Konted's Make My Day 2: One Rainy Sunday Afternoon at Hap Chan

One Rainy Sunday Afternoon at Hap Chan

Clear, clean water was dripping down the glass panel, giving that relaxing feeling to onlookers. It was actually an indoor water fountain. Several Chinese lanterns were swaying as waiters and waitresses, garbed in red outfits, were busy attending to diners that had started to occupy every available table. The aroma of food being cooked and, then served to customers, made the craving stronger.

Hap Chan at Ali Mall in Cubao, Q.C.

Waiting area

Hot Chinese Tea, brewed in ceramic tea pot, was first served with small cups for everyone. It is standard procedure as the place is a tea house. There was no need to strain or to infuse, no tea bags to dip as the tea was already mixed and blended. I savored the aroma, sipped a little, with the tea getting to the palate, down to my throat and to the stomach.

Free hot Chinese Tea

Stretching her right arm a little over my left shoulder, the waitress served the noodles next. It was Mixed Meat Pancit Canton. There were portions of chicken, pork and shrimps and mixed with the thick noodles. I started slurping, unmindful of the loud, sucking sound. And then I suddenly remembered my father. He knew almost all kinds of noodles - bihon, lomi, miki bihon, lo mi, misua, cho mein, etc - and he would tell you where they were served best.

Mixed Meat Pancit Canton

Next was the Fried Chicken, said to be a best seller. I got a piece, dipped it in a specially-made gravy and made a big bite. It was tender and juicy. It was so good that I got another piece while still feasting on the first one. It was so good that I have included it in my list of top ten fried chickens.

Hap Chan Fried Chicken

Served a little bit late was the Yang Chow Fried Rice. But the waitress made up for it by serving in quick succession the Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs and the Beef Broccoli with mushroom sauce. They were delectable. As I had another serving of the Spare Ribs, I remembered the little dogs. I shoved some pieces in an extra plate and reserved them for the little ones.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs

Beef with Broccoli

Then there was the Steamed Fish Fillet with garlic. It was served with soy sauce as condiment. It was well marinated, cut in the right size and had that freshness. Then the Salt and Pepper Squid. They were tender, not rubbery. And then came last were the doughnuts. There was Al Capone. There was Oreology. There was Avocado de Caprio. And other flavors too. I consumed three in three minutes. And as I drank my second glass of water, I again remembered something. I remembered that I was the one tasked to pay for all those delicious food items served to us. I placed my bet on the Miami Heat and lost. I wished I didn't remember. I wished that all I had to do was stand up, wash my hands and leave the place. Anyway, I had a grand time at Hap Chan. Like the rest of the group.

- Konted