happyfoodies.com – Philippines Food Blog

Bale Dutung: Feeding the tummy, filling the mind

When traveling to the north, making a stopover in Pampanga is always a sensible decision. And why not? Kapampangans are really known for their rich food tradition. But eating takes on a deeper, and should I say cultural, meaning when you make a stop at Bale Dutung. Tucked in a residential village, the place looks more like a house than a restaurant which it actually is, being the abode of chef/cook/artist Claude Tayag and his wife, Maryanne. That said, the treatment we got was more akin to dining in a friend’s house.

Tags: Brulee, Chicken, Inasal, Kapampangan, Paella, Pampanga, Sushi

A Taste of Nyonya Heritage at Seroni

Malaysian food is as rich as its history. In between our exploration of the heritage sites in Malacca, we got a chance to experience Peranakan Cuisine where it originated — Malacca. Recipes dating as far back as the 15th century still exist, evolving to what is now known as Nyonya Cuisine. In a restaurant tucked beside the hidden side street of Taman Melaka Raya, we found Seroni Nyonya Cuisine Restaurant. The establishment is owned by one of the last descendants of the Baba-Nyonya family, so we’re expecting to taste authentic Nyonya Cuisine.

Tags: Chicken, Deer, Malacca, Malaysia, Malaysian, Melaka, Nyonya, Prawns, Vegetable

Nam Heong’s Age-Old Hainanese Chicken Rice

When in Malaysia, mention Chicken Rice and locals would definitely say Nam Heong as it’s equivalent. It’s an institution known for cooking Chicken rice using age-ol recipe spanning more than 70 years since the establishment started. Now there are a number of franchises in Kuala Lumpur but have they consistently serve the same quality? We trooped to one of their branches in Sungai Wang Mall to try out their famous Chicken Rice as well as some of their other offerings.

Tags: Chicken, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Malaysian, Nam Heong, Pork, Tofu

Buono appetito at Amici

It’s been quite a while since we last stepped into Amici in Don Bosco in Makati City. Oh, we’ve always considered this restaurant that boasts of affordable, home-cooked Italian-style cuisine as a comforting constant in a constantly changing foodscape. But ever since its takeover by a new management team two years ago, we had our apprehensions. And there’s also the expansion to include a branch in SM Megamall. Did the move to professionalize the operations alter the relaxed eating experience? Or worse, change the great-tasting food we’ve always come to love?

To find out, we dropped by on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch – a privilege not available when Amici was still run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. Obviously, this is one of the benefits of the new management as Sunday is a very nice day to avoid the big weekday office crowds. The verdict: still as lip-smacking good as ever.

Tags: Chicken, Gelato, Italian, Makati, Mussels, Pastas, Pastry, Roast

Affordable lunches are big at Italianni’s

Right from the start, Italianni’s was among the casual dining restaurants that have become synonymous with big servings. Not to say that the food isn’t good because it really is; it’s just that people with bigger than usual appetites have always been drawn to

it because of the very generous servings. The price point is okay for the kind of food and service; however, it is a bit pricey for regular dining. Italianni’s makes amends with five new menu additions just for this summer. The formula is simple: filling weekday lunch entrees and big servings (fit for sharing) complete with pasta and veggies at more affordable prices – how can you go wrong?

Tags: American, Chicken, Fish, Italian, Italianni's, Pasta, Ribs, spaghetti

Rediscovering Filipino flavors at 1521

With the globalization of the Filipino palate, is it still viable to set up a Pinoy restaurant nowadays? Ponder this: on one hand, you have to market to a younger generation of diners reared on a steady diet of pizzas, burgers and pastas. On the other hand, you have to appeal to an older generation who may have grown tired of the old favorites and are gravitating to international fare. Following the suggestion of a friend, we ventured to Mandaluyong to look for 1521 in the hope of finding a more definitive answer to our question. We’re happy to say that we walked in hungry for food and answers and walked out with a positive outlook and contented tummies.

Tags: Binagoongan, Chicken, Filipino, Inasal, Leche Flan, Potchero, Yoghurt

Tongue-Thai’d in Thai Sticks ‘n Steaks

I’ve always had a penchant for Thai food ever since I’ve encountered it a long time ago way back when Flavors and Spices, one of the pioneers of Thai cuisine in the country, was around. Then, there was also the more mainstream but nonetheless delicious offerings of Sukhothai. I had this notion that it’s pretty hard not to like Thai food because for all the differences it had with local fare, there are some striking similarities – the use of a shrimp paste, nam pla, for example bears strong resemblance to our bagoong and patis. Some of the flavors are also familiar – the liberal use of lemongrass or tanglad, lime juice, chilis and coconut milk.

Tags: Beef, Chicken, Curry, Halo Halo, Makati, Mussels, Soups, Thai