Kapitolyo really has a lot of dining options.  This time we're out to try some ramen at Ramen Cool.  

We've heard a lot of raves about this huge ramen house.  Unlike other restaurants in Kapitolyo, this is no hole-in-a-wall but a really nice, spacious and cozy full-blown restaurant.  It even has a parking area.  But, still not enough due to the numerous diners that are rushing in during peak hours.



It's got bright lights and interiors with savy Modern Japanese influences.  There are more private rooms too.

Food

Red and Orange Roll (235 php)

The Red and Orange Roll is a maki with fresh tuna and salmon sashimi  and crabsticks.  The size is huge.

♥ Gyoza (115 php/5 pieces)

The Gyoza is plump and juicy.  For the price, it's a bargain. 

RCool Ramen (260 php)

The RCool Ramen is a big bowl of chashu ramen.  The egg is over-cooked.  The chashu was tender but it also had a lot of fats.  The ramen broth is very light.  The noodles were not too soft and not chewy enough to enjoy.

Update (December 2016): Revisited so read about the improvement here.

Nabeyaki Ramen (235 php)

The Nabeyaki Ramen is a big bowl of nabe ramen with tempura shrimp, seafood, egg, carrots, onions and leeks.  The flavor was too light for me.  I didn't like it. =(
 

Miso Ramen (175 php)

The Miso Ramen is a big bowlful of miso ramen with butter, corn, chashu, crabstick and egg.  Again, the egg is over-cooked.  This has a nice miso blend.  This is richer in terms of flavor compared to the other ones we ordered.

Tempura Ramen (195 php)

The Tempura Ramen has a mild sweet broth with tempura shrimp and eggplant.  My little sister enjoyed this.


Tsinoy Foodies Other Ramen House/Shop Reviews
Akira Restaurant 
Curry Bee Japanese Curry Shop
Hanamaruken Ramen 花丸轩  
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Kitchitora 1 | Kitchitora 2
Kokoro Ramenya
Menya Genki Tonkotsu Ramen
Miso-Ten
Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Moshi Koshi 1 | Moshi Koshi 2
Rai-Rai Ken Ramen House
Ramen Bar
Ramen Ichiban-Kan
Ramen Nagi
Ramen Sora
Ramen X (Closed)
Ramen Yushoken
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The cool things about Ramen Cool are the affordable pricing for their hefty ramen servings (ladies can share) and great ambiance.  But, their ramen felt lacking in terms of substance.  The broth base was dull and lacking in flavor.  It felt as if they skipped the vital boiling preparation of making a ramen broth and relied heavily on the seasoning (i.e. soy sauce, miso etc.)  Their noodles is also one of the worst I've encountered. 

Despite our busy schedules, my friends from The Foodies Circle  just couldn't let 2012 past without a Christmas celebration together.  This is definitely a food trip to remember since its my first time in Kapitolyo.  I couldn't have wished for a better company than Sumi and Berylle who share the same love for Thai Cuisine as I do.  So naturally, our first stop is Nav Modern Thai Cuisine. 

Nav Modern Thai Cuisine may be humble in terms of floor area but the place is cozy and clean with a contemporary minimalist ambiance.

Food
It took as quite some time to decide the food because we literally wanted to try most of the menu offerings.  But since this was only our first of many, the group settled with the best-sellers suggested by our server.

Nav's Starters

Vegetable, Herb & Rice Paper (180 php)

It may come as a surprise to you but all of us are quite health-conscious so we decided to start with a light and healthy appetizer with the Vegetable, Herb & Rice Paper.  This was actually my first time to encounter this with two sauce options.  The crunchy vegetables, fragrant cilantro, bouncy noodles which you can dip in the tasty peanut sauce and tangy lime dressing was an enjoyable starter.

Rice

♥ Khao Kluk Kapi (Nav's Bagoong Rice) (230)

One of the dishes that the gang easily agreed on was the Khao Kluk Kapi.  We all love Thai Bagoong rice!  This version does not disappoint.  You can taste the bold presence of the bagoong with the rice and it is served with chopped green onions, shredded green mangoes and cucumbers and a fried egg on top.  But, the group just can't help but yearn for some meat which we customarily expect from this type of dish.

Nav's Main Course

Crispy Fresh Water Tilapia, Tamarind and Shallots (450 php)

I was looking forward to a fish cooked similar to the crispy catfish so when the Crispy Fresh Water Tilapia, Tamarind and Shallots, I was surprised that it was cooked in a battered fish fillet style.  I guess this displays the modern Thai twist of Nav because prior to this, I have not encountered a battered fish fillet in a Thai restaurant.  It had a sour with a hint of sweet tamarind sauce which was supposedly enough to embellish the Tilapia fillets if only they didn't have a batter too thick to make the fish meat almost undetectable. 

♥ Nav's Pad Thai (Rice Noodles with Shrimp, Chicken & Egg) (285 php)

Another must-order for the group is the Nav's Pad Thai.  This is practically the first item in the menu that got our attention.  We're glad we did too because this has got to be one of the best I've tried.  It has generous amounts of shrimp, chicken, egg, bean sprouts and coriander.  The sweet and zesty sauce which perfectly coated every bouncy and chewy rice noodle was sensational especially with a tinge of lemon juice.   

♥Wok Chicken, Bamboo Shoots & Yard Beans (225 php)

The Wok Chicken, Bamboo Shoots & Yard Beans is also a must try!  The chicken bits were tender while the crunchy maboo shoots and yard beans created a great mishmash of textures.  The sauce which had an essence of chicken and slight sweetness made this dish a success.  

Off the Wok

♥ Beef Belly with Rendang Curry (395 php)

I'm a late bloomer when it comes to appreciating curry including dishes like this beef rendang.  But so far, the Beef Belly with Rendang Curry is one of the best I've tried.  I can't help but fall in love with the soft beef belly together with the creamy, savory and slightly spicy rendang curry sauce topped with potato and carrot slices.  In fact, I volunteered to swipe this clean with delight.

Update (October 18, 2014): Revisited and tried the ♥ Stuffed Squid (395 php), adding it to my recommendations. =)

Other Reviews at Kapitolyo Pasig
Bullchef
Lia's Cakes in Season
Mad Mark's Creamery & Good Eats
Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're willing to leap beyond the Traditional Thai dishes, Nav Modern Thai Cuisine is the place to go to.  The price is at the right range and the proportions are good for sharing so bring some company.  I'm glad we came to the right place to celebrate our Christmas dinner.

Clucky's is a fast food type restaurant with a pay as you order counter and modern fixtures.  Although the space is a bit limited, the arrangement was able to maximize it well.  

Food

♥ House Salad (119 php)

Spicy Crabmeat Salad (119 php)

It's my first time to try a Spicy Crabmeat Salad.  It was like a kani salad but this was better because it had a nice zing to it.  I found it quite appetizing to eat.

Mad for Chicken
Clucky's is partnered with Mad for Chicken, a Korean Fried Chicken from New York.  Through their partnership, Clucky's is able to provide the Mad for Chicken recipe here in Metro Manila.  

Tenders 6 pcs. (199 php)

The Tenders were breast fillets with a batter coating glazed with their special sauce.  I love their special sauce.  Its not too sweet nor salty like the rest.  The blend is just right so it makes you crave for more.  The coating was not as crispy as I hoped but the chicken meat was soft and succulent.  It's a good option if you prefer to have a lean meat diet.  

♥ Combo Medium: 8 Wings and 4 Drums (449 php)

It's a good thing that we had the Combo because aside from the monetary savings, I was able to differentiate the two.   The wings were noticeably lighter in taste and less crispy than the drums.  But, they both contained tender juicy chicken meat.  I liked eating them both.  If I had to choose, I'd prefer the wings when eating it alone.  But, if with rice, I'll opt for drums.  

Chicken Burger (65 php)

The Chicken Burger is a bang for the buck if your looking for a quick snack.  It's actually the Tenders with cheese sauce, lettuces and soft buns.

Bulgogi Rice Topping (139 php)

The Bulgogi Rice Topping is topped with bulgogi, leeks, carrots and sesame seeds.  Although the beef was tender, I was not impressed with this dish because the taste was too light for me.  Maybe it needs some sauce to it to make it an enjoyable rice topping. 

Kimchi Fried Rice (139 php)

The Kimchi Fried Rice is a great treat for those who love spicy food like me.  This is pretty good for the price.  

♥  Parmesan Fries (79 php)

The Parmesan Fries is a better and perhaps healthier option compared to the heavily salted french fries sold in the usual fast food chains.  

♥ Calamari (119 php)

The Calamari is crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.  This basket is emptied fast!  I think that says it all.

Premium Gelato (69 php each):  Coffee Coco Crunch ,  ♥ Oreo Cheesecake,  ♥ Banoffee,  Dark Chocolate, Mango Sorbet

The Coffee Coco Crunch had a bold coffee taste with real coffee bean bits.  I loved it.  In fact, I finished this cup in a flash.



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Clucky's is one of the best places to go or Korean fried chicken and more when in Ortigas.  Their price are unbelievably affordable and everything is delicious!  The food quality is superb as the dishes are freshly cooked when served.  Unlike other Korean fried chicken chains, their chicken meat is really tender and juicy.

We asked the accommodating staff for his suggestion and he told us that the Thai Milk Tea is their signature drink so we ordered that.

Thai Milk Tea Original (85 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Thai Cha Yen Cafe is way down my list for Thai Milk Tea.  Should I still try their other variants?  Perhap,s you should convince me.