If you've been to Hongkong, I'm certain you've encountered Hui Lau Shan 许留山!  It's so famous that you'll find in almost everywhere especially the busy districts. 


I was lucky to be invited for a sneak peek prior to its opening.  I'm sharing here what I had then.  I'm aiming to go back soon to try more!!!

Food

Handmade Mango Desserts

Mango Romance (170 php)

The Mango Romance is Hui Lau Shan's world-famous set because as you can see, it seems like an ideal sampler to order.   You get three desserts in one plate: (1) Mango Chewy Ball (2) Mango Crystal Jelly (3) Mango Mochi.  All of them are equally good!  I noticed the pricing here is cheaper than in Hongkong perhaps because their mangoes are sourced here in the Philippines.  Lucky us!!!

Handmade Snacks

Mango Mochi (90 php/3 pcs)

Mango Pancake (140 php)

The first time I've tried a Mango Pancake was in HK 88 Dessert in 999 Shopping Mall Food Court back in 2012.  Unfortunately, it closed down and I haven't had one since.  While I loved the Mango Pancake upon first try, I never thought that it could be as good as how Hui Lau Shan made it out to be.   The pancake had such a light and velvety texture that was well-complimented by the light and fluffy cream-filling and refreshingly sweet and tangy mango.

Drinks

Mango & Coconut 

Mango & Coconut Juice with Red Bean (110 php/18 oz)

When it comes to coconut juice desserts, I can only think of Buko Bar and Haokang Hongkong Desserts who offer the same.  While I am also still a fan of Hao Kang, I would say that this Mango & Coconut Juice with Red Bean is just as good.  Both of them offer them at subtle sweetness.  I think some would prefer this to be sweeter though.


My companions had these... I will try these out soon!


Hui Lau Shan 许留山 also offers desserts as take away!  I will buy some of these on my next visit for the family!

Welcome to the Philippines Hui Lau Shan 许留山!  I hope you can be consistent with the sweetness and pricing cause I will surely keep coming back for more!

When life feels a bit dry, I go in search for things to try.  So I thought of traveling all the way South to try Sartin's heirloom recipes of the North. 


It's been a long time since I last stayed at Summit Ridge Hotel. 

I thought it's an awesome idea to have Sartin serving Quezon, Tarlac and Bacolod Heritage Dishes in Tagaytay.


Pastries for sale greets every visitor that comes in. 


On the side, there's also a chiller of cakes and snacks. 

Didn't expect to see a bar.  It looks grand doesn't it? 

The interiors is great for group dining.  These are cozy looking booths.

Food
 
Mga Pica-Pica at Merienda  

Batchoy (305 php)

Imagine the chilly atmosphere of Tagayatay comfortably warmed by the rich, warm and savory    Batchoy with delicious fresh beef chunks and marrow.  Ah perfection...
 

Kalabasa, Kamote at Kesong Puti Salad (425 php)

Sabaw

♥ Kansi (655 php)

Well, you can have more soups in a meal.  The Kansi is also a must try.

Chicken Charon (165 php)

You can't let your fingers off these Chicken Charon.  Let's crunch this dish all the way.


Mga Gulay at Kanin

Laswa (295 php)

Veggies can be good with Laswa which is a warming and hearty dish to try.  

Kalkag Rice (215 php)

 The Kalkag Rice goes so well with any dish.


Sartin Signature Menu 

Valenciana (495 php)

The Valenciana is different from other paella I've tried before.  It is made of sticky rice used in Filipino kakanin dishes. 

♥ Lechon na Tadyang ng Baka (1975 php)

The Lechon na Tadyang ng Baka is hands down the best dish among all our orders at Sartin.


Quezon (Lola Agnes)

 

Tarlac (Mommy Jet)

♥ Callos (449 php)

 The Callos has always been one of my favorite Spanish dishes.  Love how the strong tangy tomato sauce compliments the tender tongue strips here. 
 

♥ Pork Sisig (319 php)

The Pork Sisig comes with liver bits.  As a liver lover, how can I resist?  I would also like to commend how lean this sisig is. 


Weekly Special

♥ Beef Kaldereta

Sartin also offers weekly special which you can see on its chalkboard by the entrance.

Dessert

♥ Tibok-Tibok (245 php)

The Tibok-Tibok is a rare find.  We all rejoiced upon finding this delectable carabao-milk-based treat.  It so velvety-soft as it slowly melts in the mouth.

♥ Leche Flan

The Leche Flan is quite unique because it also has carabao milk mixed in.  This is one of the best Leche Flan I've ever had.

Ginumis (169 php)

Although I didn't get to try the Ginumis, it look so delicious!


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

We're very fortunate to have a healthy food scene in the Philippines.   Even cafes like Little Owl Cafe update their menu from time to time.

I've previously shared about this place so I'll skip the intro and get on with the food.  The service was better and the food was served with not much idle time to spare.

All Star Breakfast

Omelette Chorizo Rice (270 php)

Don't you agree that the Omelette Chorizo Rice takes the semblance of the Japanese Omurice dish?  Taste-wise, it is very different.  The glaced sauce and savory chorizo is specially chosen to appeal to the Filipino tastebuds. 

Starter

Sisig Tacos (220 php)

I must say that this is not the first time that I've encountered a fusion dish like this.  What I like about Little Owl's  Sisig Tacos is the harmonious ingredients.  However, I felt that the shell isn't at par with my standards for soft shell tacos. 

Glazed Cauliflower (220 php)

It's amazing to see everyone addictively popping vegetables into their mouths because of the Glazed Cauliflower.  The flavor and texture is perfect that even the pickiest kids will eat this for sure!

Lechon Kawali Bibimbap (320 php)

Chicken Satay (350 php)

Chicken & Waffle (270 php)

Beef Tapa & Cheese (295 php)

Pastas

Truffle Mushroom (350 php)

When presented with a glorious pasta dish like the Truffle Mushroom, how can I not oblige myself? 
I loved this to bits!

Shrimp & Aligue (350 php)

Forget about the cholesterol because the Shrimp & Aligue will completely woo your taste buds. 


Mains

Beef Rendang (420 php)

With some staple, the tender and supremely succulent Beef Rendang is an excellent choice when you're craving for a Malaysian spiced dish. 

Kimchi Salmon Sinigang (420 php)

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable new dish to try, then go for the Kimchi Salmon Sinigang.  This is a really ingenuous!



I am very much impressed with the menu update!  A perfect execution for Little Owl Cafe!  My primary visit here would always be for the Toby's Estate Coffee.  Now, I would certainly order good food to go with it. 

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