Kimchi: Back In The Day

Kimchi:  Back In The Day

Back in the day, notably in the 70s, 80s and even in the 90s, there was one food station that stood out at SM Cubao Food Court. 

Kimchi was a big hit with its Korean Beef Stew and Chicken BBQ. There was always a long queue that you had to endure to be able to place your order.

Super Sarap talaga sila. The Beef Stew, with sesame seeds and spring onions, was a little bit spicy and with a taste of sweetness. The Chicken Barbeque was incomparable.

I remember that before watching PBA games at the Big Dome, where the Crispa Redmanizers and the Toyota Tamaraws were battling it out for supremacy, and with the Utex Wranglers as dark horse, we would have a bowl of Beef Stew and Chicken Barbeque at Kimchi.

But with a sudden turn of events, Araneta Center suffered losses in terms of patronage of business establishments. We lost track of Kimchi. It wasn't there anymore. It sank into oblivion, so we thought.

But, wait, there is one Kimchi outlet that has opened at Ayala Malls Feliz. And it claims to be the original. We now have the chance to try again what we have been missing for years. What are we waiting for?

Incidentally, if you are on a road trip, and in the vicinity of Tagaytay City, you may want to savor Kimchi's delights at Ayala Malls Serin near the Tagaytay Rotunda. It is owned and managed by Parokya ni Edgar's Chito Miranda and wife Neri Naig.

Happy eating !!!

KONTED

Kimchi's Beef Stew is unbeatable

Chicken Barbeque is served with rice and bean sprouts.

Beef Stew and Chicken Barbeque: A good combination

Beef Stew, Pork Barbeque and Chicken Barbeque

Kimchi has a huge following and they swear by its goodness.

You see, the lady is back at Kimchi. It is getting to be a habit.

Kimchi is so good you keep coming back for more.

Kimchi is at the 4th floor of Ayala Malls Feliz along Marcos Highway in Santolan, Pasig.

Prices are affordable at Kimchi.

Parokya Ni Edgar's Chito Miranda has a Kimchi outlet at Ayala Malls Serin in Tagaytay City. (ayalaserinpic; caption is mine.)

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Halo Halo: Keeping Your Cool

Halo Halo:  Keeping Your Cool

DID U KNOW that Japanese migrants introduced Halo Halo in the Philippines during the pre-war years? 

Halo Halo was then called Mitsumame which had mongo beans as main ingredients. 

Later, it became Kakigori with more mongo, garbanzos and kidney beans. 

Supply of shaved ice was not a problem as the Insular Ice And Cold Storage Plant was located at the southern end of Puente Colgante Bridge, which is now known as Quiapo Bridge.

For one (1) cent or isang kusing, u could have a small bowl full of sweet dessert. And Filipinos liked Kakigori. 

At this time, life had been good for most Pinoys. It was a time which some historians refer to as "the best of times."

Japanese businessmen enjoyed brisk sales and, as a result, their stores were turned into big refreshment parlors. More kiosks were opened.

But with the crushing defeat of the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II, these Japanese migrants fled the country for fear of retaliation.

Business-minded Pinoys saw an opportunity, took over of what was left by the Japanese and added ingredients like macapuno, sweet banana, ube, langka, gulaman, etc.

The rest is history.

-KONTED

Halo Halo is the most popular iced dessert in the Philippines. It is available throughout the year with demand peaking during the summer months.

Chowking's SuperSangkap Halo Halo

Like the mami noodles, siopao and siomai, Halo Halo is a fast selling item at Chowking.

You don't wait long for your Halo Halo to be served.

Chowking's Milky White Halo Halo

Kirsten's favorite is Chowking's Milky White Halo Halo.

Pizza Hut also serves its own version of Halo Halo.

Halo Halo at Buddy's across Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Q.C.

Mang Inasal's Pinoy Halo Halo

Hands down, Razon;s Halo Halo is the best Halo Halo in the Philippines.

Razon's Junior Size Halo Halo

The regular size and the junior size

My balikbayan friend from Burnside, Victoria in Australia misses Razon's Halo Halo so much that he always asks for both the regular size and the junior size.

Elsa's Halo Halo: Norzagaray's Pride

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