It's been a more than a month since the lock down. It made us miss the times which seemed like usual and ordinary. I recall the last time the family randomly stopped over for One Zo Tapioca Milk Tea 丸作食茶.
Side Story
With so much time, I didn't feel like blogging until now. The urge to blog had sparked from a strange yet vivid dream where all the nostalgic moments (that I blog) of places
I've explored, dishes I've tried and expensive things I've bought were in the
form of bright orbs that were absorbed by my soul and compromised who I am. It reminded me of how much I love this game of blogging where I get to test myself each time I make an entry on (1) how present I was at that moment and (2) how well I can replay that precise moment in my mind.
Because we don't have any eat outs, it's so easy to recall that drizzling milk tea Sunday. While on our way home from my cousin's spa opening, my sisters were looking at the milk tea stores around Banawe one by one. One Zo Tapioca Milk Tea 丸作食茶 got our attention and we all agreed that it was the one we wanted to have. Some of us have not tried it so it was the perfect opportunity since this branch had no lines at that time.
I told my mom I'd treat her but she said that she wasn't in the mood for it since we just came from a heavy Chinese lauriat lunch. My sister and I went on ahead to the store to purchase. The "It's a MATCH" from its Top 5 Drinks appealed to me the most. My little sister, on the other hand, ordered the "Taro Delight".
After we made our order, someone
ordered 20 or more milk teas. Then, my mom and siblings called us to order for them too. What luck right? We decided to spend our time taking photos while waiting.
It also allowed me to observe a tapioca making machine for the first time. One Zo is famous for making its own pearls. The pearls are special as they were flavored pearls.
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| ♥ It's a MATCH L (165 php) and ♥ Taro Delight L (130 php) |
We all enjoyed our drinks. I liked the It's a MATCH very much. The matcha flavor was just right. I wouldn't be bothered if it was a bit stronger. Yet, the subtlety was appreciated in this instance since it was complemented by its specialty pearls.
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| ♥ It's a MATCH L (165 php) |
All its flavored pearls delivered a consistent pleasurable chewy texture. The sweetness of the flavored pearls varies so you have to try them out and see what you like. Since One Zo introduces special flavored pearls of the day, it somehow increases the chance of you trying out a new flavored pearl in each visit.
Quarantine Tip: One Zo is open for delivery through GrabFood, foodpanda and Lalafood.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We all love novel ideas. Novelty makes anything easier to remember. Hence, you can be assured that One Zo Tapioca Milk Tea 丸作食茶's novelty flavored pearls will grant you a fun and memorable milk tea with pearl experience in every visit.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | OneZo Tapioca Milk Tea 丸作食茶 Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| OneZo Tapioca Milk Tea 丸作食茶 | |
| Business Address | Banawe 779-A Banawe Street, Santa Mesa Heights, Banawe, Quezon City, Metro Manila Greenhills Food Court, Ground Floor, Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 12 pm - 10:30 pm |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 100-200 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0925) 510-0096 |
| Other | |
Nena's Rose Shopping II: Hands Down The Best Chicken Inasal in Bacolod Negros Occidental
Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines
When visiting Bacolod, the first thing that comes in mind is to try the local specialty Bacolod-style Chicken Inasal. According to my local friends, the best Bacolod-style Chicken Inasal is the one served by Nena's Rose II Shopping Branch.
Yes, to my surprise, they recommended that it has to be this specific branch out of the many branches!
The fame of Bacolod-style Chicken Inasal has reached Manila. As we've shared, we've tried several brands in Manila such as Aida's Chicken, Inasal Chicken Bacolod, Bok Bok's Inasal, Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
Yet, we're still so excited since naturally, a local specialty at the place of origin is expected to offer the best experience. 
Nena's Rose II Shopping Branch offers a clean, modern and spacious dining facility. On the right side, it even has an a hand washing area equipped with more than five sinks (each with liquid hand soap dispensers).
If you want to eat like a local, you have to eat your meal using your hands. But, since I'm a foreigner, I requested for utensils.
Food
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| Bisaya (150 php) |
Among the Bacolod Chicken Inasal establishments we've tried in Manila and in Bacolod, Nena's Rose II is the only one we've encountered that serves Bisaya. As we've researched, Ilonggo's refer to all native food ingrediats as "Bisaya". Thus, this s a native chicken cooked in the Bacolod-style inasal way. It is priced higher than the usual chicken but it was an addition that we would simply shoulder willingly. This is hands down the best Bacolod Chicken Inasal we've ever had.
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| Talaba (60 php) |
Aside from Chicken Inasal, you can also find a lot of places serving Talaba or Oysters. You can find them in most Chicken Inasal establishments like Nena Rose or you can find it in a less fancy but more specialized place along the street side which the locals refer to as "Talabahan".
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| Talaba (60 php) |
The oysters here are so cheap! For only 60 php, look at how much Talaba I got to enjoy! The size is pretty good too right?
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Nena's Rose Shopping II hands down offers the best Chicken Inasal in Bacolod among the famous Chicken Inasal establishments that we've tried. We will definitely stop by this place whenever we are in Bacolod City!
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Nena's Rose II Shopping II Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Nena's Rose Shopping II | |
| Business Address | 6th St, Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines (6100) |
| Business Hours | 8am-11pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 100-300 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (034) 432 1434 |
| Other | |
J. Park Garden Restaurant has recently opened at Jose P. Laurel Foundation Building. We've been passing by the area for decades but never had we imagined that the place could be so beautiful and lively.
J. Park is a 24-hour spacious two-story restaurant fully surrounded by glass panes. It's greens and classy interiors is like a paradise inviting every passer by.
A step inside will even offer an overwhelming comfort with its clean, fragrant and cool vibe. Aside from the casual dining area on the first and second floor, the second room also provides more privacy with individual rooms by the back hallway.
Food
While J. Park offers unlimited Samyupsal for only 500 php (minimum of two [2] persons), we opted to order ala carte because the menu had a lot more to offer.
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| Pajeori (파절이) |
All the ban chan (also known as side dishes) it served on our table was gloried in terms of ingredients and portions. As you can see some of the ban chan are served in big bowls too. And, if its not enough, the servers are happy to replenish them upon our requests too.
Beef
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| Special Wagyu Beef (Rib-Eye) (2800 php) |
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| Kkot Galbisal (Grilled Beef Prime Ribs) (1,600 php) |
Pork
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| Samgyeopsal (Fresh Pork Belly) (400 php) |
But if indeed you want to get the best out of your money, they avail of their limited offer for Umlimited Samgyeopsal at 500 php. Being we ordered the Samgyeopsal as ala carte at 400 php! Imagine, just add 100 php more per person and you can eat your heart out!
Meals
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| Bulgogi |
 | ss | |
| Kimchi Jjige (Kimchi Stew) (400 php) |
Aside from dishes that you can cook on the table, we ordered other stews and soups too. For spicy lovers, the Kimchi Jjige will give you the spicy tinge in the taste buds that you yearn for and the delightfully hot soup will give you that warm massage in every sip.
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| Dwenjiang Jjigae (Soybean Stew) (400 php) |
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| Galbi Tang (600 php) |
Side Dishes
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| Japchae (500 php) |
It was a hard choice between the Japchae and the Janchi-guksu for our noodle dish. Here in Manila the Japchae is more common and popular so it was what we chose. However, in Korea, the Janchi-guksu is what they have in every occasion. The word "janchi" literally means banquet or feast in Korean. While "guksu" simply means noodles in Korean.
What we appreciate with Korean restaurants is that the management is very hands on. You can see that the Korean owners and managers are the ones doing the hard labor as well.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Overall, J. Park Garden Restaurant is the hippest and grandest 24-hour Korean restaurant in Manila. This is highly recommend for all types of diners. Given the beautiful and luxurious appeal, the pricing is quite affordable too. For private rooms and big groups, it is better to reserve since the place is usually crowded during peak hours. You can contact them via mobile or Facebook.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | J Park Garden Restaurant Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu | Menu 2 |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| J. Park Garden Restaurant | |
| Business Address | Jose P. Laurel Foundation Building. Pedro Gil Corner M.H del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11am-7am |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 350-2,800 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0936) 785-3625 |
| Other | |
Since the onset of websites and social media, rarely do we encounter a hole-in-a-wall joint that literally under the radar like Arab Asian Resto Cafe.
Although this Arab Asian Resto Cafe is marked in google maps, it has no reviews in Zomato or Tripadvisor and the like so it has no online presence. But, we've sharing about it now because we believe it should have. This humble place serves very affordable and delicious dishes and drinks.
We discovered this through Meaningful Travel's Muslim Immersion Tour and we were told then that in contrast to what we hear about them from the media, Muslim's are actually peaceful and simple. In fact, some of them just live within the Golden Mosque compound. The owner of this establishment is one who also stays there.
Food
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| ♥ Paratha + Sweetened Milk (25 php) |
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| ♥ Lassi (40 php) |
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Arab Asian Resto Cafe serves affordable, halal, natural and healthy food and drinks that are worth the try when you are in the area. We hope to try more of its heavier meals in the future.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Arab Asian Resto Cafe Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | Food Menu | Drink Menu |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Arab Asian Resto Cafe | |
| Business Address | 334 Gunao, Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 7am-11pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 50-120 php |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0995) 735-9544 | (0939) 621-0799 |
| Other | |
With all prices hiking up, people are continuously in search for the best meal offers. Well, we Tsinoy Foodies, recently discovered Holy Cow! Sizzler's Meat All You Can for 399 php.
And, we're going to give you our Top 7 Reasons to Go For the Meat All You Can for 399 php.
1. No Lines
Holy Cow Sizzlers has two spacious branches that offers the meat all you can for 399 php. Both of them are so spacious, they can even cater to parties and functions.
We prefer the one in Ayala Trinoma Mall because we find its mall location to be quite convenient.
Although there is a time limit of 2 hours, all the dishes that you order are served fast (within 5 to 10 minutes), cooked, ready to eat in a hot sizzling plate. Yes, in essence this adopts a sit down and "order all you can" concept which is rarely offered.
 |
| Chinito (chicken na prinito?) |
How great is that? You save time from 1) lining up and 2) cooking that you can
spend all that time for eating. In fact, we were able to eat here during our
work lunch break.
 |
| Chicken Fillet |
Although the dishes here are served hot on a sizzling plate, it does not involve cooking the food on the table so its smokeless. Thus, you won;t have smoke sticking into your clothing. You can eat here on a lunch break and not worry about taking the smell of smokiness back to your office. You can take clients here for meeting too.
 |
| Beef |
4. 5 Premium Meats
Aside
from the full service experience, they also offer an expansive
selection with many types of premium meat (with sauces!) and side
dishes.
 |
| Pork Belly |
There are 5 types of premium meat dishes:
1.) Beef
2.) Pork Belly
3.) Chicken Fillet
4.) Chicken Chinitos
5.) Fish Fingers
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| Fish Fillet |
 |
| Fish Fillet |
Don't we love to eat our rice dishes with sauces? Holy Cow knows this so well that it offers 5
signature sauces:
1.) White Sauce (for the Fish Fillet)
2.) Soy Garlic (for the the Pork Belly)
3.) Spicy Barbecue (for the Beef, Pork Belly or Chicken Fillet)
4.) Peppercorn Gravy (for the Beef, Pork Belly or Chicken Fillet)
5.) Trio Mushroom Gravy (for the Beef, Pork Belly or Chicken Fillet)
 |
| Garlic Rice |
1.) Garlic Rice
You can simultaneously order any premium meats and side dishes that you want. I'm sure those who cannot eat a meal without rice will order the Garlic Rice first.
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| Mashed Potato (the signature sauce works for the side dishes too) |
Who could resist Mashed Potatoes?
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| Macaroni Salad |
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| French Fries |
The French Fries were thick cut and mushy just the way we wanted it.
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| Mojos |
If you want potato in crisp and crunchy form then the Mojos is for you.
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| Sweet Potato |
The Sweet Potato is an addictive choice for those with sweet tooth.
 |
| Cheese Croquettes |
If we were to order just one side dish, hands down it would be the Cheese Croquettes. This is our first time to have this item for eat all you can. In fact, croquettes are usually offered in a Spanish restaurant for an expensive price. Take Terry Bistro's cheese croquetas for example, an order of 6 pcs. is already 480 php (as of the time we wrote this).
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| Corn & Carrots |
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| Coleslaw |
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| Buttered Vegetables |
7. 399 PHP All Inclusive Price
You get everything presented in the Meat All You Can Menu for an all inclusive price of 399 php. The published rate is clear and simple unlike others who will present the lowest price only to find out that you have to add more for more options.
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| Unlimited Iced Tea (70 php) |
With those 7 reasons to try Holy Cow! Sizzlers' Meat All You Can for 399 php, we, Tsinoy Foodies, guarantee that you will feel that you get your moneys worth for it!
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