Ebi10: Rating our Japanese Dinner with a Perfect 10 (One Ayala Mall Makati)
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Since my little sister completed all her fellowship trainings as a endocrinologist and I has to carry the duties of a legal division chief, we could hardly find the time to chill and eat out like we used to.
Perhaps, it was destiny or a happy coincidence that we were both craving Japanese food and Ebi10 at One Ayala Mall turned out to be the perfect choice.
Although it had an unpretentious storefront adorned with softly glowing Japanese lanterns, inside lies a cozy and vibrant dining atmosphere. The sushi bar doubles as a cocktail bar and with DJ-station at the center, we can see how this relaxed dining space can transform into an elevated social lounge as the night unfolds.
Food
Sashimi
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| ♥ Salmon Aburi Nigiri (385 php/2 pcs.) |
We are so glad we had the Salmon Aburi Nigiri for our starter. It is handsdown one of the best rendition of the Salmon Aburi Nigiri we've ever had!
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| ♥ Salmon Aburi Nigiri (385 php/2 pcs.) |
I swear I almost cried in happy tears as the buttery norweigan salmon melted into my mouth and a burst of umami flavors from the salmon, while the uni delivered a pristine burst of sweet umami uni and finished with a harmonious blend of fragrant truffle, creamy Kewpie mayo, and savory teriyaki. Just from our teaser with the Salmon Aburi Nigiri, we knew we chose Ebi10 as the right choice.
Rolls
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| Crazy Maki (420 php) |
We had such an elevated satisfaction from the Salmon Aburi Nigiri, it was simply impossible for the humble and classic Crazy Maki surpass. To be fair, it had everything you can expect from a Crazy Maki — kani, cucumber, mango kwepie, agedama, and ebiko.
Salads
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| ♥ Spicy Tuna Salad (585 php) |
The Spicy Tuna Salad is another dish that brought delight our tongues. The soft tuna cubes was complemented by the explosive kick of the dinamite mayo and the pleasurable crisp of agedama (crunchy tempura batter) and fresh romaine lettuce.
Mains
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| ♥ Truffle Ponzu Steak (825 php) |
If you're looking for a steak dish that won't make you break your diet and your budget, then go for the Truffle Ponzu Steak.
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| ♥ Truffle Ponzu Steak (825 php) |
Despite its modestly thin slice, the Truffle Ponzu Steak delivers an intense fragrant flavor from the premium quality Australian tenderloin, crispy onion, kamote chips and truffle mushroom ponzu sauce.
Tempura
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| ♥ Jumbo Shrimp (600 php/3 pcs) |
At such a good price point, the Jumbo Shrimp is a must order!
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| ♥ Jumbo Shrimp (600 php/3 pcs) |
The fresh, sweet and jumbo-size shrimp perfectly coated in golden batter is worth every peso.
Chahan
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| Vegetable Chahan (190 php) |
The Vegetable Chahan is a surprise hit for us. We could never have imagined that a healthy bowl of rice, egg and mixed vegetables could be so good!
Sweets
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| Banana Nutella (250 php/3 pcs) |
The Banana Nutella is another validation of the chef's precise frying skills. Just look at how the golden-coated banana slices could be beautifully laid atop a smear of nutella and accented by dulce de leche and sesame seeds.
Fruity & Fizzy
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| ♥ Yuzu Fizz (220 php) and♥ Blueberry Fizz (220 php) |
Ebi10 is not just for good food, they serve amazing drinks too. We loved the refreshing palate-cleansing Yuzu Fizz and the cool and minty Blueberry Fizz we had.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Ebi10's creatively-crafted Japanese dishes and drinks combined with its cozy atmosphere is sure to make any newcomer come back for more. We can't wait to try more from their extensive menu!
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Ebi10 Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Ebi10 | |
| Branches | One Ayala Makati Level 2 Alfresco, One Ayala Mall, Makati City (0962) 960-0895 | (0915) 920-6512 | (02) 7002-0366 Capitol Commons Meralco Avenue, Oranbo, Pasig City (0969) 610-8331 | (0936) 958-2522 | (02) 7000-02-88 Greenhills L136 G/F Greenhills Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Barangay Greenhills, Ortigas Ave., San Juan City (0967) 182-6425 | (0999) 804-4585 Eastwood G/F Tower 1, One Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (0921) 924-3240 | (0956) 948-6317 | (02) 7001-9636 Ayala Malls Vermosa G/F Building E, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Daang Hari Road, Pasong Buaya 1, Imus, Cavite (0916) 466-3269 | (0921) 853-0796 |
| Business Hours | Mall Hours |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | |
| Other | |
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Camiña Balay Nga Bato: Artisan Tsokolate Batirol Served in a Heritage Home Built in 1865 (Arevalo District Iloilo City)
Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
Our visit to Camiña Balay Nga Bato is one of the most memorable Heritage Tours I've had.
And, of course, I bought some Chocolate Tablea.
We were then given some time to explore and take photos.
For our group photos, like the one we had on this creaky staircase, we asked the staff for asssitance.
And, for me that made the simple offering of Camiña Balay Nga Bato an authentic experience for cultural immersion.
We're so happy to support Camiña Balay Nga Bato as a National Museum-recognized important cultural property in 2015.
Curio Heritage Shop
So before proceeding to our intended agenda, we checked out the assortment of local products sold at the Curio Heritage Shop.
We were greeted by the staff who oriented us about their offerings.
Upon choosing a guided tour, we were escorted to a simple living room or sala to watch a 10-minute video tour about the place.
For our group photos, like the one we had on this creaky staircase, we asked the staff for asssitance.The second floor served as the dining area so there were a lot of wooden tables with rustic chairs.
For only 200 php, you can enjoy a two (2) rounds of their premium tsokolate de batirol served with a bowl of local biscuits. Just ring the bell for a refill! If you're lucky, they will even offer a complimentary third round.
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| ♥ Tsokolate de Batirol and Local Biscuits |
As we sipped on our Tsokolate de Batirol, nibbled on Local Biscuits, I felt a deep gratitude for the rare gift of slowness and presence as we were embraced by the cool breeze and homey ease. We could never enjoy such privilege in the bustle of Manila.
The Tsokolate de Batirol is so thick and rich that you can already feel the caffeine kick from a small cupfull. Thus, the two rounds is just enough! We even had to ask for a glass of water to help us finish it.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Camiña Balay Nga Bato is a must visit in Iloilo City. Yes, this is an encouraging invite to all of you to support one of the few heritage homes left in the Philippines! The experience is truly one of a kind and reasonably priced.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Camiña Balay Nga Bato Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Camiña Balay Nga Bato | |
| Business Address | 20 Osmeña Street, brgy Sta. Felomina Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines |
| Business Hours | 8am-6pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 200-500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0947) 891-1467 |
| Other | Facebook Fan Page |
Breakthrough Restaurant: Seafood Galore and More Since 1986 (Iloilo City, Iloilo)
Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
While I've had food trips on some Philippines regions before, this meal shared with our academic and intellectual work partners offered a distinct and unforgettable pleasure.
It may have been a fitting conincidence that they suggested to dine at "Breakthrough Restaurant" because it was here that I experience a breakthrough discovery about myself.
Listening to our senior partners — emeritus professors — share insights and experiences from their past development projects over good local dishes left me deeply inspired about our generation’s potential to make a difference.
Set by the coast in Iloilo City, Breakthrough Restaurant charms both local and tourist alike by serving fresh seafood specialties enhanced by the cool sea breeze dining experience.
Although we ordered from the frozen fish counter, we surmised that they were freshly caught because we saw live fishes swimming in the pools nearby.
After deciding on our fish soup, we proceeded to the next counter where food choices are displayed. I found this set-up quite peculiar because this turo-turo (point-point) style is usually adopted in small road-style eateries around the Philippines and not by large-scale restaurants. Upon pointing on our choices, the staff lists them down the orders to be delivered at our table.
If you're like our boss who prefers to just order by sitting down, you can also do so.
Food
Starters and Specials
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| Lato Salad |
But, I suggest that you stand up because some items that are displayed like the Lato Salad (grape seaweed) are not in the regular menu.
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| ♥ Baked Talaba (220 php) |
As you can see, the Baked Talaba is fresh and succulent.
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| ♥ Sizzling Crabmeat (300 php) |
The Sizzling Crabmeat is pure juicy crab meat with tomato, chili and corn served in a hot sizzling plate.
Vegetables
 |
| Chopsuey (285 php) |
The Chopsuey is served with a generous variety of vegetables.
Pork
 |
| Litson Baboy (300 php) |
The Litson Baboy was reasonably priced but nothing extraordinary.
Beef | Mutton
 |
| ♥ Caldereta (380 php) |
The Caldereta is a spicy tomato-based stew filled with tender beef, potato and carrot slices.
Native Chicken
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| ♥ Litson Manok (390 php) |
We loved the Litson Manok. It's savory and tender.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Breakthrough's dining experience is definitely one of a kind. No wonder it been loved by locals and tourists alike since 1986. With so much choices, you will surely have a new seafood to try on your next visit.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Breakthrough Restaurant Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Breakthrough Restaurant | |
| Business Address | Molo-Arevalo Boulevard Sto. Nino, Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province |
| Business Hours | 10am-9pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 400-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (033) 337 3027 |
| Other | Website |
Alicia's Special Batchoy and Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant: Game-Changing Spicy Batchoy (Jaro Iloilo)
Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
Iloilo city is the home for La Paz Batchoy — the most popular variant of Batchoy in the Philippines. La Paz Batchoy is now world-reknowed as it has recently been hailed as the world's best offal (internal organs) soup by TasteAtlas - an online food travel guide.
To date, the three claimants of being the originator of this popular dish has maintained its iconic stores in the La Paz Market, namely Deco's Original La Paz Batchoy (Since 1938), Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (Since 1945) and Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy. It is a noodle with strips of pork meat and organs, chicharones (crushed pork cracklings), egg, garlic bits, onions, chives and guinamos (local shrrimp paste) in savory and well-seasoned pork caldo (broth). Each of them has stood the test of time and have garnered a lot of followings for their distinct dish renditions.
For practicality, we spared ourselves from going all the way to La Paz Market and just took a short grab-ride from our hotel to Alicia's Special Batchoy in Jaro, Iloilo.
We were expecting a humble carideria-style place so we were a bit surprised when we arrived at a full-scale airconditioned restaurant.
It was easy to spot because it is a big complex that houses Alicia's Car Wash, Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant and Alicia's Special Batchoy.
Later on, we discovered that you can cross-order from both. So, if you are ordering from the two food establishments, you can choose where to dine.
Food
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| Super Batchoy Pancit (130 php) |
So for the Special Batchoys, you can them in two sizes: 1) super served in a white shallow bowl, or 2) extra served in a green deeper bowl. The price disparity between the two is only 10 php. As you can observe, the difference in serving portion is also hardly noticeable.
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| Extra Batchoy Misua (140 php) |
You also have four options for noodles: 1) pancit (a.k.a as egg noodles), 2) bihon (a.k.a as rice noodles), 3) miswa (a.k.a as wheat vermicelli), and 4) sotanghon (a.k.a. as glass noodles).
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| Special Chili Sauce |
Those types of options are commonly shared across all batchoyans in Iloilo.
What sets Alicia's Special Batchoy apart is its really spicy Special Chili Sauce.
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| ♥ Extra Batchoy Pancit (140 php) |
And, adding some of its Special Chili Sauce on its rightly seasoned Special Batchoy works for me! It was served piping-hot with a smooth and well-balanced taste — from the subtle hints of flavorful marrow without the artificial sharp kick of you can from too much MSG.
Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant
 |
| Puto Manapla (30 php) |
The Special Batchoy is best paired with the Puto Manapla. We spotted a bulk of the Puto Manapla displayed just outside Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant so we ordered it and it was delivered to our table.
 |
| Baked Talaba (250 php) |
We also ordered a plateful of Baked Talaba. As you can see, the oysters are plump and juicy underneath the rich layers of garlic bits and creamy cheese that complements its natural briny sweetness.
 |
| ♥ Special Lumpia (200 php) |
The unexpected standout among our orders is the Special Lumpia. The Special Lumpia is a common household dish so we honeslty did not expect much from it. Yet, Alicia's Special Lumpia is oh so good! The lumpia wrapper is so light, crispy and flaky effectivenly locking in the grounded pork meat’s succulent juices.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We were so glad to have had our chance food stop at Alicia's Special Batchoy and Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant. As it gains more success we hope the next time we could come back for a revisit, it still carries with it the same charm for serving quality, home-style dishes.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Alicias Batchoy Iloilo Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Alicia's Special Batchoy | |
| Business Address | Alicia's Batchoy Jaro Branch Washington St, Brgy Democracia, Jaro Iloilo City (Left side before crossing Tabuc Suba Bridge coming from Jaro Plaza) |
| Business Hours | 7:00 am - 8:30 pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 150-500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0999) 880-5529 |
| Other | |
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