Singapore's One Michelin Star Putien Now in Manila

Manila's food scene is on fire with the influx of local and foreign brands opening left and right. And with Singapore's One-Michelin Star Putien entering the market, we could definitely say that Christmas came in early this year.

Hello, Putien.

Putien started as a humble coffee shop in Singapore back in 2000. Named after Putian, a suburb of Fujian, China, it was Putien's founder, Mr. Fong Chi Chung's way to pay tribute to his hometown. By serving food made with fresh ingredients and packed with flavors, Putien eventually grew into a full scale restaurant and earned its One-Star Michelin in 2016. Now with several branches worldwide, Putien found a new home in Manila, its 67th worldwide.

Northern Chronicles: Hawker Chan SM North Edsa is now open

Hawker Chan has been one of the most anticipated brand openings this year. It has received so much love since it opened its first store in SM Mall of Asia. Its winning and unbeatable bang for the buck Soya Chicken and the lovable Chef Chan Hong Meng have been just two of the main reasons why Hawker Chan became an instant hit with us. And for those from the North dreading to fight the Manila traffic just to get a bite of Hawker Chan's succulent chicken, this is for you... Hawker Chan is now open at SM North Edsa!

Hello again, Hawker Chan!

Hawker Chan finally opened its second branch at SM North Edsa Main Mall last November 29, 2018. 

New Bites at Tsuta

Christmas is fast approaching and its cool night breeze never fails to make me crave for a hot bowl of soup or ramen. And I sure am glad that Tsuta was our last stop for our FOODEE Crawl.

Hello again, Tsuta.

Tsuta has been one of the most talked about ramen joints since it opened last December. It was hard not to be curious about this place given it is the first ever ramen shop to earn a prestigious Michelin star. 

First Bite: Hawker Chan Philippines

We'd often equate Michelin-starred restaurant to a fancy meal, costing us an arm and leg. But with the popularity of the likes of Tim Ho Wan, Michelin's list of top rated restaurants grew even wider in terms of cuisine and budget. And just a few years back, the famous Cantonese restaurant was kicked out of its position as the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant by Hawker Chan, a humble hawker stall from Singapore. 

Hello, Hawker Chan.

This famous hawker stall is one of the must visit stops when visiting the land of the Merlion. 

Hawker Chan is finally opening in Manila this July!

Hawker Chan is finally opening in Manila and it is opening sooner than you think. 

It has been a couple of months since the word got out that Hawker Chan is heading towards our shores. With almost ten months of waiting since FOODEE Global Concepts announced the great news, foodies in Manila patiently waited for updates on when they could take a bite of Hawker Chan's famous Soya Chicken. 

Kam's Roast is now in Manila

Another Michelin-starred restaurant has reached Manila! This time, the famous foodie destination Kam's Roast has found a home at SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall and it will open this May 15 serving its mouthwatering roast meats. And I was lucky to be one of the few to have a sneak peek of FOODEE Global Concepts' newest venture.

Hello, Kam's Roast!

Known for its mouthwatering roast goose, Kam's Roast in Hong Kong has never been without a long queue in front of its facade. After all, it's not like all restaurants in the small city can impress food connoisseurs like Anthony Bourdain. 

Now Open: Tsuta, Michelin-Starred Ramen

Tsuta has been one of the most anticipated brands this 2017 by food enthusiasts, or more specifically by ramen aficionados. I fall under both categories and I can't help but salivate whenever I read reviews on Tsuta's signature and Michelin-starred ramen. Just picturing its rich broth with truffle oil makes me uneasy. I just have to try it as soon as it lands here in Manila. And finally, I did. 

Konnichiwa, Tsuta!

Tsuta Ramen is no stranger to those who frequent Tokyo. As the first ramen shop worldwide to be awarded the prestigious Michelin Star, Tsuta has become a destination for good ramen. 

Tsuta is opening in Manila!

The world's first Michelin-starred ramen shop is finally coming to Manila! And it is opening just in time for Christmas. 

Konnichiwa, Tsuta!

Tsuta is one of the most talked about ramen shops since 2015 when it earned a prestigious Michelin star. The very first in its category to earn such recognition, it has drawn so much attention that lining up at 6 a.m. whereas the store opens at 11 a.m. became normal. 

First Bite: Atelier Vivanda

I yearned to visit Atelier Vivanda ever since I saw an Instagram post about its grand opening and the fact that it is a two-star Michelin restaurant. I wanted to have dinner there for Valentine's but I was a bit too late to make a reservation. Luckily, R's dad decided to celebrate his birthday there (and it was just one day ahead of mine). Yay! 

Hello, Atelier Vivanda!

It is... not as fancy as I thought. I read a bit about the restaurant and it sounded so formal hence I was surprised that the place is pretty casual. I also had this impression that the place is huge and majestic. But the place is quite small. In fact, it is very cramped.

R and I headed straight to the second floor where R's sister reserved a table for everyone. The space upstairs seemed to be even more cramped. The waiters can't avoid bumping into the diners' chairs or backs and it is never pleasant to experience this.

Anyway, R and I opted to get the set menu for PHP1,900. It comes with an entree, mains, unlimited side dishes and dessert. I got Potato Soup for my appetizer, Vendee Yellow Chicken Breast for main, and Custard for dessert. R went with Whole Cooked Foie Gras, Black Angus Hampe, and Crème Brûlée. The server who assisted us offered to let us try all their potato side dishes.

Since the place was packed when we visited, it took them quite a long time to serve our dishes. It was almost 20 minutes in when the appetizers arrived. 

I was not impressed with R's foie gras. It was a bit dry and seemed like a solidified foie gras pate. 

I loved my soup though. It was thick and rich. Serving was also very generous. Actually, a bit too generous as it was too heavy as an appetizer. It was delightfully creamy with lovely tanginess from the Comté cheese and tinge of saltiness from the smoked haddock. 

In about 20 minutes, our mains were served.

R's black Angus steak seemed to be a bit small and rather thin but taste-wise, it did not disappoint. Cooked medium, the meat was succulent and nicely seasoned. 

It was flavorful enough for you to also appreciate the natural flavor of the meat.