Xin Cuisine Revisited

We enjoyed our dim sum brunch a couple of weeks ago so much that we went back to Xin Cuisine (新故乡酒楼) Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Atrium hotel for brunch again today. In fact, there were so many items on the menu that we did not have a chance to try on the previous visit, so we specially went there today to try them.

海班肠 (Grouper Rice Flour Roll)

This dish was unusual because it is the first time I have tried handmade rice flour roll with large slices of grouper meat wrapped inside. Usually it is shrimp or charsiew. The combination is very pleasant and the fish meat was fresh and sweet.

肉酿萝卜糕 (Radish Cake)

I am already a fan of yam and radish cake. I love eating them, especially the ones my mum always make for the Lunar New Year. However, this dish here is different in that it is served with chillied dried shrimps (hei bee hiam). Simply delicious. 

金菇窝贴餃 (Mushroom Dumplings)

 火鸭卷 (Deep Fried Duck Roll)          海鲜雪梨果 (Potato Dumpling)

 海鲜雪梨果 (Seafood Potato Dumpling)

Another dish that I would like to highlight is the Seafood Potato Dumpling, which is shaped like a tiny pear. The mashed potato melts in the mouth and the seafood filling made it very tasty.

       乳酪包 (Cheese Bun)                  燕窝蛋挞(Mini Egg Custard)

The mini egg custard tarts were unique in that there was a sprinkle of bird's nest on each. Not too sweet and the crust was crisp and not soggy.

Gung Pao Duck

We also had the Peking Duck, where the roasted skin was sliced and eaten wrapped in thin pastry. The rest of the duck we had it done gung pao style, fried with bean paste and dried chilli. I must say the gung pao duck was so tender, fragrant and boneless, and the dried chilli not too spicy. Simply excellent.

We really enjoyed out meals there, and strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone. The chefs put alot of effort in the presentation of the dishes, and the taste is just right. Great place for a family reunion, or gathering of friends or even a business luncheon. And if you go early on Sunday mornings and finish your meal before 12noon, you even get a whopping 25% discount off the bill.

        

Interesting Snacks of the Philippines

In many places in Cebu, less so in Manila, there are stalls that sell all kinds of locally produced snack foods. Just look at the stall above. If I had my way, I would have tried every single one of those deliciously tempting concoction.

Bibingka

I had done some research before my trip and found out a few recommended must try snacks only available in Cebu. One of them is the bibingka, which is steamed rice cake with sweet filling. The ones I found at the street stall were not too bad.

Masareal

Another popular snack only found in Cebu is the masareal, which is finely ground peanut mixed with a sugar syrup and moulded into rectangular blocks. It is a delicacy which originated in Mandaue City and is a treat especially for the children. I liked it very much. However, because of the packaging, it gets moist and mouldy after some time, so do take note of the expiry date printed on the box. Best eaten fresh when you buy it.

Piaya

The piaya is a flaky flatten bread filled with brown sugar. It is quite delicious and I liked it. Once again, it should be eaten once the packaging is opened, otherwise it will get abit stale and hard.

Chicharon

This must be my all time favourite snack. The chicharon from Carcar City. It is actually deep fried pig skin, or pork rind as they call it. It is really crispy and slightly salted. Sometimes it comes with the fat under the skin and this melts in the mouth. Absolutely delicious. This is a must try.

Then there are the other snacks which are also quite interesting.

  Otap Otap                                       Peanut Candy

    

 Durian Cubes                                  Dried Mango Balls

 Dried Mango

In particular, this brand of dried mango preserves are sweet and chewy. Very enjoyable.

             

Manila

One of the most famous landmarks in Manila is the José Rizal Monument located at Luneta Park in Metro Manila, right in the heart of Manila. Everyone who visits Manila, must surely take a photo with the famous monument. I couldn't resist but to take a few photos.

Besides seeing the monument, which is the spot where Dr. Rizal was executed by the Spanish firing squad and where the remains of the Philippines' national hero are entombed, walking around Luneta Park (or sometimes called Rizal Park) early on a Saturday morning was quite a pleasant experience.

Next to Luneta Park is Intramuros, the historic centre and oldest district of Manila. Also known as the walled city, you can find the San Agustín Church, the Manila Cathedral and the Fort Santiago within the district surrounded by high walls. We didn't want to walk around, so we took the calesa (horse drawn carriage) on a guided tour.

After the tour on the calesa, we took some photos along Roxas Boulevard just outside Intramuros.

We also visited the City of Makati, which is the financial center of the Philippines. Makati, being a major cultural and entertainment hub of Metro Manila, is highly cosmopolitan with many first-class shopping malls, top hotels and the tallest buildings in the Philippines. It is also where the Central Business District (CBD) is located.