I first spotted Macao Imperial Tea being constructed when we dined at Shabu Shabu Ichiban in Circuit Makati.  To my surprise, they have another one in Banawe (right in front of Eng Ho) and I was so fortunate to be invited to its grand opening!


Yey! Finally, Macao Imperial Tea with over 200 branches in Macau, Vietnam, China (Shandong, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Hainan, Guangdong, Fujian, Juangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Anhui and Guizhou) United States and Canada is finally here in the Philippines.

 The store in Banawe is so spacious with an al fresco and cozy indoor area.

I just love its interiors.


I highly recommend this as a student study area and work area.  It is so comfortable, private and more importantly, there are power outlets for each table.

Food
I initially thought that they were all about drinks.  But, turns out that they have food too.

I heard the Apple Pie and Chocolate Lava Cake is good.  But, I didn't get to try those.

Chocolate Dome Cake (120 php), Marshmallow Chocolate Cake (120 php), Kitten Milk Tea (130 php) and Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk (160 php)

Instead, this is what I had.

Chocolate Dome Cake (120 php)

The Chocolate Dome Cake is really good!  It was rich and bitter sweet.

Marshmallow Chocolate Cake (120 php)

I really had no idea what I was thinking by ordering two kinds of chocolate cakes.  But, it made me realize that I liked the Chocolate Dome Cake better because it was richer.  But, the Marshmallow Chocolate Cake offered smooth mallow icing and some chocolate chunks which made it a bit interesting and worth a try.

Drinks

Special Drinks (served hot)

Kitten Milk Tea (130 php)

The special feature of the Kitten Milk Tea is that it comes with a cute kitten paw marshmallow that melts and expands and then vanishes.  I didn't get to take a photo of the expanded version because by some unfortunate circumstance, it got knocked off...  But, I'll probably get another one of this on my next visit just to show you so watch out for it on Instagram. ;)

I also loved the Walnut Black Sesame Fresh Milk.  It comes with red beans as toppings.  I will probably order that again when I'm not craving for caffeine.  

Tip: One of the perks in ordering their hot drinks is that its served in a cute royal kitten cup. ;)

Special Drinks (served cold)

For You (195 php) and For Me (195 php)

A must buy on your first visit to Macao Imperial Tea is the For You - Caramel Macchiato and For Me - strawberry milkshake (reminds you of a song right?).  These are so cute!  I was surprised that it is actually made of glass.  For the price, its quite a steal.  This is a perfect little surprise for your loved one/s.

Midsummer Soda (145 php), Over the Raibow Soda (160 php), Blue Curacao Soda (145 php), Cherry Blossom Soda (145 php), Green Apple Soda (145 php)

Overheard from the When In Manila team from the next table, "you guys must order and take a photo of their sodas!  That's the highlight".   So I was intrigued and ordered the Over the Rainbow Soda.  It is served in a plastic tumbler.  It's not as cool as the bear-shaped glass tumbler of For You and For Me but the rainbow color makes you want to try it right?  According to owner Fredley, this is best consumed within 2 hours from purchase.  I tried shaking my technicolor-ed Over the Rainbow Soda and it turned light pink.   I was a pretty good sweet drink.  But, I think I prefer the special drinks I've tried. 

I feel that I barely scratched the surface in trying out Macao Imperial Tea's drinks because they have so many options.  I have to come back and try their Chestnut Cream, Cream Cheese, Tea, Milk Tea, Red Bean, Yakult, Coffee and Mpresso series next.

Being an eldest sister (achi), I usually treat my shobes (little sisters) from time to time.  Each of my sisters have a different personality as well as preference.  So how did we end up in Shabu Shabu Ichiban?

My youngest shobe loves playing games so if you recall, I brought her to Table Taft.  My second youngest shobe is a fashionista and into beauty so its usually pampering session with her.  Finally, my oldest shobe who is the only foodie among my shobes,  loves two things: Coffee and Eat All You Can.  Over the years, we've tried several eat all you can restaurants but this is the first time I've brought her out for an eat all you can shabu shabu.

As soon as we arrived, we were ushered to a seat.  Table set up was almost instantaneous.


The dining area is divided into two parts.  The common dining area has tables that can serve around 4-6 persons with one large hot pot cooker.  On the other hand, they also have a group dining area that can serve up to 15 persons with each person having a small individual cooker.

Food

Set B

Chinese Cabbage Kimchi and Edamame

To our amazement, they've been open since last year.  But, we just discovered it recently.  They have 3 sets for the eat all you can.  Set A, Set B and Set C.  We opted for Set B believing that it is the most "bang for the buck" option.

If you're seating in the casual dining area, your group will have a choice of two soup broths.  The broth is refillable.  It was a tough choice to make for us since we could only choose 2 out of their 24 soup brothers.  I wanted a spicy one but shobe doesn't like spicy foods so we compromised with the Tonkotsu (non-spicy) broth and Spicy Miso Kimchi broth.  We also had a choice of refillable drink each. 

Set B offers refillable Chinese Cabbage Kimchi, Edamame, Sushi and Sashimi Platter, Vegetable Platter, US Angus Chuck Eye Roll, US Beef Short Plate, Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), Chicken Leg Quarter, Ground Chicken & Pork, Assorted Balls and Dumplings, Shrimp Tempura, Japanese Style Fried Chicken Wings, Kushikatsu, Japanese Rice, Udon, Raw Egg and Home-made Ice Cream.

Sushi and Sashimi Platter

While shobe and I agree that the Sushi and Sashimi Platter is not one of their strengths, at least they offer it as an addition to the already wide selection.  You don't get this if you opt for Set A.

Japanese Style Fried Chicken Wings

I'm usually not a fan of fried chicken wings.  I really liked the Japanese Style Fried Chicken Wings.  Shobe loved it too.  We would have eaten more of this if we weren't overwhelmed by the other options.

Kushikatsu

Most Kushikatsu we encounter is oily.  But, this one isn't.  It's very crunchy on the outside and the beef roll filling is so tender and juicy.  We were impressed!  If you choose Set A, you only get either Japanese Style Fried Chicken Wings or Kushikatsu.

Shrimp Tempura

The Shrimp Tempura is the reason why many would upgrade from Set A to Set B.

Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), US Beef Short Plate and US Angus Chuck Eye Roll

The highlight of the meal is the meat!  Look at the beautiful marbling of these imported meat.

Vegetable Platter, Udon, Raw Egg and Assorted Balls and Dumplings

You can choose more dumplings for refills.

Chicken Leg Quarter and Ground Chicken & Pork

This is actually my first time to try shabu-shabu with Ground Chicken & Pork.  It's a really good way to enhance the flavor of the broth.

Assorted Mushrooms, Assorted Dumplings and US Angus Chuck Eye Roll Refill

Shobe ordered the Assorted Mushrooms, Assorted Dumplings and US Angus Chuck Eye Roll.

It's so good!  Try dipping it just for a few seconds until cooked so you can savor its beefy goodness.

We really loved the quality of their ingredients especially the US Angus Chuck Eye Roll.


Shobe decided to drop her Raw Egg on the broth and had it hard boiled.  Did you know that their Raw Egg is especially brushed so you can just drop it in.  On the other hand, I prefer just cracking it raw and using it as a dip.

Home-Made Strawberry Ice Cream

We tried all three flavors of their Home-Made Ice Cream.  We loved the Home-Made Strawberry Ice Cream the most.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We haven't enjoyed shabu-shabu as much as we've experienced in Shabu Shabu Ichiban.  In fact, we've actually recommended this to family and friends who have tried and gave the same feedback as we did.  You should try it too! 

I really like going to food parks because it offers a great variety.  But, the summer heat is keeping me from preferring to go outdoors.  If you hate the heat just like I do, then I've got good news for you.  Cause there's a new food park in town called Munch Manila and it's right at the center of SM Manila. 

From May 26 to June 12, 2017, you can enjoy affordable food treats, acoustic performances from Agsunta (May 29), BEN X BEN (June 3), and DMTRio (June 4), spoken word poetry (every night at 7 pm) and a one-day only food snaps event on instagram photography (June 4).

Food Selections

Candy Up Cotton Candy

Starting with the most popular booth, Candy Up Cotton Candy.

Their Minion Cotton Candy is so adorable!

I want to give one of these to my mom sometime.

Manang Joy

 I could not imagine, there could be so many kinds of empanada meals to choose from.

But, I noticed the classic is still the best-seller.

Big J

Big J's Sausages are also a hit on on-the-goers.


I've shared about 8 Street Bites here and here before. 

And, need I say more for the famous Buffalo's Wings N' Things?

Mad for Pizza offers a steal deal with its Buy 1 Take 1.

Drink Selections




Food Snaps
The best part of my visit is being able to participate in the Food Snaps Event where Jerro of Gourmanila taught us some flatlay and other IG photography tips and tricks.  It was really excited for this because this is my first time ever to learn something about instagram photography.  I hope I can apply them so my feed will improve.  (#feedgoals)

 Check out this video for a teaser. =)


My Flatlays
If you're one of my followers on my IG account @tsinoyfoodies, this is the flatlay entry I posted.  But, there's just so many amazing participants that this was absolutely no match.


This is my second attempt but wasn't able to submit this on time.

Overall, it was a fun experience!  I really learned a lot!  Shout out to my table munch mates, @tavanching (I see myself a lot in this kid who loves food and dreams of being a CPA someday) and fellow blogger @Somethingbyrayrose.  And, biggest thanks to @SMCityManilaOfficial for the free photography session and all the food during the session.  

Remember, you guys can still drop and chill  until June 12, 2017.  I'm also hoping to be back so see you around!

Believe it or not my pizza is not a fan of pizza.  But, upon mention of California Pizza Kitchen and their eyes would twinkle so its no surprise that its one of the very few restaurants that my family keep coming back to.

Food
California Pizza Kitchen is always unique creative with the dishes that they come up with.  And, we're always surprised at how fulfilling the experience is in each visit.  Let me share with you some of their new menu for 2017 which we've tried.


Starters

Grilled Shrimp, Strawberry + Goat Cheese (550 php)

The Grilled Shrimp, Strawberry + Goat Cheese is my dream salad with all my favorites in one and drizzled with honey dijon vinaigrette.  It has fresh and crispy greens, sweet and tangy strawberries, plump grilled shrimps, sweet pear, crunchy almond bits and creamy goat cheese.

Original Hand-Tossed Pizzas 

Grilled Chicken Chiptotle + Avocado (475 php)

Craving for cali-mex? Why not go pizza-style with Grilled Chicken Chiptotle + Avocado.

Personal Adventures

Chicken & Sausage Fajita (495 php)

The Chicken & Sausage Fajita is one of the most interesting pasta dishes I've encountered.  I am very impressed at how their thought of combining spicy roasted garlic cream spinach fettucine with smoked sausage, grilled chicken and peppers.  The flavors blended wonderfully!

Foriana (350 php)

The Foriana was not as creative as the Chicken & Sausage Fajita but it has an undeniably classic appeal.

Rice Entrees (Upgrade to Quinoa +45 php)

Sweet Flame Shrimp (385 php)

I'm quite thrilled that you can go for a healthier option by upgrading your ride meal to quinoa for just an addition of 45 php.   The  Sweet Flame Shrimp reminded me of the Chinese dish of Sweet and Sour Sauce.  But, I found this more extravagant as it comes with a mango-cucumber salsa.

Chicken + Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce (345 php)

You all have to try the Chicken + Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce!  I don't know how they do it but the fried chicken breasts is magically so moist and tender.  Kids will certainly love this.  And, oldies who have difficulty in chewing will have fun easily munching on these!

Desserts

Blueberry-Oreo Cheesecake (275 php)

The Blueberry-Oreo Cheesecake is a no-bake type.  The cheesecake was just okay but it is the oreo crust that won over me.

Lemon Butter Cake (325 php)

This may not looks as appealing as trendy desserts but a bite of the Lemon Butter Cake is enough to reveal its charm.

No doubt we will be back to try more!  Let us know if we've missed anything good!


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