We spotted a new middle eastern restaurant at Harrison Plaza Village Square called Al Dimashqi. 

This joint has been replaced so many times.  But, we never fail to try out whatever sprouts here.

As you can see, there are no local diners here.  That intrigued us even more.  Turns out Al Dimashqi offers authentic Syrian Cuisine.  I don't think we've tried one before.  And, for those who are looking for Halal food, this is one too.

Food

Cold Appetizer

♥ Humus (150 php)

For starters, we began with the Humus that comes with pita bread.  We loved this!  We even ordered an additional pita bread.  I guess we ordered too many so we were forced to take home some.  Unfortunately, it wasn't as good when reheated by toaster though.

♥ Moutable (150 php)

The Moutable is also superb.  Perhaps, I liked this a bit more than their Humus.

♥ Dal Soup (150 php)

To warm up our bellies, we ordered the Dal Soup.  This lentil soup is a must try!

Grilled

♥ Grilled Chicken (150 php)

The Grilled Chicken is unlike anything we've encountered before.  It was pretty good.  The rice that comes with it is a perfect match too.


Budget Meal

Mini Shish Tawook (80 php)

The Mini Shish Tawook  is affordable but the chicken fillet bits were a bit dry.

Mini Kebab (80 php)

The Mini Kebab is just okay.  It wasn't too dry but not remarkably juicy either.
 

♥ Mini Shaqaf (80 php)

Among the budget meals, I'd recommend the Mini Shaqaf.

Sandwich

♥ Falafel Regular (65 php)

Among our orders, the Falafel stood out the most.  I have never been impressed with a falafel except for this.  It had the right crunchiness, softness (but not pasty) and it wasn't oily at all.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I hope Al Dimashqi stays cause I'd certainly go back for its Falafel.  Their pricing is affordable too. 

Whenever we see a  J.CO Donuts and Coffee in the area without any lines, we always take it as an opportunity to buy and bring some home for the family's breakfast or merienda.


Sometimes, I also buy just for short breaks on the go. 
 

Dazzling Queen (42 php)

Recently, I discovered a new found favorite with the Dazzling Queen.  It's has a nice tropical twist as has dried coconut flakes on top of the creamy strawberry chocolate.  The dried coconut flakes adds to the crunchiness and neutralizes the sweetness of the strawberry chocolate.

Dazzling Queen (42 php)

It even has a pleasant surprise of berry-coconut cream inside that's very light and refreshing.

So one time,  I've added Dazzling Queen to the classic family favorite Mr. Green Tea and Alcapone for the family to try.  They liked it too!

J. Coffee
As the eldest sister, I usually go out on a date with one of my sisters on random basis just to have some sisterly bonding time.  For my coffee-loving (or should I say addict) little sister, we usually hang out at cafes and coffee shops.  Lately, we tried J. CO's Coconut Mocha Frappe and Avocado Cappuccino.  The Coconut Mocha Frappe is a sweet blend of the usual mocha (chocolate and J Coffee) but with tender coconut jellies and iced coconut.  

We also noticed other interesting new drinks like Cafe Avocado, Tiramisu Frappe and White Chocolate Espresso Frappe.  Which do you think we should try next?

There's not much Lebanese and Halal restaurant here in Manila so we're very excited to discover Farah Lebanese Food and Barbecue at Harrison Plaza. 


Although it looks small from the outside, we realized that it was very spacious as soon as we stepped in. 



It can cater to small and big groups for meals and for shisha sessions.  The photos hanged on it walls give it Lebanese feel.  Yet, on the contrary, their TV shows the usual English shows.  We ascertained the place is really authentic because one of the Lebanese owners is seated on one table with his laptop overlooking the operations and the Lebanese chef goes in and out of the kitchen once in awhile too. 


Food

♥Hummus (115 php),  ♥Moutabal (115 php) and ♥Pita (10 php/piece)

I'm a huge fan of Middle Eastern appetizers.  Thus, I decided to order my two favorites: Hummus and the Moutabal.  Each order comes with two large pieces of Pita.  I love pitas.  You'd find it to believe but I'd even prefer it over rice.  Their Pita is the best I've had.  It was served warm, soft and chewy.  We even had to order more!  Their Hummus is also beyond those I've encountered before!  It's texture is smooth and the flavor of chickpeas together with the tahini, olive oil, spices and lemon juice is bold.  The Moutabal does not fall behind too.   The eggplant is served in a separate bowl so you can blend it according to your preference.  Because of the great appetizers, we were very much eager to try out the rest of their offerings.

Grilled

Shish Tawhouk (Chicken Kebab) (320 php/3 sticks)

The Shish Tawhouk or their chicken kebab is great in terms of taste but it could be a bit juicier.  

Rice Platters 

♥Daoud Basha (Minced Meat with Pasley and Tomato Sauce) (320 php)

It's my first time to try the Daoud Basha and I loved it!  It has a rich fragrant and tangy taste.  The minced meat is so tender that you need not even chew.  All their Rice Platters are served with basmati rice, one of the finest types of rice in the world.

Special Item (NOT on the menu but by request)

♥Rostu Beef (420 php)

Our server suggested that we try their best-selling item which ironically is not on the menu.  It's the Rostu Beef or roast beef.  The winning factor in this dish is its creamy yet foamy white sauce that is to die for!  It was able to transform the dull roast beef into an enticing one.  The beef is tender too.  I highly recommend this!

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Farah Lebanese Food and Barbecue is a hidden Gem for Authentic Lebanese and Halal dishes.  The food is great and serving portions are great for sharing.  And, if you're into shisha they have those too.  Now we know where to go when craving for delicious authentic Lebanese Cuisine. 

Rai Rai Ken has the traditional Japanese restaurant ambiance that gives a serene feel.  

Food

Ippin Ryori (appetizers)


We ordered Gyoza 6 pcs. (120 php) and Fish Finger with Cheese (149 php).  The Gyoza is delicious.  On the other hand, I don't find anything special with the Fish Finger with Cheese.

♥ Tantamen (Spicy Ramen) (250 php)

Tantamen is a hot miso-based ramen spiced with chili.  I just love the hotness level of Rai Rai Ken's Tantanmen.  You could feel the zing in every slurp.  The miso is tasty but not to salty either.  The texture of noodles if good enough and they serve it with generous amount of vegetables and an slice of egg.

Tsinoy Foodies Other Ramen House/Shop Reviews
Akira Restaurant 
Curry Bee Japanese Curry Shop
Hanamaruken Ramen 花丸轩  
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Kitchitora 1 | Kitchitora 2
Kokoro Ramenya
Menya Genki Tonkotsu Ramen
Miso-Ten
Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Moshi Koshi 1 | Moshi Koshi 2
Ramen Bar
Ramen Cool
Ramen Ichiban-Kan
Ramen Nagi
Ramen Sora
Ramen X (Closed)
Ramen Yushoken
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

One of the Japanese restaurants we always wanted to visit is "Century Tsukiji" at Century Park Hotel.  But, our interest only materialized when we bought one of group deal offering the Maikosan Course Menu for only 750 php instead of 1,500 php.  Since we buy our pastries at Deli Snack, we came to know that the Chef from Tsukiji Makati shifted to this one.  


Century Tsukiji has a very nice facade.  The bamboo fences gives it an authentic Japanese feel.  There are a lot of awards displayed upon entry.  There is a shelf filled with Japanese wines.  It also has a sushi bar.  We were led to the spacious dining area with hanging Japanese lanterns.  The place was very serene.   I noticed that the customers are mostly Japanese business men.  

Food

Complementary Japanese Appetizers

We were served three kinds of appetizers.  All of them were so delicious!  Too bad they were just sampler servings. =p

Miso Soup

The Miso Soup is warm and soothing.  The taste was perfect. 

Maikosan Course Menu







Salmon and Tuna Sashimi
The Salmon and Tuna Sashimi were in the freshest condition. 

Fresh Green Salad
The Fresh Green Salad was fresh and served with a mild tasting Japanese dressing.  However, I regret choosing the Fresh Green Salad because the Salmon and Tuna Sashimi is a way better option.  


Wakadori Teriyaki
The Wakadori Teriyaki (chicken teriyaki) is tender and succulent.  The sauce was not too sweet and yet it was definitely tasty.

Shake Teriyaki
The Shake Teriyaki (salmon teriyaki) is delicious!  This is the one of the best Shake Teriyaki I've tried!  The salmon was fresh, tasty and cooked just right.

Saba Shioyaki
The best among the grilled options is the ♥ Saba Shioyaki.  I just love the taste of Saba.  It's texture, flavor and oiliness is superb!

Fried Dishes

Ebi Tempura
The Ebi Tempura is a genuine tiger prawn fried in the best quality batter.  My little sister was very pleased with this!

Tori-Hotate Gyoza
The Tori-Hotate Gyoza is a fried chicken and scallop dumpling.  This is the first time I've tried this combo flavor for a dumpling.  Although I could hardly distinguish in terms of texture and flavors of the two components, it succeeded in delivering a wholesome sensation.  

♥ Matcha (250 php for 2 pcs.)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Century Tsukiji offers the finest authentic Japanese dishes in the Metro.  I'm impressed with their service and quality.  They really deserve their awards. =D  It's a Japanese restaurant that I would definitely want to come back to whenever I'm willing to spend for authentic quality food.

They had a fun Christmas Tree by the counter.  We enjoyed watching the Santa pop out as we lined up for our orders.


Food


Sizzling Specials (Served with House Rice and Soup)

SS-1 Lechon Sisig (99 php)

The Lechon Sisig was served warm with chili and onion bits.  You can order an extra egg.  But, in our case, but fellow Tsinoy Foodie opted not to because we ordered one too many dishes.  There were parts of the sisig which were a bit crunchy.  Some where not.  In terms of flavor, it was just okay.