Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory NAMAmazing Launch

Known for its luxurious treats made mostly from Hokkaido Milk and the best cheeses in the world, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory has launched their latest offering just right this Holiday season - Nama Doughnuts in their latest branch at Mitsukoshi mall in BGC last December 15. 

Bringing amazing desserts since 2019, you will surely love their Nama Doughnuts. A very unique kind of doughnut that is fluffy and chewy at the same time! It comes in three flavors: Classic, Rare Cheese, and Mascarpone and Custard. 

You have to try each flavor to see the difference but I will tell you now that if you ask me which one is my favorite it would probably be rare cheese. The sweet and salty taste just hits the right spot. I might need to head back to BGC just to buy a box again of it. 

The whole secret is that they make this doughnuts in store and its ingredients are exclusively imported from Japan. From the flour, Butter and even the frying oil is from Japan. I was able to see, and you can see it too when you visit their branch at Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC. 

Other than doughnuts, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory also has cookies, Cheesecakes and ice creams to offer. 

I will be posting an in-depth comparison between the three flavors of the Nama Doughnuts soon so make sure to check back! 

If you are interested to try these with your family you can head on over to Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC as its exclusively available there. Be warned - they are seriously #NAMAmazing good you might get addicted. 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

 

HODAI DECEMBER TREATS

Its Christmas season and along with it is bonding time with your loved ones and what better way to spend it with them is at Hodai Restaurant!

I have done a video about them when they first opened last March and I am so pleased to share to you guys that they have new offerings for all of us that absolutely loves Japanese food and also fusion dishes.

First one in the line up is their version of the burger steak. I do apologize since I actually forgot the name but I think it is available on their menu if you visit Hodai. It has a meaty gravy glaze of sorts that complements the juicy meat that has mushrooms and some vegetables added while it was in the oven. I do love the corn as the side dish since it also adds additional texture and flavor to the meat. I would suggest eating this as soon as it arrives at your table because it really differs if you let the meat rest for a little longer. 

For the ramen lovers out there I am very pleased to share that Hodai now offers Ramen! This is actually one of my favorites because the flavors of the soup base and the toppings do complement each other and also the meat, although quite thick in slice still has added sweetness to the whole dish.

The last thing I will share about Hodai is they do offer A la Carte dishes now and has added additional side dishes if you prefer to eat the unlimited Japanese food. To be quite honest, I do like that they also offer A la Carte in their food since we do have foodies that have certain preferences but every thing is all good when it comes to food.

Overall I would say that Hodai is definitely the best when it comes to serving Japanese fusion based dishes that is also affordable to every foodie out there.

Check them out on their social media pages for more updates and promos!

Much love!
xx Alice

Yakikai Brings a Whole New Fusion Cuisine Experience in Tomas Morato

Hey guys! Its been a while but we are back with a new foodie spot to hang out with our friends and

family! 

I am a big fan of Korean and Japanese food and this place that just opened last week is definitely

my new favorite spot because it is a fusion of my favorite cuisine - Yaki Kai Buffet Restaurant.

As more and more Filipinos enjoy different cuisines in the metro, a new kind of fusion cuisine has just

opened up in Tomas Morato, Quezon City - Yakikai Buffet Restaurant. 

From the Japanese words Yaki that means to grill and Kai which means together, This Japanese fusion

restaurant has got you covered with your cravings all year around with your friends and family. 

This Japanese concept along with a Korean flair with its variety of flavors that will satisfy your hunger

just like kings and queens at court. 

 

One of the things I do keep in mind when dining out is if my mother will love it because as complex my

taste in food is would be the total opposite from my mom and I keep in mind if the restaurant will also

suit her taste so if I bring her to the restaurant she would also love it - This restaurant actually made that

possible because it offers a variety of food fitted for everyone! 

They have three sets available for your cravings: Master Set (399php) Premium Set (499php) and

the Emperor set (599php) but since they are on their soft opening, you can enjoy these sets for only

299php, 399php and 499php. This soft opening is available till January 30 2020 so make sure to drop by

soon.

Here are the sets 

The Master Set (Soft Opening Promo 299PHP)

The Master Set is composed of six variety of pork and poultry along with the buffet of Japanese and

Korean dishes you can pick from. The six flavors are: Chicken Teriyaki, Spicy Chicken Teriyaki,

Samgyupsal, Spicy Samgyupsal, Galbi Sauce Pork, and the Peppered Shoulder Pork. 

The Premium Set (Soft Opening Promo 399PHP)

The Premium set is an upgraded version since there is an additional meat selection from beef and

shrimp along with a cheese dip. The additional varieties are: Sliced Beef, Beef Tare Yakiniku, Spicy Beef

and Fresh Shrimp. 

Emperor Set (Soft Opening Promo 499PHP)

Dine like an Emperor with this set with your friends and family as this set not just contains poultry, beef,

pork, shrimp but also fish in its dish lineup that will surely fill your stomachs like a true king and queen. 

Along with the meat selection provided above here are the added meat and dishes for the Emperor set: 

• Beef Steak 
• Jjampong Nabe
• Salmon Sashimi 
• Ebi Tempura 

We were served the Emperor set which definitely fits the name because it has EVERYTHING! The meat

selection are just amazing and also they taste great. I would highly suggest that the moment they serve

this is you cook the meat especially the poultry because the taste differs if you let the meat sit in the open

than cook it immediately. 

Out of everything we had I would say that the salmon sashimi is the real hook because you get fresh

sashimi served to you which is a bit on the pricey side and if you are a lover of fresh sashimi they do

serve it fresh and did I say its unlimited? YEP! 

I do have friends that love sashimi and this would bring them here soon to try it out. 

For the carnivore friends I have out there don't worry I got you covered because the meat selections they

have are top grade and definitely worth every peso. I would suggest getting the beef steak and cook it in

the grill because GHORL ITS SUPER GOOD! Its juicy, flavorful with the herds added to it that enhances

the sweetness fresh meat has when you cook it. 

For Korean food lovers, The Jjampong would definitely be your best bet because the soup is full on flavor

not just because of the spiciness but also the seafood that is added to it. 

The Buffet is included on all sets so if you have a craving for some California Maki or would like to have

your favorite Korean side dishes they are readily available and also at your control to get how many you

would like. 

Yakikai is currently open from 4PM to 2AM and they are located at 122 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St. Sacred Heart,

Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City. 

Hope you check out this restaurant soon with your friends and family! 

Much love! 

xx ALice 

Affordable Japanese Gyoza with Suki Gyouza

NOTE: MY MEMORY CARD GOT CORRUPTED SO I ONLY HAVE THESE PHOTOS SO DON'T HATE ME >_<

Gyoza is probably one of the most known Japanese dishes in the world next to sushi and ramen. And there might be a lot of establishments that offer gyoza but this place me and my hungry byaheros found is I personally think is one of the best in the metro! 

And I am talking about Suki Gyouza at the Food Parade in BGC. 

This small kiosk located at the Food Parade in BGC only serves one thing - Gyoza! And I know its kind of a lame concept because why sell only gyoza right? But here is the thing though, Suki Gyouza is actually very similar to establishments in Japan in which the minimalism strategy is in full use in restaurants since there are other restaurants in Japan that offer only a limited set of food and sometimes even the number of servings!  

And its actually a good thing since if you only have one item in the menu it would be easier to get your business up because you will have more time in perfecting the flavor of your product.

Suki Gyoza did actually that and when we tried their food it reminded me of the time a family friend that is from Japan came to visit and prepared this for us one time. The way it was cooked is on point and also the flavor is just right. You can actually enjoy this with or without rice! 

The meat is quite tender and did not dry out as being the usual culprit if you don't know the proper way to prepare gyoza. The wrapping is not too thick nor too thin and didn't break up when you use chopsticks on it. 

And for as low as 65 pesos you can enjoy Gyoza! Here's the complete list of the things on their menu:

4pcs - Php 65 

6pcs - Php 85 

12pcs - Php 160 

30pcs (FROZEN) - Php 320 

Rice meals 

4pc - Php 90

6pc -Php 110 

Batta Rice - Php 30 

They currently have four branches: Ayala Clover leaf in Balintawak, Alley Streetfood Food District signatures at BGC, The Pantree in Legaspi Village and Eden Food Hall in BGC. 

Overall I am actually happy with this gyoza the only thing I hope they can do is have a branch in cubao because its quite far from my place and I hope to enjoy Suki Gyouza in a location near me because its sooo good! 

Check them out on their social media and also check them out to the branch near you. 

Much Love! 

xx Alixe

Going Crazy For Takoyaki at Crazy Tako

One thing I haven't told you guys is I grew up eating a lot of Japanese food because of my mom's work and I am so happy that one of my favorite Japanese snack is locally available and I think I have found the perfect place to get it from and the place I am talking about is Crazy Tako!

But before we go on to Crazy Tako let's define first what is Takoyaki.

Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack or appetizer made of wheat flout-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. Usually it is filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion.

And one of the best places I have tried takoyaki is at Crazy Tako in UP Town Center. To be honest, UP Town Center is quite far from where I live but I am willing to commute there or to any location to have this. 

The reason why is because their Takoyaki reminds me of the one I had as a child that was prepared to me by my second Oka san or mother Ayumi. The batter to octopus ratio is just right and it was cooked to perfection. As someone who has eaten authentic Japanese food from childhood I know that this was made from products from Japan o sadyang perfected ko lang tastebuds ko sa ganitong bagay.

 With Crazy Tako, most of the ingredients are imported from Japan, not including the octopus which is locally sourced. Another thing that makes me like Crazy Tako more is their special sauce that is also homemade which is quite hard to perfect. 

Aside from Takoyaki, Crazy Tako also serves octo fingers which are deep fried octopus tentacles and I will tell you even without the dipping sauce it is so good! this was actually the first thing that I first munched on was this and I honestly got addicted to it that I have actually went back a couple of times this week just for that. By the way you can try the octo fingers for only 99 pesos which is well worth every piece. 

And if you are also wondering Crazy Tako's Takoyaki is available in 4pc for 58 pesos and 8pc for 99 pesos so its definitely not something to break the bank.

For more info you can check out Crazy Tako's official Facebook account here for more information and also their locations (Which is 10 and counting!!) 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

The Perfect Omiyage: Hattendo Japanese Chilled Cream Bun

Growing up knowing the Japanese culture, I know how small family businesses tend to stick to the traditional way of preparing their items in which it also instills to the consumer that there is definitely a personal touch to the items they bought. 

That is what Hattendo is known for. Although they are new to the Asian market they are backed up with around 80 years of experience in bringing high quality chilled cream buns to the consumer. 

Hattendo is named after a small shrine in Hiroshima, Japan. And the English translation of their name is unlimited prosperity.  

Hattendo is mainly known as the perfect "omiyage" or gifts according to my relatives in Japan because its perfect for your loved ones to enjoy on any season. 

And I am so happy that Hattendo is now in the Philippines! 

Hattendo Philippines currently has two main stores: one on the 2nd Floor of Mega mall's Fashion hall and the next at the South entrance of Mall of Asia. They also have a pop up store every Friday to Sunday at Rockwell Power plant mall. 

Instilling tradition, great taste and safe food for their customers, all chilled cream buns are done by hand inside the Hattendo factory in Hiroshima, Japan. They are sent here  exclusively to C3 Premium Partnerships, Inc. which me and some selected bloggers were honored to meet and ask some questions to them. 

They mainly talked about how the buns are made in Japan and also shared their experience in seeing first hand how its made and how meticulous each bun is made. We were also very lucky to try these chilled cream buns for ourselves and bring some home for our families. 

I'll be doing a second part about each flavor of the Hattendo Chilled Cream Buns on this blog and which ones are my top favorites.

Have you tried Hattendo? Let me know which is your favorite flavor on the comments section! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

Japanese Food At Tenya

Growing up eating a lot of Japanese Food, I've already become accustomed with the ever evolving style of food being offered at Japanese restaurants. From the Traditional sashimi to udons, Japanese food is a part of my life ever since I was young. 

So when Tenya opened its stores in Mega Mall then now at BGC Stop over, I can't help but feel giddy because a lot of my friends and relatives in Japan have been telling me about Tenya in a long time.

 

Tenya is known for their Tendon! What is a tendon? 

A tendon is basically a portmanteau of Tempura and Donburi. This is a common dish at Asakusa, Japan thus making it a big thing there. 

They also have tempura baskets if you are into that. And they also have a wide array of other Japanese side dishes to make you dining pleasure much better. 

 One of the coolest things here at Tenya is they serve you an unlimited amount of tea in between meals because tea is a good way to make your stomach calm for the next bite. 

Now let's talk about the food!

Appetizer.

1. Chicken Karaage. 

Chicken Kaarage is actually a whole food by itself and you are done! I absolutely love how the chicken pieces are bite sized and they have a proper proportion of meat and the batter. We were also given some of what I can say is the best cooked Crab stick because they were still fresh and the batter to meat ratio is just enough which still keeps the meat fresh and nice to chew. 

 And for the main entree I got the All Star Tendon which is one of their best sellers. It has Black Tiger Prawn, Salmon, squid, Kani stick, Green beans and mushroom with a side of miso soup. 

You basically have the best of everything from Tenya as you can get to enjoy seafood and veggies at the same time. 

Japanese have a7 distinti way of how they cook Tempura which is to have the best ingredients to have the best meal to serve. Tenya didn't let me down on this. 

And for dessert we had a Japanese Ice cream that is only offered at Tenya. 

Its tangy and makes my taste buds dance when I tried this. I absolutely love it!

Overall, My experience at Tenya is definitely worth trying out again. Make sure to check out Tenya at Megamall and at BGC Stop Over. 

Much Love!

xx Alice 

Enjoy Legit Japanese Food at Akira

If you are feeling some Japanese food and you are in Makati I would suggest visiting Akira, The Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki.