Then again, time proves that what I think is an ordinary day isn't and a little session may be of much more significance that I think...

It was Valentines Day and my friend D organised a single dating event so I came to support him by taking photos.  At a young age, D is a successful band manager and moderator of a big facebook group.  Yet, he is a humble son of a pastor which makes him super cool  

After the event, Korean friends were teasing D to invite his female "friend" (according to him) to join us.  We were really hungry but the girl was too shy and took too long to confirm!  While, waiting... J was busy fixing something that looked like a toy grenade.  Pretty soon, he said it was ready.  

I asked what it was and they told me it was a bomb.  Since all of them had been to the Mandatory Korean military training, I really thought it was true... We proceeded to Jun Izakaya with it.

Oden Nabe (500 php)

The Oden Nabe is a Japanese version of hot pot.  The twist in Jun Izakaya's version is that it has rice cakes as influences by the Korean cuisine.  Hmm.. this was more than enough for the five of us.  

Ttok Bokgi (250 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I have always loved surprises.  Thanks to Jun Izakaya, I had a double surprise that night.  Who would have thought, I'd find this hidden gem for great food, drinks and comforting ambiance.  It also made me know about Korean culture and get to know how how Korean youth's aspire and dream.

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

I can't recall the last time I went to Uptown Parade BGC.  I was surprised to see it so much livelier with more shops and restaurants.  One of the latest addition is Bai Nian Tang Bao (百年龙袍): The Origin of Xiao Long Bao.

It is a bit low-key here but it actually has branches in Shanghai, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, New York and more. 


Given it is an international franchise, prime location and grand ambiance, I was expecting the menu to be pricey...

Food

Special Sticky Rice and Pork Siomai (130 php)

yet it turned out to be affordable.  The Special Sticky Rice and Pork Siomai is priced at 130 php for 4 pieces.  It reminded me of our local Chinese version of Machang except that it is wrapped in a thin and silky smooth dimsum wrapper.  It was good for a try but I still prefer xiao long bao than it.



Tang Bao

♥ Scallop and Pork Xiao Long Bao (238 php)

The Scallop and Pork Xiao Long Bao is my favorite among their xia long bao because scallops are my favorite seafood. 

Golden Corn Pork Xiao Long Bao (168 php)

If you're corny, then you can try the Golden Corn Pork Xiao Long Bao.  Just kidding!  =p  I've always loved my mom's corn soup and this reminds me of that so I appreciated it a bit.

♥ Special Crab Roe Giant Tang Bao (258 php)

Of course the most memorable offering is the Special Crab Roe Giant Tang Bao that you get to drink from a paper straw.  Don't you just always wish that there's more soup to your xiao long bao?  Now you can have more!

Appetizer

♥ Shanghai Style Fish Fillet (199 php)

If you would ask me what is the best tilapia dish I have ever tried?  I would say it is the
Shanghai Style Fish Fillet.  The addictive crisp and soothing flavor of this dish are what won me ever.  Try it!

Hot Dishes 

♥ Shanghai Special Braised Pork (329 php)

Before, I didn't really enjoy eating fats.  But, because of my officemates and seeing their smiles and enthusiasm over the buttery texture whenever we have fatty dish taught me to add some value to it.  I can imagine my office mates jumping for joy once they try the Shanghai Special Braised Pork.


Noodles Series

♥ Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles (179 php)

If your looking for a simple yet savory noodle dish for the sauce and not for the topping then the
Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles.  
 

Three Seafood Treasure Fried Noodles (219 php)

If you prefer to munch on delicious seafood toppings, then go for the Three Seafood Treasure Fried Noodles.

Rice/Congee

Beef Fried Rice (219 php)

I usually like beef dishes but the Beef Fried Rice failed to appeal to my taste.

♥ Special Sausage Fried Rice (219 php)

Instead me and my companions enjoyed the homey flavors of the Special Sausage Fried Rice.

Dessert

White Fungus (98 php)

Having the White Fungus for dessert is a first time for me.  I liked it especially the dates.  But, it didn't seem to be appealing for others.

Iced Tea (55 php)

 For cool refreshment, you can try have some Iced Tea.

Hot Green Tea (One Pot)

May I be a "tita" and recommend having the Hot Green Tea to match their hot dimsums.  I would like to think that the consistency in temperature enhances the flavors better.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We're so fortunate to have Bai Nian Tang Bao 百年龙袍 in Manila.  Definitely, don't miss out the chance to try their giant tang bao.