Going Japanese

I have a confession to make, I am a huge fan of Japanese dishes. My love for their meals was influenced by my dad who used to work for a Japanese company. Seeing and tasting a lot of free Japanese snacks back in the days moulded that appreciation.

In the Philippines, Cebu to be particular. There are a lot of Japanese restaurants - big and small joints, even hotels offers Japanese area in their buffet sets. But I'm going to break down my favourite places to eat within Cebu.

Photo taken from Nonki SM City Cebu

1. Nonki. Be it any branch, Nonki is the place to be if you want try all Japanese dishes there is. They're authentic, clean and flavourful. Price is a bit high but it's a good value for your money. They also serve one of the best sushis and sashimi in town and bento sets. Branches at SM City Cebu, Banilad Mandaue City and Jpark Hotel Mactan Cebu.

2. Ramen Yushoken. If you only want ramen for the day, then this is the best place to be. The ramen noodles are freshly made and the broth for your choice of ramen taste is so great, you'll end up forgetting about your worries once you have a bite. And they also offer other Japanese side dishes but mostly they're all about Ramen. Located at Oakridge Pavilion Banilad Mandaue City.

3. Mismukuno Teppanyaki. What can say, Teppanyaki be it Chicken or Beef is always a good choice. With Mismukuno Teppanyaki, they're teppanyaki dishes are served sauteed sprouts which makes it a really healthy choice. Their sushis and sashimi are also well textured. And their Gyodon is really good. Located on the 4th floor new wing of the Ayala Center Cebu.

4. Tonkatzu by Terazawa. Now, if you want all pork but in a Japanese setting then this is the place to be. The meal sets are amazing and they serve Japanese beers and it's also a very pretty place to dine in. Located at the lower level of the Ayala Terraces.

5. UCC Cafe. If you want authentic Japanese coffee with an ambiance of relaxed business, then UCC cafe is the place to be. Opens from 7a til 11p. It's one of my favourite place for coffee and cakes. I mean, no one will ever go wrong with coffees and cakes. Located at Ayala Center Cebu, near Marriott's garden block.

That sums up my favourite Japanese restaurants in the city but whichever one you choose to dine in around Cebu, always be assured that it's going to be a great Japanese experience. And there's a new fine dining Japanese Restaurant in Cebu which I still have to try but I don't think I'll be able to anything soon because of the location but we'll see.

Soi

I have always been a fan of Thai cuisines, I think it's because of the spicy blends and sweet sour with salty taste that goes so well. I've dined at Soi in MOA and finally they're here in Cebu. What makes them different from the usual Thai restaurant we have in the city, is that they're more refine with their dishes. Less oily stuff, more flavour.

Lemon Grass, authentic and really good. They served it warm, so you have the option to have it as it is or have it on ice.

Fried Rice with Seafoods and Basil, this is a complete solo meal. I like the seafoods combination on it. 

Seafood in Yellow Curry, if you don't want the typically soupy/saucy curry dish then this one's for you. It's a mild curry but you also have the option to make it spicy hot.

Tom Yam Talei, this is my favourite among the dishes we ordered. Well, I have to admit that no matter what happens, Tom Yam will always be on top of my lists of favourite soups.

Thai Iced Tea, my favourite drink. I love the burst of flavours in it, milk and the tea. So good.

Shrimp Pad Thai, I think that any Thai restaurant isn't complete without Pad Thai. I love the rice noodles they're using. The texture is really good and I love how they presented the dish.

Overall, it was a good experience. Price is worth it and the ambiance is laid back and nice, not to mention they do play Thai pop songs which makes it more authentic. Soi, Eat Thai, Love Thai is located at the lower ground floor of SM City Seaside Cebu at the mountain wing (just near the entrance). For more ideas on their menu, check their website at http://www.soi.ph/soiweb/

Stuffed Bell Peppers

A few years ago, I got to taste a very interesting dish that was made by my friend's mother. It was Stuffed Bell Peppers (rice, beef and spices). I thought it was a clever recipe and an easy one. Being Asian, it felt like I was somewhere in the Mediterranean. Since, we're having a long weekend and I don't have much to do, I've decided to give it a go and make my own version of it. It taste as a good and I'm proud of it. Here are the steps and what you need to make your own Stuffed Bell Peppers.

You will need:

2 Large Bell Peppers

3 Cups Hot Water 

1 Cup Ground Beef

2 Tomatoes (Cubed)

1 Onions (Cubed)

1 Tbsp Crashed Garlic

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Tomato Paste

1 Tbsp Ricotta Cheese (or any cheese you prefer)

4 Tbsp Couscous

1 Tbsp Butter 

2 Tbsp Mixed Vegetbales (optional)

Dash of Salt and Black Pepper 

Dash of Tarragon

Preheat oven at 300 degrees C

1. In a medium pan, Sautee Beef, Onions, Garlic and season with Salt and Black Pepper. Once Beef is brown, add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Pour 1 Cup of Water in cooking ware, add Mixed Vegetables and Couscous. Stir continuously when water starts to dry up, add Butter and mix. Simmer for a few minutes.

3. Mix Beef and Couscous together - this will serve as your stuffing.

4. Clean your Bell Peppers through running water. Make a hole at the center and take off seeds and even the bottom edge by slicing a thin layer. Soak in 2 Cups Boiling Water for 5 mins. 

5. Once Bell Peppers are soft to the touch, stuff with Mixed Beef and Couscous. Place in bake ware and top with Choice of Cheese and Baked for 25 minutes.

Bon Appetite <3 p="">

Ramen Sora

As breakfast cafes and coffee shops boom in Cebu, so does the Ramen craving. Officially tried Ramen Sora at the new opened Robinson's Galleria Cebu and was thrilled to know that their Ramen are perfectly seasoned.

What we had was Salmon Sashimi, Tokutaruo Gyoza, Japanese Fried Rice, Tsukune with poached egg, Pork Belly, Deluxe Sora Ramen (Spicy Miso) and Deluxe Sora Ramen (Spicy Shio). I have to say, all these dishes were good. I love the pork cuts - they were juicy and full of flavours. I just didn't like the lighting of the place but the experience on food was good and I'm looking forward to dining back. Price ranges from 100php up and they also offer rice toppings, salads, sushi and Japanese beers.

A closer look of their Deluxe Sora Ramen (Spicy Miso)

For more check out their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/ramensora.com.ph/ 

Visit their webpage http://www.ramensora.com.ph/

Yolk Coffee and Breakfast

For the past years, Cebu has definitely grown into a breakfast hub with different cafes popping out of nowhere that offers good tasting meals and with really cozy ambiance. Finally, got a taste of a new cafe in town that has been making headlines because of their cute space.

What we had was Salad, Chorizo and Eggs in a Pan and Eggs Benny Bacon. I have to say everything was good. I like the interiors and they make one of the best Eggs Benedict I've tasted. Not to mention the crew are friendly. Price ranges from 80php up. Apart from the ones we ordered, they also offer sandwiches, good cup of coffee based lattes and smoothies.

Perfectly poached the way I liked it <3 p="">

For more check out their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/YolkCafePH/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Ramen Yushoken Cebu

Ramen, noodles and all sorts of it has been part of my life since I could remember. There was an era in my life were all I ate was noodle soup from morning 'til night and that really gave my parents some serious worried faces - I was 3 years old then. Thus, whenever I feel vulnerable or sick - Ramen or Noodles makes life better. Dropped by a new ramen place in Cebu earlier was it was amazingly good - Left Over take aways are not allowed but rest assured there's no left over once you start chowing.

What we tried was Tantan- Men which is one of their best sellers and I LOVE IT! The ground pork was perfect and the ramen was perfect as well. Shoyu Maze Saba with Raw Eggs which was also good and Karai Takusei which was good but for this one the ramen is separate from the soup, so you have to dip the ramen on the soup. 

Ambiance was really nice. Very modern Japanese. Price ranges from 300php up for their Ramen Dishes. For more details, check their https://web.facebook.com/ramenyushokencebu/

Abaca Baking Company

There's a new bakery in town that has been making headlines for their delish breakfast servings and good tasting breads of all sorts and finally I got a chance to dine in a few weeks ago and I have to say, it was worth the wait to drop by and try out their limitless choices.

What I love about the place is the relax homey ambiance and smell of freshly baked breads and the interiors were really beautiful. The personalised painted menu board, the artsy paintings and wooden tables - gives it that New Yorker - European Vibe. Apart from breads and pastries, they also sell some spices at good reasonable prices. Price ranges from a 100php up. We tried, The Corned Beef Hash, Hand Rolled Bagel with Salmon and Crossroads American Omelette (which I forgot to take a photo of). Have to say I really enjoyed everything. Looking forward to trying out their other offers soon.

For you more, you can check out https://web.facebook.com/AbacaBakingCo/ or like their Instagram Account @AbacaBakingCo

Couscous in a bowl

Back to cooking for this weekend at least. Decided to make some Turmeric Couscous topped with Pan Seared Yellow Pin Tuna with Cream Tabasco Sauce and Feta Cheese.

In a skillet, Pan Seared Sliced Sashimi Tuna (seasoned with Black Pepper, Dried Basil, Dried Rosemary and Salt) in 1tbsp Olive Oil.  Cook until golden brown / light brown.

In a sauce pan, Cook 4tbsp of Couscous and 4tbsp of Mixed Vegetables (optional) in 1 cup of water under low heat. Add dash of Turmeric, Garlic, Black Pepper, Basil. Simmer. Add 1tbsp Butter. Mix and add Sliced Tomatoes and Onions. Cook for 5 minutes. 

In a clean pan, Melt 1tbsp butter, add 50ml All Purpose Cream. Mix. Season with Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper and Oregano. Mix and add 1tbsp Tabasco Sauce.

Easy peasy :) Just add Feta Cheese on top of the Cream Sauce. Bon Appetite!

Gusto Urban Cafe + Wine Bar

Cebu is officially a city where one will never go hungry or has no reason to be hungry at all with all the new cafes and restaurants that are popping out of nowhere. Gusto Urban Cafe + Wine Bar has been around but like always - I always check in late on these gastronomical places. Good thing their Cebu Business Park Branch opens at 7a and I got to dine in without the hassle of a crowd. And seriously, I love the interiors and the ambiance - it's a perfect place for coffee meet ups or brunch.

Just look at all the customised details of the interiors. It's so cozy and organised. I love the idea of hanging the wines on the wall and the wood meets concrete designs. Price for their dishes are average and I have to commend them for really nice servers. I think what really makes up a good restaurant is when they have staff who considers the place as their own - making sure the customers are well pampered and not to forget - they were all smiles. 

 

What I had was Bacon Steak Breakfast and my dad ordered a dish which I forgot to take a photo of and a Salami Panini which was to die for and my mom also ordered another sandwich which again I forgot to take a snap of but was also delish. What makes their sandwiches special are the kind of cheeses they use. And for a cheese lover like me - this place is heaven. I like how they present the sandwiches. I think that they should have made it a uniform thing to serve the dishes in wooden plates and stuff but over all it was totally worth trying. Apart from hot and cold drinks, they also serve fine wines by glass or by bottle for a very reasonable price. Price ranges from 150php up.

Leaving you with this emoterang photo :D Looking forward to dining back soon. For more details, check their Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/GustoUrbanCafe/?fref=ts

Mismukuno Teppanyaki

Haven't written in a while but let me start my post for this year (which happens to be a late post from last year) with a food entry. Have passed by and had seen photos of FB friends dining in at this place but never had a chance until they opened at Ayala Center Cebu's new wing. Mismukuno Teppnayaki is everything that you imagine Japan to be like. And I love it.

The ambiance is really nice. I love the wall painting and the open kitchen where you get to see your order being cooked by the chefs and it also doesn't hurt that they dance once the Voltes Five song comes to life. It's a busy resto but it brings in the Japan vibe into it.

What I basically come back for again and again is the beef teppanyaki and sashimi. I think they're all too delicious for words. Price wise, it's average for a Japanese restaurant but the experience, service and food is something that's beyond average <3 p="">

Mismukuno Teppanyaki is located at the new wing of the Ayala Center Cebu for more details check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mismukunoteppanyaki If you wish to avoid the client rush dine in before or pass lunch time - same with dinner :) 

Two Cheese Scallops Pasta

Hi there! It's been ages since I last posted anything on here. Have been busy with some home improvement projects, which I'm hoping to post within this week or next week :)

Was back in the kitchen earlier and decided to do a little experiment with sautéed scallops and pasta noodles. Sharing this easy recipe now.

Ingredients 

1 cup Scallops

1/2 cup Black Olives (sliced)

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 clove Garlic (finely chopped)

5 pcs Tomatoes (diced)

3 pcs Green Chili (sliced)

1 pc Onions (diced)

Dash of Black Pepper

Dash of Basil

Dash of Rosemary 

Dash of Sea Salt (or regular salt)

1 pouch Chiz Whiz (small)

4 slices Peppered Cheese (finely sliced)

1 cup Pasta Noodles (spiral, optional)

3 cups Water

1 tbsp oil

Dash of Salt

1 tbsp Butter

Dash of Thyme

In a medium pan, Sauté Garlic and Onions, seasoned with Black Pepper, Rosemary and Basil.

Add Tomatoes, Olives and Scallops - sauté. Simmer for a few minutes.

Add in Chilis and Cheese - mix and let it simmer until sauce becomes thick.

In a medium cooking ware, add Water, Oil and Salt - let it boil.

Add pour in Pasta and let it cook.

Drain and add Butter and Thyme - mix.

And serve! Bon Appetite! :)

Borussia German Restaurant

Hey Hi! Long overdue entry coming in a bit. This posting was supposed to be posted a month ago but didn't have much time, more like I was being lazy in going online but nonetheless, happy to be writing about this beautiful German Restaurant just North of Cebu. Borussia German Restaurant gives you that good feel relax vibe with it's beautiful garden and chill down ambiance. The food is also fabulous since it is personally prepared by the owner.

Your view from the dining area. Really relaxing after a long drive. The place is located in Sogod Bogo which happens to be a convenient pit stop if you're travelling to Bantayan Island or to other Northern Cebu Provinces.

We had Callos with Rice, Beef Lasagna and Sausage with Mashed Potato. The food is great and the price is reasonable. They also have this special Lemongrass Drink which is amazing which I forgot to take a photo of.

Borussia German Restaurant is more than just a place to dine in, you can also rent one of their cottages (house settings) and cool down on their pool area. What I love about the place is the home feel of it. The inside of the restaurant is a living room converted into dining area for customers (once again I forgot to take a snap - just saw it online). The entire place is also surrounded by private houses which makes your stay more secure. And to top it off - the restrooms are crazy clean and it smells good and I love that they're using towelettes instead of tissue papers for their hand washing area. Very eco friendly :) For more, you can check their Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Borussia-German-Restaurant/347965491888101?fref=ts

Tuna Mushroom Breakfast

Another random experiment - well, more like I was really hungry and had been feeling a little disappointment and anxious lately that I ended up making myself a breakfast meal at 3 in the afternoon. Made this recipe a while back and sharing the yummy goodness in it.

1. Simmer Tuna Flakes in pan for 1 minute. Add Crashed Garlic and Onions. Season with Black Pepper, Rosemary and Basil. Sauté. Dashed with Cayenne Powder.

2. Add Mushrooms and simmer for 1 minute. Add Tomato Paste. Mix and stir. Leave for 1 minute to blend.

3. Add Fresh Eggs on top of mixture. Let eggs cook. Dashed with Tarragon and add on Crackers.

Ingredients

1 Canned Tuna Flakes

1 Canned Slice Mushrooms

1 Small Oniones (sliced)

2 Fresh Eggs

Crashed Garlic

Dashed of Black Pepper

Dashed of Rosemary 

Dashed of Basil

Dashed of Cayenne Powder

Dashed of Tarragon

2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste

Crackers

Shrimp O' Corn

One of the easiest recipe that I've made by far but really good outcome and sensually good. Shrimp O' Corn is a twist to the usual bucket shrimp with corn dish which you can make at your own kitchen.

Corn

*In a cooking dish, add 4-5 cups of water and individually place your corns. Let it boil for 30-45 minutes. Drain and it let cool. Chop it into 4. Set aside.

Shrimps

*In a frying pan, add Shrimps, Oil, Worcestershire Sauce and Crashed Garlic. Season with Black Pepper. Sauté until Shrimps turns pinkish/ orange. Let it cool. Peel. Set aside.

Shrimp O' Corn

*In a bowl, add peeled Shrimps, Tomatoes, Onions, Black Olives. Season with Black Pepper, Basil, Olive Oil and Worcestershire Sauce and stir. Add on Corn and season with Tarragon.

Ingredients 

4-5 Cups of Water

Sweet Corn (readily available at supermarkets and it's peeled)

Shrimps

Fresh Tomatoes

Onions

Crashed Garlic

Black Olives

Worcestershire Sauce

Olive Oil

Dashed of Black Pepper

Dashed of Basil

Dashed of Tarragon

Cheesy Creamy Tomato Pasta

Another personal favourite dish is Pasta. Apart from Sushi, Sashimi, Noodles and Pizza - this is another meal that I can live on, on a daily basis. Did some little triple combo with Bacon, Chinese Sausage and Hungarian Sausage on this. It was awesome.

1. In a medium size pan, add Water, Bacon, Chinese Sausage and Hungarian Sausage. Bring to boil until natural oils comes out. 

2. Add in crashed Garlic, Onions. Dashed with Black Pepper, Basil and Rosemary. Sauté. Leave for 2 minutes.

2. Add in Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper and Black Olives. Sauté. Leave for 2 minutes.

3. Add in All Purpose Cream and Melted Cheese. Sauté and mix. 

4. Add in Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste. Stir and mix. Let it cook for 5 minutes.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Water

Strips of Bacon (cubes)

Chinese Sausage (cut diagonally)

Hungarian Sausage (cut diagonally)

1 Cup of Mixed Vegetables (frozen, readily available in supermarkets)

Fresh Tomatoes (half a cup, cubes)

Red Bell Pepper 

Black Olives

Crashed Garlic

Onions (cubes)

1 Pack All Purpose Cream

1 Pouch Tomato Sauce

1 Small Pouch Tomato Paste 

1 Pack Cheese Melt

Dash of Black Pepper

Dash of Rosemary

Dash of Basil

Dash of Tarragon

1 Cup Pasta Noodles (boiled in water with salt and oil)

Bacon Chinese Sausage Breakfast

So, I am basically a breakfast - lunch person. Those are the meals that I think are so important that I always try to make sure that my dishes are full packed for it. I did a little experiment a few weeks ago for a breakfast combo and I love it. Totally love the food texture. Sharing my recipe for it now. Procedures are below the photo and ingredients follows after :) Enjoy!

1. In a small pan, add half cup water and add Bacon and Chinese Sausage. Bring to boil until natural oils from both meats are out and Bacon is crisp. Season with Black Pepper, Rosemary and Basil.

2. Add in Garlic, Onions, Tomatoe, Red Bell Peppe and Black Olives. Sauté until Tomatoes and Onions becomes soft.

3. Add in Eggs and let it cook for a few minutes.

4. Dashed with Tarragon, Grated Cheese and Scallion.

5. Add Bread on top.

Ingredients

Half cup water 

Strips of Bacon (cut into cubes)

Chinese Sausage (cut diagonally) 

Two Fresh Eggs

Tomatoes 

Onions 

Red Bell Pepper

Black Olives (sliced; it's readily available in supermarkets)

Traditional Cheese (any cheese will do - grated)

Crashed Garlic

Dash of Black Pepper

Dash of Basil

Dash of Rosemary

Dash of Cayenne Powder

Dash of Tarragon 

Scallion (sliced, optional)

Bread (any bread will do but I opted for the traditional Filipino Pandesal aka Salt Bread)

Parilya

There's a new restaurant that's making some serious fuzz around town because of it's wonderful ambiance and food that's worth every cent - Parilya is the newest baby of Cafe Laguna Group which is conveniently situated at the South Road Project Cebu. And if you're into seafoods and other Asian - Filipino cuisines, this is the place to be. They are currently on their soft opening so the menus and decors are not that all out just yet :)

Clam Soup, tasted really fresh and the soup was perfect. They also offer other soup dishes on their menu for your tastebuds.

Kinilaw (raw seafoods soaked in vinegar and spices), what was unique about it, is that they added a piece of Itlog Maalat (salted eggs) which made the taste more intriguing. 

Puso ng Saging (banana heart), it was just the way I've imagined having it. This is basically sauteed banana heart (it's a vegetable) with spices and a hint of coconut milk in it.

Rice, which was wrapped in banana leaves. They also offer other options for rice orders.

Guso (assorted seaweeds), call me whatever you want to call me but this particular dish is a personal favourite. I could totally live eating this in a life time :D

Paella Negra, I'm a fan of Paella just not this one but the taste was great (took only a spoon to avoid getting my teeth and mouth into black) Hahaha but I kid around that I'll order this dish if ever I go on a date in this place, just to check if my date really likes me for me :D

King Prawns, grilled to perfection, I love that the skin falls off when I indulge on the meat.

Grilled Squid, love how average the servings is which makes it easier to devour.

Grilled Chorizo, really spiced to perfection.

Lechon Belly, you have to believe me when I say this dish is heaven. The skin is perfectly crunchy and the meat - just perfect. 

Lemon Iced Tea, I love their glasses for every drinks.

Crab Salad, for the health conscious and are on diet - this may suit you :)

Buko Salad, I love the serving and the jar they used for and the taste was also nomnomnom.

All in all, I love the Parilya Experience I had. Looking forward to coming back once their fully open for business. I'm curious to try the Seafoods Platter or was it the Barbecue Platter. What I really love about the place is that it's all neat in colour schemes and the sight of blue skies and the sea is just captivating. Apart from great dishes, they also offer wines for that date night outs and Filipino delicacies. I'm definitely looking forward to dining back - most likely during lunch cos that view reminds me so much of Greece or somewhere that's not in Cebu :D For more details, check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ParilyaPH?fref=ts 

Bangkok Thailand: Food Trip Edition

In every travel that I go to, I always make sure to try out dishes from whichever country or city it is that I am visiting. Thailand, is one of the many countries in Asia that is just so rich and diverse when it comes to flavours. The spices department is really nuts and I just love Tom Yum Goong - Tom Yum Goong - anytime of the day is just fabulous GOOD. Here are a few snaps and descriptions of what I basically tasted around. There are another specialities that I haven't tried cos it is quite different when you're travelling with your parents who are health/ hygiene conscious but nonetheless, I'd like to believed that I've covered what I needed for my taste buds this time around.

Sky Coffee Shop (Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel)

Hotel lobby dine in upon arrival with an ample view of what's in store outside the hotel. This is our second time staying at Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel and it's always a pleasure and full of nonstop convenience if I may say.

Thai Fried Rice, the usual fried that we order in most restaurants - only difference is that Thailand is one of the many countries that has rich rice soils that produces on of the best qualities there is :) The servings kind of reminded me from those in Saigon, Vietnam.

Japanese Ramen, good and really tasty.

Assorted Sashimi, fresh as a breeze.

Thai Pad Thai, ahhh! It's the best :)

Fresh Coco Juice

Fruit Buffet 

Craving for seasoned fruits which are the freshest of the freshest? Or just simply going for that healthy lifestyle vibe then this lobby shop is catered to just FRUITS. And it's EAT ALL YOU CAN.

You can stay on this area for a maximum of 2 hours for 350baht. All sorts of seasoned fruits are available as well as these freshly squeezed juices and some dried fruits too. You can also opt for fruits salad mixes or ask their friendly staff to open new Durians for you. And oh did I mentioned, that they also have all sorts of sorbets and ice creams? :D NOM!

Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel is also known as a buffet hub for tourists and locals apart from being the tallest building with a revolving tower in Bangkok Thailand. For more details on room bookings and restaurant reservations, kindly click  http://baiyokesky.baiyokehotel.com/?utm_source=affilired and click on Dining :) You can also like their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/baiyokeskyhotel?ref=ts&fref=ts

Street Food (Indra Area just outside Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel)

I'm telling you Bangkok Thailand is probably the only city in the world, where there is no excuse for getting hungry because you will never get hungry at all - most local vendors operates at 5 in the afternoon 'til early morning.

Now, if you want to morning the night by trying all the varieties of street food in Bangkok - this area in Indra just outside Baiyoke Sky Tower Hotel is a major hub for street shopping (tiangge style) and street foods - even street cocktail bars are available. Just be cautious on some items that you want to eat. My favourites are the grilled fish (fresh as coco and just amazingly yummy). Prices are usually below 100baht but it all depends on the dish. 

Platinum Food Court

On the topmost of a shopping center in Bangkok lies a food court with a style. Why I say so? Because you need to purchase a loaded card to be able to buy the different varieties of food from every stall. And I was actually reprimanded by one employee cos it was not allowed to take in photos but girls gotta take some snaps :)

You need to purchase these loaded cards to your load of choices from 200baht up and you can enter the area and start swiping it like you're shopping for a pair of hermes :D

Most dishes are purely Asian which ranges from Ramen, Noodles, Curries and these sweet treats. My personal favourite is this filled waffle, the fillings are of different choices ranging from durian, beans and so on. I actually love the Thai Cream filling :D 

Seafood Thai Food

In one of our private guided tours, our guide took us to this home styled restaurant near the pier area which served fresh seafoods and I have to tell you, the dishes were all amazing.

Tom Yum Goong, like I said earlier I'm never gonna get tired of having this. I think in this travel, this was my 4th bowl of Tom Yum Goong. I kept having it dine in, in our hotel room :D But this one was superbly flavoured.

Four Kinds of Seafoods, ahhh Thailand is truly amazing when it comes to soup dishes.

Chicken Curry, apart from Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup, Thailand is known for their curries. And it is a must try in every restaurant that you'll dine in in Bangkok.

Crab Meat Fried Rice

Grilled Fish, they actually call it Barbecued Fish and dude, it's freaking boneless and grilled to perfection.

Fresh Orange Juice, one of the many reasons why I had an acne break out after the trip was this drink. I couldn't get enough of oranges. In every restaurant and street vendor, I went to, they all had the same exact same taste for their oranges which is just pure heave :)

Bottled water, in a really literally sense. I almost died upon realising that each bottle was individual sealed :D

If you happen to be on guided tour, you can ask your guide to take you to this place. It's usually packed during lunch by tourists and the place is just with limited seats, so it's always better to go with reservations or be there before lunch time or lunch time.

Grand Palace (Siam Paragon)

I have to tell you, Siam Paragon Food Court is just crazy crowded during night time but the varieties of semi expensive open restaurants in a food court setting caught me by surprised. Grand Palace is basically the only restaurant that I went into that serves a soup that's worth around 3000baht but of course we didn't take that :D

Orange Juice, again and again :D

Mushroom Soup, ahhh love it. Reminded me of a mushroom soup I've tried somewhere in Singapore.

Stir Fried Noodles, the shrimps were fresh but not so much a fan of the dish.

Dimsum Taro, really good. Almost the same taste as the ones here in Cebu.

Steamed Fish in Soy Sauce, amazingly spiced and cooked perfectly.

Prawn Salad, averagely good.

To sum up this experience, my favourite is the steamed fish in soy sauce. I think Chinese restaurants are the best when it comes to steaming dishes. I have to suggest going around Siam Paragon Food Court on non peak hours to really enjoy checking out everything. There's also this Indian Resto there, that I was dying to try but can't cos my parents are somewhat allergic to curry flavoured dishes :D

The Berkeley Dining Room (Berkeley Pratunam Hotel)

This would have to fall under fine private dining cos we were the only ones in their dining area that night :D But it was all cool, they still served up with the highest quality and I just love it. I love all the food.

 Buffet Breakfast are usually held on this area in most days.

Bread and Butter, my favourite in any restaurant that I dine into.

Tom Yum Goong, amazing as always :)

Chicken Satay, the presentation kind of surprised me but it was flavoured right.

Margarita Pizza, as expected of a Margarita Pizza but I love their dough 

Grilled Pork Chop

Chicken (it's an India Dish - I forgot the name), but it was just crazy yummy :)

Assorted Fruits

Grilled Fish

It was an amazing experience to dine with a little privacy and with your own butler but it was also a bit expensive but all worth it. For more details and for room bookings check www.theberkeleypratunam.com

Big C Supermarket

I think it has become my tradition to check out supermarkets when I travel. I obviously for Thailand, I have to check it out because of the assortments of spices and sauces that I know are readily available. And Big C didn't fail me on this. This was basically the closest to the hotels that I stayed to.

What surprised me was the assortment of fresh Tuna and Salmons on their fresh goods area. Just mouth watering. Then theres the flavoured rice, different spices and sauces. I wanted to shop everything but of course I didn't have enough spare money in my pocket hahaha so I just ended taking pictures :D

Silom Village (Airport Dining)

This is my last taste of Thailand for this travel and even in their airport dining - it didn't fail me at all. Talk about brining in the flavours from the street on the convenience of the airport waiting area. I am totally suggesting this stop when you're hungry while waiting for your flights. Their customers were mostly pilots and businessmen. :)

And that concludes my Food Trip for this travel. In all Asian countries, Thailand is my favourite because of the ambiance that it offers. I love the different food flavours, I love their love for Elephants and shopping and I love all their tourists attractions, especially the temples. And I love it there. Looking forward to coming back - hopefully with my better half. Hahaha One day :D 'Til next food trip! <3 p="">

Tavolata

The place had been around for two years but was hesitant to go and try out the dishes on their menu and now I wonder what took me so long to go. Tavolata is one of the many restaurants operated by the Abaca Group. I've been to Abaca Resort and Phat Pho and have to admit their food is exquisitely served even if it's the simplest dish - it is prepared and presented with so much flair.

The place is really cozy and has that sophistication. I love the falling/ hanging lights, the long tapestries and the yellow lights all over the place which gives it a feel like its been lighted by candles. It's a two storey resto but with limited seatings, so it's important to come early for lunch or dinner or book a reservation in advance.

I'd like to apologised for the low photo quality but I opted to not use the flash to take these photos. 

Mashed Potatoes with Olive Oil, heaven! The taste is just lovely. You can taste the milk and butter on it.

Penna Cotta, the best that I've tasted. The smoothness and thickness of the entire dessert was perfectly crafted.

Fresh Mango Juice, still nothing beats my favourite from Plantation Bay and Resort.

Tavolata Salad, visually good and tastes really nice. I love the salad sauce.

Pappardelle Pasta, their pasta is hand crafted home made and it's amazing. The texture of their pasta is a killer.

Parmesan Chicken, breaded spiced chicken fillet topped with tomatoes and parmesan - the bomb. I love it.

Prosciutto Pizza, a healthy pizza with that home goodness freshness. Another love :)

I'm telling you, everything inside that place is good to the taste buds. Price ranges from a 100php up. For more details check out www.theabacagroup.com/restaurants.html