100 Ulam Challenge 1: Stir Fried Bean Sprouts with Tofu And Carrots

Everybody is very much affected by the pandemic.  I have lost my job and is now based at home attending to most of the household duties including the budget and meals.  It is essential nowadays to tighten the belt and maximize our money's worth.  I have decided to do a 100 Pesos Ulam (Meal) Challenge to see how far I can go and the recipes I can create.  Since it's only dinner time that I get to sit down with my partner to have a meal, all of the dishes are designed to cater to 2 persons. Here's my 1st attempt.

Stir Fried Bean Sprouts With Tofu and Carrots

Ingredients:

 250 grams Firm Tofu (30 pesos) Sliced or Cubed

1 pack Bean Sprouts (25 pesos)

2 Small Carrots (40 pesos) Shredded

From the Pantry:

1/3 cup Dried Tiny Shrimps

3 Cloves of Garlic, Crushed

3 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1-2 Medium Egg

Procedure:

Fry Tofu until golden brown and then set aside.

On a separate wok, add oil and saute garlic and dried shrimps.

Mix in Bean Sprouts and shredded carrots.

Add the fried tofu and season with soy sauce and powdered seasoning.

Serve 2/3 leaving the remainder for the fried rice.

In the same wok, add the egg and lightly scramble.

Add a day old cooked rice and break the lumps.

Continue mixing until the color is even.

Season with salt and pepper!

Serve and enjoy!

Comment below if you have other recipes!

How To Cook Pinakbet With Bacon

Pinakbet Is A Popular Filipino Vegetables That is A Staple for people residing in the northern part of the country.  I have made it more appetizing by adding bacon.   Because everything tastes better with it!

Ingredients:

250 Grams Bacon

1 Medium Sized Onion

4 Cloves of Garlic

2 Medium Sized Tomatoes

2 Table Spoon of Shrimp Paste

1 Cup of Squash Cut Into Cubes

2 Eggplant Cut Into 2 Inch Strips

1 Bitter Gourd Slice Thinly

1 Cup Of Water

1 Beef Broth Cube

1 Cup of String Beans  Cut Into 2 Inch Lengths

1 Cup of Okra Cut Into 2 In Lengths

Salt and Pepper To Taste

Procedure:

1. Fry Bacon until golden crispy brown and reserve the rendered oil
2. On the same pan, saute onions and galic and crush the tomatoes with a spoon.
3. Add shrimp paste and saute for 2 minutes
4. Stir in Squash, Eggplant and Bitter Gourd.  
5. Add the water and beef cubes.
6. When the squash is slightly cooked, add string beans and okra and simmer until tender.
7. Add pepper and adjust with salt when necessary.  
8. Transfer to a serving dish and top with bacon slices
9. Enjoy!

Make sure to try this at home and comment below how it goes!

Best Foodie Spots In Mandaluyong During Quarantine

The quarantine should not stop us in experiencing places. One way to get to know your city is through its food. Now that most food establishments are open, join us on a food tour of Mandaluyong City in the Philippines to get to know our culture through our food!

My Top 5 Foodie Finds in Pampanga

Having been assigned in Pampanga for work for more than a month, I was able to try out dishes and restaurants that made the province known for its culinary creations.  Here are my top 5 picks.

1. Aling Lucing Sisig

Located at the heart of Angeles City, finding the place can be a challenge. Click on the photo for the location details.

A visit to Pampanga would not be complete without trying the authentic and original Sisig.  They also have a wide selection of grilled items to choose from.  Remember to dress comfortably because the restaurant in non air conditioned and the best time to visit is late afternoon.

2. Mila's Tokwat Baboy

I find it easier to navigate to Milas Tokwat Baboy.  It's just parallel to Macarthur Highway close the welcome arc to Angeles City from San Fernando.

They take pride in their Tokwat Baboy, but their crispy version of Sisig is also popular.  It best paired with their Fern Salad and plenty of rice.

3. 1956 Downtown Cafe

Have you ever tried a Halo Halo sweetened by a Pastillas Cream made from Carabao's milk.  That's just one of the many must try offering s of the restaurant.  On a seperate visit, I was able to sample their Adobo Confit and the Kare Kare.
Downtown cafe is located at the Nepo Quad Center in Angeles City.

Read more of my Downtown cafe experience by clicking on the photo!

4. Apu

I discovered this award winning restaurant by accident.  I was on my way to find an ATM when I chanced upon their modern exterior with a half chopped Lechon displayed on their window.  There's nothing much to see on the first level, but the 2nd floor dining area is sight to behold.  The neutral colors are balanced with the intricately tufted leather seats and wood accents.

They take pride in their Kare-kare, but with a serving portion good for 3 persons, I settled on trying their Lechon.

Apu is located along Sto. Rosario street in Angeles City right before the Holy Rosary Cathedral coming from San Fernando.

5. The Souq

Another beautifull decorated restaurant in Pampanga is Souq, located along Lazatin Blvd. in San Fernando City.

I was a fan of their furniture collection and their venture into the restaurant business is brilliant move.  They offer fuzion food with a capampangan twist, like the Tinapa Pesto Pasta I had.

Make sure you have a big appetite the next time you visit the province.http://moleinthefoot.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-vios-venture-aling-lucings-sisig.html

What's New in Foodie Kapitolyo

They're not really new establishments, but more of recently explored.

Most would probably frequent the restaurants and establishments along the major street of East and West Capitol, but the side street offers more interesting options.

Click on the link for more of restaurants in Kapitolyo:
Kapitolyo Restaurants

Breakfast at Juanita's

Start your day at Breakfast at Juanita's just beside the famous Cafe Juanita.  They're open as early as 6 AM, serving Filipino Breakfast Meals elevated to new heights.  Try their Chicken Arroz Caldo and Embotido.  The quirky, colourful, eclectic interiors refreshes you to start the day.

Breakfast at Juanita's Signature Embotido

Chicken Arroz Caldo with its array of condiments

Lunch at Pomodoro Pizza

Pomodoro Pizza is located at the corner of San Rafael St. and Sta. Rosa St.  From Shaw Blvd., turn left immediately after passing the gate.

As what the name suggests, they serve Pizza and Pasta, with selections of Italian- Filipino fusion.  On my visit, I tried their Filipino Puttanesca.

Pomodoro Pizza at Night (Photo grabbed from Pomodora Pizza FB Page)

Pomodoros Pinoy Puttanesca

Snack at Kapitolyo Gastro Park

The Park offers countless options, from Mexican-Filipino to Thai - Mexican Fusion, enough to satisfy every craving.

The Filipino Sandwich Bar, serves snack sandwiches filled with filipino favourites like Lechon and Adobo among many others.

The Park is located along 1st Street.  Coming from Shaw Blvd, enter the Gate to Kapitolyo, and turn right at United St.  Immediately after, turn right again to 1st St., where theres a Chinabank at the corner.  Gastro Park is located on the right.

The Filipino Sanwich Bar Food Truck

Ever tried a Mexican Bulalo?

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Mexican Bulalo

Dinner at Ser Chef's Lechon

Right across Kapitolyo Gastro Park is Ser Chef's Lechon, known for their Lechon Macau, which is what we had for Dinner.

Lechaon Macau Rice at 145 Pesos

With this much food option, make sure your hungry the next time you drive by Kapitolyo.

Downtown 1956 Cafe, A Taste of Nostalgia in Pampanga

Pampanga is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.  Among the significant people that made it popular if Chef Claude Tayag. The person behind Bale Dutung, a by appointment only restaurant in his home where one can sample and experience the best of Capampangan Cuisine.

I have always wanted to visit the place, but the price is just too much for my budget.  That was until I chanced upon a show that features Downtown Cafe from the Asian Food Channel.

Downtown Cafe operated by the same family and is located at The Quad at Nepo Mart in Angeles City.

Here you can sample traditional Filipino dishes with the signature Claude Tayag twist.  The  restaurant is inspired by the late 50's with its leather upholstered chairs, and vintage decors.  It reminded me of the old Diners in Avenida, Sta. Cruz.

I'm currently trying to loose wight, preparing myself for Summer, but I give in to their Lechon Belly Adobo Confit with Mango and Eggplant Salsa.

You can nibble on their Camote Chips while waiting for your meal.  I would have wanted to sample more of their menu, but I have nobody to share it with.

A few minutes later, the food arrived and it tasted just as good as it looks.  This is probably the best Adobo, I've ever tasted.  Even better than my Moms. Sorry Nanay!

Since, my cheat day arrived early, I decided to end my meal with their Halo-Halo, made special by Pastillas and Creamy Carabao's Milk.

I will continue coming back until I have sampled all the food they offer.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 48 Hours

6:00 PM  Arrived in Kuala Lumpur Airport

6:30 PM Took a Bus to KL Central

Just follow the bus Icon to the loading dock.  You need to purchase tickets at the Bus Counters before boarding.  Make sure you already have Malaysian Ringgit with you.  There are money changers at the mall outside the airport.

8:00 PM Dinner at Peranakan Place, NU Mall just beside KL Sentral

11:00 PM Took a Taxi to KLCC Mall and walked our way to Soho Suites (AirBnB)

Our Room is Located at the 38th Floor of Soho Suites just 500 meters away from Petronas Towers with a view of the KL Tower!

Click here for the availability and rates.

9:30 AM Woke up to a Rainy Morning

10:15 AM Weather improved.  Left the condo to explore the city.

10:40 AM Breakfast at La Cucur, Suriya KLCC Mall

Our First Nasi Lemak!

Laksa

11:30 AM  Took the LRT from KLCC Station to KL Sentral

11:45 AM Arrived at KL Sentral, Took the KTM Komuter to Batu Caves

1:00 PM Arrived at Batu Caves

1:15 PM Snacks

1:30 PM Visited the Cave Villa

From the narrow entrance, it seemed like there's nothing much to see, but the dioramas inside the caves are worth visiting.

2:00 PM Watch the Cultural Show

2:30 PM Took The KTM Komuter Train back to KL Sentral

3:30 PM Late Lunch at NU Mall

4:00 PM Purchased train tickets to Singapore at KL Sentral and caught the Hop on Hop Off Free City Tour Bus near the Taxi Loading Area.

Train to Singapore leaves KL Sentral at 8AM.

4:35 PM National Palace

Malaysia National Palace Gate

 4:53 Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

5:00 PM Independence Square

5:30 Petronas Twin Towers

5:45 Suriya Mall and Park

6:00 PM Happy Hour at Ava Bistro

7:00 PM Back to Soho Suites

Soho Suites

10:00 PM Dinner at Jalan Alor

Our extremely Spicy Tom Yum Soup

11:00 PM More beer at Modesto

12:00 PM Goodnight Kuala Lumpur

7:00 AM Took the LRT to KL Sentral

8:00 AM Back to KL Sentral for the train ride to Johor Bahru

4:00 PM Arrived at JB Station, last stop before crossing to Singapore