Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Hongkong Master Cook: Seafood Paluto Restaurant

By on July 26, 2025

I’m celebrating my birthday in advance, and I’ve chosen this fantastic Hongkong Master Cook Seafood Paluto Restaurant for my special day. My family alongside my siblings and intimate friends are in attendance at my forthcoming celebratory event, bringing the total to 13 attendees, it’s the perfect size for a large round table providing plenty of space for everyone to dine and interact comfortably. I made an advance reservation of private room at this restaurant two weeks prior, as it is often fully booked. Many patrons are coming to this paluto restaurant.

The gathering was scheduled for dinner time and as the host, I arrived earlier than the others to allow sufficient time to buy seafood before the guests’ arrival. I went to the Dampa seaside market located adjacent to the Hongkong Master Cook restaurant to buy fresh seafoods and handed them over to the Hongkong master chef for preparation. They weighed at the counter and informed them of my preferred cooking style. ( Cooking charges based on seafood weight per kilogram ) The restaurant then prepares the dishes which are frequently offered alongside other menu items..

Hongkong Master Cook Seafood Paluto Restaurant

Address: Seaside Market LOT 5-A MACAPAGAL BLVD. Brgy. 76 Pasay City. Metro Manila.

The Hongkong Master Cook is an excellent “Paluto” restaurant located within this area, where the seafood you buy from Dampa is prepared. The chefs, hailing from Hongkong and accompanied by Asian culinary experts, skillfully cook the seafood. They prepare dishes that are incredibly flavorful, showcasing their expertise in various cooking styles, and the chefs here truly create culinary wonders.

Dampa Seaside Market


Dampa is a well-maintained seaside market that is clean, where one can buy fresh seafood of all varieties. Situated in the Seaside Market on Macapagal Boulevard. On the other hand, Hongkong Master Cook presents a delightful “paluto” experience. The restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience where you can choose your seafood and have it expertly prepared by the chef.

Lobsters and Giant Crabs

The selection is super fresh, seafood that’s in season and freshness is essential. You can find all sorts of seafoods like Lapu-lapu, lobsters, prawns, eel, and crabs, usually kept in aquariums to guarantee freshness and that the crabs are alive.

Dampa Seaside Market Seafoods

It has a range of fresh seafood choices, I have observed that the prices tend to be high but worth it. It is important to note that the charges for cooking styles are based on the weight of the seafood, calculated per kilogram. The cost associated with the cooking style varies depending on the specific method you choose, and you will be charged accordingly per kilo.

Hongkong Master Cook Menu

The evening’s highlight is an impressive and stunning seafood feast. To start with, we enjoyed an overwhelming 14 courses to take pleasure in. It was an exciting seafood night. Now, Let’s get started!

A combination of clams, fish, crabs, mussels, scallops, cuttlefish, oysters and prawns, along with our order of grilled pork ribs, the only soup served piping hot that evening was Sinigang na tanigue and a selection of dipping sauces. All cooking style are designed to accommodate various preferences.


We began our celebration with a steaming bowl of Sinigang na Tanigue soup. It smelled really fresh, and it was a delicious way to start our meals.

Tonight’s favorite is this dish, Personally, I was eager to photograph this attractive dish and I was the first to grab the big claws when the platter arrived on the table.

The classic seafood platter Baked Scallops with Cheese is a true crowd-pleaser and a genuine favourite among diners.This meal is absolutely delightful, it certainly merits a higher rating due to its flavour and visual appeal. It serves as a highlight for my celebration.

This dish features mild and sweet natural flavors, and it is at its best when the shrimp are fresh, giving it an appealing and clean appearance. I can even detect the aroma of freshness. It’s super tasty when you dip it in Chinese black vinegar. I often make this dish at home too.

Without a doubt, the freshness of clams is essential for an incredibly delicious flavour. Very good!

The flavor is amazing; you can taste the freshness, which is the benefit of using a live fish for cooking. The only issue here > is that the plate used is too small for the Lapu-lapu, which is fairly large. The plate size is insufficient for the dish; a larger plate would have been required. Perhaps they must know that you need to used the appropriate dish for larger quantities.

Birthday Noodles is the most significant dish of all. Whether you are Chinese or not, everyone wishes to live a long life. Eating noodles during important events, like birthdays, is believed to help people live longer. In some Asian cultures especially in Chinese and Filipino traditions. This practice is based on the belief that longer noodles represent a longer life.The common desire is to live a long lasting life…

Here is another concern: the noodles appeared overly crowded, similar to the Lapu-lapu dish. A larger plate should be utilized. The head cook ought to be aware of the suitable plate size for larger portions.

Delicious dish, a perfect combination with a slightly spicy flavor. Adds an excellent combo flavor to other foods.

Two varieties of shellfish, each prepared differently, were offered. Clams make up the first one, and the dish above is known as bagongon or bagungon, a pointed shell.

The tasty squid is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Just the proper way to cook, as meant to.

Not too good for me; it’s just okay, I can prepare this type of food better.

The “Paluto” concept is the core of the experience, where customers purchase fresh seafood from the Dampa seaside market and then choose a restaurant to prepare the cuisine for them. The restaurant I’ve selected, Hongkong Master Cook, is situated just next to the well-known Seaside Market, which is renowned for its extensive menu and delicious seafoods.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Peking Garden: Classic and Imperial Northern Chinese Cuisine

By on July 24, 2025

One of Manila’s best restaurants is Peking Garden. This establishment presents a delectable selection of traditional and imperial Northern Chinese cuisine, skillfully crafted by experienced master chefs hailing from Hong Kong. In a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere, guests can savor the finest dishes from the northern provinces of China. The restaurant’s signature dish is Peking duck, which is the star and centerpiece of the table, but other popular dishes have become patrons favorites, such as the scrambled egg white with grouper fillet, double-boiled winter melon soup with assorted seafood, and fresh crabs. Peking Garden offers much more than its renowned duck.

Peking Garden  4th level Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati city

The complete full meal of 9 courses. Among the 9 courses presented here, all consist of healthy options, particularly a combination of seafood and vegetables. The private room was previously booked with a selection of the best courses.

For family gatherings, we typically enjoyed dinner in a private room to maintain our privacy. The delightful scent of good food envelops us, and we are surrounded by the enticing aroma of delicious dishes all evening long. No major Chinese celebration would be deemed complete without a generous spread of tasty cuisine; it was absolutely mouthwatering.

The evening’s nine course menu. Now, let’s get started!

A cultural practice to drink tea before and after meals, It supports digestion for various reasons, assists in breaking down oily foods, and revitalizes our taste buds.

We began our meal with an appetizer that significantly influenced the overall dining experience. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the quail eggs were soft and fresh, creating a delightful mix.

An excellent vegetable shell for serving soup is the winter melon bowl. The shell has the benefit of being rather thick and able to hold onto the heat from the soup.

Using a long-handled cup-shaped spoon, the server gently scraped the flesh of the winter melon and ladled in various shellfish inside the shell before filling each dish with the transparent soup. Picking a piece of shrimp from the winter melon bowl’s edge was our final activity.

It is perfectly suited for 12 individuals. You can observe the variety of seafood in individual bowls, rich in nourishment and flavor. Additionally, you can see how the server fills a small bowl with winter melon soup.

Peking duck is the “star of the table” when it is served in excellent condition, well-cooked, and smelling delicious. It was pretty tasty, and the skin was crunchy. It is certain to dominate the table. The ceremonial carving and serving are what made it renowned.

The thin meat was carefully placed in a circle on a huge white plate, following the edge of the plate with the crispy skin in the center although, it could go either way. The images demonstrate the distinction between the plate’s edge and center. The duck meat in the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the platter or vice versa.

Following preparation and carving, the entire Peking duck platter was brought to our table with the delicious hoisin sauce, tortilla, and spring onion stalks.

How to wrap strips of Peking duck

Place the spring onion stalk and a thin strip of Peking duck meat on a tortilla wrapper. Place another strip of Peking duck on top and drizzle with sweet Hoisin sauce.

Carving the breast in thin slices parallel to the breastbone and repeating on the opposite side. It appears to be very easy to carve because the knife is sharp; this is the secret to ideal carving.

I found the cutting technique useful, and I’m now using it when I cook at home.

The Peking duck was prepared in two ways once the skin and some of the meat were removed. This is another cooking transformation method that was used to prepare the leftover meat in a different meal.

Nowadays, prawns with salted egg are a popular and delicious dish. You can taste the salted egg, which is crispy, not salty, and pleasantly awakens your appetite.

Since garoupa and lapu-lapu are the same fish, the grouper fish is referred to as “lapu-lapu” when it appears on menus or at fish markets in the Philippines.

Garoupa fillet is cooked just right, the egg white is just as perfectly a good combination as healthy dish that everyone adore especially the seniors. a wonderful match.

One of my favorites! I like the flavor. The combination of fish head and bean curd makes for a tasty and nourishing meal especially when it comes to this kind of cuisine. I even tried cooking the same thing in the hopes of achieving the same delicious flavor.

It was served in a claypot like this.

This is amazing! A refined presentation and taste. Red crabs have large claws and firm, fresh meat. It was perfectly cooked, and I love crabs’ large claws.

The second photo was taken that same evening.

Before I took my first bite of the first portion, I managed to take a picture of my own plate. This dish consists of a little part of Garoupa fillet, few Peking duck flesh and skin, and two pieces of steamed asparagus.

Sweet Treats at the end of the meal

These two desserts provide a delightful conclusion to our meals.

It is a lotus seed-filled steamed bun. It is a wish for many more blessings in the future to serve this type of dessert.

The serving of steaming, sweetened almond puree was still piping hot. It had the true flavor of an authentic almond purée and was sweet.

We all enjoyed our dinner party that showcased fantastic cuisine, the presence of dear ones, and a sophisticated setting. The caliber of food, dedicated service, and the atmosphere of the restaurant can greatly affect the entire dining experience. When marking a significant event, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or a weekly family reunion, think about booking a private room, which provides impressive features, including exclusive spaces. Peking Garden is a well-known restaurant that accommodates a variety of celebrations in a spacious and refined environment. It should be acknowledged that events at unique venues necessitate prior planning.

Peking Garden | Greenbelt 5

Located in:  Greenbelt 5 Phase 2 Mkt.

Open daily from 11:00am/5:30-9:30pm

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review | Shakes, Juices and Smoothies

A Mano BGC: The Finest Handcrafted Italian Cuisine 

By on July 21, 2025

A Mano is an Italian dining establishment owned by Amado Fores. The restaurant’s concept is inspired by its name A mano which translates to “by hand”. It specializes in crafting authentic Italian dishes with a commitment to Fresh and Faithful Italian cuisine. We visited their branch in BGC to celebrate Luyene’s birthday as it was her personal choice of venue. She has a fondness for pizza and pasta. She chose this A Mano restaurant because she wanted us to experience all her favorite dishes that she typically orders here. We were all very eager to try her recommendations, all we needed to do was enjoy the offerings since we all love Italian food.

At A Mano, there are two types of pizza available: the red pizza and the white pizza. Both options are included in the menu, and it is your choice which one to order. Therefore, we decided to sample both varieties, selecting these two along with another option, which I will discuss later as I continue.

If you look closely at the cocktails, you’ll notice that each drink has a name ‘A Mano’ printed on the orange skin, making it super easy to spot. This is a cool way for the cocktails to showcase the restaurant’s unique signature.

Here’s to the birthday celebrant, Buon Compleanno “Luyene”!

Now that we’ve had our toast, let’s return to the main topic.

In the Menu, A Mano restaurant presents a Brunch featuring Toast, Eggs, Savory dishes, and a Full Italian breakfast for two. Additionally, it offers Homemade fresh pasta, Artisanal dry pasta, and Risotto. The menu also includes Raspadura and a selection of Drinks. The main menu comprises Seconfi, Contorni, Grande, and Riso. For pizza, patrons can choose between two varieties: Red and White pizza. The wine selection is also available, along with sparkling beverages and desserts.

We began with a chilled appetizer, the Caesar salad, followed by a pizza entrée leading to the main course and then drinks and desserts. Let’s get started!

Pizza originated in Naples, Italy. There’s a popular tale that on June 11, 1889, to pay tribute to the queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito crafted the “pizza Margherita,” which has become the most beloved pizza globally. Today, it is the most popular pizza in the world.

Margherita Con BufalaI is a straightforward yet flavorful blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella di Bufala, and basil. Mouthwatering even just to look at the photos and soon you’ll be tempted to give it a try too.

Tartufatta, a rich blend of Truffle cream, Fortina, and Mozzarella Di Bufala.

4 Formaggi or Quattro Formaggi pizza is prepared using four types of cheese: Mozzarella Di Bufala, Gorgonzola, Emmental, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Honestly, this flavor is something I’ve never experienced before. Italian pizza is definitely the best.

A Mano Handmade Style Pasta That Everyone will Love

For the pasta, we chose two types based on the preferences of our family members.

Garganelli Bianco pasta features a delicious blend of truffle butter, cream, peas, and prosciutto di Parma.

Panna Cotta is genuinely outstanding, the delicate sweet gelatin is creamy and showcases a perfect presentation, molded neatly and encircled by a delightful sugar crunch.

Burrata Gelato Soft is an exquisite cold dessert that truly satisfies after a delightful meal.

We all truly enjoyed the food we tasted and we can’t wait to come back for more. Thanks, Luyene!

The beverages are made with the same care as their dishes, utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques. The service is commendable however, the restaurant is somewhat limited in size, making it difficult to accommodate a large number of patrons. We waited patiently for our turn to be called to take our place at the table after others had vacated.

This review is just our personal take, but if you check out this restaurant, you’ll get to form your own opinion about the taste and service too. Highly Recommended, Give it a shot!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Red Lantern: Authentic Chinese Cuisine

By on July 9, 2025

It was my sister’s birthday and my other sister had arranged a reservation for four at the Fresh International Buffet, Solaire Resort North. However, upon our arrival at Solaire, we discovered that the buffet restaurant we intended to celebrate in was closed due to renovations. We were taken aback as we had not been informed in advance which led us to search for an alternative dining option for our celebration. Ultimately, we all agreed to celebrate at the Red Lantern Restaurant.

Red Lantern Solaire Resort North is a high end restaurant renowned for offering some of the highest quality dim sum in Metro Manila along with a classy fine dining option. It is sophisticated Chinese restaurant featuring elegant decor, plush carpeting and a beautiful ambiance perfect for any celebration. It’s also famous for its top-notch ingredients and a menu that includes classic dishes like Peking duck and Suckling pig.

It’s a culinary adventure unlike any other, sure to delight your taste buds and make you want to come back for more delicious experiences.

It also features a variety of private dining rooms that cater to different group sizes. They include rooms called Wealth which accommodates 12 guests, Fortune which seats 15 and is equipped with an LED screen, and Prosperity which can host 30 guests. Additionally, guests have the option to merge Fortune and Prosperity to create a larger venue that can hold up to 45 people. The rooms are also characterized as “Sophisticated, “Elegant, “Intimate,”and “Luxurious.”

The private dining area is ideal for celebrating occasions without interruption. It is secluded from noise, allowing you to enjoy privacy with your guests.

Since we’re celebrating a birthday, similar to other buffet restaurants, they offer a birthday cake adorned with sparkling candles for the celebrant.

The menu was categorized into nine options: The Homemade Chinese Barbecue, Soup and Broth, Dimsum, Rice Roll, Deep-Fried and Baked, Main course, Rice, Noodles, Congee, and Dessert. This is a list of the foods that are offered. You may make informed decisions about what to order by selecting from the available choices here.

We appreciated a diverse selection of options showcasing an impressive variety. The taste was excellent, and the presentation was top-notch particularly when 4 to 5 types of dim sum were combined on a single plate.

Chef Jason Wong is a prominent culinary expert, food influencer, and television host and a judge. He is recognized for his contributions to the program “Jason’s Table” on TaiwanPlus. Currently, he heads the culinary team at Red Lantern in Solaire Resort North, fusing traditional Cantonese methods with modern creativity.

Red Lantern Solaire: Unique Culinary Journey

There are no issues regarding the service. The restaurant servers are very attentive and genuinely take care of your needs, whether it is to place additional orders or to refill water and provided thoughtful recommendations and made certain that we felt at ease and content throughout our meal.

What is available on the menu? We did not opt for fine dining since my sisters preferred the all-you-can-eat Dim sum.You can view all the images of the food here, showcasing nearly every variety of Dim Sum that has been sampled. Let us not prolong this discussion, as it requires numerous food photographs to illustrate. From the images, you can assess the presentation while I provide descriptions of the flavors. Now, Let’s get started!

For our starter, we selected a combination appetizer featuring four different items on a single plate. This was the initial dish we sampled, and I’m already beginning to enjoy it. I’m optimistic that the next one will be even more delightful.

Single-bite appetizers are particularly favored in fine dining establishments, highlighting the restaurant’s culinary creativity and attention to detail. They enhance the overall dining experience.

For the second course, we had Tomato with Enoki Mushroom and Tofu in Superior Stock, which was served hot and delicious. Everyone enjoys the soup that is served, it’s delicious and comforting. There are several pieces of chunk tomato and diced tofu. I appreciate how they blend those ingredients together.

This was my first encounter tasting Tomato Soup with Bean Curd. As you can see, it’s a clear broth without any small bits floating around.

For the initial two dishes which serve merely as an introduction, I found myself feeling quite eager to sample the subsequent orders. It’s thrilling to uncover new delightful flavors.

It had a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The yam, chicken, and mushroom filling provides an unexpectedly delectable new experience and the cheese and prawn filling produces a lovely taste. This has a really distinct deep-fried flavor.This is a well-prepared deep-fried dish that will undoubtedly provide you with the essence of delightful flavors.

I recall having 2 additional servings of this. The taste was incredibly delightful and the beef was exceptionally tender. It makes me feel like I’m bringing more order to this.

This delightful prawn salad combines the sweetness of fruits. We placed an order for two. The prawns are remarkably fresh. As we sampled it, we found ourselves in the midst of additional orders.

The Lapu Lapu fillet is incredibly fresh. I ordered two for myself, and it was a satisfying choice. This dish is also quite healthy, making it just perfect for me.

It showcases exceptionally tender and crispy pork that allows one to distinctly experience the sweet and sour flavors of pineapple. My sister appreciates the flavor, which sets it apart from those of other dining establishments.

I really enjoy these vegetables, they were fresh and green, and the stems are nice and tender. They taste just like I thought they would.

My siblings really enjoy this one. I completely forgot to try it, and by the time I went to get some, it was all gone! They had eaten it all..

I stayed away from rice for a bit since I really enjoy the Steamed Lapu-Lapu fillet, which I made my rice substitute.

This is the Dim Sum cart packed with all sorts of Dim Sum options. It gets super hot when the server sets it down on our table. Every Dim Sum we tried was delicious!

I remember eating 2 of these, OMG! I seriously can’t believe how my appetite just skyrockets after tasting it. I should probably eat it right away for new orders, or else I won’t be able to stop.

The Spareribs Dim Sum is exceptionally delicious, I ordered three portions. The pork ribs consisted of only a few small pieces with bones included. It is a limited quantity Dim Sum, requiring three to four baskets for one person to consume. The Dim Sum basket contains only two pieces of chicken feet. The chicken feet are somewhat slim, preventing you from fully enjoying the flavor. Nonetheless, the sauce is quite delicious.

Wrapped in authentic Nori seaweed with a hint of Japanese flavor!

The ideal Steamed Glazed Fluffy Barbecued Pork Buns features a snowy white color and a cracked top while the Steamed Red Bean Bun is a delightful sweet treat. It is freshly made with a fragrant dough that is fluffy and tender and the filling is perfectly proportioned. What an excellent estimation by the chef. I first thought it was a typical treat that other fast food restaurants could offer but the flavor and texture are entirely unique. This is significantly better than other eateries I have experienced.

Discover what’s inside the Glazed Fluffy Barbecued Pork Buns

A dessert feast featuring a variety of sweet delights presented on a single plate. If you are satisfied after a meal, you may experience a craving for something sweet, which is when a dessert is usually enjoyed. Among the four dessert varieties on the plate, I particularly prefer the Egg Tart. The Sweet Milk and Passion Fruit Jelly is light with minimal sweetness. The Sesame Balls have a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior. The Kataifi Roll with Avocado is exceptional, offering a unique sweetness from the avocado that I was craving.

Here is our conclusion, a chilled dessert that will conclude our meal. We all commend this dessert, it was sweet and exceptionally delightful. Overall, we are all very pleased with the dining experience.

It was July 7 when we visited this Red Lantern buffet, just a few days after I wrote this blog. You can be sure that all the food served here is still fresh and you will have the same experience if you decide to try this restaurant. I’m sure you’ll be proud to show it off to your guests.

It was my sister Ann who treated us to this buffet. I am grateful to my sister for her thoughtfulness, generosity, and kindness. I am fortunate to have a sister like you. God bless!

The four of us thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience here, we felt particularly special especially the birthday celebrant. We will definitely return to this restaurant soon. Thank you for the excellent food!

Operating Hours > Lunch 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Weekdays Lunch 1st Seating 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Weekends Lunch 2nd Seating 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Weekends Dinner 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Daily

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Lugang Cafe: Finest Taiwanese Cuisine

By on July 4, 2025

We have no celebrations aside from the fact that it is Sunday, typically our designated family day for dining out. We prioritize quality time together at least once a week as the other days are mainly dedicated to work. We chose to have dinner at our favorite restaurant, Lugang Cafe Megamall. One benefit is that all family members have similar tastes and favorite dishes, making it easier for us to agree on our orders. A Sunday family day out provides an excellent opportunity for fun and good food.

Lugang Cafe is a restaurant that specializes in Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine welcomes you to savor the rich flavors and vibrant dishes that truly embody the essence of Taiwanese dining. Compared to traditional Chinese restaurants, the interiors are impressive. It’s well-lit, stylish, and modern. It is also designed to cater to various dining preferences. In addition to these delightful dishes, extensive menu filled with a range of culinary delights. I particularly value their commitment to avoiding the use of chemical additives. We have dined here multiple times and each time we’ve come, it has been consistently crowded. There was never a time that we went here that it wasn’t full and we always waited until they called our names from the front desk. A little patience is required but it’s definitely worth it because nearly all of our favorites hit the spot and satisfy our cravings.

I captured this beautiful image of the first five dishes we ordered. Some items have been previously enjoyed, which is why we often reorder them. However, we are also keen to try new dishes that we have not yet sampled, prompting us to order the new offerings.

We started our dining experience with the Spinach Seafood soup, however, I found it to be somewhat too strong for my taste. The taste of the spinach was rather intense, and its color appeared as a very deep green. The flavor did not appeal to me, as I could distinctly detect the scent of spinach. Nevertheless, I chose to attempt it because it was the initial dish presented at the table. We are trying this soup for the first time; usually, we choose hot and sour soup, which is certainly very enjoyable, we have chosen to attempt this on this occasion!

The prawns with wasabi mayo are incredibly tasty, the broccoli and shrimp were prepared just right. The prawns were crunchy on the outside but still soft and tender within. I truly enjoy this way of presenting the dish, it is lovely and enhances the flavor wonderfully. It offers a nice balance to the richness.

A classic Chinese cold dish that brings together meat and seafood in one serving. These cold dishes are crafted to be both delicious and refreshing, just like this one. While cold dishes are prevalent in Chinese cuisine, especially as part of a multi-course meal, they typically include Century egg slices, roast pork slices, seaweed, and pork asado. This is a fantastic combination that creates a complete meal on a single plate.

Xiao Long Bao is the family’s favorite and the star of the table. We’re all obsessed with this dish. It is truly exceptional. I can’t remember a single occasion when we didn’t get it while dining here, it’s always present on the table and one basket never satisfies us.

To enjoy Xiao Long Bao take a dumpling, create a small hole to release the steaming broth, and take a sip. I enjoyed the next bite of the dumpling, enhancing its taste by dipping it into a ginger and vinegar sauce which is essential for dipping. I really appreciate the finely chopped ginger, it offsets the richness of the aromatic flavor making it so delicious. I love it!

A classic dish that is featured in nearly every upscale restaurant. It consists of tender strips of pork tenderloin sautéed in a savory sauce, set atop a bed of steamed leafy greens. This dish is served with a delicate Chinese pancake, reminiscent of a Mexican tortilla.

On a Chinese pancake, place a thin strip of shredded pork and then the spring onion stalk. Hold one end of the tortilla and fold it halfway. To ensure adequate enclosing, fold both borders and roll it again.

A tempting selection of Taiwanese dishes includes a delicious white chicken topped with ginger oil and scallions give a zesty kick, boosting the dish’s tastiness, and they add a classy and tasty finishing touch. This meal regularly features in our orders, I was thrilled with the taste and the reasonable cost, although the portion size is inadequate for us. Thankfully, we have other dishes to enhance our dining experience.

This is also my family’s favorite. They love the tender, succulent beef tenderloin paired with crispy garlic, which is sure to melt in your mouth and awaken your taste buds.

I thoroughly appreciated the distinct flavor and delightful taste, the presence of bean sprouts elevates the overall experience even though the oyster included is relatively small. You can easily identify it when you cut into the oyster cake. Regardless, it’s still quite enjoyable.

Birthday noodles are merely acceptable to me. This dish is typically included in our orders, particularly when a family member is celebrating a birthday, and it is essential for everyone to partake due to the belief in long life.

The Honey Garlic Squid is just average but other family members claim it is somewhat tart and has small portions. Because the amount wasn’t enough for my family, I hope they add more.

It is tasty and aroma is very good. I’m satisfied with this kind of fried rice. I don’t eat much fried rice, I was trying to limit intakes especially at night but sometimes. I really can’t control my cravings to satisfy my senses..

I added this item; it was meticulously and elegantly crafted. What a lovely floral design created with carrots, a stunning addition to embellish a prepared dish.

The juice is incredibly refreshing, making it a perfect drink for various occasions. It was so delightful that I will definitely order it repeatedly.

A perfect Dessert for the evening.

Thanks to excellent food preparation, Lugang Cafe remains the top Taiwanese restaurant in Manila. When there are numerous patrons, you may experience a wait however, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. The items on the menu are what truly define a successful business.

The main issue arises when the restaurant is at full capacity and operates on a first come, first served basis. Occasionally, you may find yourself waiting for your turn, resulting in a bit of a delay. Additionally, they serve the dishes sequentially; while it’s acceptable for appetizers and soup to be served first, we prefer other orders to arrive simultaneously. The experience of enjoying the meal is enhanced when everything is served together. A delay often occurs due to a high volume of customers, making it challenging for the servers to handle.

While it’s not a significant problem that any restaurant might face, Lugang Cafe. it remains one of the best!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review | Travel and Adventure

Must-Try Restaurants in Sagada

By on June 7, 2025

When I’m in a new town, I usually find a landmark to help me get my bearings and explore from there. After a long day of touring, I often find myself really hungry and craving food, which can be tricky if I’m not familiar with the area and trying to figure out where to eat.

We’re spending 5 days in Sagada and are unsure about where to grab a bite. Being a 5th class municipality, the dining options are pretty limited. We did some online searching for ideas, but asking locals is definitely a better way to find the best spots near our guesthouse. Our tour guide suggested a couple of restaurants, but we decided to explore and see what we could find ourselves. Our package tour includes breakfast, but lunch and dinner are on us. The great part is we get to pick our own favorites without having to rely on what’s served to us.

Top Dining Establishments to Experience in Sagada

Despite the rain and a temperature drop of 18 degrees, we ultimately discovered a simple restaurant, Slabhouse, for our meal. There are three of us, and the restaurant’s menu offers a variety of quality dishes. They provide straightforward yet reasonably priced food. The establishment is cozy, featuring an elegant dining area, and for those who prefer an open-air experience, there is a veranda that allows you to enjoy the refreshing cool air of Sagada.

We enjoyed dining Al Fresco, surrounded by people from various countries savoring their meals. The menu featured simple yet delicious local dishes.

Slabhouse restaurant offers an all-day breakfast menu, a variety of rice meal combinations, desserts, pasta, pancit, rice meals, and appetizers, among other options. We ordered sizzling pork sisig, pork sinigang and pancit bihon. Each dish was fresh and flavorful, served piping hot, with a smoky aroma that filled the air upon arrival at our table. The enticing scent heightened our appetite, making it difficult to resist tasting the food right away.

Pork sinigang is a delicious and comforting sour soup originating from the Philippines. With its tamarind paste providing a distinctive flavor, this wonderful dish is ideal when paired with rice for a fulfilling meal. When I cook at home, I opt for Kamias as the best alternative if tamarind isn’t on hand. Both fruits are recognized for their sour taste, which is frequently used in Filipino cooking. When you’re in a chilly location like Sagada, a warm bowl of soup feels so comforting as the temperatures drop. Soup has a soothing effect.

Sizzling pork sisig pairs perfectly with sinigang and fresh hot steamed rice. It’s so delicious that it makes my mouth watering. My appetite really increases! OMG! I’m going to put my diet on hold to fully enjoy the local foods that Sagada has to offer.

Our third order, Pancit bihon, is a comforting dish that is served hot at the table and has a delightful aroma, was brought out still smoky and piping hot.

Just like the first two, this Pancit bihon was a delightful surprise that paired perfectly with the other dishes. It’s a classic Filipino noodle dish made with chicken, chicken liver, and gizzard. I really enjoyed the tasty crystal noodles; they were cooked just right and had a delicious flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. All three dishes we ordered were enough to feed 3 to 5 people. I felt so satisfied after finally tasting the food I had been craving that night.

Indeed, my vacation here in Sagada has been a truly wonderful experience as I have come to discover their local cuisine as well as the beautiful tourist attractions that Sagada has to offer.

Slabhouse Cafe and Restaurant is situated in Sagada, Mountain Province, along the main street of the town proper, just 50 steps away from the Guesthouse. Slabhouse turned into our go-to spot for meals while we were in Sagada. A dining establishment worth considering during your visit to Sagada.

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Lotus Seafood Rice Top with Garlic Crabs

By on May 8, 2025

A big plate of Lotus Seafood Rice surrounded by Garlic crab pieces, perfect for serving 12 people. The garlic crabs is cut into portions and placed on top of the Lotus Seafood rice, creating a delicious combination. The server prepared 12 small bowls, scooping the fried rice into each cup and adding crab pieces on top. Now it’s all set to be served to everyone. This dish is just one of the 12 courses we enjoyed during our celebration. In addition to other dishes such as Peking duck, this Lotus Seafood Rice Top with Garlic Crabs dish was one of the highlights of our dinner at the Peking Garden Greenbelt 5 in Makati.

Check out how the server splits the dish into small bowls, perfect for serving 12 people. This dish is a tasty choice for any event, featuring a mild flavor, interesting texture, and beautiful presentation. You’ll love diving into the wonderful world of Chinese food. These meals are especially loved during celebrations, making happy times with friends and family even better.

Lotus Seafood Rice Top with Garlic Crabs

This tasty suggestion will definitely make your get-together unforgettable, capturing the essence of great dining. Besides the restaurant’s highlight, Peking duck, we often choose this dish as one of our favorites. Peking Garden serves up fantastic food, friendly service, a welcoming vibe, and a perfect mix of flavors. One of the menu items i thoroughly enjoyed was this Lotus Seafood Rice Top with Garlic Crabs.

It’s a favorite during special occasions, making happy moments even better with loved ones. This delicious option will definitely make your celebration unforgettable. Consider adding this dish to your order, I am confident you will not regret it and you’ll appreciate its delightful flavor.

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Peking Garden Serves the Best Peking Duck in the City

By on December 13, 2023

At Peking Garden Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center Makati city, we celebrated the 90th birthday of my aunt Conchita with family, relatives and close friends. The fine dining hosted for more than 50 people, we all occupied 5 round tables leaving one table for food platform. The food was served at 7:30 as guests began to arrive as early as 7 in the evening allowing time for conversation and getting to know each other.

Prayers before meals was offered to thank God for our blessings.The birthday music (Chinese version) playing in the background to match the birthday celebration.The celebration brings family members, relatives and special friends closer together on the table, not only on this occasion but to every event. All the guests elegantly dressed in red and that includes me.This kind of gathering serves as a good bonding for us, helps us to strengthen relationship and connections especially to the business group.

For family celebrations, we normally had dinner in a closed-door room to ensure our own privacy. Scent of good food surrounds us, we are surrounded by the aroma of delicious cuisine throughout the evening. No significant Chinese occasion would be considered complete without an abundance of delectable cuisine involved. There was enough food served and mouthwatering. Awesome! It was an evening with a well balanced meal that contains all necessary nutrients. It not a fatty dishes, not even hot or spicy.

The birthday menu checklist, best selection of favorites are rare treats, variety of Chinese dishes contains low in calories and fats. Obviously, an expensive choices. The soothing effect of all seafood is irresistible so with the signature dish, the ”Peking Duck” How else to explain the sight of good food that gives such a burst of appetite.The presence of more favorites gives more excitement to eat. It’a an oriental feast!

Elegant and beautiful setting

Peking Garden Restaurant

The 90th birthday of my aunt is a significant milestone in one’s life, it is frequently marked by a grand celebration. In general, the older the person the larger the celebration.

The beautiful celebrant, Aunt Conchita cutting her birthday cake.

Birthday cheers and singing the birthday song. While the guests were enjoying, the menu goes a long way creating a good mood. The assortment of food becomes the focal point here. The 12 courses meal, a selection of Chinese specialties. You can see from the menu itself. Yum! I love this food, some are my favorites…

Lively look on the table,sparkling and superb! Everything was arranged oriental style. It’s a 12 courses meal for the celebration. Lets get started,this is such a long list of courses up to 12 and one vegetable salad not on list, that makes it 13-course meal all in all!

Vegetable salad complimented the meal. The best starter going to the main course.

Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom

In Chinese culture, the custom of eating noodles are thought to bring luck and long life so, everybody must eat noodles served for longer life. My appreciation for all courses, I was trying to get a picture perfect for the first course. The first course, it’s a Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom.

The 2nd course is a Doubled-boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood. It is clear and tasty. Why clear? well, you don’t see any tiny floating particles, totally clean and clear! Winter melon was considered to be healthy, nourishing and cleansing to the body.

For me, a delicious soup is when you bring up the total hotness of natural flavor of seafood and vegetables.

Each round table is good for 12 guests and to every table, one Broiled-Winter Melon Soup bowl each. What a huge and heavy shell. It’s just perfect enough for 12 people. You can see the assorted seafood individual bowl down there, nourishing and full of flavor. The 4 empty wintermelon shell which serves as a serving dish for the soup.

In a small bowl, it is hot and delicious.It gives specific taste as it is appealing.

The 3rd course is Peking Duck, the restaurant signature dish. Peking duck can be prepared in a number of ways. In spite of the variety of specialties, the Peking duck still remains the favorite dish of the night.

In here, it is served two-ways, you can see below as details shown on photos and the other one is Minced duck with Fresh Lettuce.

The crispy skin of Peking Duck with a stalk of spring onion. How to wrap a Peking Duck? Click this link

Cutting the Peking duck breast in thin slices

The clever way of dividing into pieces. Thin flesh of Peking duck carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate.

The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

Strips of Peking duck served with tortilla, stalks of spring onions and Hoisin sauce.

The whole Peking Duck is a special treat for all of us, full of flavor and deliciously fragrant. It’s addicting, once you start eating it, you just can’t stop, you want more and soon craving to eat again.

The 4th course is Deep Fried Almond Prawns.

Prawns breaded with thin almonds.The perfect match.

The 5th course is Braised Sliced Abalone with Vegetables

Pretty Oh so good! The sparkling abalone is tender and tasty. The fresh green color of the vegetables was completely preserved maintaining vegetables green color and nutritive value.

The 6th course is Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White

Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White served on a big oval platter, looks deliciously elegant.

The 7th course is Sauteed French Bean with Minced Garlic. The only vegetable being served aside from the salad, preserving the fresh green color, it is sweet and crisp.

The 8th course is Golden Crabs with Salted Egg

The 9th course is Minced Duck with Fresh Lettuce

The Minced duck serves with iceberg lettuce cup and Hoisin sauce. It’s an iceberg lettuce wrap.

The 10th course is Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling.

Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling, something that will suit your taste.

Champagne Moët & Chandon, French champagne appropriate for the event. The world’s most loved French champagne.

Cheers! Happiness and good health for everyone! Long life for aunt Conchita!

The 11th and 12th  courses are desserts; Birthday Bun and Chilled Mango Shake with Sago. I’ve missed to photographed the last one.

Sweet dessert, the Birthday Bun, What’s inside the Birthday Bun? A sweet bean paste.

This is my plate. How good is that? Always on the go for my favorite choice! My appetite grows stronger for food, after the first bite and another bite leads to another bite, there seem to be more…

Bravo ! Highlight of the evening’s entertainment was a special number,violin solo rendition by Jason Gan.( one of Aunt Conchita’s grandchildren) The audience were all quiet as excited to hear the musical piece. Jason’s twin sister a lovely girl, Daniela, check photo above beside Aunt Conchita.

Other photos taken during the celebration. You will see here all the guests who flocked to the elegant and fabulous evening gathering; family members, relatives and special friends. It was a celebration full of laughter and excitement. The birthday treat is a blessing and sign of thoughtfulness. Thank you so much aunt Conchita!

Peking Garden Restaurant  specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine. When we have celebrations, we usually host them here, we are frequent customers at this restaurant, whatever dish was ordered, it was always excellent and the ambiance made you feel comfortable while dining.

I’d like to give a round of applause to all foods served on the list item. I would like to thank the chefs for all the dishes that are offered. Congratulations and Best wishes!

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Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

By on December 18, 2021

What’s going on here? Day of Love? The baby shower? An extraordinary birthday, or any other day? It will make a beautiful addition to any kind of party. The holidays are right around the corner, making it the ideal time to start new, heartwarming rituals. Commence your own by honoring the people who mean the most to you in this world. The greatest gift you can give does more than you expect it to, and sometimes it happens.

Welcome to the world of Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

Tempting flavors, smooth treats, and mouthwatering baked goods made just for you. More people enjoy Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz than any other, that fact alone will solve your gift-giving problem this holiday season.

Customizing holiday greeting cakes is an easy way to make your party more memorable. Indulge in the comfort of your own home while shopping for candy and sweets from Ninz. You must pre-order. You can do your shopping online, and then either pick it up or have it delivered to you. Tuguegarao, Philippines

Creative Cake Designs

Kid’s Birthday Cakes

The best custom cakes comes out to compliment your birthday celebration.

Gardeners birthday cake

For the Green thumb, gardening themed cakes is also available. It’s a hearty warm cake for your own passion. So creamy, love at first bite.

Burnt Basque Cake

For fruit lovers, fresh strawberries in the middle of the cake is equally worthy.

Blooming flowers cake

Classic cake with medley of flavors, exciting new treats for family and friends.

Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

Senior citizen birthday cake

When you’re about to blow the whistle on… the cake that’s noticeably more luscious and velvety in texture. Try it out!

Elegant cakes

Lovely baby cake

Unicorn cake

I just recently discovered her bakeshop on social media, which is also available to anyone and serves as a useful platform for commercial endeavors. I was really impressed by the unique flavor and color combinations that she came up with for the specialized cakes. Every one of us naturally wants to share these happy times with family and friends because it is something special that was meant to be shared, and the holiday season really catches flavor at its peak. The warmth and glow of this season brings forth feelings of goodwill.

Pastries & Desserts

Cakesicles

  Doughnuts 

Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz will remain in the minds of people for a very long time. Inexpensive and flexible! They are able to accept and fulfill orders immediately. All the best to you and yours during this holiday season!

Go cashless, online cake delivery

Inspired by: Sweets and Confectionery

By Nina Cagat

Contact number:  0916 524 0121

Address: Pallua Norte, Tuguegarao City

Visit Facebook Page> Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. Following the article is a space for readers to leave comments.

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Peking Duck Wraps

By on September 17, 2021

Sumptuous dishes traditionally prepared and served in a grand style, the Peking Garden, 4th level Greenbelt 5, Makati City serves the best Peking duck in the city, it was the restaurant’s specialty as the name goes well with it. Tonight, is the birthday dinner celebration of my aunt, fabulous dinner served and the most popular choice. From the 10 courses meal served, the Peking duck and the Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood was my 2 best favorites although meal’s highlight and star on the table is the savory Peking duck.

Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood

The best comfort soup and our favorite.

The Peking duck is in good shape, well-cooked and the aroma is awesome. It was very tasty, and the skin is crispy. It is bound to reign on the table.

How to carve a whole Peking duck

The Peking duck was neatly carved into even slices by the server. Started with the breast diagonally towards her holding the wing with the fork and cut through the outer layer of the breast into the joint.

Carving the breast in thin slices parallel with the breastbone and repeating with the other side. It looks like very easy to carve because the knife is sharp, that’s the secret of perfect carving.

The thin flesh was carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate on a big white plate with the crispy skin at the center or it work both ways. You can see the difference from the photos up and down. The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

After the carving and preparation, the Whole plate of Peking duck transferred to our table along with the tortilla, stalks of spring onions and the sweet hoisin sauce.

See how it looks, Attractively beautiful !

How to wrap a Peking Duck Strips

Lay one fine strip of Peking duck flesh on a tortilla wrapper, followed by the stalk of spring onions, add a spoon of sweet Hoisin sauce on top and lay another strip of Peking duck.

This is how it looks before wrapping.

The filling looks like this inside.

Hold one end of tortilla and roll it halfway. Fold both borders and roll it again to enclose properly.

Almost done, I’m leaving one end open to show the filling inside and roll it once again to finish.

One bite, followed by another bite and more pls… I’ve tasted Peking Duck from different restaurants before but these, nothing can equal the flavor, I’ve never tasted like it before. So far, the best among the rest.

Ok guys! you can drop a cute note down there, simple things makes me happy…

Thanks for reading my blog!

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