Happy Foodies

Showing posts with label Food Trip. Show all posts

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Penang Food Village Kuay Teow Soup" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3940462125_7ed458a7aa_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Penang Food Village Kuay Teow Soup</figcaption></figure> Penang has always been synonymous with "Food Paradise" when you're in Malaysia. But my recent visit to the country didn't include the region in the itinerary. Good thing popular and established restaurants have branches in Malaysia. While in Genting Highlands, we had lunch at Penang Food Village and when we went back to the city, we had dinner at Nasi Kandar Pelita. Check out my favorites among the Penang food specialties we had.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Luang Prabang Breakfast Noodles" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/3818170806_6633acf270_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Luang Prabang Breakfast Noodles</figcaption></figure> For an intrepid traveler looking to discover and connect with the locals, one need not look further than the streets. Eating by the sidewalk may raise some eyebrows and pop in hygienic concerns. Yes, there are risks but having gastronomical ailments in truth is as rare as hitting the 5 numbers of a 6-digit lottery lotto. So going beyond the risks, eating along with the locals is a great immersion in their culinary culture. And in Laos, it's not such a bad thing as most eating establishments are along the sidewalks. I was feeling adventurous when I was in Laos, so when I met with my local guide and he asked me where we want to eat I told him, “we'll eat where you guys eat”.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="New Po-Heng Fresh Lumpia (P45/order)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3600279269_a5fe2f5b81_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New Po-Heng Fresh Lumpia (P45/order)</figcaption></figure> So what do we avid traveler-photographers do during the monsoon season? Hmmm, at times, we just brave the weather and go ahead with our trip. But sometimes, we’d wisen up and not push our luck, opting to stay in the city and find something else of interest. That is exactly what we did recently when along with two fellow foodie friends, your happyfoodies braved the Saturday monsoon rains to eat their way through a Saturday. Nevermind the overcast skies and intermittent rains, the muddy streets and damp air, but really, is there something more pleasurable than sniffing out the delicious smell of Chinese food wafting from shops and hole-in-the-walls and succumbing to the temptation?

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Dorado served on Kabaya Leaf" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3537652661_f5dc690339_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dorado served on Kabaya Leaf</figcaption></figure> “Where do we we eat?” Tired and famished from all the hiking and traveling, it’s a question we ourselves keep asking whenever we’re in Basco. This capital of Batanes, is usually the jump-off point for visitors exploring the Philippines’ northernmost province. Happyfoodies collates some noteworthy eating places to help out first-time or returning visitors.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Bongao Tawi-tawi breakfast delicacies" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3239170220_1d853ef84e_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bongao Tawi-tawi breakfast delicacies</figcaption></figure> Without question, Bongao in Tawi Tawi is pretty remote. It’s not just the physical distance per se that gives one that feeling but also the absence of the usual, ubiquitous fastfood outlets that line up Zamboanga City for example. Not that we miss the Jollibees, Mcdos and Chowkings. Out here in Bongao, it would be interesting to find out what the locals eat. One breakfast time, we decided to take a walk and see where our feet (and noses) will take us. We eventually ended up at Al-Madina-1, one of the coffeeshops that line the main street of Datu Halun.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yoghurt House House Specialty" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2936817283_8b5b3bfd86_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoghurt House Specialty (Php 85)</figcaption></figure> Much has been written about Sagada and its natural wonders that attract trekkers, spelunkers and other adventurous spirits. But to the foodie, Sagada is more than that. there's another side to this so-called Shangri-la of the north, a more flavorful one that will appeal to the adventurous foodie. We traveled over 400 kilometers to food trip there and there's something about the highlands – its nippy, crisp clean air, peace and quiet, and of course, the awesome scenery – that makes eating so much more enjoyable. It could also be the elevation that takes eating to a new high. Here, we give a sampler of the many food offerings out there. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yoghurt House Roasted Egpplant with Basil" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2862003420_4cb81fc68c_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoghurt House Roasted Egpplant with Basil (PHP 140)</figcaption></figure> YOGHURT HOUSE Lagal[og] said: I never miss dropping by this place everytime I'm in Sagada. And I always eat the house specialty – the Homemade Yoghurt, everyday that I'm there. The texture of the yoghurt is extra thick and creamy. Mixed with hefty banana slices, and topped with strawberries and granola, it is very yummy and oh-so-healthy. Their veggie rice dishes and pastas are also very delicious and filling. Excellent way to carb up for those long walks and tiring treks. Speaking of veggie rice meals, theirs are brimming with fresh vegetables, it seems there are more veggies than rice. I think Yoghurt House pioneered the idea of building a restaurant around its yoghurt, something that's really amazing if you ask me. The prices are very reasonable, too. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yoghurt House Interiors" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2868339246_0397bfc64b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoghurt House Interiors</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: This place has somewhat been an institution. I remember Yoghurt House being there as long as Sagada has first been cited as a tourist destination more than 10 years ago. Foreigners and locals alike attest to the taste of this highland yoghurt which is a blend of local and foreign flavors. With the increasing popularity of yoghurt in the country, I think this is still one of the best. The place also serves pasta and crepes. One must-try is their Eggplant Pasta which I really enjoyed. I never thought that the sliced bits of roasted eggplant mixed with Basil would be so good. The place nay not be that big but the large collection of old photographs, hanging ceiling curtains and lamps, as well as collection of books create a distinct, homey and warm ambience. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="St Jos Pancakes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2936811329_d4eece7419_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Jo's Pancakes</figcaption></figure> ST. JO Lagal[og] said: St. Jo is one of my all-time favorites, especially at breakfast time. Their pancakes are very fluffy and deliciously smeared with butter and local blackberry jam. And talk about the coffee serving to wash the pancakes with – it's the highland barako coffee variety served in individual kettle pots. It certainly incentivizes one to mull over breakfast and linger on. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="St Jos Famous Omelettes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2861421097_8e58ca05f8_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Jo's Famous Omelettes</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: I haven't tried much of the meals in St. Jo's to attest to their goodness. The breakfast pancakes seem ordinary for me, taste-wise. Just well-made - thicker and fluffier. The blackberry jam is worth mentioning though. Their hot choco is only Milo. I was hoping for cocoa. However, their big omelettes laden with hotdog and tocino bits are something to rave about. Another best thing about this place is where you eat. St. Jo's has great views of Sagada and it adds drama to your breakfast. I heard their famous French chef serves amazing dinner buffets. I'll try that next time. Lagal[og] said: Hmmm, must be the view that makes up for those shortcomings. Incidentally, they share the same chef with another tourist-favorite, The Log Cabin. I've always wanted to sample the buffet but heavens, I always find my budget a bit short whenever I'm in Sagada as the buffet costs upwards of Php400. But the breakfast which includes two sets of pancake, an order of the omelette, a coffee and serving of Milo costs only Php350. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Chicharon with Onions and Tomatoes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/2937661566_423843b915_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chicharon with Onions and Tomatoes</figcaption></figure> MASFERRE RESTAURANT Lagal[og] said: Another favorite place that I think is underrated. Last time we were there, we had this marvelous side dish of Chicharon with onions and tomatoes. I found it so good, I nearly forgot all about my main course order. Hurrying on our way home to Manila, the Masferre hamburgers we took with us on the bus were really juicy and chockful of vegetables – certainly light years away from the fast food variety. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Masferes Hamburger" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2861169215_30d6dab92b_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masferre's Hamburger (Php 80)</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: I've eaten at Masferre's several times before and always enjoyed their meals. I agree that the Chicharon with onions was so good. Their burgers, both the Ham and Egg and the Hamburger with Cheese, the ones we brought as our lunch on the road were surprisingly good despite being wrapped in an ordinary burger wrap.