Dining Snippets: Donald and Lily x Annam Noodle Bar x Peperoni Pizzeria
DONALD AND LILY
NONYA LAKSA (P250)
When word got around that Makansutra will be opening a hawker center here in the Philippines, I already knew which dish to look out for: the fiery Laksa. I love everything about this dish: from the coconut milk-soup base married with the tasty juices of prawns, to the crunch of fresh beansprouts; and of course, the clean fiery sensation in your throat whenever you gulp its soup.
Thus, in my first visit to Makansutra in SM Megamall, I immediately queued up in Donald and Lily’s Nonya stall. Donald and Lily was one of the buzzed about purveyors in the last Asian Street Food Festival in Manila (which I sadly missed out on), so I was pretty psyched to dig in my first bowl. Sadly, I found the dish mediocre. The soup delivered on the heat but held back on flavor. They did try to fill the bowl up with some (sad looking) shrimps, tiny squid balls, and fish cakes to pair with the noodles. The best laksa in town remains to be High Street Café’s.
Donald and Lily
Makansutra, 2F Megamall Building A, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Date of Visit: September 13, 2016 with Kerwin Chua and Dolf Constantino
ANNAM NOODLE BAR
HANOI PHO AUSTRALIAN BEEF (P320) AND HANOI CHICKEN (P290)
Another Singaporean import would be the Vietnamese chain, Annam Noodle Bar, which definitely takes the art of pho seriously. Apart from offering different pho variants, they also allow for some degree of customization ala Ramen Nagi style; giving you freedom to choose your noodle variant, and toppings. Tempting as it may be to order a bowl of your own, these bowls are gigantic and perfect for sharing. The classic Beef Pho is definitely the best I’ve tasted. The soup is so flavorful that a few drops of Sriracha are enough to complete it. The Chicken Pho is also a must-try but it does come with some distinct tasting gizzard; so if you’re averse to that, best to have it removed upon ordering.
CRISPY SQUID SRIRACHA (P200)
Another compelling reason to split the phos would be to give enough room in your tummy for its delicious sides. Its golden brown Crispy Squid Sriracha will start your meal with a bang! Served with an addictive sriracha mayo dip, you’d definitely be battling for the last squid ring! Another delicious appetizer would be its Caramelised Chicken Wings (P200). Coated in shrimp paste, these crazily crunchy chicken pieces are messy and difficult to eat; but they taste insanely delicious! Pair their Prawn and Sesame Crackers (P130) with the Green Papaya Salad (P250) if you wish for something lighter.
Dishes You Can Skip: Caramelised 5 Spice Pork Belly Banh Mi (needs hoisin sauce in every bite), Viet Coffee with Condensed Milk, Fresh Southern Rolls
Annam Noodle Bar
Unit 1880-4 GF 1880 Building, Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City
Date of Visit: September 25, 2016 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua, and Jem Chua
PEPERONI PIZZERIA
It was love at first slice for me when it came to Peperoni Pizzeria. I celebrated my birthday in its pioneer branch in Uptown, BGC a few years back; and I’ve been a fan ever since. Coincidentally, this is yet another Singaporean import.
BACON MIELE/PROSCIUTTO AND FUNGHI
I’ve always loved the Bacon Miele, a flavor exclusively available in the Philippine branches, as it masterfully uses the tried and tested combination of honey and bacon as toppings for its pizza. However, its prosciutto variants, the Prosciutto and Funghi, and the Prosciutto and Arugula, are also definite hits!
FUNGHI PORTOBELLO CON VERDURINE (P395)
If you’re craving for something tangy, the tomato sauce of the Funghi Portobello con Verdurine is killer! It displays the perfect balance of saltiness, sourness, and sweetness. Unfortunately, it tremendously overshadowed the supposed star of the dish, the Portobello mushroom.
Dish You Can Skip: Alle Vongole (lacks in sauce)
Peperoni Pizzeria
GF Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Diliman, QC
Date of Visit: September 17, 2016 with Jem Chua and Kino Mendoza
