If you're wondering whatever happened to the famous Ma Mon Luk, it would be interesting to know that there's still one existing in Banawe, Quezon City. And of course the original one is still alive and kicking, it's just known by another name 'Masuki." How Ma Mon Luk came to be Masuki is a rather long story (labor problems among them) but old-timers in the city can attest that Masuki's same spot on 931 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila was exactly where Chinatown's first mami house was established, in 1930. For history's sake, Ma Mon Luk (bless his soul) was a ... Continue Reading...

Lido Asado Originally uploaded by ajay1. I begin this series on Manila's Chinatown by giving the spotlight on Panciteria Lido which is considered a culinary landmark in the area, having been established in 1936. Located on T. Alonzo St., Sta. Cruz, Manila, it has the buzz of the traditional Chinese teahouse, complete with Chinese reading Chinese language newspapers. Weekends are usually packed and Lido hosts VIPs like Sen. Alfredo Lim who goes here without fail on Sundays. ... Continue Reading...

Sousaku Food Great-tasting Japanese food at a price range of P70-100? If you're in the Makati area and hankering for a good Japanese meal that will not make a hole in your wallet, head now to Sousaku on Salcedo St. Legaspi Village. It's a small affair seating only 50 or so people but you'll know it's worth trying considering that 1) the chef & owner is a Japanese; 2) no less than the Japanese dine here. ... Continue Reading...

Excelente Ham Our company's pantry is just a few steps away from my official workstation and expectedly you'd see me hopping from one point to another. We have a couple of home cooks who are always busily working in the kitchen, either chopping vegetables, spooning soups into bowls and mixing all the food. Meals are buffet-style and eat-all-you can, which explains why am having a ridiculously hard time losing weight. ... Continue Reading...

The monthly Pinoy food blogging event Lasang Pinoy focuses this month on Food Memories From Your Childhood hosted by Mr. Cocinero. After a long absence, I thought it best to join even though I have vague memories of this period, having been a picky eater. This is probably the reason why I was lanky/reed-thin as child. Of course I'd do everything to bring back this physique, but I can very well imagine how frustrated my aunt and grandparents must have been to have a housemate who hardly touched her food at the dinner table. ... Continue Reading...