A mukbang experience in SM City Masinag's new Food Court

It was three years ago when we had a food crawl in SM City Masinag and we're doing it again since they have a new location. The pandemic did not stop SM City Masinag to give its loyal customers the best experience in terms of shopping but also in dining. Their new and relocated Food Court gives not only the best food but an ambiance that's pleasing to the eyes and experience to everyone who comes in.

As they moved to the Westside on the second floor of SM City Masinag, it can now cater to more shoppers because it is more accessible. It has a bigger space and its industrial-themed interiors look more inviting and IG-friendly. The design is still well-lit so you can enjoy your food while enjoying the nice surroundings.

@ohmski

NEW with EXCITING FOOD CHOICES at @smcitymasinag #SMCityMasinagFoodCourtMukbang ##foodietok ##masarapba ##fypシ

♬ Taste - Tyga

Right now, they have at least 10 tenants to choose from for your next meal or snack. They have Turks, The Wings Haven, Mr. Kimbob, Sisig Hooray, Fruitas, Aboy's Fresh Lumpia, NoodleMix, Potato Corner, Takoya Kick, and more.

When it's time for the mukbang session, these kiosks start bringing their food in one by one or in groups and we are delighted to take photos for a feast of your eyes, dear readers.

Definitely, the most Instagrammable food is still from Mr. Kimbob. Their hot Bibimbobs are nicely plated of freshly cooked rice, vegetables, meat and sometimes topped with egg as a complete meal. This is what I usually order whenever I visit SM Masinag. I also discovered that they also have gimbap and tteokbokki or Spicy Rice Cakes on the menu which is great for take-out if you really fancy Korean-inspired food.

 

We are also served with Sisig Hooray's all-time Filipino favorite sisig in different versions. You can choose either chicken, pork, beef or bangus sisig with steamy rice and sweet and sour salsa. Small portions are not enough for this delicious fare.

Chicken, Beef, Bangus and Pork sisig with salsa

If you're in for a finger-licking yumminess, check out The Wings Haven. Their nicely cooked chicken drenched in different sauces is the perfect go-to snack. Plus they have a nice take-out box so you can buy it from the store and bring it home and watch a good movie marathon.

 

Here are also some of SM City Masinag Food Court's great food finds especially if you're on the go:

Aboy's Fresh Lumpia - Their version of the Fresh Lumpia is packed with fillings in egg wrap is to die for with its delicious peanut sauce. I could eat it just on its own.

Takoya Kicks - The yummy Asian street food's special sauce is a great food-on-the-go.

Noodlemix - Slurp on the egg noodles with your favorite toppings - Sharksfin, Pork, Beef or Japanese Siomai.

 

Lastly, you have to drain down the food that you ate with a refreshing bottle of Fruitas' coconut delights. Fresh buco juice will help you digest or refresh after a long walk of shopping in the nearby SM Store.

SM City Masinag Food Court strictly follows safety protocols, especially during this pandemic. They implement contact tracing and proper social distancing to diners and cleans up when they are done. However, I also suggest that we clean up after our meals to help the staff's work easier. We are looking forward to seeing the time when all the stalls are open so we can have more options to dine in SM City Masinag Food Court.

For more updates or if you have inquiries to get a spot in SM City Masinag Food Court, you may follow and message their official page SM City Masinag (Official).

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Bai Nian Tang Bao opens in Manila!

Chinese food has been part of the Filipino table for more than we can all remember and the number of xiao long bao dishes has been on the rise in the recent years. For most of us, we have been comparing different xiao long baos (XLB) in the Metro and there's another contender in taking pride on their xiao long bao dish, no other than the first and newest restaurant located in BGC, Bai Nian Tang Bao (BNTB).

Bai Nian Tang Bao is a Shanghainese restaurant operating since 1786 and has more than 300 branches in China and even more in the United States and Korea. Their first in Uptown Parade, BGC in Taguig makes its debut and introduces its gigantic xiao long bao to the Filipino palate. Bai Nian Tang Bao translates as "100-year soup" and boasts the authenticity of rich and flavorful Chinese cooking especially with the soup dumpling.

BNTB revealed the secret of their delicious xiao long bao with devoting more than 12 hours time and being generous with the flavors and about 20 processes in making the delectable soup. Their BGC branch displays this branch which also provides entertainment to the coming spectators and you'll have a guarantee that the place is clean and skilled chefs are ready to serve you fresh, warm and comforting xiao long bao. One must-try item is the Giant Xiao Long Bao that you would need a straw to sip the soup and you're guaranteed to a fantastic experience.

Giant Xiao Long Bao

Aside from the xiao long bao, Bai Nian Tang Bao also serve appetizing dumplings and dimsum that will completely satisfy your craving. Available are equally glorious varieties such as Chicken Soup Pork XLB, Scallops and Pork XLB and Golden Corn Pork XLB. They also have pan-fried version called the Shanghaio Golden Sheng Jian Bao, a traditional Shanghai snack that's crispy on the outside and juicy soup on the inside.

Sticky Rice Dumpling

Noodle fans can also enjoy at Bai Nian Tang Bao as they try their Three Seafood Treasure Fried Noodles or Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles.

Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles

Delight in the variety of dishes, especially when Filipinos love rice, by trying the Beef Fried Rice and Special Sausage Fried Rice that goes perfect with the BNTB Braised Pork.

Shanghai Style Fish Fillet, Braised Pork, Special Sausage Rice

Owner Paul Li invites everyone to visit the restaurant, "We are glad to bring authentic Xiao Long Bao to the Philippines and we'd like to invite everyone to visit us here at Uptown Parade, BGC to try the Xiao Long Bao that even royalty loved! It's a Xiao Long Bao experience that you surely won't forget."

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Manila's hidden treasure: Sinigang con Lechon Kawali

My officemates were talking about this a lot and finally I got to try this last Wednesday. A 15-minute drive from our office in Sta Mesa and we're able to get to Alas Pares -- Manila's hidden gem that serve a very delicious and interesting dish made with a twist from our home made sinigang.

The dish costs P 95 per order and can serve two people with 1 cup of rice. But I just had it for me for total experience. The familiar sour sinigang broth was just right with okra, watercress, the works. But instead of the usual soft meat in sinigang, they put in crispy Lechon Kawali. So you'll have a crispy treat in every soup bowl of sinigang that is an amazing surprise.

Check out Alas Pares and their highly-recommended Sinigang con Lechon Kawali any time, any day. Below is the map of their location in Manila. Landmarks are Egoy's Ihaw-ihaw and Iglesia Lokal ng Washington. Enjoy!

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SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Chin's

If you're into shabu-shabu but you think the item is too expensive, you can try an affordable version at SM City Masinag. Chin's, the sister company of Inihaw Express offers satisfying and budget shabu-shabu.

Try pork, chicken or beef shabu-shabu complete with noodles and vegetables for a healthy and balanced combination of food that will satisfy your craving or to warm that empty stomach. They also have combo menu which you can partner a shabu-shabu with omelette rice, fresh lumpia, veggies or dessert coolers for only P130.

You will also know that your shabu-shabu serves fresh ingredients as they are displayed at the counter.

Check out Chin's at SM City Masinag Food Court at the 3F, SM City Masinag, Marcos Hi-way, Antipolo City.

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SM City Masinag Food Crawl: InasaLaing

When it was InasaLaing's turn to serve us food during the Food Crawl last Feb 10, I didn't know that they were really serving Inasal and Laing in one plate. Thanks to the brainchild of a young entrepreneur who developed the dish combination herself.

Since I was starting to feel bloated from the past Food Court tenants, I need to try it again for myself if they can still live up to expectations.

Their laing can stand on its own and for me could sell in plastic containers. However when we tried it for the second time, the laing is no longer as creamy as they were served before. I usually add vinegar to this to add acidity to the dish.

When our Chicken Inasal and BBQ orders came which come with rice, laing and their own mix of condiments, we think that the meat and chicken were too charred but hoping it will be cooked well. The chicken is too dry and yes, you have to dip it in the sauce so you can get some flavor.

Same goes with the BBQ. The meat is burnt and made it too dry. Hope they can marinade it more for better taste.

InasaLaing is located at 3F Food Court, SM City Masinag, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.

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SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Chica's

If you're in for some high-cholesterol and extra rice intake, grab a plate at Chica's at the Food Court of SM City Masinag.  They have the best pulutan dishes that is so sinful and deserve an ice cold drink that anyone could ask for.

The crunchy chicharong bulaklak, crispy pork and pork gizzard perfectly match the vinegar acidity that goes with it. Ask for extra rice topped with toasted garlic to maintain the balance of your meal (slightly).

But there's a "healthier" alternative for those who doesn't eat pork wants to maintain their diet. They also serve fried tofu on the side which you can also enjoy.

Chica's is located at the 3F, Food Court, SM City Masinag, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.

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SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Tro-Pares

Establishing their first branch in SM City Masinag Food Court is Filipino-style Tro-Pares, a place for our favorite "pares" and other local dishes with a twist and distinct flavor.

Boasting their pares recipe, which the meat almost melts in your mouth in tenderness. Their pares sauce is unique in sweetness and not too thick so it's perfect to top on rice. Sip a cup of soup to warm up your stomach and to boost your appetite.

They also serve other Filipino favorites like Seafood Kare-kare for those who likes to cut their meat. I personally love the yummy kare-kare sauce that is rich in peanut taste. Keeping it healthy with a bunch of vegetables cooked just right.

If you are in search of all-day breakfast meals, they also have 'silog.' Try their Adobo-Silog that will surely hit your hunger spot for piquant flavors.

Tro-Pares is located at the Food Court of SM City Masinag, 4th floor, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.

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SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Mr. Kimbob

Mr. Kimbob is my easiest go-to place in SM Food Court to have my Korean fix every now and then. When the SM City Masinag Food Crawl happened, I greatly anticipated having a serving of their famous Bibimbob on the table.

For only P109, I already got a sizzling plate of Bibimbob (bibimbap) with a complete and balanced serving of meat, vegetables, kimchi, and egg over steamy rice. You can add extra heat and extra flavor on it with their Korean paste (gochujang) in a cute paste tube.

See what I did with the Korean paste in my Bibimbob. Mix it while it's hot and enjoy it with a glass of soft drink or water.

You can choose from pork, beef and chicken as your meat siding in your Bibimbob.

Mr. Kimbob is located at the Food Court of SM City Masinag, 4th floor, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.

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SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Rye & Dean's

Glad to be invited by a good friend who works in SM City Masinag in Antipolo City for a rare Food Crawl which showcased 8 different tenants in their Food Court. So sad to say that my SD card got corrupted last Valentine's Day (yes, it had to be Vday) so I am getting back on each tenant one by one.

Let me introduce to you one of the great pleasures and starting it off with a very IG-worthy food presentation.

Rye & Dean's

Rye & Dean's

I admit that I am not really trying this until it had to introduce itself during the food crawl. A Brooklyn-style food tenant in SM City Masinag stood out from the rest that offer usual Filipino food. I returned to Rye & Dean's this afternoon and found out that they have a promo going on. Eye-catching and mouthful Hungarian sausages in their own six-inch buns they made themselves. They can claim that their bread is their own, they even branded it. It is served with two glasses of lemonade, plus get a soft large cookie.

I ordered what we had during the Food Crawl which is the simplest but should not be ignored. The corn dogs is an authentic recipe that you may get in amusement parks and can be brought to the cinemas without making a mess. The corn batter is the real thing unlike what we do with ready-to-mix batters. I had corn puppies, the cutest name they thought of with smaller versions of the corn dogs. Serving 4 pieces that is good for 2 or you can have it all for yourself.

Corn Puppies

What also amazed me of Rye & Dean's is they serve their food on wooden crates or boards which they also branded, saving on disposable containers.

Find Rye & Dean's at SM City Masinag, 4th floor at the Food Court beside the cinema lobby for more visually enticing sausage buns that also fill grumbling stomachs and discriminating taste. They also serve desserts at an affordable rate.

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Drinks and desserts in UP Town Center

Drinks and desserts in UP Town Center that you can enjoy any time of the day.

Baker & Cook
Baker & Cook is new to the Bistro Group and they focus on bread and pastries that can give you a comforting afternoon and great menu to match with coffee. They also have amazing desserts that play with our taste buds to cap off a satisfying meal. Chocolates, custard, jams and more can contribute to a tea party and fun conversations.

Instagram: @BakerandCookPH

Shakeaway
The biggest milkshake store that I've been because it can create many of your desired milkshake flavors in one place! And they named their milkshake very unusually: think of any boy's or girl's name and they will have it crafted for you -- complete with chocolate or candy sprinkles over a tall cloud of whipped cream! They also have healthy options like granola and oats too. Just find the huge white place near Gringo's.

Instagram: @ShakeawayPhilippines

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Probably where I can be spotted when I'm at UP Town Center, sipping coffee, chatting or making myself busy with the reliable internet, thank to my Swirl card perks. CBTL is a comfortable meeting place for people of all sorts. Whether it's coffee, frappe or tea, it is always a must-try. Lifehack: refillable hot water when you order tea.

Instagram: @cbtlph

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Food finds for the whole family at UP Town Center

Bring the whole family up to the extended family in these places in UP Town Center.

Casa Verde
Casa Verde is one of the first restaurants I tried in UP Town Center. I've never seen this restaurant empty and expect a queue every time you go. The serve a variety of food but match this with the fun interiors that include vintage memorabilia with a cozy urban feel. The servings are so big that it can be shared by 4 or more. And the prices are very reasonable so it satisfies your stomach and wallet.

Instagram: @CasaVerdePH

Gringo

Their tender, juicy, and perfectly roasted chicken is best with rice. I would like to have it home to extend the delicious meal. But you can also enjoy it in its own with booze or Gringo's signature rainbow Mojitos.

Instagram: @gringochickenribs

Sarsa
Take yourself to authentic Ilonggo-style Chicken Inasal of Sarsa Kitchen.

It is so good to be Filipino with our local delicacies that each in the family will enjoy. Isaw, liempo, pansit and more are available here. 

They also have a very interesting dessert that looks like buchi. But it's actually healthier because it's made of pumpkin but it is so yummy because chocolate oozes out of it. You have to try it.

Instagram: @sarsakitchen

So where are you taking the folks tonight?

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