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. 

When it comes to an affordable Filipino Buffet, Cabalen has become the popular option.  But, do you know that Cabalen is now celebrating its 30th year?

How timely is my revisit right? 

It's been a while so it's a bit nostalgic for me.
 
I'm so glad they have a salad station with a Filipino twist too.  Notice the Bagoong Vinaigrette?

There's also some Japanese with an assortment of maki and tempura.

As expected, most are Filipino favorites.


Sisig anyone?  They have healthier options like Bangus Sisig and Tofu Sisig.





With so many options, don't forget to save room for dessert. 

Make Your Own Halo-Halo

Ended mine with a glassful of Halo-Halo.

Drinks are not part of the buffet.  But, their refreshments are difficult to resist.

Giveaway
Out of 194 entries (Facebook and Instagram combined), we have now picked a winner for a buffet meal for 2 at Cabalen.

Congratulations to instagrammer stevedelcastillo!  Kindly pm us in our facebook fan page or IG on how to claim your prize.

There are many reasons to dine out.  For my family, what really draws us to eat out is convenience.  On a lazy day, we usually just find some place near home to enjoy a hearty meal.  So if you're nearby the area, you'd be as happy as we are to have a new option with  the opening of Lido Cocina Tsina at Radiance Manila Bay.

I was fortunate enough to be invited on their opening celebration.




The dining area is very spacious.


Guests were served a few of their offerings:  Fish Fillet w/ Beancurd and Tausi, Manchurian Chicken Wings, Lumpiang Shanghai, Sizzling Asado w/ Plum & Tausi sauce, Pancit Canton Guisado, Hototay Soup and Buchi.

Let's Eat!

I can't wait to come back to try their other famous dishes such as the Pugon-Roasted Asado, Drunken Lechon, Macau Sizzling House Sichuan Shrimps, Camaron Rebosado, Steamed Fish Fillet in House Soy and Shrimp Foo Yong.  

I've always wanted to try Annam Noodle Bar but their pioneer branch is located in Eastwood City.  That makes it inconvenient to visit when you're coming from the South side like me.  So, I was so thrilled to be invited to the opening of their second branch at the Newport Mall Resorts World Manila.

Annam Noodle Bar also known as NamNam Noodle Bar in Singapore offers fresh and quality food almost without MSG (95%).


I arrived just in time for the ribbon cutting.

Soon, everyone was allowed to enter.  The diner gives off a casual feel with a mixture of modern and traditional Vietnamese influence.


Beside the bar, they have this section where you can watch as chefs prepare your Banh Mi and buns.

They also sell some food products like noodles and sauces.

Food
Now let's get on with their food offerings...

Small Plates

♥ Banh Bao Buns (250 php)

The Banh Bao Buns is a must try!  The soft and succulent caramelized pork belly perfectly matches the hard boiled egg and scallions.

 

Pomelo Salad (280 php)

To balance the savoriness of the meat dishes and to refresh your palette, the sweet and sour flavors of the Pomelo Salad is an excellent choice.


Hanoi Pho

♥ Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices (340 php)

Of course, ordering some pho is on top of your list when dining at Annam.  The classic Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices is superb! 

♥ Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices & Beef Balls (350 php)

If you like more variety, there's also the Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices & Beef Balls as well as other variants.


Other Noodles

Bun Cha Hanoi (360 php)

 Aside from pho, they also have other noodle dishes such as the Bun Cha Hanoi.  It has 2 kinds of pork and a prawn roll, veggies, noodles and a sweet, tangy and savory sauce.

Fragrant Rice

Crispy Fried Tumeric Chicken (340 php)

The Crispy Fried Tumeric Chicken was an odd twist for me.  What I liked about this meal is the fragrant rice itself.

Twice Cooked Australian Beef Brisket (390 php)

I also failed to appreciate the Twice Cooked Australian Beef Brisket because the beef was a bit tough and dry.

Bahn Mi

♥ Chili- Lemongrass  Chicken, Fried Egg and Pork Floss (250 php)

What I cannot get over at Annam is their Banh Mi.  The Chili- Lemongrass Chicken, Fried Egg and Pork Floss is a huge hit among us.  The texture of the buns is superb.  The chicken is so soft and juicy.  And, I loved that they don't scrimp on liver pate which brings a superb savoy and umami flavor to the sandwich overall.


Viet Desserts

Trio of Crispy Netted Rolls (200 php)

We enjoyed the Trio of Crispy Netted Rolls as a meal ender.  We are used to our local turon filled with banana and jackfruit, but their version has jackfruit, cassava and sweet potato.  I just wished there's more coconut sauce.

Pineapple-Jackfruit Cocktail (200 php)

The Pineapple-Jackfruit Cocktail is another first for me.  I suggest you order this for sharing.  The sweet and citrus flavors is quite comforting.


Beverages

♥ Lychee-Lime Sparkling (180 php)

You can't go wrong with any of their Beverages.  All of them are visually appeal and so delicious too!  I hope to try their coffee on my next visit.  (Yes! Since Annam is now closer to home, I can keep coming back Pho more!