Marugame Udon BGC (Part 2)

Here is the Part 1 of my Marugame Udon review.

10 years back, Philippines do not have that many Japanese Restaurant. I can't even remember if BGC already exist back then.  

Ever since I was a child I have been quite an adventurous in trying unfamiliar food. Udon is something that we Filipinos do not eat everyday. 

From my previous post I tried their Mentai Kamatama and I enjoyed it. I told myself I will back here to try their Carbonara Udon. And yes I'm back! :) Finally, Carbonara Udon with Kakiage on the side. My friend ordered Chicken Paitan and looks awesome.

Marugame's Carbonara Udon is surprisingly light, I was expecting that it would be very creamy but not. It was ok but it is not my typical carbonara. With Kakiage - OMG! I was really hoping they'll have unlimited promo on this ball of fried veggies. It was really delicious especially if you pair it with their special soy and grated ginger. Spending less than 300 pesos is quite reasonable for you to enjoy an authentic japanese food. 

Marugame Udon BGC Taguig Philippines

© Andrea Paola Gutierrez

Hong Kong 2017

Hong Kong!!! 1st time I visited Hong Kong was in 2012 then 2015 and for the 3rd time - this year 2017! This time I visited Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. I still enjoyed my Cafe de Coral meal, went to Cheung Chau Island and ofcourse Disneyland Hong Kong. Best time to visit Hong Kong is during winter season from December to March. Weather is colder than Baguio especially in Cheung Chau Island.

A short clip from Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong located at Diamond Hill Station

Though it is my 3rd time here in Hong Kong, it is my first time here at the Hello Kitty Cuisine.

My Cafe de Coral :)

© Andrea Paola Gutierrez

Ippudo Eastwood City Libis

Back in December 12, 2016, I was one of the lucky first 200 customers to get a FREE ramen for the grand opening or IPPUDO Eastwood City. The grand opening started with a colorful lion dance then a prayer :) .

Akamaru Shinaji

IPPUDO’s original tonkotsu broth enhanced with special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil. Served with thin noodles, pork belly, kikurage and spring onions. A refined, modern-style ramen.

I like this ramen a lot because of its rich broth and it comes with hard noodles just the way my ramen should be. 

Okonomiyaki

I ordered sides to complement my FREE Akamaru Shinaji . I got my self an Okonomiyaki (a japanese pancake, flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, chashu). This one is a bit salty for me. 

Matcha Creme Brulee

If you are a matcha lover, you can never go wrong with Ippudo's Matcha Creme Brulee. This dessert has the right sweetness with earthy taste from matcha powder and topped with smooth vanilla ice cream.

Ippudo is a noisy place - waiters are shouting things in Japanese every so often as they run around endlessly. One thing I noticed, customers don't seem to mind and they


© Andrea Paola Gutierrez

Cafe Athena in El Nido Palawan

I went to El Nido with few information about the place. I started strolling around the area the next day to get breakfast. And I found this cafe by the sea. I asked the lady who works here if I can take a picture of the menu. She said that they aren't allowing anyone to take photo unless you'll dine then gave me a sweeping look from head to toe. It's hard not to be offended. I am wearing my jammies as I walk around El Nido. Yes! I am wearing my jammies while others are almost naked.

Cafe Athena in El Nido Palawan

Cafe Athena interior

Cafe Athena interior

I am getting hungry and I want to relax. I entered the cafe with all the staff looking at me or maybe on my jammies. I sat down on where I can have a full view of the sea ignoring the rude staff. I politely asked for the menu and ordered something light for breakfast. I had Bruschetta, Pumpkin soup and vitamin C shake. I like everything here except for the staff. I travelled 6 hours from Puerto Princesa Airport going here just to be greeted by these not-so-friendly people.

Bruschetta, Pumpkin soup and vitamin C shake

I spent 2 hours eating my breakfast here at Cafe Athena while watching waves. It was a blissful moment and wishing to live there forever. I am missing El Nido.


© Andrea Paola Gutierrez

Sunnies Cafe BGC Taguig

I was asked by the love of my life to check out this restaurant in BGC and who am I to say no with her request? To make story short, I booked an UBER from Eastwood to Sunnies Cafe. I was greeted by not your usual restaurant interior. 

Sunnies Cafe interior

Trial and error shot

Sunnies Cafe have decent option for weight watchers. And I am in a middle of wanting to lose weight and wanting to satisfy my craving. I ended up having Baked Squid Ink Lasagna, Kimye Milkshake and Salmon Poke Quinoa. The serving is a bit too generous for the price . 

 Salmon Poke Quinoa Salad is my favorite among the three

The baked squid ink lasagna is so rich and creamy that will make you feel "umay". Don't get me wrong, the lasagna is delicious but like I said the serving is good for 2. That day I also crave for something sweet and decided to go for a milkshake. It's a delicious indulgence, but not a diet staple. Salmon Poke Quinoa Salad is my favorite among the three. It is very light and refreshing. And I really like the idea of raw salmon on top of my greens. Overall, I enjoyed dining in at Sunnies Cafe and definitely will go back to try some more from their menu.

Sunnies Cafe High Street BGC Taguig Address: Lane P, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Marugame Udon BGC Taguig

BGC Taguig is becoming a foodie mecca like no other. And Marugame Udon opened its first branch here.  This is a self-service restaurant. You get your tray, tell them your order, get your sides, wait for your food, pay and get your condiments.

I ordered Mentai Kamatama Udon which I find very interesting and it was quite appealing visually.

Udon was perfectly done, chewy and firm served with raw egg and mentaiko (fish eggs). I mixed everything and really goes well at first. When my udon starts to get cold, I began to dislike the smell of the raw egg.

I aslo ordered Tuna Omusubi which goes well while having an udon.

The place is quite small but overall I had a good meal and I will definitely come back to try their rice meals, carbonara udon and tempura.

Tuna Omusubi 40php
Mentai Kamatama Udon 230php

Marugame Udon BGC Taguig Philippines

Address: Building 7, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City


© Andrea Paola Gutierrez

New Bombay BGC Taguig

 Chicken Biryani, Chicken Manchurian, Mutton Masala, Chapatti

Kheer

New Bombay interior

When I get bored of eating the same food over and over, I tend to try new food. I recently travelled to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur and their food are awesome. And since I'm back here in Manila, I sometimes have this strong craving for indian food. I have been eyeing on this restaurant since day 1 our office moved to BGC (Bonifacio Global Taguig). The place is just small and full of flies but the food is really good and quite reasonably priced as well. We ordered Chicken Biryani, Chicken Manchurian, Mutton Masala, Chapatti and Kheer.


New Bombay Indian Restaurant in BGC Taguig
Address: Fort Bonifacio 2F Crossroads Building, 32nd & 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City


© Andrea Paola Gutierrez

Food Tripping in Malaysia

Everytime we travel, food tripping is always included to our itinerary (LOL!) Trying out their traditional and everyday staple food is one way of knowing their history, culture and their modern way of life. It is very satisfying to try out those different dishes and very affordable too.

By the way they don't speak very well in english so please be patient and just simply point on the menu and hand them your cash. Don't ask too many questions. My advice is for you to have a research first about different indian / malaysian food so you would know what you should expect. And yeah we did not! hahaha everything is a surprise when food landed on our table. Enjoy! :)

Mehndi Art Batu Caves Malaysia

During the Holy Week of 2017, my friends and I wandered the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and our feet took us to Batu Caves. After exploring the caves and eating all that food, we have decided to check out shops around the area. I saw a bunch of ladies offering Mehndi Art Service. And one of the things I am curious about is on how they can create an art in less than 15 minutes! I asked one of the lady - how much to have mendhi art on my hand. She handed me a booklet with samples of her previous work and also offered to have a special design depending on how much I am willing to shell out. Since I am very generous that very moment, I gave her 50 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) that is about 600 PHP (Philippine Peso). I have read somewhere on the internet that applying Mendhi on skin relieves stress because it has turmeric and other medicinal stuff added to it. Regardless, of what I read from the internet - I can still remember how happy I was after she is done with her Mehndi art on my hand and left foot (paid additional 20 RM). :) -end.

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Cafe de Coral Hong Kong 2017

If you have been to Hong Kong then  I'm pretty sure you've seen Cafe de Coral in almost every corner of Hong Kong. And I never miss eating at the Cafe de Coral when I am in Hong Kong. The serving size is really huge but you'll see people that eat here are all slim. I don't how can they eat so much food without gaining much weight. The only thing I do not like here is that they do not provide free cold water instead hot water or hot green tea.

Chaya Japanese Restaurant Baguio

It was rainy afternoon in Baguio when my friend and I decided to take a break from sleeping all day (LOL). The restaurant is very homey, clean and the attendant were all nice. The sashimi platter offers a little bit of everything and it's really fresh. They also gave us free matcha ice cream. I will definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a not so crowded restaurant in Baguio. I can't wait to go back here!