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A Taste of Macau at Broadway Macau Food Street
Saturday, April 4, 2020
food
Whenever I travel, I make a point to try and experience a destination's culture through their culinary traditions (a.k.a. food trip is life!). In Macau's case, their cuisine is unique since it's a combination of East meets West influences because they were colonized by the Portuguese for a long time. We tried to explore Macau's food offerings through visiting one of its largest food markets, the Broadway Macau Food Street.
Broadway Macau Food Street is located inside the Galaxy Broadway Resort in Cotai Island. It is set up as inspired by traditional hawker style markets, with more of less 40 food stalls offering local delicacies as well as a some Asian dishes. With the great selections from a variety of food stalls and restaurants - from street food level to Michelin-star level, there’s always something for every taste bud and budget.
Luckily for us, we availed the iVenture Card for our Hong Kong and Macau travel. One of its inclusions is a meal voucher worth 70HKD which can be availed in one of the food stalls in Broadway Macau Food Street. Because we already had our lunch during the TKW Macau Tour (also included in the iVenture Card Hong Kong and Macau Pass), we used the meal voucher for our dinner.
When we arrived, the ambiance of the place was wonderful. It felt laid back, with free entertainment. That night, they had acoustic music. Some nights they even have stilt performers which sounds like fun! We were directed to claim our meal voucher from the Broadway Kitchen and found out that they already have predetermined meal sets you can choose from. That was a bit disappointing because I expected we would be able to use the voucher anywhere we want in the food street. Regardless, this was a free inclusion we were happy to have and I can’t complain about the choices they have available for us.
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| Dining voucher from the iVenture Card. |
We ended up choosing spicy noodles from the Ba Shan Spicy Noodle House. It came with free tea and a cucumber salad. This proved to be a great choice because the weather was particularly chilly that day and it was nice to indulge in hot tea and spicy soup. The fish ball was nice as well.
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| Our order. Spicy noodles with fish balls. |
We stayed for a bit to rest and enjoy the music. It kinda reminds me of Cebu’s own Sugbo Mercado, only cleaner and less crowded. Broadway Macau Food Street is surely a great place to stroll around and discover all sorts of food Macau has to offer.
Location:
Broadway Macau Resort,
Av. Marginal Flor de Lotus, Macao
Ramen Yushoken - The Best Authentic Ramen in Cebu City
Saturday, March 7, 2020
cebu
At a young age, we've all been curious about ramen, why? Naruto, of course. Just the way ramen has been depicted in countless anime is enough reason to yearn a comforting delicious bowl of ramen for yourself. I've been to a lot of ramen shops in Cebu City, some are great, but most are meh. Lately, more than a few friends mentioned that the best ramen restaurant in Cebu is definitely Ramen Yushoken. Soooooo, I had to check it out!
Through a quick search, I found out that Ramen Yushoken is also a crowd favorite of ramen lovers in Manila. Ramen Yushoken, literally translates as "House of Ramen Champions", is a restaurant that focuses on serving ramen bowls.
It was a Saturday night, we arrived just before dinner (5:30 pm) but the place was already packed. We still had to line up which I did not mind since we had to wait for some of our other friends anyway. And besides, if people are willing to line up, it must be truly be worth the wait, right?
Ramen Yushoken Menu
Ramen Yushoken basically serves three types of main dishes : (1) Tonkotso Ramen - soup crafted from pork bones broth; (2) Hiyashi Ramen - better known as "chilled ramen"; and (3) Soba - noodles dressed with seasoning. They also serve side dishes such as gyoza and chicken karaage.
A bowl of ramen would cost 400 PHP - 500 PHP + 10% service charge, which is quiet hefty by my standards. I would not consider eating here for regular days.
The Food
We asked the server what ramen was their best seller and she informed us that it was their Shoyu and the TanTanMen variants. Since there was four of us, we simply decided to order all variants of their Tonkotso Ramen namely - Shio, Shoyu, TanTanMen and Miso.
Shio Ramen
Shio means 'salt' in Japanese. Thus, the tare used to make shio ramen is also salt-based. Out of all ramen types, the Shio ramen shows off the flavor of the broth the most.
Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu refers to ramen served with a soy sauce base broth which gives it its brown color. This is easily the most popular dish in Ramen Yushoken and the most well known ramen type in Japan.
TanTanMen Ramen
The TanTanMen ramen is a balanced soup with a hint of spiciness from Japanese chili oil and a creamy nutty sweetness from soy milk and sesame paste. This is Ramen Yushoken's second best-seller.
Miso Ramen
Ramen Yushoken's version of the Miso ramen is blended with seven different kinds of miso. The soup is rich and flavorful. It takes more effort to prepare so it is the most expensive Tonkotsu Ramen in the menu.
Gyoza
We also ordered a serving of their gyoza, the Japanese fried dumpling. It's crisp and tender. It's one of the best gyoza we've tried. We actually even had a to compete for the last piece, luckily, I won! The envious looks on my friends' faces. Hahaha!
Final Verdict
We ranked the 4 ramen variants we tried. We had different preferences but agreed that the Shoyu Ramen was the best.
Ramen Yushoken's ramens are truly something. Wow! They are the best ramen I have ever tried. My friend even asked if he could marry his bowl of ramen, LOL! Kidding aside, if you're looking for a taste of authentic ramen in Cebu City, Ramen Yushoken is the place to try. Don't forget to get there early to avoid long queues and be prepared to splurge a little. Do note that they only cater dine in order and do not offer take outs nor delivery. They also do not take reservations.
More Information
Location: G/F Oakridge Business Park, 880 A. S. Fortuna St, Mandaue, 6014 Lalawigan ng Cebu
Contact Number: (032) 367 7017
Business Hours: 11am-11pm
SMR Chocolates - Cheapest Chocolates in Cebu
Sunday, May 26, 2019
cebu
I have been a chocolate lover since forever. The chocolate section is where I spend the longest time when I go grocery shopping. However, treats from great brands are not exactly accessible and are way too expensive here in the Philippines. This is where SMR Chocolates come in. SMR Chocolates Cebu offers sweets that you won't commonly find at our local supermarkets and they are at the cheapest prices possible!
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SMR Chocolates
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The Cheapest Chocolates in Cebu
SMR Chocolates have been crazed by the chocolate lovers of Manila because of their affordable prices and now, it has finally come to Cebu.
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| SMR Chocolates |
They have both imported and local goodies. Their products are not only limited to chocolates, they offer drinks, snacks and baking supplies too. SMR even has their own line of cookies and brownies, which are also worth a try. Their stocks run out easily due to high demand, so don't forget to check their Facebook Page for updates regarding what items are available.
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| SMR Chocolates |
If you're a chocolate lover whose looking for treats to stock up on, or if you're just looking for gifts, giveaways and pasalubongs, SMR Chocolates Cebu is always a must visit!
By the way, don't forget to check out CouponKirin to get the latest coupons and vouchers for chocolates!
More Information:
Location:
Unit 8 Escario Central Mall, Escario Street, Brgy. Kamputhaw, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
9AM to 8PM daily
How to Get There:
Ride any jeepney passing thru Escario Central Mall. If you're coming from Colon or Fuente you may ride the following jeepney routes: 17D, 17B, 14D, and 04H. If you're coming from Ayala Center Cebu, you may ride these routes from the terminal: 14D, 12L.
A Guide to Taboan Public Market - The Dried Fish Capital of Cebu
Sunday, February 10, 2019
cebu
Danggit, a thin kind of salted dried fish, is one of Cebu City’s most famous ‘pasalubongs’. Various places in the city sell dried fish, but none is as popular as Taboan Public Market, also known as the Dried Fish Center of Cebu. The choices and variety of dried fish you can buy here is far wider than all other store in Cebu, that is why a visit to Cebu isn’t complete without going to Taboan. Continue reading below for some things you need to know about Taboan Public Market.
How to Get To Taboan Public Market?
If you’re a traveler, the best way to get to Taboan Market is through a taxi. Taxi drivers are very familiar with this place. It’s not too far off from key locations in the city too, so you don’t have to worry about your taxi bill being too expensive. However, if you want to go for a more ‘local’ route, you can easily ride a jeepney. Jeepneys marked with 04D, 08G, 17B, 17D will pass by here. If you’re not familiar with the place, talk to the driver or the conductor to drop you off at Taboan Market. Jeepney drivers and conductors are very helpful to tourists.
Things to Know About Taboan Public Market
1. One kilo of dried fish usually costs around 350-750 pesos, depending on quality.
Since there is a wide array of choices, prices vary as well. Some of the more expensive kinds are marinated with garlic or other flavors, referred to as ‘special’, for a more mouth watering taste.
2. You can haggle.
Like all other markets, you can always haggle with the market vendors to buy any product at a lower price. Be sure to haggle reasonably also. The vendors are earning money through honest and hard work. Don’t expect them to give you a price that’s too low that they’re basically giving away their products for free. That’s not fair to the vendors and is bad for the overall health of the market as well.
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| You can find all sorts of Cebu delicacies in Taboan Market also! |
3. Other Cebu Delicacies are also sold here.
When visiting Tabaon Public Market, you won’t just see dried fish for sale. There are also other famous Cebu delicacies available here such as dried mangoes, chicharon, otap, chorizo de Cebu and many more.
4. Danggit is just one of the many dried seafood displayed in Taboan.
Some of the other seafood sold in Tabaon are dried shrimp, dried squid, fish tapa, fish tocino and other types of dried fish.
5. Be sure to compare prices before buying anything.
Prices offered by shops inside the market are cheaper than those of the stores near the entrance. To make sure you are getting the best prices, look around the market first before making a purchase.
6. It is not as busy as other markets.
If you’re a bit hesitant to visit Taboan because you think it’d be too crowded like other markets in the Philippines, then worry not. Taboan is very quiet and low key, unlike the bigger Carbon Public Market. It is also surprisingly clean. You surely will not be uncomfortable.
7. The smell of dried fish is strong enough to stick onto your clothes.
Yes, when visiting Taboan Market, expect that you will be smelling like dried fish afterwards. Make sure to schedule your visit accordingly. Plan your clothes as well, you wouldn’t want your fave outfits smelling like dried fish. If you have somewhere to go after, a bath or a change in clothes would be a good idea.
8. You can ask vendors to pack your purchases in small sizes.
On a budget? You can still get everyone on your list a pack of Cebu’s danggit. You can ask the seller to pack your purchases into smaller sizes (1/8 kilo) for it to be ‘pasalubong’ ready. Smaller packs can be easily distributed to your friends and it is usually enough for one meal.
9. Dried fish can be placed on your carry-on.
If you’re a budget traveler and you don’t have baggage allowance, you can still take these smelly delicacies home. You can bring dried fish from Taboan Market on your carry-on baggage. Just make sure to tell the vendor to pack it to be hand carry friendly. They will already know what to do.
10. Taboan Public Market is open as early as 4am and as late as 8pm.
Although at the earlier and later hours, fewer stalls are open. Schedule your trip accordingly.
There you have it, the important things you need to know about Taboan Market. I hope that this has been helpful to you. If you ever find yourself in Cebu, a visit to Taboan Market is always a good idea. Also, don’t forget to enjoy your dried fish with some hot rice and spicy vinegar!
JM's Shawarma - The Shawarma Made Especially For The Filipino Taste
Sunday, November 11, 2018
featured
In recent years, Shawarmas have gone to assume a reputation of being one of Filipino's favorite comfort foods. At the onset of its popularity, various Shawarma businesses were born across the country. One homegrown brand in particular, JM Shawarma, has great taste and humble origins.
JM Shawarma's owner previously served as a restaurant manager in an Arabic restaurant based in Dubai. On his return to the Philippines, he decided to start his own shawarma business, launching JM's Dubai Shawarma's first store in 2013. They initially served authentic Dubai Shawarma to their customers. However, the management noticed that this recipe was not a landslide hit for the Filipino's taste bud. They reformulated their products to fit Filipino's preferences, ending up with their current signature taste. The rest, as we know it, is history.
As of now, JM Shawarma has grown to over 90 stores nationwide.
Last September 2018, JM Shawarma opened a new full blown stand alone store in General Santos City. It took social media by storm, thanks to its Instagram worthy interiors. During my most recent visit to my beloved hometown, I did not pass up the chance to drop by the new 'it' restaurant in the city.
The JM Shawarma Menu
Although their wrapped Regular Shawarma is certainly the star of the menu, they have also launched other products to provide their patrons with more delicious choices. All of which were especially created to cater to the Filipino taste. Their menu now includes Shawarma noodles, Shawarma rice, All-Meat Shawarma, Nachos and the newly launched Cheesy Wraps. You can even customize your order with special add-ons. Their prices are incredibly affordable too.
The restaurant also features a juice bar where you can order your favorite Barefruit Guyabano healthy drinks.
The Food
We visited the store for a family dinner so we were able to try out a variety of products.
Regular Shawarma
Shawarma Rice
Shawarma Noodles
Cheesy Wrap with Mango Salsa
Nachos
Avocado Juice by Barefruit Guyabano
The Restaurant
The store, located in General Santos' Valley High, is tailored fit for the restaurant checklist we unspokenly have today.
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| See? Sockets! |
Creative statement wall? Check. Grass wall? Check. Cozy seats? Check. Wide enough tables? Check. Good Lighting? Check. Accessible location? Check. Well ventilated? Check. Last but not the least, plenty of comfortably situated electrical sockets for times when you're running low on battery? Double Check.
The staff is friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is well maintained and clean. Service was fairly quick too.
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| My model for the day. Hi Coby! |
The entirety of the menu is clearly displayed at the counter along with the product prices. The juice bar by Barefruit Guyabano is a nice touch too, offering healthy drink options to customers.
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| Can't believe these are frying pans. |
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| The things you can do with a broken rice cooker pot. |
It's also noteworthy that the decorative accents in the store are upcycled materials. (Upcycling is the way to go these days.) The lights (yellow) are made out of broken rice cooker pots. The statement pieces at the back wall are made out of old frying pans. Not too shabby looking right? You wouldn't even notice it. Props to the owners for being creative enough to come up with this.
Franchising
JM’s Shawarma, is looking for partners in its nationwide growth. Do you have what it takes to be one of their franchisee? Visit their website or contact them at franchise.jmshawarma@gmail.com for more information. You can also contact them on their Facebook Page for updates.
Branches
JM's Shawarma branches can be found nationwide. For a list of all their branches, please see here.
Have you tried JM's Shawarma before? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: This post is not sponsored in any way.
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Streetyard - The Best Porkchops in Cebu
Sunday, September 2, 2018
cebu
The restaurant started back in October 2014 as a small stall in JCentre Mall known to be as "SnakYard". They initially only aimed to sell their first products: Mac and Cheese and Nachos. The owners didn't have big plans for the business since it only served as a sideline on top of their regular jobs. They decided to add the Pesto Herbed Pork Chop to their line up to widen the menu. They had not expected that it would significantly change their course of business moving forward.
By February 2015, the small stall was transferred to the mall's food court area due to the increasing demand for the Pesto Herbed Pork Chop. A food cart simply could not handle the volume of customers they were getting. On September 2016, the mall had to demolish the food court area. To continue their service, the mall management offered them a temporary store. Due to the public's continued support, "SnakYard" owners decided to formally acquire the area, making the once small food cart a full pledge restaurant.
Last May 2017, their second branch newly branded as "Streetyard" opened up in Parkmall, Mandaue.
Never having been able to visit JCentre Mall, ever, I have not heard of them before. A good friend of mine kept on telling me that I have got to try Streetyard's porkchops, saying nothing but great things about them. This had me crazy curious. So when I was able to stop over Parkmall, I did not let the opportunity pass me by. I had to try the so called best porkchops in Cebu and the time has finally come.
The Streetyard Menu
The Pesto Herbed Porkchops might have put Streetyard on the list of must try restaurants in Cebu City, but the owners did not stop there. Streetyard currently has three variations of their famous chops on the menu: Pesto Herbed, Sour Cream and Hang-over. They also serve Cabonara, Grilled Sandwiches, Nacho's and Mac and Cheese. All of which are very affordable.
The Food
I only got to try the Famous Pesto Herbed and Hang-over Pork Chops which I had on two different visits. We also ordered a serving of their Carbonara.
Pesto Herbed Pork Chop
The star of the Streetyard menu is a hefty sized porkchop with butter and pesto sauce served with a cup of rice and sliced cucumber sidings.
I swear, after trying this for the first time, I found myself daydreaming about it a few days later. I get it now. My boyfriend who ordered a serving of Carbonara instead of a porkchop meal claiming he wasn't hungry enough, got to taste it only from a few slices I was willing to share with him. I could see jealousy in his eyes as I feasted on my porkchop and he regretfully settles with his Carbonara. The carbanora was good, but it was no pesto herbed pork chop. On our second visit to Streetyard, he finally ordered his own plate.
Hang-Over Pork Chop
I ordered Hang-over Pork Chop on my second visit. The pesto herbed one was so good that I was curious about the other chop variations. The sauce is creamy, a little spicy and very cheesy. It reminded me of the sauce used in Chili-con-carne. The sauce was of very generous portions, which I definitely enjoyed. Just like most Filipino's, I tend to like having my rice smothered with sauce. It was too much for my boyfriend though, who is a complete opposite of me when it comes to my love for sauces.
Carbonara
Streetyard's Carbonara is as creamy as can be. It's not too dry but not too wet either and it had a generous amount of ham bits. Overall, it's a decent serving for such the cheap price. Pasta is also a good addition to the Streetyard menu for added variety.
The Aesthetic
The Streetyard aesthetic, if I could describe it properly, is a combination of hominess with touches of modern edge. The menu board with its corresponding prices is readable and clearly presented at the counter. Although the restaurant itself is not as "instagram-able" (apparently a requirement now) as other newly opened hip restaurants in Cebu, it still offers a relaxing ambiance and contains a certain lovable charm.
Locations
You may visit Streetyard or Snakyard in the following locations:
Streetyard
2nd Floor, Parkmall (beside MexiMama), Mandaue City
SnakYard
Upper Ground Floor, JCentre Mall, A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City
If you're looking for the best porkchops in Cebu City or maybe just looking for a new affordable place to dine at, give Streetyard or Snakyard a visit. Streetyard is definitely on my list of the must try restaurants in Cebu.
Note: This post is not sponsored in any way. All food items were purchased by the writer.
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