Food Delivery Favorite: Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken

I have a weak spot for fried chicken. Just thinking about its crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside texture makes me drool. And I'm so happy that I get to enjoy lemon fried chicken anytime I want. But a new food discovery, Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken, made me realize that there are other flavors out there that deserve love. 

Hello, Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken.

Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken is yet another brainchild of the creative individuals behind Boa Kitchen + Socials and Buwan. 

Love at First Bite: The Bright Bakers' Ube Cheese Rolls

Ube Cheese Pandesal is one of the hottest food trends this 2020. There must be over a hundred shops selling this Instagram-worthy product. I admit that I've had my fair share of this trend. Though delicious, I wasn't sold with the whole concept until I had Hi, Bear!'s ube pan. But it was just a start as I discovered something that blew me away even more. And that was with the Ube Cheese Rolls by The Bright Bakers.

Hello, The Bright Bakers.

The Bright Bakers is one of the newest food businesses born during the pandemic. Browsing through its social media feed would give you the impression that it's just another bakeshop selling pretty much the same items as any other shop. But it sells one of the fluffiest cheese rolls in town.

Food Delivery Favorite: Dip't MNL's Candied Strawberries

This year is full of unexpected twists and turns. We were supposed to attend the Canton Fair in April and go around Korea in May. But we all know what happened these past months. Thankfully, many new businesses were born during these trying times and made us cope with the new normal a bit better. And Dip't MNL eased my disappointment for missing our much-awaited return trip to Korea. 

Hello, Dip't MNL.

Dip't MNL is one of the many new online businesses that opened this 2020. It specializes in candied strawberries, one of the popular street foods in Korea (and even in China and Taiwan).

A Southern Gem: Hi Bear! Ube and Charcoal Pandesal

Don't you love how many new small businesses opened and flourished during the lockdown? I've virtually met several young entrepreneurs who open their shops and pursue their passions. Many even dabbled into offering the most raved dishes this 2020. And speaking of hypes, one of the food items people cannot seem to get over with is ube cheese pandesal. I've tried a handful, but one of my top picks is Hi Bear.

Hello, Hi Bear!

Hi Bear is the brainchild of Jace Velasco, a self-branded "wanna-be" baker. But one bite of her stuffed pandesal will make you think otherwise. 

Food Delivery: Busan Kitchen

I surprised my family with flight tickets to Korea. But I was in for a bigger surprise when Covid-19 put a halt on all international flights. And even if flights pushed through, it was just too risky for us; especially when I'm expecting. Thankfully, we have pretty good Korean restaurants in Manila. A new one that claims serve authentic Korean fare is Busan Kitchen.

Hello, Busan Kitchen.

Busan Kitchen is one of the newest Korean restaurants in town. Founded by Mr. Kim Dong Jun, a Korean national born and raised in Busan, he is committed to serving authentic Korean cuisine to the Manila market. 

Your Health and Wellness Shopping Partner: weNOURISH

I'd always grab some chips, cookies and all those not so healthy treats whenever I do my grocery shopping. It has been a constant struggle to limit it as I grew up stuffing myself with all those snacks. But now that I'm expecting my first child, I want to be more mindful of the food I eat. And I am so that there is finally a shop that curates all the best healthy finds out in the market. 

Hello, weNOURISH.

I have a long list of products I wanted to try during ECQ. But I always get so turned off by the ridiculous shipping fees. More often than not, shipping would cost more than the products I want to buy. 

Not Just Another Hype: Nacho Macho MNL

Don't you just love how many new food concepts were born during the lockdown? From dalgona coffee to ube pandesal and sourdough bread, we now have things such as sushi bake and bibimbake. And one of the newest hypes I got to try was Nacho Macho MNL's Nacho Bake. 

Hello, Nacho Macho MNL.

Nacho Macho is the brainchild of two young entrepreneurs Kelsey and Kelshia Lopez. They started this business just last month. And it has already gained patrons within the metro. 

Food Delivery Favorite: Serenitea's DIY Milk Tea Home Kits

Milk tea has been one of the drinks I've been craving since the lockdown. But the fact that I can't reheat it makes me worried. Yes, studies are saying that transmission through food is low to unlikely. But you can never say to a pregnant woman's face that she's a germaphobe when she has a little one to protect. Thankfully, Serenitea started offering DIY kits of its bestsellers. It made me feel more at ease as I get to make and enjoy my drinks in a space I'd consider safe. 

Hello, Serenitea.

Serenitea launched its DIY milk tea kits back in April. And it was an instant hit. Available in Okinawa and Taro variants, it also has sets that come in your favorite sinkers.

Food Delivery: Old Swiss Inn Cheese Fondue Kit

It has been almost five months since I last dined in a restaurant. I miss the different ambiance, the background chatter, and being indecisive on which dishes to get. And with a stricter Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine back in place, it becomes harder once again to feel a bit of normalcy. I'm so happy though that there are a lot of creative minds in the food industry offering endless DIY kits for us to bring the whole dining experience a bit more engaging. This time, I tried a Cheese Fondue Kit from Old Swiss Inn. 

Hello, Old Swiss Inn.

The Old Swiss Inn has been a popular and favorite restaurant in Manila for decades. Established in 1946, this homey yet classy space has charmed locals and expatriates alike with its authentic Swiss and European dishes. And it has its founder Swiss national Emil Landert to thank for.