Chowking, the leading Chinese fastfood restaurant in the Philippines, is marking the Mid-Autumn Festival with a sweet new treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. Introducing the limited-edition Chocolate Buchi and Peanut Buchi, these delicious flavors will add both luck and sweetness to your family gatherings!
he Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture, is traditionally celebrated to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Today, it’s a time for family reunions, gift-giving, and fun-filled festivities like dice games that strengthen bonds.
Whether as a thoughtful gift, a pasalubong, or an addition to your Chowking Family Lauriat, the limited-edition Chocolate Buchi and Peanut Buchi is available from September 2, 2024, until February 28, 2025, or while supplies last. It is can be ordered in Platters starting at 168 php.
The Chowking Buchi Platter and Family Lauriat are available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or delivery via www.chowkingdelivery.com, the Chowking App, GrabFood, and foodpanda.
To make the celebrations even more exciting, Chowking invites families to visit their nearest branch to #ShareTheSarapNgSwerte and take part in the Lucky Dice Game. For every purchase of PHP 600 or more, customers earn a chance to roll the dice and win instant prizes like exclusive Chowking merchandise and other freebies!
Tong Yang is a buffet that offers unlimited hotpot, barbecue grill and drinks.
Like all buffets that belong to the Vikings Group of Restaurants, Tong Yang has grown in popularity leading to the continuous opening of new mall branches. If you're dining on a weekend, as we did, be prepared for a queue just to get seated.
I consider this the entry-level among the Vikings Group buffets because it offers the most affordable rates. Yet, it boasts of offering 100+ choices of fresh seafood, veggies, and more!
Japanese Rolls
Hotpot
For the hotpot or shabu-shabu, you can choose two (2) among soup base. We chose the Laksa and Mushroom soup base.
As you can see, there are a lot of hotpot items including those which are suitable for laksa.
Seafood
To make your hotpot, more flavorful better add some of these seafood selections.
Vegetables
Of course, let's also vegetables of various colors to create a more vibrant and nutritious meal.
Hotpot Sauces and Dips
There's also an array of condiments, sauces and dips which you can customize to your liking.
Cooked Dishes
There are also other cooked dishes like the 3 Cups Chicken, Fish Laksa, Mixed Vegetables and Stir-fried Noodles. The Bibimbap was delicious!
Sliced Meat Choices
You can also order the sliced meat choices of Beef Karubi, Beef Chuck Eye, Pork Belly and Pork Jowl.
Don't forget to add some ice cream. There are a lot of flavors to choose from.
Drinks
Overall, with all the options, you can easily eat your fill and make the most of your dining experience.
Rates:
828 php (weekday)
878 php (weekend) nett
Lunch: 11: 00 AM - 2:30PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Yakumi Sunday Brunch at Solaire Resort: Double Birthday Celebration (Parañaque Metro Manila)
Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila, Philippines
The family has been planning to try the Yakumi Sunday Brunch for quite some time. I myself have not been back to Yakumi in Solaire Resort since 2015, so I'm quite thrilled with the idea.
Yakumi Fresh Japanese Sashimi Cart |
Where else can you find a fresh Japanese sashimi cart like this? Yakumi takes pride in sourcing the finest and freshest seafood ingredients from the biggest fish market in the world - Toyosu Fish Market (è±Šæ´²å¸‚å ´) in Tokyo, Japan.
You can have as much sashimi as you want. As you can see, it is evident from the Octopus Sashimi, Salmon Sashimi, Tuna Sashimi and Japanese Spanish Mackarel Sashimi that they are jet fresh as Yakumi flies its ingredients as often as twice a week. Thus, they can even provide genuine grated Wasabi which is rarely offered by Japanese restaurants here in the Philippines.
Nigiri Station
Among the 8 food stations, the Nigiri Station is our first stop. There are so many variants of Nigiri Sushi and Makimono or rolls to choose from.
Salmon Oshizushi Pressed Sushi |
The Salmon Oshizushi is a traditional style of pressed sushi that originated in the Kansai region.
The Aburi Sushi consists of thinly sliced flame-torched salmon that melts in the mouth.
Yakumi Nigiri Sushi and Makimono Plate |
Makimono rolls include Volcano Roll, California Maki, Takuwan Roll, Kappa Roll, Ebi Tempura Roll and more.
Its noteworthy to mention that Yakumi also has a Sushi Happy House (1,150+ php) every Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM with a more limited menu. But, its quite reasonable because the quality is the same for a much lesser price!
Meat Teppanyaki Station and Oysters Station
Yakumi Meat and Oyster Station |
For meat lovers, Yakumi also serves USDA Beef Steaks, Pork Loin Steak and Chicken Steak. We also ordered the Buttered Oysters but they failed to make a memorable impression.
Seafood Teppanyaki Station
Yakumi Seafood Teppanyaki Station |
As aforementioned, the seafood is really the pride of Yakumi so the Seafood Teppanyaki Station is also quite extensive.
Yakumi Seafood Teppanyaki Plate |
Everything we tried: Blue Marlin, Spanish Marackrel with Onion Soy, Red Snapper Papillote, Squid Lemon Butter Soy, Scallop, and Sake Steamed Mussels were delicious!
Udon |
We also found the Udon to be wonderfully comforting.
Chawanmushi |
This version of the Chawanmushi is also quite special. It has mushrooms, shrimps, mackarale and even Hokkaido scallops.
Robotayaki Station
Offerings from the Robotayaki Station are Chicken Wing with Sweet Soy, Chicken Live with Sweet Soy, Chicken Gizzard with Salt, Sancho Tuna Steak, and Spanish Mackarel, and more.
Yakumi Robotayaki Plate |
As you can see, the serving portions are huge so better order for sharing.
Salads
In addition to the food stations, there is a complimentary Tofu Avocado Salad and you can also order from the menu.
The Yakumi Sunday Brunch is also popular for its complimentary Dessert Bento Box. Each table is served only one wooden Dessert Bento Box regardless of the number of diners. Each grid contains a different kind of dessert. It also comes with Black Sesame, Matcha and Corn Ice Cream, Cake Pops, and Fresh Fruits. You can request for additional scoops of their delicious ice cream.
The kids can enjoy themselves at the Candy Bar.
Both of my sisters received a Complimentary Birthday Cake.
Drinks
Japanese Whisky
Japanese Whisky Bar |
You can order your preferred Japanese Whisky such as Iwai Traditional Blended, Iwai Whisky Cocktails, Shimamoto Sour, and Mars.
♥ Iwai Whisky Cocktail: Pineapple Smash |
Based on our experience, the Iwai Whisky Cocktails blend depends on the barista. This first glass we had so good. We instantly distinguished it from our next batch made by another barista.
The Yakumi Sunday Brunch at Solaire Resort is definitely the best Japanese brunch buffet we've ever had. The seafood freshness and quality of the seafood really stands out above the rest. The service is great too! Considering the price-point though, we might have to try other buffets we haven't tried yet before coming back here again.
Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Yakumi Sunday Brunch Rate | |
Ambiance | ★★★★★ | 3,588+ php (Sodas Only) | 4,488+ php (With Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages) | 8,488+ php (With Sake) | Menu |
Taste | ★★★★ | |
Service | ★★★★ | |
Price | ★★★ | |
♥=Favorites or Recommended |
Yakumi Restaurant at Solaire Resort | |
Business Address | Solaire Resort and Casino, Tambo Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila |
Business Hours | 11:30am-2:30pm |
Payment Options | Cash |
Service Charge | 10% |
Budget/Person | 4,000-9,000 |
Free WiFi | No |
Contact | (02) 8888-8888 |
Other |
Gram Cafe and Pancakes: Fluffy Japanese-Style Soufflé Pancakes (Serendra BGC)
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Perhaps, there is nothing like the thought of trying a fluffy Japanese-style soufflé pancakes at Gram Cafe and Pancakes that could easily tempt the family to rush out on a gray and drizzly night.
Like most spur-of-the-moment family eat outs, we arrived in the nick of time, just minutes before the closing time.
We felt as if all day-to-day distractions dissolved as we enjoyed sitting comfortably in its cozy chairs, embraced by its warm yellow lighting, and dazzled by the cheerful sunflower centerpieces and cute interiors.
We took our time taking memorable photographs as we waited for our orders.
Food
Premium Pancake (405 php) |
We ordered the Premium Pancake shared by threes so we'd have one each. Our craving was satisfied with its soft and moist composition. But, we didn't find it to be jiggly as others have claimed.
Since there aren't much Japanese-Style Soufflé Pancakes brands in the Philippines yet, we're quite satisfied to have Gram Cafe and Pancakes within our reach.
Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Gram Cafe and Pancakes Menu | |
Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
Taste | ★★★ | |
Service | ★★★★ | |
Price | ★★★ | |
♥=Favorites or Recommended |
Gram Cafe and Pancakes | |
Business Address | Ground Floor, Serendra, BGC, Palm, 11th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila |
Business Hours | 7am-11pm |
Payment Options | Cash |
Service Charge | 10% |
Budget/Person | 500-1,000 |
Free WiFi | No |
Contact | (0966) 005-6707 |
Other |
Tsukiji Restaurant: Freshly Flown Seafood from Tsukiji Market to Manila Since 1989 (Makati City)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tsukiji Restaurant has been renowned since 1989 for serving the finest quality sashimi and sushi which uses fresh seafood flown directly from the Tsukiji Market in Japan.
Though considered a higher-end Japanese restaurant based its premium quality and price point, preserved its traditional interiors, giving its long-time customers a nostalgic feel of its humble beginning.
Food
With the freshest selection of seafood specially prepared by its very own Master Sushi Chef Toshiro Okajima who trained in a sushi shop in Tokyo, it would be a sin not to order any sushi and sashimi.
Sushi
We ordered the Tokujo Nigiri which appears to be the crown jewel of their sushi offering. Tsukiji's Nigiri or hand-rolled sushi are made from specially imported Koshihikari Rice from Ounuma, Nigata Prefecture. The Tokujo Nigiri platter includes 9 pieces of premium sushi and 3 pieces of maki subject to availability. We got a premium mix of Nigiri: Hontoro or fatty tuna belly, Chutoro or tuna belly, Kampachi or amberjack, Hamachi or yellow tail, Toro Salmon or salmon belly, Ika or squid and Ebi or prawns. The 3 pieces of Tekka Maki or tuna roll felt like ornamental addition to the platter since they were not as special as the Nigiri selections.
Hamachi Sashimi or yellow tail is our family favorite. We never missed out on ordering it whenever it is available.
Chirashi Sushi
Daimyo (1,800 php) |
All of their Chirashi Sushi selections comes with clear soup. The Daimyo with premium sashimi selections (2-5 slices each) of Maguro or tuna, Tako or octopus, Ika, Hamachi, Salmon, Kani or crabstick, Shime Saba or marinated mackarel, and Ikura or Salmon Caviar is the most affordable choice. Because it is a big bowl, it can already good for two.
Pork
The Gyoza or pan fried pork dumplings were cooked in the traditional way. We were quite pleased with the burst of savory juiciness from each bite.
Chicken
♥ Yakitori (450 php/per 3 pieces) |
The Yakitori can be salted or with teriyaki sauce. We ordered both since we appreciate the subtlety of the lightly salted ones. And, we also enjoy the umami richness of the sweet and salty teriyaki. What made the deliciously seasoned or marinated slightly-charred grilled chicken more pleasurable to munch on was its moisture and tenderness.
Donburimono
Tsukiji Donburi (850 php) |
For donburi or rice topping bowls, the Tsukiji Donburi with grilled eel and egg is a great option.
There's also a fresh seasonal fish cart going around for diners to check out for themselves. You can suggest how you want it served, sashimi, sushi or cooked. Shared on instagram what we ordered which was cooked for us. However, we forgot the name of the fish!
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tsinoy Foodies considers Tsukiji Restaurant as a hiddem gem that has stood the test of time. In today's marketing-centric world, it is trully remarkable how Tsukiji Restaurant gracefully held on to its humble roots by consistently serving authentic and top-quality traditional Japanese dishes.
Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Tsukiji Restaurant Menu | |
Ambiance | ★★★ | N/A |
Taste | ★★★★ | |
Service | ★★★ | |
Price | ★★★ | |
♥=Favorites or Recommended |
Tsukiji Restaurant | |
Business Address | 3/F Milky Way Building, 900 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila |
Business Hours | 11am-9pm |
Payment Options | Cash |
Service Charge | 10% |
Budget/Person | 800-2,000 |
Free WiFi | No |
Contact | (02) 8843-4285/8812-2913 |
Other | Website |
/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)