During the COVID pandemic, the family has been practicing caution in choosing where and when to dine out.  Having our first dine out at Yamazato山里 at Hotel Okura Manila was a wise choice and as you read along our experience, we're sure you'll agree as to why.

According to the official Michelin Guide website, "In 2002, Yamazato became the first traditional Kaiseki restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star outside of Japan, thanks to Chef Masanori Tomikawa’s subtle cuisine that is full of velvet-smooth flavours."

 

When we dined there, the above-mentioned was the only information that lured us into trying out Yamazato.  But a few days after we posted about it on instagram, its management commented some interesting details therein: (1)  This branch in the Philippines is the 10th location to open worldwide and (2) Yamazato in Bangkok, Macau, and Taipei also have Michelin distinction.   What an amazing track record right?

Brief Info on Kaiseki

It has dawned on us that we've never tried Kaiseki before.  Kaiseki, kanji are written as 会席 or formally as 懐石 literally mean "breast-pocket stone" which Zen monks, who do not have budget for food, give to guests to ward off hunger as a sign of hospitality. These kanji are thought to have been incorporated to indicate the frugal meal served in the austere style of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).  Both sets of kanji remain in use today to write the word.  

Kaiseki now represents a set course meal as a counterpart to the Japanese haute cuisine.  

 

After such an introduction, you'd think we'd go for the Yamazato Mini Kaiseki Set which was available from 6 pm to 9 pm right? Wrong.

 

Since the family really missed dining out and having special dishes for sharing, we decided to go ala carte style.   

 

COVID Protocols

As responsible citizens, we're really advocating cautious practice against COVID.  And, we feel that restaurants such as Yamazato with excellent COVID protocols should be commended too.

Happy to be adding my recent Liao Fan Hawker Chan Restaurant dining experience to my Michelin-Starred collection.


We're so lucky that more and more Michelin-starred restaurants are opening here in Manila.  Because of that, we get to save a lot from not having to travel.  What's more is that, Liao Fan Hawker Chan happens to be the world's cheapest Michelin-Star restaurant where the average price per dish is only 100 to 150 pesos!


I happened to be invited for a preview.  As I arrived, the first thing I noticed were these group of men bending down seriously taking photo of what seems to be...

the famous Singapore Soya Sauce Chicken's butt?  =p

Food

Sampler Plate: Soya Chicken, Char Siew and Roasted Pork with Rice

But, I didn't mind what they were doing because we were served us a Sampler Plate.  This is just for the event and not officially on the menu.  It allowed us to try three of their offerings and their plain ice which I do not recommend!  It is worst than fast food rice.

Sampler Plate: Soya Chicken, Char Siew and Roasted Pork with Noodles

Go for the noodles, it's way better!

Chef Recommendation

Any 3 Combination Platter (270 php)

With the Any 3 Combination Platter, you can choose three among their four specialties: Soya Chicken, Char Siew, Pork Ribs and Roasted Pork with Rice.  

Any 3 Combination Platter (270 php)

I'm glad Igot to try the Soya Chicken, Char Siew, and Roasted Pork.  But, it made me curious about the Pork Ribs.  Nevertheless, I shall share with you my feedback.  If I had to choose just one of their specialty, it would definitely be their Soya Chicken.  It's so soft and moist that it could easily detach from the bones.  It is indeed the best Soya Chicken I've tried yet.  Second on my top list is the Roasted Pork.  I never imagined pork skin to be as good as they made it.  It even beats our local pork skin cracklings.  It's light, airy kind crnchy and not oily at oil.

Whole Chicken (598 php)

If you're picky with chicken parts, you can order the Whole Chicken so you can even pick the butt part. =D  You can also share this with your companions. 

Side Dishes

Thai Style Tofu (160 php)

For side dish, I highly recommend Thai Style Tofu. 

Thai Style Tofu (160 php)

We had this as a starter dish and we enjoyed it a lot!

Beverages

Roselle Tea (60 php)

I'm not sure if our palates are ready for the Roselle Tea.  Since I've had this before, it pleasantly tastes like sweet red wine to me.  But, my companions didn't like it.  Some found it too sweet or preferred soft drinks over it. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Welcome Liao Fan Hawker Chan to the Philippines!  I'm sure all the branches you will be opening will be packed with all kinds of diners.  I will definitely visit again for the Soya Chicken and to try the Pork Ribs.

Fly to Singapore Promo
I almost forgot to share!   Another great reason to try Hawker Chan is because if you dine from July 26 to August 5 2018, you get a chance to be one of two winners that will fly to Singapore and enjoy a 3 days and 2 nights full board and meal stay sponsored by FOODEE Global Concepts Inc. and

It was January 2, 2015 and Mom had an epiphany to eat at Din Tai Fung (the only Michelin starred Taiwanese restaurant in the world) because she sensed that he queue wouldn't be long since it was the start of the year, people would be lazy to dine out.  Thus, because of this baseless hunch we went all the way to SM Megamall.  


On the way, we were observing the streets and MRT feeling that people prefer to be at their homes.  To our surprise, SM Megamall had an End of Season Sale so the parking was so loonnnnnnggggg.  And since the family had a tight-leash when it comes to patience and I had a beach camping trip to Layag-Layag Island the next day, I volunteered to be dropped off and get us a queue number at Din Tai Fung while they line up for the parking.



I got to the counter and was issued a queue number 5107 with a time stamp of 19:12:42 (7:12 pm).  Along with the queue number is their order slip so while waiting you can already decide what to order.  The family arrived the Din Tai Fung at around 7:25 pm.  (We had to be complete before we could enter otherwise, we'd forfeit our slot)

While waiting, we watched how the xiao long baos were made and we also watched the video where the employees of Din Tai Fung are interview on how much of a good boss the owner Mr. Yang is.  We also read the menu on the legend of Din Tai Fung which is a great story on the factor of resilience to success.

It's pretty cool that they have a stool step for kids.  There's also a photo spot (which that guy used as a watching spot) so you can have a souvenir.  

We also ordered in advance.  There's a list of items not available on the counter.  We were partly sad that the Stir-fried Organic Kale and all items with Pork Chop was not available but there's so many options to order instead anyway.  Upon giving the order slip at the counter, the staff confirmed each item with us by encircling them as she read them out.

At around 7:45 pm, we saw our queue number on their LCD display.  As we approached the counter, we saw our order slip being passed on to the kitchen an we were ushered to our round table.

No wonder the queue moves fast.  Aside from the efficient queuing system (where there are 4 categories: 2 persons, 3-4 persons, 5-6 persons and 7 persons and above), they have a lot of staff, big kitchen and tons of seating.  Upon seeing the high chairs, I also understood why they ask if you have kids when you get a queue number.  Aside from high chairs, they also provide bag holders which they cover with brown cloth.  Just like in abroad, you can pay your bill on the payment counter on your way to the exit.  They also sell there their merchandise like their chopsticks, x.o. sauce and soy sauce.

Food

Appetizers

♥ Din Tai Fung House Special (155 php)

We ordered the Taiwanese Kao Fu because it looked really good from the menu.  We were looking forward to it when a staff came with a tray with the Din Tai Fung House Special and Spicy Pickled Cucumber and informed us that the Taiwanese Kao Fu was unavailable.  (Great gesture of sincerity right?)  We chose the Din Tai Fung House Special and we are quite pleased with our decision.  It was so good!

♥ Cold Chicken with Scallions (200 php)

 We loved the Din Tai Fung House Special but it didn't feel filling enough for an appetizer so we ordered the Cold Chicken with Scallions.  Again, we were impressed!

Xiao Long Bao
Prior to serving our Xiao Long Bao, our server assisted us with our dipping sauce.  My brother wanted to confirm if our way of eating Xiao Long Bao is correct so he asked and we were given their "Guide to enjoy the Xiao Long Bao or Gabay sa pagkain ng Xiao Long Bao" (yes, it has a Tagalog translation).  Step 1 which involves preparing the dipping sauce is as you can see voluntarily done by our helpful server.

♥ Pork Xiao Long Bao (315 php/10 pcs)

 We've never encountered a restaurant with a menu section of Xiao Long Bao before so we had a difficult time deciding.  We had the classic Pork Xiao Long Bao so we could compare it with the other xiao long baos we've tried.  These beauties are the best we've had!  Perfectly thin shell and the broth is heavenly!

♥ Green Squash and Shrimp Xiao Long Bao (160 php/5 pcs)

Between the Pork Xiao Long Bao and the Green Squash and Shrimp Xiao Long Bao, it's really difficult to decide which is better because they are equally good!

♥ Truffle and Pork Xiao Long Bao (135 php/piece)

We had to follow up the Truffle and Pork Xiao Long Bao because it wasn't serve even when all our orders came in.  Before it was served, we were given a new set of spoon and small dipping sauce plate.  We were advised that we should cleanse our palate and not to use the dipping sauce so we could savor the truffle taste.  We delicately placed it on our spoon, slurped slowly and indulged on the truffle essence broth which is so heavenly!  Gosh! I want to have this again asap!

Pot Stickers & Snacks

♥ Shrimp and Pork Pot Stickers (220 php/6 pcs.)

Pot stickers or more locally known as fried dumplings are so common here in the Philippines but never have I seen it presented like DTF's Shrimp and Pork Pot Stickers.

♥ Shrimp and Pork Pot Stickers (220 php/6 pcs.)

These Shrimp and Pork Pot Stickers are superb.  With the bottom part thin and crisp, the rest delicately soft and tender and filled with tasty shrimp and pork, I'd say this is the best one I've had yet!

Featured Dishes

Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (375 php)

The Salted Egg Yolk Prawns is good but compared to the other dishes, for me this is the least impressive.  On my next visit, I'll skip this to try the other dishes and just go after the Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun for dessert.


Fried Rice

♥ Chicken Cutlet Fried Rice (285 php)

I was never one to be crazy for chicken chops.  I didn't even understand the craze before for Hot Star.  But, Din Tai Fung's Chicken Cutlet with flimsy thin batter coating, moist and tender chicken and subtle pepper seasoning got me hooked.

Soups & Noodle Soups

♥ Braised Beef Noodle Soup (295 php)

With the Braised Beef Noodle Soup, you can choose between: All Tendon, All Meat or Half Tendon Half Meat.  We chose the latter.  This is a bowl of perfection!  From the broth to the meat and the noodles, everything is A+!

Sauteed & Fried Noodles

♥ Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce (145 php)

The Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce is one of the best (if not the best) dry noodles I've encountered.  The noodles are consistently springy even long after it was served, the portion of sauce to noodles is precisely right!  I'd say this is the most sulit or bang for the buck item we've gotten.

Hot & Cold Desserts

♥ Chocolate Lava Xiao Long Bao (115 php/3 pieces)

The saying "Always save room for dessert" great applies here at Din Tai Fung.  My mother is not a fan of chocolate desserts.  While we were outside, adding this to the order slip, she declared she will not have one.  When I let her taste mine, she quickly called a waiter to order another one!  The fine, smooth and bitter-sweet dark chocolate filling is to die for!

♥ Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun (85 php/2 pcs.)

We all thought we were full by the time that this Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun arrived.  But, upon tasting this, we had to order more so we could have one each because no one wanted to share.  Be careful in being excited to eat this, mom was so excited that she bit this while it was steaming and smoking hot and squirted the filling all over her plate!

Drinks

♥ Lemongrass Juice (45 php)

We were a bit disappointed that the Iced Rose Tea was unavailable so we were all forced to order the same drink for all of us which was the Lemongrass Juice.  To our surprise, it was refreshingly good!  We're so used to the sweetened drinks here that we were pleasantly surprised that this isn't. 
 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We will definitely come back for more of Din Tai Fung's dishes.  In fact, I'm now imploring you for suggestions on what to try next!  I strongly agree that it deserves a michellin star or maybe even more stars in the future.  The service and food quality is superb.  With Din Tai Fung here, we can now enjoy Taiwanese Cuisine at its finest whenever we want.