Weekend Food Trip at: Yanzi, the Pot Rice Hub

I was ecstatic to be invited at a restaurant near my "hood".  Not really my hood but close to where we usually "food trip".  Yanzi Pot Rice opened its' doors to the public and my family and I were invited for a gastronomic experience.

I haven't written about my "weekend food trip" in such a LONG time - no thanks to COVID Pandemic, but thankfully, it was after weeks that we dined here and our family is safe and sound.

Now back to the restaurant.  YANZI, the Pot Rice Hub, is a Chinese restaurant founded by the same team of Lido Cocina Tsina.  Their signature dishes includes (their restaurant name) YanZi Pot Rice, a variety of Baked Rice and Oat Congee to name a few.  And guess what?  I was able to taste them all!

Miced Beef Oat Congee

For someone who felt weird eating congee not in breakfast time, this is definitely a nice twist to the usual congee!  It really has the texture of oatmeal with the legit taste of real beef congee.  I honestly love this so much even after reheating (yes we have extra servings to go), it tastes even better even after a day or 2!!!

HK Wanton Noodle Soup

This is a regular HK Wantong Noodle soup you can order in various Chinese restaurants but the Hakaw made this soup top notch!  You get a big serving of shrimps inside each Hakaw.  

Yanzi Rice

For someone who loves the combination of creamy dishes and something with tomato base (I could be wrong but I do taste a bit of that flavor), this is the best rice meal to go for!  The strips of minced pork with a sweet and tangy taste complimented the creamy seafood dish on the other side.  I just can't help but mix them both together and get a nice dynamite of unique flavors. 

 In Tagalog: "Hindi nakakaumay both dishes when you eat them together!"

Sizzling Mongolian Beef

One thing you have to know about this dish is the spiciness.  I used to be a top tier spicy dish "mukbanger" LOL but gone were those days when I had stomach ulcer.  It was a surprise for me that this dish is "Ma-la" spicy.  Mala is a type of spicy dish known in Szechuan restaurants that is why this came in as a surprise. 

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of this dish because it was really tender and delicious but I wish they have a non-spicy option?  I could ask when I head back.

Chicken and Chorizo Pot Rice

Now here we are, the real reason why this restaurant is unique as compared to others.  The presence of Pot Rice!  Imagine a mini pressure cooker?  Yup, that's the one!  

 
Each pot was made fresh, you can even take a peak by the clear glass window on how they prepare this dish!  The sauce and other condiments are added right at your table.

For some reason, I am not really a fan of Chorizo BUT, the rice, the chicken and sauce just go so well.  The flavors were packed right in every single rice grain, you can taste the fragrance of chicken, chorizo but not separately.  Basta ang bango bango niya but NOT overwhelming.  None of the ingredient overpower each other.

Sweet and Sour Pork

MY FAVORITE SWEET AND SOUR DISH OF THE YEAR!

I am serious!  I have tried so many sweet and sour dishes in all the Chinese restaurants I've been to and this is by far the best!  The breading is not too think and the sauce is not too sour or sweet.  It was just perfect and mind you, the meat is extremely tender I almost thought it was fish!

Macau Baked Rice

Though I love YANZI Fried Rice, my personal choice is this Macau Baked Rice coming from someone who isn't a fan of cheese ON rice!  

What cheese did they use?   It wasn't too salty, it doesn't overpower the rice even though I've got cheese all over my mouth!  ANG SARAP NIYA I was gushing over about this rice to my friends and they ended up ordering this too!

OMG Right?

Heaven!  My experience was so good I am ready to head back taking my parents with me!

A quick video on how I felt while eating each dishes.

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Yanzi, the Pot Rice Hub is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM located at 87 Banawe St. corner Samat St., Q.C

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

 

Weekend Food Trip at: Quarks and Quills

I am confident to say, I know ALL the restaurants and coffee shops like the back of my hand!  For the past 2 years, I stay in Banawe every single school day for 4 hours to wait for my son in school.

My son studies at Quezon City while we live in Manila, driving him to school means it is more feasible to stay there and wait for him rather than going back home to brave the traffic. 

With 4 hours in my hands, I bring my laptop and take my work wherever I go (thank you Lord for Freelance jobs!)

Because I am also a researcher by profession, I was able to find a restaurant perfect for not only freelancers like myself but students alike!

Quarks and Quills!  

Fast FREE WIFI - CHECK!

Good coffee - CHECK!

Yummy food - CHECK!

Comfortable environment - SUPER CHECK!

They also have discounts available at Booky app but I felt a bit shy to use the discount as I stay there to use their internet connection, stay in a nice air-conditioned room, use their electricity at times to charge my laptop (nahiya ako, and they deserve the amount I pay!) 

I actually tried a lot of their dishes in the menu but for some reason, I wasn't able to take good photos because they are mostly for takeaway.

Skin-On Fries

Php95.00

These are thick-cut fries bake d until really crunchy.  I like the fact that it is baked so it isn't greasy!

Weekend Food Trip at Big Boy's Diner, Banawe

I love restaurants that gives me the "Superman", "Back to the Future" - okay, since most of you are too young for those movies I've mentioned, I'll just say "Riverdale" feel!

And I missed our US trip so much I want to head back to In and Out burger place and guess what?  I kind of found a gem right here in Manila!  

A small, American-style diner restaurant located at Banawe called Big Boy's Diner.

It was weird time of the day when we arrived so the restaurant was empty, but upon leaving the restaurant around 6:00pm, people are starting to fill in the restaurant and I understand why!

Aside from the gorgeous ambiance, the perfect lighting (they even have neon lights!), the servers are friendly and best of all, you get straightforward, no-frills American food!

Chicken and Waffle

Php220.00

I wanted waffles and I wanted something for Kyle!  This is a perfect plate for me!  The chicken is flavorful from skin to the meat!  Though the chicken earned thumbs up from me, I wish the pancake would have that crunchy exterior while soft on the inside!  I guess I just have to request for that in the future!

Revisiting Oedo Japanese Restaurant, Banawe

If it's a non-working Holiday, we make it a point to really enjoy it as HOLIDAY.  

We may still be in the Metro but we make sure to do everything in our might to finish off whatever tasks left undone and celebrate in a simplest yet most memorable manner - with the help of food of course!

One of our favorite Japanese restaurant hidden at the corner of Banawe is called OEDO Japanese Restaurant.  The first time we dined there, it took us 20 minutes to wait for our seat and it was dinner time.  So we've decided to eat during off-peak hours because we wanted to enjoy the not so crowded restaurant for a change!

 We tried to order something we never ordered before, but of course, we came back for some favorites still!  Like this Takoyaki Balls!

Takoyaki

Octopus Balls

Php100.00

It will take time for them to prepare this so make sure you order something else and leave a space in your tummy for freshly made Takoyaki Octopus Balls just like those in Japan!

 

Weekend Food Trip at: Bugis Chomp Chomp

So I used to think Banawe St. is only for guys who loves their cars!

Then I frequent Banawe because it is in the middle of my home my and parents so we love to dine there on weekends.

Another thing, my son's school is also near the area so sometimes, we have lunch in this area before going home.  So yes, I already tried 98% of the restaurants there!  *laughs*

One restaurant that I see often is Bugis Chomp Chomp because for the fact that it is next to my favorite Milk Tea place - Dakasi.  The Mister and I tried their Fish balls, Squid Balls, etc... on sticks "take out" but never really tried dining in until recently.

There's nothing special with the interiors of the restaurant, it looks like most restaurants you find in Singapore, those near hawkers!  But when I took a glance at their menu, I knew that they have more than streetfood to offer!

I went for rice meals because I was extremely hungry.

Spring Rolls

Around Php120-Php150.00

This is one of the best tasting spring rolls I've tried.  It is very crunchy, evenly "browned" and the vinegar that comes with it makes it even more awesome!!!

Chicken Teriyaki

Php185.00

It may look like regular Chicken Teriyaki you see in most Japanese restaurants but I actually like the sauce!  It's not too sweet (hindi sugar lang ng sugar) and it has a nice distinct taste.  I wish they come with more sauce as I want them drizzled all over my rice.

Weekend Food Trip at: Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku

It was a quiet Sunday evening when I brought my son to JP Bear (one of his favorite play area) at Banawe area.  Since his preschool is within the area and we always meet up with my parents in the same area, we kinda scoured and tried most of the restaurants.  

Thankfully, Mr. AMW passed by Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku which is near Macao Imperial Tea and Ichiban restaurant (I think they are owned by the same group of owners as you can find all 3 menus in 1 restaurant!)

I checked the place first making sure it is Senior Citizen friendly before I gave my brother directions to meet up!  It was a packed restaurant but thankfully we didn't have to wait for long!  We got our seat at Mitasu Charcoal Yakiniku (adjacent to Ichiban Hot Pot) and sat comfortably and ordered these.

We started with Donburi (Rice Toppings) because we wanted to try each of everything!  (Ganyan ka-Foodie family ko!)

Gyudon

Php250.00

Really tasty this dish, most restaurants serve Gyudon with raw egg to give smooth texture to the dish, I was surprised Mitasu didn't have the egg but the texture of the meat and rice is still smooth and tender I don't mind I lost an egg for this! :P

Weekend Food Trip at: Tien Ma's

The first time I visited Tien Ma's at Banawe branch was last year when Keith was hospitalized!  I went for takeout and got everything that was recommended by the waitress and everything tastes wonderful! 

After that first time order, we've decided to go back to the said restaurant a couple of times and tried their other dishes!  I'm glad their food choices expanded and they even offer Truffled Xiao Long Bao!

Black Mushroom with Truffle Oil Xiao Long Bao

Php240.00

Not bad price for 8pcs of Xiao Long Bao.  You really get a hint of Truffle upon each bite!  The skin of the Xiao Long Bao is soft and smooth and you get a good amount of "soup" inside.

Deep Fried Stinky Tofu

Php199.00

I've had Stinky Tofu in Shanghai once and I realized it wasn't the authentic one so I wanted to give Stinky Tofu another try here in Manila and the experience was unforgettable!

Taking a bite at Tien Ma's Stinky Tofu takes a lot of strength because you can literally smell it from afar and taking a bite won't change the fact that it is indeed extremely STINKY!  I call this dish "acquired taste".  You either love it so much or hate it a lot!  

You wanted to know how I feel about this dish?  We had a good laugh because a lot of expletives were blurted out while chewing this Stinky Tofu dish!

If you're adventurous, I dare you to give this a try and let me know how you like/hate it.

Weekend Food Trip at: Sear Steak Scullery

Ever since my son entered Pre-K at Banawe, QC, I probably made the "rounds" to almost ALL restaurants located in that location!  One of the most recent discovery is at Sear Steak Scullery. 

Sear Steak Scullery is one of the very few steak restaurants located at the said area so I am a bit excited in trying out the menu from there.  It's located at 238 Building which you will find other restaurants like King Chef, Tokyo Bubble Tea etc... around.

Now once you book a table, you will get a basket of their homemade pandesal which made my heart flutter!  It's the best tasting pandesal I've tried in my entire life and we actually tried purchasing these but these aren't on sale!

As much as the excitement were there, it died down a bit when we tried their fried dishes!

 Onion Rings

Php169.00

Deep fried breaded onions with cajun spice and tartar sauce.

I find that they added a bit too much of the cajun spice which I find a bit overwhelming for yummy onions.  

Weekend Food Trip at: All Day Cafe

Ever since I found All Day Cafe a month ago, I've returned 3 times to be exact!  Well obviously, I go back because the place serves GREAT Coffee!  But there's more to that!

The Cafe Restaurant isn't big like those giant retail chains but comfortable enough to even host a family gathering!  The first time I dined here was during lunch time and we got the place to ourselves with aircon in fullblast in HOT summer weather --- they got me at good air-conditioning system.

But that's not just it, the staffs are helpful too!  And oh, they also sells yummy Salted Egg Potato Chips!

Now let's talk about the food!  For a Cafe Restaurant, they actually have a good number of feel-good-tummy food!  My favorite is their Daing na Bangus!  I even picked my mom and dad and drove them all the way to Banawe just to try this exact dish!  It's perfect EVERY TIME!

Weekend Food Trip at: OEDO Japanese Restaurant

I live in downtown Manila so you'll definitely find me and my family in areas such as Banawe, Retiro and Ongpin.

One of the things I love to do before we head out is to search online for Restaurants to try!  Mr. AMW and I love to food trip on various restaurants because we are Foodies-at-heart!  One restaurant that we've always been wanting to try is Oedo Japanese Restaurant located at Banawe.  The thing is, the place is always packed and we cannot even book for reservations.

Because of that, my interest with the restaurant grew more!  So finally, one FATEFUL Sunday + Good Mood Toddler, we waited in line (30minutes to be exact) and we finally got a seat!  If you want a quick and honest review?  The WAIT is Totally Worth It!

Takoyaki

Octopus Balls

Php100.00

The taste is almost there (comparing to the ones I had in Japan) but, there are more cabbage inside than octopus bits!  Still, the sauce and flavors are really like that from the ones I had in Japan!

Aspara Bacon

Php50.00/stick

Bacon-wrapped asparagus tastes really good! 

 The asparagus are fresh and the bacon has a bit of the crunchy texture.

Weekend Food Trip at: Third Space Studio Cafe, Banawe

You will always have me at "COFFEE SHOPS".

Ask me out on a date and tell me: "Let's have Coffee."  My heart skips a beat!

It was one SUPER HOT lunch time when we just came back from "School hunting" for Kyle Nash.  As Mr. AMW was busy taking care of his "bank errands" at BDO, I chanced upon a nice looking cafe/restaurant called Third Space Studio Cafe.  Judging by the look on the outside, I knew it will be a place I would enjoy chillax-ing.

And my gut-feel was super right!

The Coffee Jelly Frappe (Php145.00) isn't something I'd go back for but I would definitely give their "hot drinks" a try!  The coffee lover in me definitely wasn't that impressed with this drink, nothing bad but I have had better.

Let's talk about the ambiance, the Cafe/resto is quite huge!  You get a nice space with differently designed tables and chairs and half of the area (at the background of photo below) is a huge space where I saw customers playing basketball!

(Masaya na kami sa loob, promise, ang init eh!)

The cafe/restaurant was filled with sentimental music (both Tagalog and International songs) from a cute jukebox right next to the door!  This is definitely a huge PLUS for me who's an intense music lover!

Will It Be Too Much If I Posted Another....

Lucky Rainbow Weekend Food Trip Post?

I hope not!  Because seriously, one of my MOST favorite restaurant to date!

Isn't it obvious? 

I've blogged about Lucky Rainbow, Ongpin Branch.

The first time was blogged HERE when I brought less than a year old Kyle Nash.

And guess what?  We celebrated Kyle's 3rd Birthday at their Banawe Branch!

And Makati Folks, did you know they also have a Makati Branch?  Just in case you think Lucky Rainbow is located in Manila only!  Well, that's new found information for you friends!

It was my Dad's Birthday Celebration and really, if you have a dad who uses wheelchair and a son that runs around, big, well-carpeted restaurants with functions rooms are the place to be!  And Lucky Rainbow, Z-Mall Branch fits the bill!

Asado with Honey Sauce

Php200.00

A MUST-TRY!  They're always out-of-stock so try to order as early as possible!  They are extremely juicy and tender and sliced so thinly it made me go crazy!  And who likes the "burnt" "crunchy" portion like I do?

Steamed Suahe

Price depends on kg

I'm a "Dampa" girl so I know if shrimps are fresh or not!  Well, I'm a walking "seafood freshness-tester" because I will get instant allergic reactions to shrimps that aren't fresh!  So far, I didn't need any anti-histamine after taking my first bite!

Kyle's 3rd Birthday at Lucky Rainbow

If we follow my journey as a mom on AskMeMom, you will probably notice I missed mentioning about Kyle's 2nd birthday considering he is my first and only son.  Well, it wasn't because we wanted to make it private, we actually didn't have any celebration for him because Keith's Grandfather passed away a couple of weeks before Kyle's 2nd birthday!  If you are accustomed to Chinese Culture, it is best not to celebrate anything when a close family member passed away.

Now on to the happy story, the 3rd Birthday is finally here!  As much as I wanted to create a big children's party for him, I've decided to go for an intimate "adult" party.  1. Because Kyle Nash doesn't have playmates yet (because he isn't formally schooled yet).  2. Our family is quite small, Kyle's youngest cousin is more than 10 years old!  So technically, the Kiddie party may not be enjoyed my many.

Even with a full-packed schedule, with the help of Mr. AMW, we were able to book a spot at Lucky Chinatown Z Mall, Banawe.  Thanks to Keith's Uncle for helping us book the function room too!

The day finally arrived and looking at the wonderful smile on this little man's face, I knew no matter what our celebration plans are, it will be a memorable one as long as we are complete as a family!

Now, here's my quick review on the food from Lucky Rainbow.  Overall, I am very happy with the service, the location and of course, Z mall has good ample parking spaces so it is also a perfect venue for mini celebrations like this!

We went ahead and told our orders to the restaurant several days before.  We booked 2 tables and everyone came home happy and contented.

Weekend Food Tripping at: King Chef Fine Dining

Abigail Ang invited me to experience a Grand Launching of King Chef's Fine Dining Restaurant.  The invitation wrote "Imperial Feast" to be exact!  It was a rainy Thursday evening but when I got in the restaurant, the place was packed with a lot of excited guests who are the friends of the owners, media people and of course Bloggers! :)

I blogged about my first King Chef experience HERE and it was that night that I come to realize that there are 3 different restaurants owned by the same group.  Cantonese Soup Kitchen, King Chef Dimsum Kitchen and a few steps away housed King Chef Fine Dining Restaurant!