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

The intense heat just makes us crave for the nearest cold treat we see.  So, one summer night, we caught sight of Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo which claims to be the "Pride of Pampanga Since 1970".  Of course, we want to check it out for ourselves.


Ordering was easy since they have only two sizes to choose from: Small and Regular.   

Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo Small (70 php)

I've had a great curiosity over the "Pride of Pampanga Since 1970" and it resulted in puzzlement that it was unlike the typical halo-halo I've tried before.  The Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo has Pastilla de Leche, Sweet Beans, Crushed Ice, Creamed Corn and Carabaos Milk. Upon serving they told us that there's no sugar in it.  But, I actually found it sweet especially because of the chewy Pastilla de Leche.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Mt. Arayat Special Halo-Halo is worth a try and you'll probably like it if you're in for the sweet and chewy sensation it offers. 

After our visit at Lugang Cafe at Connecticut Greenhills (see separate entry), we always wanted to go back to Lugang Cafe but it was a bit far from our place.  When we heard that another branch of Lugang Cafe was opening at the South Wing of SM Mall of Asia adjacent to Tokyo Cafe (see separate entry), we were so excited that we just had to dine there.

Soon, we were allowed to enter and where lead to our seats.  The place was as elegant and modernistic as the other Lugang Cafe Branch.  
While deciding on what to order, we took note of their recommended dishes.  


Dimsum

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (7 pcs.) (188 php)

The Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao was served steaming hot.  I just loved the sensation when the warm soup bursts into your month overflowing with sweet meaty flavors.  


Appetizer
We ordered the Abalone Mushroom and Jelly Fish (220 php) for our appetizer.  However, we were only advised when we finished our meals that the item was out of stock.  They just wrote it off our tab.


Seafood

♥Chopped Shrimp in Lettuce Cups (330 php)

Soy Sauce Braised Pork Knuckles (420 php)

The Soy Sauce Braised Pork Knuckles was good but it was nothing special.  The sauce was just right not to think nor sweet.


Poultry

♥Chicken Topped with Scallion and Ginger Oil (470 php)

I loved Lugang Cafe's Chicken Topped with Scallion and Ginger Oil.  I've always been a fan of Hainanese Chicken.  But, I preferred this over Lugang Cafe's version of Hainanese Chicken.  This was so tasty and the chicken was tender too.  


Vegetables

Dragon Beans Stir-Fried with Garlic (220 php)

Cold Tea

♥Cantonese Iced Milk Tea (120 php)

The fact that Lugang Cafe has a separate menu just for its drinks and dessert means that they have a lot to offer.  But, I would always just order their Cantonese Iced Milk Tea.  The Cantonese Iced Milk Tea is one of the best milk teas I have ever encountered.  The Cantonese Iced Milk Tea is recommended for those like me who prefer their teas unsweetened and strong with a bit bitterness as aftertaste.

♥Tapioca Pearl Bubble Milk Tea (130 php)

My little sister loves the Tapioca Pearl Bubble Milk Tea.  You can tell by its lighter color that it is a milder kind of milk tea.  It is more milky and sweet compared to the Cantonese Iced Milk Tea.  It is the typical type of milk tea we have been accustomed to love and enjoy.  If you enjoy chewing on Tapioca Pearls, then this is your kind of drink.


Shaved Ice

Bellagio Breeze (248 php)

The Bellagio Breeze is probably the tallest dessert we've ever encountered.  It takes 25 minutes to prepare too so always order it in advance.  It has mochi balls and pineapple on the side and beans covering the entire shaved ice tower.  

Demolished Bellagio Breeze

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict


Lugang Cafe Mall of Asia

During our Christmas dinner with relatives, we've heard a lot of good comments about Buffet 101 so we finally decided to try it out.  The place was already packed when we arrived at the time for our reservation with many seated at the waiting area.


Glancing from the outside, one can already see through its crystal clear glass walls the beautiful and elegant ambiance that Buffet 101 has to offer.  It's modernistic and luxurious interiors with chandeliers, crystal curtains and soft leatherette seating makes your feel like you are in a five star hotel.   

♥Live Suahe Station

A distinguishing feature at Buffet 101 is their Live Suahe Station, where you could watch as the chef gathers live Suahe (greasyback shrimp) and dips in boiling water.  Although I've always been hesitant with dishes with shells on, I am very glad that I did not miss this!  The freshly cooked Suahe was so soft, juicy and naturally sweet. 

Chinese Fried Buns on the Lower Right

Chinese Cold Cuts

Buffet 101 offers a lot of Chinese selections.  In the just along the same lane as the Live Suahe Station, you can find the Dimsum Section, Chinese Cold Cuts, Hot Pot (Shabu-Shabu) Section, Pecking Duck Section and Roasted Duck Section.  I'm glad they had my favorite Chinese Fried Buns too!

♥Pecking Duck

Their Pecking Duck is so succulent, you certainly can't miss it!  I don't want to stuff myself over the same kind of food but I couldn't resist having second and thirds of this.

Salmon Maki

Temaki

Pork Chazu and Katsu Hanna

Beef Teriyaki and Chicken Teppanyaki

Seafood Grilling By Order

Grilled Tuna Mix

Smoked Salmon

♥Seafood Chowder with Pastry

French Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken

Pata

Italian Pizza

Pineapple Shake, ♥Watermelon Shake and Mango Shake

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Overall, we were very satisfied with the meal.  We came home stuffed to our hearts content.  For the price, it is very affordable since it includes expensive dishes such as Pecking Duck, Steak and more!