Asian Food Festival at SM Mall Of Asia - By Ernest Reynoso Gala

Tag : Food Flavor

Herbs and spices bring a symphony of taste to food, a phenomenonmore prevalent in Asia , a melting pot for in-novative dishes. A playground for culinarycreativity, the various ingredients and di-verse methods of cookingbring a wealth of flavor not found in any other continent. Likelanguage, cuisine is a part of culture, educating not only thepalate but also the history of the region, reminding us that theworld is full of wonderful surprises waiting to be discovered. Our busy lifestyles and frantic schedules have made travelingdifficult; fortunately there is one establishment that has it all— a culinary hotspot with the best restaurants in town— SM Mall of Asia. Bigger than life, the mall launched theAsian Food Festival, starting Aug. 8 till Aug. 31, an eventfeaturing top dishes from different countries, giving customers achance to experience scrumptious food without the inconvenience oftraveling far. (Although travel may be in your future, since everyP500 single receipt purchase at any restaurant entitles you to araffle coupon for a trip for two to Beijing with hotel accomodation.) Interest and appreciation of Asian foodhas been increasing, and SM Mall of Asia is at the forefront ofthis gourmet extravaganza.
China Palace : Dine like royals
Known for being one of the best Hong Kong-style restaurants in thecountry, and previously only enjoyed by members and their guests atthe Tagaytay Highlands Country Club, China Palace ’s mastery in their use and execution of ingredients issecond to none. The balanced flavor, contrasting texture of spongyand crispy, like the bean curd with sweet and sour sauce, isperfect. Tender, moist, and melt-in-the-mouth lamb chops thateasily slide away from the bone are complemented by a pepper saucethat is both spicy and sweet. Like everything else on the menu, thedimsum is a real treat as well as the other must-try seafooddishes. With 19 lauriat tables and six function rooms, this hugeauthentic Chinese restaurant prides itself on its exclusive diningexperience, one previously enjoyed only by the elite and nowavailable to all. China Palace is the brainchild of certified gourmet and business mogul Henry Syand is located at the 2nd floor, Entertainment Mall, South Wing, SMMall of Asia. For reservations, call 556-0291.
Prince of Jaipur: Spice of life
The seasonings, spices and herbs in Indian cooking are endless. Thediversity and complexity of their cuisine reflects thiscountry’s rich culture, and Prince of Jaipur puts it togetherand makes it delicious. The scent of garam masala, a blend ofroasted ground spices composed of black pepper, coriander, cumin,cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel and mace, fills the air,enticing clients to expect a pleasurable dining experience.Specialties include naan or baked soft breads, motion rare or goatmixed with various spices, sabji bahar or mixed vegetables withcottage cheese, basmati rice harvested from the mountains ofnorthern India , and lacha paratha, a dessert similar to puff pastry. It’scompletely authentic — after eating you feel energized as thespices are believed to help in the circulation of the body. For a special order of southern Indian cuisine, two days’notice and a minimum of 15 people are required.
Prince of Jaipur is located at the 2nd floor, Entertainment Mall,North Wing, SM Mall of Asia. For reservations, call 556-0839.
Hai: Chinese cuisine, global flavor
A Mandarin word for “facing the sea,” this newrestaurant offers a variety of dishes that will tantalize yourtaste buds. You will fall in love with the menu, which caters toboth meat eaters and vegetarians. You’ll also be licking yourlips in anticipation of food that is simple, full of flavor, andglobal in taste, attracting everyone from all parts of the world.The lotus fried rice, a rich blend of oyster sauce, shrimp, Chinesesausage, and rice cooked on a lotus leaf and steamed for fiveminutes is highly recommended. The pomelo salad with sun driedtomato dressing is a great combination of iceberg and romainelettuce, wansuey, vinaigrette, with the optional maho or porkfloss. It’s very refreshing and the contrast of sweet andsour just works well. The pan-fried fish on a bed of asparagus with Superior sauce is topnotch, and my personal favorite, the tofu, broccoliflower with mushroom, is easily the signature dish of Hai.
Hai is located on the 2nd floor, Entertainment Mall, South Wing, SMMall of Asia. For reservations, call 556-0815.
Fish and Co.: Seafood for the soul
Without a shadow of a doubt, Fish and Co. has the best fish andchips in town. Using cream dory from Vietnam , it is the best, making you want to order and take out duringevery visit. The well-loved fried calamari is generously served,and the soft-shell crab salad is savored to the last bite.Succulent and sure to whet your appetite with its chunky meat isthe mussels in butter sauce. For fans of prawns, the spicy sambalis for you, with its chili sauce topped with fresh chili. Thegrilled pork chop in caper sauce is fantastic, brilliantly cookedto perfection. All the seafood is imported and the higheststandards of safety apply in preparation.
Fish and Co. is located at the ground floor, Entertainment Mall,South Wing, SM Mall of Asia. For reservations, call 556-0683.
Via Mare: Merienda fiesta fare
The merienda fare in Via Mare brings back pleasant memories of mychildhood; the taste is consistent and the quality world-class. Thepancit luglog oozes with prawn fat extracted from the head and withthe addition of squid, pork, and homemade chicharon, it has becomea definite must-try Filipino delicacy. For lovers of sweets, lookno further and try bilao number two. Good for five to six persons, these assortments of native desserts include bibingkawith Laguna cheese and queso de bola, palitaw, bibingka cassava,and puto maya. Only served in Mall of Asia, this merienda fiestaexemplifies mastery and delicious food at its finest.
Via Mare is located at the 2nd floor, Entertainment Wing, NorthWing, SM Mall of Asia. For reservations, call 556-0770.
Healthy Shabu Shabu: Healthy dining at its best
Health is wealth, and this way of living is becoming ever morepopular today. Healthy Shabu Shabu promotes this lifestyle, withguests encouraged to order their choice of fresh meats, noodles,seafood, or vegetables and cook in individual hot pots that containa clear broth (with no MSG and oil). A bowl of natural spices isplaced on the side to enhance flavor. Exciting and fun, guestsbecome instant cooks, encouraged to try something unique and awakentheir culinary senses. Good for the heart and food for the soul,Healthy Shabu Shabu is not your typical restaurant, but a gourmetdestination that must be visited.
Healthy Shabu Shabu is located at the 2nd floor, EntertainmentMall, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia. For reservations, call 556-0354.