Top 10s: My Updated Top 10 Favorite Food Cities

It's time to update my Top 10 Favorite Food Cities list!

The Criteria
- Cities that I've visited
- Authenticity of the foods/cuisines
- Freshness and quality of the ingredients/products. (Say "No!" to processed foods!)
- Repeatability
- Forward-Thinking and Creativity in Presentation and Modernization

My Top 10 Favorite Food Cities
10. Shanghai
9. Chiang Mai
8. Paris
7. San Francisco/Bay Area
6. New York City
5. Taipei
4. Madrid
3. Tokyo
2. Bangkok
1. Hong Kong

After living in Asia for 2 years, I've definitely become more Asia-centric. There are so many great food cities here. The good eating never stops.

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Cities

It's been another successful year of traveling! I've been back to my favorite cities and I've discovered new favorites as well. The list constantly grows and changes after every trip and at the end of each year.

These are my favorite cities that I traveled to this year. I took out San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila, and New Haven because I go there so often and for long periods of time that it seems a bit unfair to include them in this travel list. But, expect to see at least SF on my favorite food cities list tomorrow

These are the 10 cities I traveled to this past year. My favorite cities are ranked according to cities with the tastiest foods and repeatability to go back.

My Top 10 Favorite Cites from 2011:
10. Kathmandu (to be posted in January)
9. Pokhara (also to be posted in January)
8. Hangzhou (to be posted this coming week)
7. Boston
6. Shanghai
5. Chiang Mai
4. New York City
3. Taipei
2. Hong Kong
1. Bangkok

Can't wait for my 2012 travels!

Next Top 10s: Top 10 Favorite Food Cities

Din Tai Fung in Shanghai, featuring the best bite of food this year.

From first bite, Din Tai Fung became one of my food meccas. Every visit, every location in Taipei and Shanghai, every basket.. it's all soo good.

Just like in Taipei, when I'm in Shanghai eating at Din Tai Fung is a personal requirement. Actually, eating there at least twice is a personal requirement.

Every location has a few different dumplings on their own menus. After touring the observation decks of the World Financial Center, my family and I had a late lunch at DTF. I knew this was going to be a great meal. What I didn't expect was to have the greatest bite of food...maybe ever, but definitely the greatest bite from this entire 2011.

Last spring, I had a fantastic meal in Benu in San Francisco. One of the tasting menu selections was Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao. It was excellent with a distinctive foie gras taste and a beautifully thin wrapper.

Months later, I encountered another foie gras xiao long bao here at the Din Tai Fung in Shanghai. Without any need for a name brand chef and without any need to spend hundreds, this foie gras xiao long bao puts all else to shame.

You know when you eat something great, you get silenced for a moment. You enjoy the taste in your mouth, maybe make an appreciative sound with your mouth closed (assuming you have proper eating manners, that is), and then comment on how spectacular it was after you swallowed the food or drink.

This totally was not like that. One tiny bite from the dumpling to get the soup...the soup hit my lips and tongue. OMG, the screaming intensity of the goose liver hits you. That overwhelming goodness doesn't leave you time to enjoy a silent moment. The taste involuntarily had my mouth and brain verbalizing the utter goodness. The juice almost trickled out of my mouth because I had yet to swallow my first little bite. Manners wiped away. Any thought other than this amazing goose liver vanished. You can't help but let out an expletive to describe the goodness. It's that amazing. Hands down, best bite this year. Hands down.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: DTF SWFC

Hotel Eats in the Peninsula Shanghai

The first time I visited Shanghai last year, my parents and I stayed at the brand new Peninsula Shanghai. It was still on it's soft opening and it had already impressed up. Peninsula Hotels really stand up to their reputation of great service and a memorable stay.

So for my second trip back to Shanghai, we happily came back. After long days of touring and eating through Shanghai, it's such a great feeling to come back to a comfortable, clean hotel.

Last time, we dined in the Lobby Lounge for breakfast and at Sir Elly's for a special dinner. All the meals were excellent and memorable.

This time around we had breakfasts and also a late night meal in the Lobby Lounge. The food is satisfying and filling, and the portions are generous! After a long day of flying and driving, settling into the hotel with a comforting meal is the best way to end the day.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Peninsula Shanghai Lobby Lounge

Aside from the Lobby Lounge, we also tried out the Chinese restaurant, Yi Long Court. I was a bit disappointed that they served only Cantonese cuisine and not Shanghainese cuisine. When I'm in Shanghai, I want to have all the local specialities.

That disappoint lead to greater disappointments. The food was decent and the service was poor, especially for a Peninsula establishment. What happened?? They were all young guys who were not trained for high end Chinese dining. You'd expect the Chinese restaurant in Peninsula Shanghai to be really impressive and memorable.. sadly, that was not the case at all. You're definitely better off leaving the hotel for a Chinese dinner. If the service improved, I think the food would have tasted better. This was definitely one of those cases where a negative affected the whole experience.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Peninsula Shanghai Chinese

Back in Shanghai

If you need proof that China is taking over the world, all you need to do is visit Shanghai. The sights of their architecture leave you awestruck. The commerce and economy leave you impressed.

The rich history is evident throughout the parts of the city. Through the people and the architecture, you can see the influence from neighboring countries and Europe. You can see the old Europe along the Bund and the new futuristic skyscrapers just across the Pudong.

Day and night, Shanghai is an amazing city that can really take your breath away.

Here are some pictures of a few sights of the city. For more pictures, check out past entries from my visit last year.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shanghai Fall 2011

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World

Now this is a difficult list to rank. There were countless of amazing eats this year. These past two years of living in Asia have been phenomenal for my taste buds and stomach.

My Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World from 2011:
10. People's Palace, Manila
9. Ye Shanghai, Hong Kong
8. Jin Sha, Hangzhou
7. Wolfgang's Steakhouse, New York City
6. Bocadillos, San Francisco
5. Every restaurant in Eataly, New York City
4. Sen-ryo, Hong Kong
3. Sala Rim Naam, Bangkok
2. Every single Din Tai Fung in Taipei and Shanghai
1. Chef's Table at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chiang Mai


Next Weekend's Top 10s: My Top 10 Favorite Cities from 2011

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the United States

For close to 25 years, the United States was my first home. These days, it's become my second home. When I go back, my days and nights are filled with dining in favorite restaurants and new/notable restaurants.

In 2011, I went back to the states four times. Three of those visits combined east and west coast cities. My Top 10 lists ranges from casual joints to high brow special occasion dining.

My Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the United States from 2011:
10. Jaleo
9. Co.
8. Shake Shack
7. Ichiza
6. Howie's Artisan Pizza
5. Benu
4. Wayfare Tavern
3. Wolfgang's Steakhouse
2. Bocadillos
1. Every restaurant in Eataly


Next Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World

Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the Philippines

These Top 10s are getting harder. It's difficult to narrow down 10 and, mostly, to rank them. 1 and 2 came easy, but the rest became subjective to my favorites right now from the restaurants I dined in this year.

These are restaurants that are doing great things for the dining scene here in the Philippines. They bring us to world standards for being a culinary destination. From casual, traditional eats to modern, trendy dining.

My Top 10 Favorite Restaurants from 2011:
(The links vary from this year's entries, past years' entries, and restaurant's websites because my reviews will be posted after my travel entries.)
10. Grappa's Ristorante
9. 2nd's Restaurant
8. Chef's Table
7. Abe
6. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
5. Cerveseria
4. Mogu Shinsen Bar and Grill
3. Chef Laudico's Bistro Filipino
2. Bale Dutung
1. People's Palace

Next Top 10s of 2011: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the United States

Abu Authentic Cuisine for Special Occasions in Taipei

When it comes to traveling for food there are various resources online to guide you: Trip Advisor reviews, Yelp reviews if you're in the states, newspaper and magazine articles, and of course bloggers.

The best resource is having a friend who is a renown blogger in that city. The ultimate local experience and a guarantee for good eating.

If you find yourself in Taipei, A Hungry Girl's Guide to Taipei is your go-to source to research your trip's good eats.

For a special occasion (my mom's birthday - it can't get more special than that), we were taken to Abu Authentic Cuisine for some modernized French/Italian style cuisine.

When the bread and butter arrived at the table, we knew we were in for a real treat. Why? Two words - Echire butter. This is some of the best butter you can slab onto your bread. This chef knows his ingredients.

The menu is comprised of 2 degustation (tasting) choices. Every dish is high quality and delights your sense of sight and taste. If you want to splurge on a special occasion, this is the place to go.

A restaurant like this is why I love eating in Asia. There are so many restaurants and chefs that easily rival "celebrity" chefs in the states who can tend to be overly hyped from their PR teams. Asia seems to be gaining more and more Michelin stars each year compared to the western countries. Go #TeamAsia!

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Abu

Cantonese Dim Sum in Taipei

Since I've been finding it difficult to find really great, authentic and high quality dim sum here in Manila, I was eager for an afternoon of Cantonese dim sum in Taipei.

At the San Want hotel, Chao Ping Ji has some great Cantonese dim sum. The classic and favorite dim sum selections are typically Cantonese due to the fact that dim sum was a Cantonese creation. This restaurant is known to have some of Taipei's finest dim some.

I love the variety of the flavors and textures in a dim sum meal. The small plates are perfect for sharing and ordering multiple plates for a full meal filled with all kinds of tasty treats.

You can really taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients. My stomach was delightfully satisfied with the meal. This is good dim sum that totally is up to par with some of Hong Kong's finer Cantonese dim sum establishments.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: San Want

Din Tai Fung - A Taipei Staple.

Of all the restaurants in Taipei that you have to visit, and probably multiple and repeatedly, is Din Tai Fung. It's become a landmark for tourists and locals alike. It's so much better than anything you'll get in the states. Really, you have to come here.

There are so many great places to eat in Taipei, but Din Tai Fung manages to convince your stomach to go back for more. It's nearly impossible to go to Taipei and eat at Din Tai Fung just once.

The paper thin wrapper, the pork filling, and the flavor-packed soup in the dumpling captivates you. It makes you obsessed with xiao long bao. It makes you obsessed with Din Tai Fung's xiao long bao. When you leave, all you're thinking about is how you want these soup dumplings.

In this most recent trip, we visited the original location (to also have mango ice for dessert) and the newest location in Taipei 101.

There are several locations to choose from. Choose any, and it'll be consistent and memorable. And of course, it'll leave you wanting more.

DTF, The Original
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: DTF Original

DTF at Taipei 101

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: DTF 101

Top 10s of 2011: Home Baked Goodies

As I reflect on my Home Baked posts from 2011, I found that I only had 3 posts. 2012 Resolution: Take more home baked pictures!

So, instead of my Top 10 list from 2011...
My Top 10 Favorite Home Baked Goodies since the start of Foodicles:
10. Using Bananas
9. Homemade Espresso Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
8. Eating In
7. Banana-Que
6. Chocolate Caramel Tart
5. New Desserts
4. Too many bananas and they're already so ripe? Bake with them!
3. Red Velvet, Round 2
2. Tarte Tatin
1. Always Leave Room for Dessert


Next Weekend: Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the Philippines, the US, and in the world.

Top 10s of 2011: Home Cooked Meals

It's December already! Where did the year go?... As we reflect on 2011 and begin to get ready for 2012, I'll be gathering Top 10 lists during the weekends of December to reflect on my favorites from this past year.

To kick start the series of weekend lists...

My Top 10 Favorite Home Cooked Meals from 2011:
10. Home Cooked Asian Meals
9. Home Made Sake Steamed Chicken
8. Paella at Home
7. Steak Dinner
6. Spontaneous Dinner at Home
5. Home Made Porcini Risotto
4. Dinner at Home After a Long Trip
3. Lobster at Home
2. A Five-Star Steakhouse Meal at Home
1. Katsu of All Katsus


Eating at home is always as good or even better than eating out!

Next Top 10 of 2011: Home Baked!

More Shabu Shabu in Taipei

Another favorite and go-to restaurant in every visit to Taipei is Shabu Shabu in the basement food hall of Q Square Mall. (I love Asian malls with food hall in the basement floors.)

What makes this shabu shabu place so special? Aside from meat plates, there are also seafood selections, like majorly impressive seafood plates. And, the vegetables are massive. It definitely fulfills your vegetable quota for the day.

Plus, you don't have any guilty feelings because you ate healthy ingredients with out oils or fats (apart from the protein which is so good oils and fats if you had the seafood).

At the end of the meal, your stomachs are more than satisfied and full. Now that's a good meal.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for a few of the photos.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shabu Shabu

Back at Shin Yeh 101

In all my family's favorite cities, we have favorite restaurants that we seem to always frequent in each visit. In Taipei, Shin Yeh 101 is one of these restaurants.

Why? First of all, Shin Yeh 101 has spectacular views. The 85th floor location is the perfect place to take in the views of the city. Why spend for the observation deck, when you can spend a little more for a memorable meal WITH a view!

And secondly, the FOOD. The menu has local Taiwanese selections, dim sum, entrees, sides, etc, and a great selection of desserts.

When in Taiwan, eat Taiwanese foods! I'm only there for a few days, so I definitely took advantage of that at Shin Yeh.

Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Shin Yeh 101

'Tis the Season!

The holiday season is in full speed! It's time to prepare for the holidays and its celebrations (and pre-holiday diets).

This season and as 2011 closes, I'll be continuing to post entries about my recent travels. Additionally, Top 10 lists will be popping up on the weekends (Top 10 Cities, Restaurants, etc..).

And, as the holidays near and as my plates fill with holiday foods, check out the Foodicles Facebook Page or the Foodicles Twitter Feed for pictures!

Happy Holidays! May your stomachs be filled with.. well, may it be filled!

Boba, Bubble Tea, Pearl Tea... It's all good.

Aside from shaved ice, another iconic Taiwanese dessert that is known worldwide is Boba, aka Bubble Tea, aka Pearl Tea.

Milk Tea with chewy tapioca. It's something you can have at any time of the day. And it's something you want to have at all times of the day.

Every tea house or tea chain has their own formula for the milk tea and for the texture of the tapioca. I look for a deep black tea, yet smooth and milky taste that's not at all bitter and just slightly sweet. As for the tapioca, I look for bouncy, chewy bites that's not mushy nor too tough or rubbery.

For something like boba, you can totally have a search for the perfect cup. In Taipei, you can happily find many nominees.

Here are a couple that are total contenders from Chun Shui Tang and 50 Lan.
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slideshow here runs on Flash. If you can't see it here, check out my Flickr album: Boba

Almond Milk Shaved Ice in Taipei

If you can't get enough of shaved ice while you're in Taipei, then you'll definitely have to grab a bowl of Almond Milk Shaved Ice. It's the classic shaved ice elevated to a crazy delicious level.

We had our bowl in the food court of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in Xin Yi. There are so many great options here for meals, snacks, desserts, and drinks. Seriously, in Taipei it's like your constantly full because of all the good eating.

The almond milk ice comes out like smooth, powdery, pillowy, micro fine ribbons. I highly recommend adding condensed milk which is lightly drizzled on the ice. That little touch of milky sweetness totally heightens the almond milk taste. Then another great surprise is the almond tofu hidden underneath the pile of ice. Smooth and light!

Just from looking at the freshly shaved ice, I knew this could potentially be a new favorite dessert of mine. After that first bite - love. And then after the whole bowl was wiped out - so in love. This is such an awesome dessert.

(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slideshow here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Almond Ice

Classic Taiwanese Desserts: Mango Ice

Taiwan is filled with signature desserts. One of the most iconic is Mango Ice. It's such a simple dessert that's worth paying for.

Shaved ice, fresh mangoes, and a special condensed milk. There are also varying toppings, including seasonal fruits, ice cream, mochi, beans, and mango jelly (which taste and feels almost exactly like real mangoes.

When it's hot outside, it's the perfect cooling dessert. When it's cold outside, it doesn't warm you up, but it still totally satisfies your sweet craving. It's so fresh and refreshing.

You must have mango ice when you visit Taiwan. You're missing out if you don't.

Here are a couple bowls of Mango Ice that was savored and quickly finished.
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slideshow here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Mango Ice

Chinese Sweets at Sweet Dynasty in Taipei

Dessert first to whet your appetites for Taiwanese eats.

One of my favorite food aspects of Taiwanese cuisine is all the sweets. Even if a meal fills you up, you still are tempted with all the dessert houses filling Taipei. And if you're really too full, you can have these sweets as snacks after walking off some of the calories.

Because we were craving for sweet tofu (tofufa), we were taken to Sweet Dynasty. Earlier in the year, my best friend in Hong Kong took my family to the location in Hong Kong.

That whole steaming bucket of tofu is a real treat. Fresh, warm, silky tofu instantly warms your stomach. With a little sweet syrup, this is a delightful and comforting snack or dessert.

Here are some pictures of the tofu barrel and some of the other sweet treats we had to satisfy our sweet tooth at Sweet Dynasty.
(Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.)

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Sweet Dynasty

Honeymoon Desserts to Cool Down or Warm Up

There's something about traveling that makes me looks for sweets. When I was a little girl traveling around Europe during the summer time, I would love searching for ice cream trucks to cool down from the sweltering August heat. Not much has changed. In Hong Kong, one of my classic dessert favorites is stopping by Honeymoon Desserts. Cold and hot bowls for a sweet break.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Honeymoon Desserts

Not-Your-Typical-Afternoon-Tea at Cafe Iguana

One of my favorite pastimes is a leisurely afternoon tea. Little portions, both sweet and savory. After walking around Elements mall in Hong Kong, I found a restaurant that caught my eye because of their Afternoon Tea Set special. Cafe Iguana serves Latin and Spanish dishes throughout the day. Between 3-6pm, they have a set menu for 98HKD. Not bad at all. Fried food, fresh guacamole, and desserts - plus some cold beer - that's a great afternoon.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Cafe Iguana

Katsu at Dondonya

Elements mall in Hong Kong has a great variety of Chinese and Japanese restaurants. I really enjoy the Japanese restaurants because they are specialized. Sushi at sen-ryo, ramen/izakaya at Ippei-an, udon at Inaniwa, and now rice bowls/katsu at Dondonya. My favorite ordered the pork katsu. Theirs were not as good as my oyster katsu. Really flaky and crusty with the panko, and filled with hot, juicy oysters. Next time I go back, I'm interested in trying their donburis - after all the name of the restaurant implies they specialize in rice bowls.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Dondonya

Sushi Stop in Hong Kong

Every time I stop by Hong Kong, one of my usual restaurants is sen-ryo. They serve some of the freshest sushi and some great premium cuts of fish. Each visit requires me ordering a few pieces of toro that seriously melts in your mouth. It's so hard not to overeat in Hong Kong. This city is one of my favorite eating playgrounds.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: sen-ryo

Noodles & Dumplings at Elements Mall

One of the best comfort foods that always hits the spot is noodles. Homemade noodles just brings it all up to another level. For Chinese noodles, Xia Mian Guan is a pretty good place to enjoy noodle soups and dry noodles - homemade in minutes.

Aside from noodles, they have a decent selection of dim sum dumplings to complete the meal. It's no where close to being as good as Din Tai Fung, but it's still a comforting meal.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Xia Mian Guan

Cantonese Dim Sum in Hong Kong - That's where it's at.

I seriously cannot find a good place for dim sum here in Manila. I've tried all the "good" ones, but they are no where close to being as good as those in Hong Kong.

So when in Hong Kong, I indulge in some quality Cantonese dim sum! Lei Garden in IFC is totally the place to go for high quality Cantonese. Everything is fresh and really full of taste. Make reservations because this place always fills up fast.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Lei Garden IFC

2nd's makes you want to come back for more

As Fort Bonifacio continues to develop, new restaurants are constantly popping up. One of my favorite places in the Fort is High Street - lots of shops and eateries. A great place to walk around on those rain-free days and nights.

2nd's which is located on the second floor is a great new addition to High Street. It has the atmosphere, the food, and the service. The branding and concept are smart and well-executed. If you want a twist on Filipino food, American favorites, and basically modern International cuisine, this is definitely the place to go. Go once, and you'll definitely want to go back for seconds (again, great branding and concept!).


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: 2nd's

Classic Filipino Dishes at Fely J

There are some Filipino dishes that are best eaten in restaurants. For me, these are dishes that will make a mess in the kitchen, particularly fried dishes. So when I'm craving for these fried foods, it's so easy to find them in nearby Filipino restaurants that serve these classic dishes, like at Fely J.

Fely J in Greenbelt 5 is a place for locals and visitors to go to enjoy classic Filipino dishes. It's definitely a place to share and eat family style. That's the only way to go with Filipino food.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Fely J

Lobby Eats in The Peninsula Manila

When you're craving for multiple cuisines, sometimes a hotel lobby cafe can serve up just what you're looking for. Craving: Burger & Halo Halo. Place to go: The Peninsula Hotel, Lobby.

The burger is hefty, and with the works it's filling. The halo halo is huge and great to share. It's one of the best halo halos in town.

(Pardon the quality of the photos. I didn't have my camera on me, so this is all from my camera phone.)
Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Peninsula Lobby

Neighborhood Eats: Ba Noi

When you're at home, there are some nights when you don't want to eat in - the cooking and the clean up takes a certain mood. And there are also those nights when you want to eat out, but you don't want to go too far. The solution: neighborhood eats.

Ba Noi is one of those neighborhood restaurants that's cozy and serves up comforting Vietnamese cuisine. I love that Vietnamese cuisine, like Thai cuisine, has sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors in most of their dishes. These flavors really add complexity to any dish that makes you want to eat more and more. There's something about Thai and Vietnamese cuisine that satisfies you and doesn't make you feel grossly full.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Ba Noi

Banana-Que: Caramelized Bananas on a Stick!

Banana-que is a common Filipino street food snack. Caramelized local plaintain bananas (saba) fried on a stick. It's great for breakfast, merienda (snack time), and dessert.

When they are freshly made, it's too easy to eat so many bananas in one sitting. Sweet bananas, caramelized with brown sugar.. Soo good.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Banana-Q

Katsu of all Katsus

One of the best parts about traveling around the world and coming home to Manila is that you can pretty much buy a grocery list of local ingredients and take them home for a global home cooked dinner.

Cities around Asia have some of the finest gourmet groceries with local and European ingredients. And in every trip, groceries and markets are my museums.

During a recent trip to Hong Kong, City Super in IFC had some irresistible Spanish and Japanese meats. Spanish Iberico pork and Japanese A5 Wagyu cuts. Thanks to their packing, we were able to take home Spanish Iberico pork chops.

Spanish Iberico pork chops come from the spine of the pig and usually contain a bone. They are juicy and rich in taste. Combined with my dad's awesome katsu recipe and frying... Every bite was euphoric.

To balance the pork katsu, we also fried sweet potatoes, mushrooms, onions, eggplants, broccoli, and bell peppers. One of the best home cooked dinners of the year. After this meal, we hurried back to Hong Kong and took home more Iberico pork chops. I can't wait for the next katsu dinner!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Katsu at Home

Four Seasons Chiang Mai: Chef's Table. A Dining Experience to Remember.

Chef's Table. Eating dinner while the chef prepares your meal right in front you.

That's pretty much a guaranteed memorable dinner. The perfect way to celebrate a birthday.

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai's Chef Table was one of the most memorable meals and dining experiences I've ever had in the world. First of all, the setting is on the mountainous Chiang Mai. The Four Seasons property highlights the natural beauty and greenery.

Then, the cooking school setting makes your jaw drop with how amazing the school is set up with huge exhaust systems, cooking stations, and wooden structures.

There's also the chefs who make you feel so special and welcomed.

Finally, the Thai food is so delicious that weeks (and I'm sure months and years later) I'm still remembering the flavors playing on my tongue and warming my stomach. Great Thai food does that to you. What a night.

10 courses, an open bar, and an exclusive private dinner. All for 2500 baht (~$80USD). I've spent hundreds of US Dollars on meals in the US for great meals from highly reputable celebrity chefs. This night blows them all away.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Four Seasons Chefs Table

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

As part of my mom's birthday celebration, I treated my family to a special culinary experience at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai.

We arrived at the resort early to tour the property. Wow, it's just as impressive as the Mandarin Oriental.

Its a gorgeous, lush resort filled with trees and surrounded by the northern mountains. You totally get the whole Chiang Mai/Northern Thailand feel. If I find myself back in Chiang Mai, I think I might try out this resort next time.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album Four Seasons Chiang Mai

A Casual Meal, Poolside at the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai

After an early morning of touring the city of Chiang Mai (and visiting all the celadon and bronze factories), it was already past lunch time. We were left with only a couple choices of where to dine in the resort. Poolside at the Loy Kham Bar. There's something about dining outside by a pool that makes you want to eat light, eat healthy, and enjoy a tropical drink...


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: MO Chiang Mai Pool Bar

Northern Thai Lunch in Chiang Mai

If you only have a few days in Chiang Mai and you stay at a resort like the Mandarin, it's so easy to just stay in the resort and enjoy all they have to offer. The resort is huge.. like Disneyland huge. Along with all the sights and activities, there's also a great variety of dining throughout the property.

One of my favorite Thai restaurants is here at the resort. Lanna offers traditional Thai cuisine and traditional Northern Thai cuisine of the Chiang Mai area. Northern cuisine offers lots of fresh flavors and vegetables, as well as deep flavored curries. The tables are spacious to accomodate for family style dining - perfect for Thai cuisine to enjoy tastes of all the dishes.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Lanna

Back at the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai

In my years of traveling, I have a growing list of favorite resorts around the world. Resorts are more special than hotels because they tend to have a unique theme or architecture. Shangri-la Boracay and Grand Hyatt Kauai are two of my favorite beach resorts. It's more than the room, it's the whole resort hotel experience.

The first on my list of favorite resorts around the world is the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai. Since I visited last year, I still can't stop talking about it. To celebrate my mom's birthday, we went back to our favorite place, and back to the Mandarin Oriental. Now this is the way to celebrate a birthday!

My post of last year has more pictures and videos of the property. These pictures from this year's visit contain more views of our villa and other shots that I may not have taken last time.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: MO Chiang Mai

Thiptara at The Peninsula Bangkok

Aside from Sala Rim Naam at the Mandarin Oriental, Thiptara at The Peninsula is another stand out Thai restaurant. The setting is also by the river, with beautiful open air dining areas. Even during rainy season, you can still enjoy a great meal.

I can't emphasize enough how I enjoy some of these hotel restaurants. Plus, it's really a convenience after a long day to dine in the hotel. At restaurants like this, the hotel hospitality service is still present and the quality of all the food is excellent. Thiptara is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok because of the overall experience.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Thiptara

4 x 4 = 16 Thai Dishes for Dinner

High end hotels around the world are known for hiring some of the best chefs. Years and outstanding skill make an executive hotel chef. Outside of the US, many Michelin rated chefs are from the league of these hotels.

In every city we travel, my family makes a point to eat in at least one of these hotel restaurants. In Bangkok, we are repeat customers of both Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula's Thai restaurants. They are completely authentic and high quality with the most beautiful riverside settings.

At the Mandarin Oriental, Sala Rim Naam is a must-try. You have a choice of the Thai lunch buffet, a la carte dinner out by the river, or a set dinner while watching traditional Thai dances. Or, if you don't want to choose, you totally can go back and do all three. The lunch buffet is my favorite buffet from around the world right now. It's such a fun and extensive spread.

On my most recent trip back to Bangkok, the four of us enjoyed 16 dishes, 18 including dessert. 4 salads, 4 appetizers, 4 dips, 4 curries, and 2 desserts. Sala Rim Naam's menu lets you have these assortments of 4 dishes and you get to choose the 4 in each category. I love variety during meals, and this was totally the way to go. It's also a great way to try out new dishes to learn more and more about this amazing Thai cuisine.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Sala Rim Naam

Back at The Oriental Thai Cooking School!

Back in Bangkok.. and back to The Oriental Thai Cooking School! This is my third time in Bangkok, and this is my third time taking a class at the cooking school.

I love the format and the detailed explanations from Chef Narain. It's not just the menu or the atmosphere of the school, it's really the chef/teacher that keeps bringing me back. I learn so many new things about cooking techniques and Thai cuisine every time.

Aside from learning about the dishes, you also discover new ingredients that you can use in other cuisines, aside from Thai. Plus, after the class, we make a list to shop for ingredients and certain brands at Paragon to take home.

Thai food has instantly become one of my favorite cuisines. The flavors are really exciting to the palate, especially with the combinations of salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy packed in every bite. I can eat it multiple times during the week. Thanks to all these lessons, I have a growing list of recipes to make at home. I can't wait to go back to learn more!


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: MO Bangkok Cooking Class

Off the Grid at Golden Gate Fields

When I'm planning my trip back to the Bay Area, I always look at the schedules for concerts, Giants games, Niners games, Sharks games, and food events. One such food event caught my eye. Off the Grid was having an event at Berkeley's Golden Gate Fields. The poster totally sold me: Food Trucks, Racing, Big Hats, and Bloody Marys. What's not to love?!

The food truck spread had a pretty good variety with a nice Asian representation. It was really great to see some creative Filipino trucks, too. I tried some Sisig Fries from Senor Sisig. Totally not the real deal for sisig (which consists of pig head parts), but it's a clean, fun version. It's basically tender cuts of pork meat diced and really well seasoned. You also have a choice of chicken or tofu. It's all put together with a very Californian influence. The Sisig Fries are basically like San Diego's Carne Asada Fries.

The Bloody Marys were a bit weak and not as good as a bar, but it's was still fun to drink a huge cup during the event.

As for the races, it was a memorable afternoon at the tracks. We were fortunate to meet the marketing manager who gave us a front row tour of the tracks. We were able to get right up to the rails to get a great view of a photo finish. We even took pictures with the winning jockey (who's height matched our Asian lady height).

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: OtG

Kara's Cupcakes

The cupcake trend is still alive and thriving! Whenever I travel out of the Philippines, I indulge in all the sweets my stomach can handle. (Sweets here in Manila can be waay too sweet because of the Filipino palate. I'd rather not have sweets in Manila and overindulge while traveling.)

While I was living in the Bay Area, my go-to cupcake place was Sprinkles. Light, fluffy, moist cupcakes. They have some really great Red Velvet cupcakes. I had tried Kara's Cupcakes once before, but I found my Fleur de Sel Chocolate cupcake to be on the rich side. Delicious, but rich.

Kara's has done an excellent job expanding, and they are now in the Town & Country Village in Palo Alto.. right near Howie's Artisan Pizza. So after enjoying my soft serve with butterscotch sauce at Howie's, I went right next door to Kara's for dessert, round 2.

All because of one cupcake, I'm a total Kara's convert. I'm in loove with their S'Mores cupcakes!! It's so light, moist, and totally my favorite cupcake right now. Each time I go to Kara's now, I order at least a box of 6 (which is gone in 2 days). It's soo good. I highly recommend this for cupcake lovers, marshmallow lovers, chocolate lovers, graham cracker lovers, and all the above combined.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Kara's

Pizza in the Peninsula

Every trip to the Bay Area feels soo short. There's just too much to do. It's a challenge fitting in visits to favorite restaurants and trying out new restaurants. There are some restaurants that we visit everything single stay, even if it's just an overnighter. One required restaurant for every Bay Area visit: Howie's Artisan Pizza.

My family and I have been fans of Chef Howard since his Marche days in Menlo Park. He's a five star chef who has followed the trend of chefs opening up more casual dining experiences. What I love about this trend is that the food is more affordable, the atmosphere is more relaxed, AND the food is still of five star quality. You can't beat that formula.

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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Howie's

Banhi Mi for Lunch!

Instead of craving for burritos and deli sandwiches, this time I was really craving for banh mi - Vietnamese sandwiches. That light and crispy Vietnamese-French bread, with the fillings contrasting with pickles and jalapenos. Vietnamese sandwiches are seriously one of the best sandwiches in the world.

When I'm back in the states, especially the Bay Area, I tend to search for eats on Yelp. According to Yelp, the better banh mi near the Peninsula was in Sunnyvale at Cam Hung. Four solid stars. Usually, that means it's pretty good. Unfortunately, the four stars didn't ring true here. The bread wasn't crispy at all, and the fillings were really dry.

That made me want to drive farther to get the really good quality banh mi. Milpitas and San Jose are the cities to go to for quality and authentic banh mi. Huong Lan serves up some really good sandwiches that totally fulfilled my craving. The grilled pork was tasty, the sardines were good, and the classic ham, pate, and headcheese keeps you coming back for more.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Banh Mi

Modern Vietnamese at Xanh

When I first moved to Asia last year, I would find myself really craving for Mexican food. My cravings for foods that I grew up with change each time I revisited the states. Mexican, burgers, pizza, ramen, and so on. This time around, I had a craving for Vietnamese cuisine.

Because I come from a family that doesn't plan ahead and doesn't really make reservations until the day of, we weren't able to land a table in Slanted Door. That is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant (Out the Door, included) in San Francisco.

So instead, we revisited Xanh, a Vietnamese restaurant in the Bay Area. We first went to Xanh when it first opened years ago. When they moved locations, across the street, we never had a chance to try it out again. The newer location is nicely set up with a few dining areas and a bar/lounge.

The food has modern presentations, while enjoying it all family style. Overall, the food is enjoyable. But, when you expect Slanted Door quality, it's kind of disappointing. I found myself constantly thinking, "This is okay but Slanted Door does it so much better." I definitely need to book ahead at Slanted Door the next time I'm in the Bay Area.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Xanh

Back in SF, Back in Bocadillos

When you develop a favorite restaurant, the main thing you look for is consistency. You look for some of the same dishes, the same flavors, and the same feeling that keeps you coming back.

Years later, Bocadillos is still my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. The restaurant is still fun, inviting, friendly. And, the food is still so consistent and filled with flavors that excite and comfort.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bocadillos

Tasting the Hype at Benu

New restaurants constantly pop up in San Francisco. Each year, a handful or less of these restaurants make it to the top lists for food critics and food lovers. For the past year, the one restaurant that keeps trending is Chef Corey Lee's Benu.

Corey Lee made his name as the chef de cuisine at Thomas Keller's French Laundry. Prior to the opening of Benu until even today, the restaurant has been dubbed The SF Restaurant to go to.

Benu creates original Asian and Modern American inspired dishes that delights and surprises. At a place like Benu, the best way to dive in to this cuisine is with the extensive tasting menu. Don't let the cost scare you. $180 is quite a deal for 18+ courses packed with quality of ingredients, artistry, and superb chefs' touches. $10 per course for all that's put into it!

The beverage pairing price maybe be intimidating, too, but again, it's such a deal for 10 high quality beverages. Plus, it's like a lesson per pour. You get to enjoy the wine, the pairing, and the information about the pour from the sommeliers.

Finalizing the brilliant tasting experience is the friendly staff. I was worried that the reception might be snooty and stiff. It's totally the opposite. They are so friendly, welcoming, and humorous. The service matches the atmosphere and the food - five star. Attentive and detailed.


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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Benu

Summer Treats

Summer! For years that meant June through September of warm to hot weather and bright blue skies filling most of the days. For the second year in a row, these summer months I look forward to are now filled with monsoons, storms, and typhoons.

After two weeks straight of rain and gray clouds here in Manila, I was so excited to escape to the states for a two week trip. The two weeks were filled with the perfect summer weather.

And what's the best way to embrace the last days of summer? With ice cream, frozen yogurt and popsicles!!

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The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Summer Treats

Back in 2 Weeks!

Brb, readers! I'm currently back in the states and piling up more updates. I'll be back here posting in two weeks. In the meantime, check out my Facebook and Twitter pages for daily mobile pictures of my travel eats.

Home Made Sake Steamed Chicken

It's dinner time again! This time, I used a recipe that I've been wanting to cook for awhile now.

Sake Steamed Chicken
(FYI, it's a NY Times recipe if you're keeping count of your 20 articles per month)

I was so curious about this tender, tender chicken that the author wrote about. I've only steamed a fish before, which is a delicious way to eat fish. I've eaten boiled chicken, and so I was curious how steamed chicken could be even better.

This is a great recipe. The chicken came out very tender and very moist. The rest period after the steaming is really important. It brings the juices together and stays in the chicken.

The original recipe had only a sliight sake taste. Non-existent if you didn't know about the sake. My adjustment that I want to try next time is to marinate the chicken for a bit in the sake, and then steam it in water. I can't wait to try this again!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Steamed Chicken

Home Made Porcini Risotto

Dinner time! When it comes to cooking dinner at home for my family, I have a few recipes saved for when I'm in the mood to cook. But most of the time, dinner is created after I peak through the pantry, fridge, and freezer. I love cooking with whatever is left. It's a fun challenge and I try to figure out the possible tastes in my head and how everything can come together.

So after a stroll through the kitchen, I found we had arborio rice in the freezer and dried porcinis in the pantry. It's mushroom risotto for dinner!

After stirring in the last cup of broth, I finished the risotto with a little slab of butter to bring it all together. (A little tip I learned from watching Mario Batali on TV.)

And to intensify the mushroom taste, after pouring and stirring in one cup of white wine, I tend poured in the mushroom juice which I used to hydrate the dried mushrooms. Wow, it had an excellent bold porcini taste!

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Risotto