Dining Snippets: Hanuri x Nadai Fujisoba x The Belle and the Dragon
This version of Dining Snippets takes on an Asian twist as it features a simple Korean grill restaurant, a restaurant that aims to challenge the ramen trend, and an affordable Asian lunch set served in a hidden gastropub.
HANURI
On the façade, Hanuri looks slightly sketchy with its neon lit signboard, and exteriors which evoke a Burgos-kind of vibe. On a normal night, I would have opted to change venues; however, it was the only restaurant that fit the criteria we have set for the night: Korean, near our house, something we haven’t tried before. Thus, with deep breaths, we entered the restaurant. The staff’s accommodating welcome, and a quick look of the demographics of the diners (mostly families) made my unease slowly waver.
BIBIMBAP (P300)
We were served with a modest but decent banchan: kimchi, pickled beans, and a salad with a yogurt dressing. Its Bibimbap may be typical; but still delightful to devour. It skimped a bit on its meat serving; but it delivered on crunch (courtesy of the vegetables), and serving (it was good enough to feed two hungry people). Whatever lacked in taste can easily be remedied by a spoonful (or two) of gochujang anyway.
BULGOGI JEONGOL (P450)
The sweet Bulgogi Jeongol seemed to channel both elements of the Japanese sukiyaki and the Korean chapjae. I’m not really a fan of the union (as I believe that the dishes are better off served separately); but it wasn’t too bad to experience. The soup may be too sweet to the taste, but the broth was light enough to serve as a refreshing respite from the sudden torched experience one gets from a gochujang overload. The beef strips came a plenty which promises to give value for your money.
The only regret I was left with is that I was not able to try Hanuri out earlier. I’ve got my sights set on trying out its grilled items on my next visit.
Hanuri Korean Restaurant
177 Tomas Morato Ave. cor Scout Castor, Quezon City
Date of Visit: November 14, 2015 with Lily Chua
NADAI FUJISOBA
Offering a lighter alternative to the ramen-infused dining culture of Filipinos, Nadai Fujisoba champions the rise of soba and udon noodles. Not only does Nadai Fujisoba provide a wide array of udon/soba options, it spoils the diners by offering price points almost P200 cheaper than what ramen bowls ask for.
AKA FUJI SOBA (P260)
For my first ever bowl of Nadai Fujisoba, I immediately opted for something ‘different’. Most adopt a ‘purist’ approach when sampling a new restaurant by going for its classic bestsellers. However, I wanted something bolder in flavor; thus, I decided to try the Aka Fuji Soba. In lieu of the typical tempura pairing, I was served with strips of flavoured meat, and a spiced up version of the broth. The result? I loved every slurp of it. It was definitely a welcome change from the heavy and rich broths of ramen.
CHIKUWA TEN (P150)
If you really can’t skip on the tempura, they do serve it a la carte. Ebi Tempura comes in 3 piece and 5-piece sets and features beautifully crisp golden brown jumbo prawns. They went a little overboard with the batter; but shave the excess batter off and you have the perfect tempura. Change it up a bit by ordering the interesting Chikuwa Ten, which is reminiscent of fish cake. It tastes a bit odd on your first bite, but I swear, you’ll get the hang of it.
Nadai Fujisoba
LGF SM Aura, 26th St cor McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Date of Visit: November 21, 2015 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, and Jared Chua
THE BELLE AND DRAGON
A quiet newcomer in Legazpi Village, The Belle and Dragon, provides diners (and drinkers) with much needed respite from the fast-paced motion of life in the Central Business District. Its entrance can easily be missed along the busy road of Carlos Palanca, Makati; however, this adds to the exclusivity vibe the restaurant’s ambiance evokes.
My first visit was during lunch time; which was a double-edged sword. It allowed me to sample its lunch specials; however, the restaurant was so comfortable to be in, that it took a lot of effort and willpower to get us going back to the office.
GREEN CURRY CALAMARI (P430)
We decided to split an order of the Green Curry Calamari; and were treated to a plateful of beautifully fried ale-battered squid rings with meat tenderly cooked. The aioli came with hints of green curry which gave it an interesting zing to it. This appetizer is truly addicting, and perfect for sharing. We even had enough for leftovers!
SZECHUAN BEEF TIPS (P295)
The restaurant’s mains typically carry a high price tag; however, it curated a more affordable lunch menu which comes with a bowl of miso soup, and a slice of fruit. I opted for the beef tips, which featured cubes of beef tenderloin marinated in a sweet soy sauce and served with crunchy vegetables, scrambled eggs, and topped with sesame seeds. Taste-wise it was just okay. I wasn’t too excited or impressed about it; however, it was decent enough to be appreciated. The winning factor for this dish would be its serving size. A lunch bowl can actually feed two light diners; or two heavy diners (if they split a salad or appetizer)!
The Belle and Dragon
100 OPL Building, C. Palanca St., Legazpi Village, Makati City
Date of Visit: December 4, 2015 with Gwen Oliva and Tikay Yu
