Underrated Drinks: Dakasi's Creme Avocado

With baby Sam's arrival getting nearer and nearer, I find myself wanting to indulge in cold treats every single day. From ice cream to frozen cake, I just want to have them all before I start ge lai. And I'm so happy to be able to try Dakasi before I give birth. 

Hello, Dakasi.

Dakasi has been named as one of the underrated milk tea brands in Manila. As one of the minor players in the milk tea industry, it's easy to forget Dakasi when asked for the top of mind boba brands.

Quarantine Favorite: Hungry Apron PH's Hainanese Chicken

Time flies by so fast. I can't believe that I'll be giving birth in a few weeks. And as much as I dread it, I am considering to do ge lai as it is said to help post-partum. But I discovered a dish that I think would make me look forward to eating gingery food!

Hello, Hungry Apron PH. 

I love Hainanese chicken. Sadly, I seldom find good ones here in Manila. More often than not, I'd end up having dry or bland ones that are highly dependent on the ginger spring onion sauce. Thankfully, the brilliant people behind Matt's Waffles decided to share their amazing Hainanese chicken with us.

ECQ Favorite: Matt's Waffles

I'm a big fan of breakfast food. I drool every time I think of good ol' bacon and eggs or garlic rice with bangus. And when I was asked to try some homemade frozen waffles, I quickly said yes. I just didn't expect to be hooked to it!

Hello, Matt's Waffles.

Matt's Waffles is the brainchild of a young kid named Matt who wanted to do something during Manila's lockdown (ECQ). Matt's mom suggested that they make his favorite waffles and open an online shop for it. And it turned out to be a successful venture for the mom and son duo.

My First Pabili Experience

The Enhanced Community Quarantine made me into an online shopaholic! I get easily influenced to buy whatever I see posted on social media. And when I spotted the seasonal (and rather evasive) star apple on Instagram, I had a sudden strong desire to have some too. After all, summer is never complete without indulging in a few of this delicious fruit. But with our helpers having no access to the market, I had to ask for help online. And here's my kaimito story.

Star Apple or what most Filipinos know as Kaimito is a summer staple. It's so seasonal that it is often out of the market in less than a month. 

I wanted some during the first few weeks of the Manila lockdown and messaged several online fruit stores. Unfortunately, none carry star apple. I got desperate and posted on Let's Eat Pare hoping to get a lead on where to buy. One suggested that I add myself to those pabili Facebook groups. 

ECQ Favorite: Pizza Hut's Stay@Home Group Deals

There has been an ongoing debate on whether pineapples deserve to be on pizzas or not. Purists would go crazy and refuse the idea while the more casual foodies wouldn't mind. I'm part of the latter. And to be honest, I love Pizza Hut's Hawaiian Pizza. So it was just natural for me to be thrilled when I heard the news that Pizza Hut launched Stay@Home Group Deals, a new promo that includes my favorite pizza!

Hello, Pizza Hut. 

Pizza Hut has been one of my favorite pizza brands since I was young. My mom would often bring a box or two home. I also still remember those college days when I'd swing by its kiosk at SM Megamall and grab two slices for an afternoon snack. And the habit stuck with me till now. 

ECQ Favorite: Merashian

With many foodies stuck at home, several were able to unleash their hidden culinary skills and were not shy with sharing it with the very active Let's Eat Pare  Facebook group. And that's where I spotted several mouthwatering bilo-bilo posts which made me crave for it. I asked our cook to make some but we were short on ingredients and couldn't find sago or glutinous rice balls despite the two grocery runs. It was timely though that I stumbled upon Merashian. 

Hello, Merashian. 

Merashian is one of the popular home-based businesses during Manila's Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). I heard of this brand when someone from the village spearheaded mass ordering for Merashian. Its crowd favorites are its Ginataang Halo-Halo with Ube Halaya and Cheese Bilo-Bilo (PHP250, 1L | PHP350, 1.7L) and Chicken Pie (PHP600, 10 pieces).  

ECQ Favorite: Bread & Breakfast Baked Treats

I love bread! I'd usually grab a piece or two and smother it with my favorite jam for breakfast. And when I have extra time, I add some cold cuts, fresh greens, and a slice or two of cheese for a yummier sandwich. But why bother when you can have your savory baked treats by just ordering from Bread & Breakfast?

Hello, Bread & Breakfast. 

Bread & Breakfast is a new player in the growing community of home bakers. Unlike most that specialize in sweet treats, this newcomer focuses on puff pastries, rolls, and croissants. 

Figaro and Tien Ma's Now Deliver its Crowd Favorites

Being stuck at home for months may not be the ideal vacation of many. But it's not all that bad considering many brands are launching its delivery service and mouthwatering stay-at-home menu. And one new player in the food delivery service is The Figaro Group's Figaro and Tien Ma's. 

Hello, Figaro and Tien Ma's!

Surprised that these two crowd favorites are under the same umbrella? I was.

I used to frequent Figaro a lot back in college as I'd always go to Shangri-La or Megamall after class. I'd get its delectable Four Cheese Pizza or one of its filling sandwiches and pair it with its brewed iced tea. The habit stayed till my Summit Media days as Figaro had a branch conveniently located at our office lobby.