This is my second time to travel all the way south to BF Homes Parañaque.  I've long heard of its being the Korean Food Capital in the Metro (aside from my home town Malate that is).   My long journey has led me to discover Mattna Kamjatang (맛나 감자탕).  This is a famous restaurant in Busan Korea.

It's a big place with a glass windows.  It even has a big parking space.  BUT! Finding it is a bit of a challenge.  It can't be found in google maps or waze.  I've asked many residents, tricycle drivers etc. in the area and they have never heard of Mattna Kamjatang.  And, the reason why is their signage...
See that small wooden sign inside the window?  It's not visually noticeable during broad daylight and I'd bet more so at night.  It also has an intimidating big wooden door.  

After pushing my way in, I was astounded by how big it is.  There were a lot of servers who welcomed me and I was quickly ushered to a table.


Table has their customized utensil and napkin holder as well as the menu.

Food

♥ Complimentary Ban Chan

For Complimentary Ban Chan, they served Baechu Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), Danmuji (spicy radish), Ganja Jorim (glazed baby potato) and Dububuchim (spicy pan-fried tofu).  This is one the best banchan set I've ever had.  Everything is so good I didn't want to leave anything behind.


This is already on the table so I couldn't help but be intrigued what the Kamjatang is all about.  While waiting for my order, I googled the Kamjatang and found out that it is a potato stew.

♥ Kam Ja Tang Pyo He Jang Kuk (320 php)

I was expecting potato stew but the Kam Ja Tang turned out to be be more than that. 

♥ Kam Ja Tang Pyo He Jang Kuk (320 php)

The Kam Ja Tang has a big chunk of pork neck, perilla leaves, bean sprouts, potato slices and glass noodle.  It's appetizingly spicy but not overpowering the other ingredients.  I loved it!  This is one of the best Tang or Korean Stew I've ever had.  I find it to be heart-warming and soulful.  This is perfect for the rainy weather.

♥ Bukum Bap (150 php)

The Bukum Bap is not like the korean fried rice dishes that I have encountered in the past.  

The staff will cook this infront of you.  And, they will use the broth of the Kam Ja Tang and mix it with what's already served on the pot.  This is so good!  One of the best I've had too!

Andy's Delight (10 php/piece)

The Andy's Delight is a pastry with nuts and buttermilk.  I brought this home for the family and they enjoyed it.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Mattna Kamjatang (맛나 감자탕) is one of the best authentic Korean restaurants I've tried.  They definitely have the best stews!  I highly recommend this.  The staffs are so nice too. 

After trying out Breakout, all my cousins, siblings and I were so hungry.  The puzzles were fun and challenging so it drained us mentally and physically.  Since we're all from the South, the Kapitolyo area was out of our bounds for family get togethers, so everyone was excited!  My cousin suggested that we try his friend's restaurant called Takashi in Pioneer Center. 

With no time to argue, we all agreed.  We convoyed to the establishment.  The Pioneer Center has a big parking space and it's free too!  My cousin's friend was there to welcome us.  The chef Takashi was also introduced to us so we all had high hopes for a wonderful authentic Japanese meal. 

I think the place can house around 30 persons.  Our group of 18 had to be divided into  two long tables. 

Food
My cousin ordered the appetizers and mains which we shared.  Then, we all had our own Ramen bowl.

Appetizers (Maki Rolls)

Crazy Maki Sushi (160 php)

The family is a big fan of maki.  We ordered the Crazy Maki Sushi which was visually appealing.  It is calfironia topping topped with kani salad-crabstick with Japanese mayonnaise and roe.

Devil's Roll (240 php)

The Devil's Roll is more to my liking.  It had breaded shrimp, lettuce, salmon, Japanese mayonnaise and spicy red sauce. 

♥ Salmon Teriyaki Maki Sushi (240 php)

The Salmon Teriyaki Maki Sushi is my favorite among the appetizers.  

Salmon Sashimi (250 php)

The Salmon Sashimi was just okay.  You can already judge it by the way it looks so no need for elaboration. 

Spicy Salmon Sashimi (220 php)

The Spicy Salmon Sashimi is cheaper than the Salmon Sashimi.  Perhaps, since it is chopped, it is less in serving size.  I did not find it to be spicy so this was dull for me.  

Mains

♥ Ebi Tempura 5 pcs. (280 php)

The Ebi Tempura is well-executed.  My little sister was delighted with this.


Donburi

Oyakodon (190 php)

The Oyakodon seems to be over seasoned -sweet and salty for our taste.  

Ramen

Tonkotsu Shoyu (280 php)

The Tonkotsu Shoyu failed to reach my standard.  Something just seemed off.  I just couldn't pinpoint what it was lacking.  I didn't like their noodles too.  

♥ Hokkaido Miso Ramen (280 php)

The Hokkaido Miso Ramen is their best ramen based on all our feedback.  They got it right with this one.  

Spicy Karaage Ramen (280 php)

The Spicy Karaage Ramen was better than the Tonkotsu Shoyu but I wouldn't pick this as long as the Hokkaido Miso Ramen is available.  The Spicy Karaage  is great for spicy lovers like me.  But, I found this difficult to finish.

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
Kenji Tei Ramen House
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 Cool
Ramen Ichiban-Kan
Ramen Nagi
Ramen Sora
Ramen X (Closed)
Ramen Yushoken
Tampopo たんぽぽ Philippines
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Takashi's ramen is affordable   If craving for ramen in the area, I would definitely choose this over Ramen Cool.  I'll only order the Hokkaido Miso Ramen again.  You can't go wrong with ordering the makis for sharing too. 

I have to confess, it's been quite some time since I discovered Uno Morato Coffee Shop. But some part of me did not want to reveal this awesome secret geek hideaway.

This is hidden behind the big Persian Kebab and Icut Salon along the corner of E. Rodriguez and Tomas Morato.  You have to enter the parking space to access this area.

The sign is pretty simple but quite informative of what to expect. The sign says Uno Morato but I found it to be Uno Morato Book Store or Uno Morato Coffee Shop online.  This is also not to be confused with Uno Restaurant which is also in the Tomas Morato area.

It is a bookstore for many local authors.  Filipinos have yet to be recognized in the field of literature.  Being a writer is not a lucrative profession here so there aren't many book shops that are dedicated to Filipino books.  I'm so glad Uno Morato is one of such rarity. 

Books of different genres and for different age ranges can be found here.

There are also consigned items.  And, fellow gaming geeks like me would be pleased to discover that it is also a board game cafe.  This is where I first discovered about the awesome game called "Munchkin Cthulhu".  Unfortunately, I went here alone with no one to play with. =(

You see Uno Morato is a lot of things.  On some days, there are book or comic groups gathering here.  Some days, you can find game geeks playing here I'm told every Tuesday is game day).   Film showing, seminars and concerts are also held there.

On the counter are cookies...

and other consigned goodies.  There are also some chips and local delicacies for to make your stay worthwhile.  They also serve cheap beer.

Food

♥ Sweet and Spicy Tuyo Rice Meal (120 php)

Whenever I read a book or study, I usually become hungry easily so I'm quite glad that Uno Morato have very affordable meals.  The Sweet-Spicy Tuyo Rice Meal is so healthy and fulfilling.  They serve it with salted egg, brown rice and tomatoes.

I was told by their staff that their food is consigned too.  They have a supplier somewhere far south.  I'm glad they did a pretty good job in selecting their suppliers.

Cheese Panini (65 php)

Okay, just so we're clear, I stayed here for quite some time so I had nothing to do but to eat. lol!  So I also tried the Cheese Panini.  This is so good as it is served hot, crunchy on the outside and oozing with melted cheese.

♥ Banana Walnut Cake (150 php)

For dessert, I had the Banana Walnut Cake.  I loved this because it wasn't too sweet.  I enjoyed it even to the last buttercream icing.

Chocolate Cake (150 php)

The Chocolate Cake is a sweeter option.
 

♥ Kalsada French Press Good for 3 (120 php) *pardon my blurry photo

The Kalsada French Press is so sulit for only 120! 


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Uno Morato is the ultimate hangout for geeks.   There's just something about low-key serene places like this that makes it appealing to me.  The staffs are very nice too.

It's been a very long time since I first tried Kanin Club at their pioneer branch in Paseo De Sta. Rosa Laguna.

The family has been meaning to try it for quite some time now but most of their branches are always full.  Good thing they opened their Greenfield District branch which is the least popular.

Like all its other branches, it has the same local and colorful vibe.

Food

Main Dishes

♥ Crispy Dinuguan (274 php)

Of course, we ordered our familiar favorites and their well-known best-sellers.  The Crispy Dinuguan is a semi-dry pork blood stew (similar to the Ilocano Dinardaraan) with deep-fried pork chunks.  Highly recommend!

♥ Kare-Kare (376 php)

I'm very biased with kare-kare dishes in general.  But really, this rendition Kare-Kare is among the best I've tried.


Rice

♥ Sinangag na Sinigang (235 php)

The Sinangag na Sinigang has it's own rich flavor.  But, what's great about it is that it doesn't overpower the viands.


Dessert

Sticky Rice (156 php)

The Sticky Rice is an extravagant one.  The family liked it but I'm more into simplicity with this dish I guess.
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The Kanin Club is an establishment that need not be blogged to be marketed.  Everyone already knows it.  If you don't your clearly missing out a LOT.

I've long been seeing Kebabers so when my friends and I were looking for a budget-friendly place in SM Manila, I suggested this.

It has a very bright counter compared to the usual fast food places.  The signage and menu is well-lighted, big and really attention-catching.

It has limited selections but since it Persian Cuisine, they have something different to offer.


Upon paying for your order, they will give you a buzzer.  Once it buzzer, you have to get your order at the kitchen window on the left end of the place.  You will also have the option to choice between their two dips: Spicy and Regular Garlic Sauce.

Cheese Kebab Meal

2 pcs. Cheese Kebab Meal (99 php)

The 2 pcs. Cheese Kebab Meal has two small kebab nuggets filled with gooey melted cheddar cheese.  

The Spicy and Regular Garlic Sauce is diluted but its refillable so I dare not complain.

Shawarma Rice Bowl

Monster Beef Bowl Regular (109 php)

The Monster Beef Bowl is a bowlful of ground kebab meat with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.  It also comes with free iced tea.  I think this is the most bang for the buck among all we ordered.

Shawarma

Fish Shawarma (99 php)

I wouldn't suggest the Fish Shawarma.  See how sad it looks?

♥ Choco Fudge (59 php)

 Good thing we all had room for dessert.  We all loved the Choco Fudge.

♥ Choco Fudge (59 php)

It is nicely chilled, rich and fudgy. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I don't know where else you can get Persian Cuisine for Less Than 100 Pesos so that makes Kebabers a major consideration in that alley.  However, if you wouldn't mind stretching your budget, I don't think this is for you.  The serving size is not for hefty eaters like me.