10 more than the Green Tea counterpart, the Dark Mocha variant costs : Tall – P190, Grande- ₱200, Venti – ₱210)

Newest Starbucks Frappuccinos with White Chocolate Pudding

Newest Starbucks Frappuccinos with White Chocolate Pudding

Verdict:

As much as the Dark Mocha is good, I’m settling for my good ‘ol refreshing Green Tea frap enhanced by the goodness of my white chocolate pudding.

Try it now as it is only available from today until September 9, 2013.

Buy One, Get One

Check out Starbucks Philipines’ Facebook App: SNAP OF THE WEEK from today until August 8, 2013 (my birthday) where fans will be asked to upload photos based on a weekly theme via the Facebook application.

Chosen photos will be winners of various Starbucks items and merchandise.

Starbucks Philipines is also now on Instagram! Check them out at @OfficialStarbucksPH. I’m at @JonelUy. 🙂

But wait, there’s more! 🙂

Starbucks Dark Mocha and Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding Frappuccino Blended Beverages is offered today on Buy One, Get One promo only from 2pm to 5pm in any Starbucks store in the philippines!

New Starbucks Frappuccino: Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding and Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding

New Starbucks Frappuccino: Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding and Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding

So which one is your favorite Starbucks Frappuccino – the Green Tea White Chocolate Pudding or the Dark Mocha White Chocolate Pudding?

 

Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble & Red Bean Green Tea Are Back!

After almost a year now when it last came out, Starbucks’ Red Bean Green Tea Frappuccino is back together with another Starbucks returning favorite – the well-loved Mocha Cookie Crumble Frap.

Starbucks Red Bean Green Tea Frappuccino

Starbucks Red Bean Green Tea Frappuccino

For the unfortunately unfamiliar, the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frap combines the goodness of Starbucks’ signature roast coffee and the classic Mocha Frappuccino® Blended Coffee. Add to that the lovely chocolate cookie bits.

Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble

Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble

It is made with rich mocha sauce, vanilla syrup, milk and ice, topped with chocolate whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and a dash of cookie crumble. Price starts at P170 for the tall size, P180 for grande, and P190 for venti.

Now, for my second all-time favorite (after Hojicha Tea Jelly) Red Bean Green Tea Frap blended beverage – it is your traditional finely-milled green tea called matcha combined with whole kernels of red azuki beans.

The invigorating combination of green tea with the sweet- savory azuki beans give this beverage a rich distinct flavor that will be loved by everyone from children to adults.

Starbucks Broccoli And Mushroom Quiche

Starbucks Broccoli And Mushroom Quiche

It is slightly cheaper that the Mocha Cookie Crumble at  P160 for Tall, P170 for Grande, and P180 for Venti.

Starbucks Food Items

Starbucks also came up with new food items including the Blueberry- Licious Cheesecake, German Pretzel, Grandma’s Classic Meatloaf On Brioche Bread, and Broccoli And Mushroom Quiche.

However, so far, we were only able to try the Broccoli And Mushroom Quiche(P95). Flavorful and packed with eggs, the unsweetened pastry combination of mushrooms and broccoli did not disappoint.

Starbucks Red Bean Green Tea Frap

Starbucks Red Bean Green Tea Frap

The quiche goes well with both Starbucks returning favorite beverages mentioned above which are completely customizable as well. Make sure to try them soon as these beverage offering will last until July 14, 2013 only.

Pizza for Lent: Angel’s Shrimp & Margherita PIzza

Garlic Shrimp Pizza

Garlic Shrimp Pizza

Lent is just a week away! Aside from the fact that Filipinos are again anticipating a long vacation courtesy of the Philippine holidays 2013, the religious are also observing certain traditions including veering away from eating meat.

And Angel’s Pizza has prepared something interesting for their clientele for this season - Garlic Shrimp Pizza and Margherita Pizza!

The new Garlic Shrimp Pizza is oozing with mozzarella cheese with a spread of real shrimp. The combination might not be the usual but its surely worth a try specially for seafood pizza lovers.

The medium size pizza is P329; the family size is P470 and big family is P556.

Shrimp on a bed of mozarella cheese

Shrimp on a bed of mozarella cheese

Ange;'s Pizza - Garlic Shrimp

Angel’s Pizza – Garlic Shrimp

The second one got the better of the health-conscious me – the Margherita Pizza! Perhaps due to the basil leaves, this classic Italian pizza was customized the Angel’s Pizza way. It’s cheaper than the Garlic Shrimp pizza as well. 😛

Be sure to have it hot out-of-the-oven for your ultimate enjoyment of the crispy crust. The medium size Margarita pizza is P297; the family size is P416 and big family is P491.

Angel's Margherita Pizza

Angel’s Margherita Pizza

Moreover, you might as well check out the new variants of the calzone and the soon-to-be-released Angel’s Pizza Club Card.

Angel's Pizza Club Card and a New Calzone Variant

Angel’s Pizza Club Card and a New Calzone Variant

 Try these new two pizza flavors and more and have them delivered this Lenten season by calling the Angel’s Pizza delivery hotline 922-2222.