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Showing posts with label Vietnamese food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vietnamese food. Show all posts
Thursday, June 15, 2017
BAWAI'S: VIETNAMESE CUISINE in BGC'S UPTOWN PARADE

Since it seems that the rainy season has started, having something hot and steamy like noodles and soup would hit the mark. At BAWAI'S VIETNAMESE KITCHEN, they make sure you get your money's worth.

A new branch of BAWAI'S has recently opened in BGC UPTOWN PARADE. Almost infront of one of UPTOWN MALL'S Entrance and just underneath the foot bridge connecting parade and the mall, you won't be able to miss it.
One could start off with some drinks. Aside from the usual coffee, you might want to try out the lime mint shake. One sip and it would give you a jolt. A perfect wake me up if you will.
A visit to a BAWAI'S would not be complete without having the GOI CUON. The traditional Vietnamese fresh spring roll, pork and shrimp goes well together. Having it dipped in the sauce and nuts give it more texture.
When one talks about Vietnamese dishes, it would usually lead to having noodles. the PHO BO is the traditional take of Vietnamese cooking to beef noodle soup. Granted that it might taste a little too bland for some, having lime, vegetables, and sauces on the side would do the trick. Here, is the deconstructed version.
For something heavy, the COM SUON CHA would do the trick. This is grilled pork belly with a glaze of caramel and lemongrass marinade. Served with a mushroom egg pie, this goes well with a hot bowl of rice. To end the meal, you could go for their home made brownie dessert topped with ice cream or something traditional. The BAND DA LON is a yellow mung bean and pandan cake with coconut paste.
BAWAI'S in BGC'S UPTOWN PARADE has recently opened it doors to the public. Serving healthy dishes that are perfect for the weather, we get to see how VIETNAMESE cuisine has evolved over the years. From their main branch in Silang Cavite to the other one in White Plains, this expansion to BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY is a welcome treat.


BAWAI'S VIETNAMESE KITCHEN
Ground Floor
Uptown Parade 9th Avenue Corner 36th Street,
Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila

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Friday, October 21, 2016
TRA VINH: Vietnamese Dishes in Quezon City

There seems to be a perception that VIETNAMESE CUISINE is healthy and a bit bland. At TRA VINH, they try to change that misconception. Serving delicious and fresh dishes, TRA VINH is surprisingly good.
Located in the BANAWE AREA in Quezon City, this seems to be the only legit Vietnamese Restaurant in the district. The concept originally came from a Vietnamese Partner currently residing in Australia. There a number of TRA VINH restaurants are open. Authentic as can be, most of the secret ingredients are flown in. Meanwhile, the meat and vegetables are bought daily in the morning from the market to ensure the freshest ingredients are used.
Starting the meal with the some of the small plates could be your undoing. Remember this is a Vietnamese restaurant. You came here for the soup! Although, a compelling reason to visit this place is also that they serve other non soup dishes that are delicious and affordable. Better yet, just try out everything. Having a lot of choices from the menu gives the diners perspective on how Vietnamese cuisine is not just about banh mi and soup.
You could go for the Fresh Spring Roll. This is made only upon order.  The deep fried stuffed chicken is plumped up by the added meat. The home made shrimp wrap encloses a sugarcane to give it a sweet natural flavor. The Pomelo Salad is a standout as the crunchy crackers gives it a different texture profile.
Two dishes that are almost the same but different are the SALT and PEPPER PRAWN and FISH.
One might think that TRA VINH uses the same ingredients to marinate and produce both products. Thankfully, they don't.
Thus, the flavor between the two differ. The PRAWN has a more bold and peppery taste. The Fish, on the other hand, has a salty flavor that is absorbed by the meat.
A SPECIALTY of this restaurant would be the VIETNAMESE PANCAKE.
Accompanied by an assortment of vegetables, you get to create your own wrap. Use the different green leafy vegetables as a vehicle for your pancake. Place a bit of sauce inside and take a bite. It gives a fulfilling experience.
For the main dish, the noodles are your best bet. You get to pick between soup based and dry ones.
Admittedly, the one with soup has a more authentic flavor and feel. Although, the dry noodles aren't that bad at all. Accompanied by freshly cooked spring rolls and pork barbecue, you won't go wrong with this. When ordering for a Pho, ask the staff based on your preferred flavor and maybe they could make it happen. Also, one might notice the different sizes of each bowl. Don't be overwhelmed, you could definitely finish it.
A surprise crowd favorite would be the Fish Stew. This is almost like your normal "sinigang" but it has a bit of sweet tone to it. Contrasting flavors of the herbs and spices makes this dish a must try.
The dishes are generally on the sweet side. This might be because of the side sauces served. For the price point, you can be assured of its competitiveness. Thus making TRA VINH worthy of a visit when in the area.

TRA VINH
Unit 3, 109 NS Amoranto Corner Cordillera Barangay, 
Maharlika, Banawe
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my visits. Was invited to a food tasting and also returned on my own account.
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Tuesday, June 7, 2016
BANH MI VIETNAMESE EATERY and KOOBIDEH in PAMPANGA


For some time now, I have been hearing about an amazing banh mi restaurant up north. Somewhere in Pampanga, an ex-nobu chef started a small eatery that sells Vietnamese Cuisine. From a simple stall to a landmark, BANH MI opens its doors to the foodies in PAMPANGA.
Chef Rex Soriano chose to open a small eatery in his home town. After a few years, this has ballooned into a fixture that must be visited when in Angeles City. Just a couple of street away from Chef Sau's Cafe Fleur, BANH MI is an excellent hangout place that exudes a industrial minimalist yet artsy feel.
Since this was the third stop of the Pampanga Food Trip, I felt a little bit full already. Still, I was pretty amazed with the simple dishes and menu belt out by Chef Rex. Starting with the GOI GA (175Php), this Vietnamese Salad is light and the miso dressing simple.

Honestly, I don't like fresh spring rolls but I did enjoy this version. The house made meat cuts were perfect alongside the fresh ingredients. The addition of crispy pork rinds works well that it gave the dish a different dimension. The peanut sauce made it a joy to eat. Not too sweet and it complimented it well. I think I must have finish a whole plate all to myself.
The star of the night would be the BANH MI. All of the cold cuts were made in house. The ingredients were fresh and the bread perfectly baked. Each bite would remind me of a perfect ratio between meat, vegetables and bread.
Simple yet delicious. No need to use the additional sauces on the side. This one is a winner.
Just beside it is a newer concept that Chef Rex is making. The KOOBIDEH is your basic chicken kabab. This persian dish is an amazing way to enjoy something different.
Although not officially opened yet, this hole in the wall concept is definitely a welcome treat. Partnered with a couple of grilled vegetables and a simple sauce, this chicken kabab is simple yet delicious. I can't wait for it to fully open to the public.
BANH MI in PAMPANGA is a nice place to relax and enjoy some Vietnamese Cooking. Alongside with the about to open KOOBIDEH, this would be the perfect out of town restaurant to visit when in Angeles.

RELATED LINKS:
CHEF Sau's CAFE FLEUR
House of Chops in Pampanga

BANH MI VIETNAMESE EATERY / KOOBIDEH
1-1 pacimar estate jesus st.,
Pulungbulu, 2009 Angeles City, Pampanga
0999 817 7896
Opens from Monday-Saturday
12noon-9pm


Disclaimer: was invited to this restaurant. wrote this based on my experience.
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Ba Nois: Vietnamese Food in Up Town Center

I never did like Vietnamese Food. I mean, not that I don't really like it. It is just that it doesn't strike me as something I would go and crave for. Unlike burgers, steaks and sushis, for me Vietnamese Cuisine isn't what my taste buds look for.
Don't tell my mom about this pic or she will kill me
Since I had nothing to do on a lazy day, I dragged mom to have a quick lunch in Ba Nois. I was actually intrigued with this restaurant because one of my co workers was raving about their spring rolls. 
 Let's see what happens.
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