Arya

I've always been a fan of middle eastern food, and it is very painful that none of my friends prefer the cuisine. They are always in disagreement with me everytime I propose the idea of eating or going persian, indian or arabian. Most Filipinos don't like the strong smell of the food which I really enjoy eating. From the tales of my father who stayed years in middle east to the story of princess jasmine and Aladdin i got very hooked up with the culture and the authentic persian and arabic food. One saturday, we got out early from graduate class and i dragged my classmate to watch a movie with me, since we were an hour early we decided to while away our time by having an early dinner. I asked her if we could try Arya and she instantly acknowledged my suggestion.

Arya is a term frequently used in Buddhism that can be translated as "noble", "not ordinary", "valuable", "precious", "pure", etc. but anyways, Arya is a restaurant in Robinsons Mall Ermita that serves Persian cuisine. The owner according to my research is Filipino-Iranian chef. (I thought Iranians are strict when it comes to interracial marriage/relationship?)

My favorite Humus and pita bread, (i love Mediterranean humus)

While chatting away, I discovered that she also likes these foods. Perfect!

Sheikh Kebab

Their Biryani Rice is so simple and cheap hehe, no one can replace Hussein's biryani in my heart.

Me on a magic carpet ride holding my magic bottle! :P

24 with TGI Friday's

TGI Friday's has always been a favorite place for parties, group gatherings and celebrations. Now living away from manila, it occurred to me how I've  missed the lively environment and the happy crowd of friends I've got. Sadly, them friends are all busy with their own lives. Good thing, I was able to cajole one of my partners in crime for a catch up afternoon and post celebration of my 24th birthday at TGI which reminds me of our fun times.

Me and Sexyren

A happy birthday greetings

Cajun Pasta

They are famous for their steaks, but their pastas are must try!

Oreo icecream cake

Happy Birthday to me!

D&D Inn best of khao san

D&D Inn is truly worth writing home about. Countless times I've experienced how my perfect travel was ruined by my choice of accommodation, but this time I got lucky choosing this hidden gem for a stay in khao san.

Khao san just like the first time still amazes me of how lively and touristy the place is. Though the overland travel from Siem Reap to BKK had left me terminally head awhirl, 'twas replaced with ecstatic feeling upon setting afoot on the city again. From afar, the sign board of  D&D is already visible but one still has to enter a  hallway of shops to reach the hotel's lobby entrance.

The cheapest rate with Western Type Amenities and best inclusions one could get.

Guests have free access to the swimming pool area

The lobby looks small, you would think that the establishment is small scale. But behold! the minute we traveled our way to our room, we discovered how big the hotel is. There were a lot of rooms and the other side of the hotel is still in maintenance.

My room facing the busy street of khao san

Included on the hotel price is free breakfast at dang derm which is across in front of the hotel. They serve Western Style Buffet-It was a Steal! 

I wanted to swim for the  night, but there were too many foreigners enjoying the pool. Too bad I only had one night in Bangkok.

Pho Hoa

Vietnamese cuisine is continuously gaining popularity among Filipinos, as a result the before empty vietnamese restaurants are now crowded by foodies. One of my favorite is Pho Hoa which has a small branch in Robinsons Mall Ermita.

Phở or pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped rice noodles called bánh phở, a few herbs, and meat. Pho is a popular street food in Vietnam and the specialty of a number of restaurant chains around the world.

It makes me feel better looking at how green my food is, its a nice escape from eating too much meat all the time.

I love deep fried vietnamese pork spring rolls, this one didn't trigger joy on my taste buds. And I just wonder why instead of peanut sauce they used chocolate sauce when as far as I know vietnamese peple don't like too much sweets.

Vietnamese Spring Roll,summer roll, or salad roll, is a Vietnamese dish traditionally consisting of pork, prawn, vegetables, bún (rice vermicelli), and other ingredients wrapped in Vietnamese bánh tráng.

Pho vs. Faux

 During my recent trip to Vietnam, I was able to experience slurping a Pho. But even before I was already excited to taste a real vietnam noodle along with my basic tourist knowledge about it.

Pho means noodle

Ga chicken

Bo beef

But its a shame I never got curious about the correct pronunciation of the word Pho. Countless times I've eaten it not knowing I am making a culturally insensitive act of pronouncing it as 'FOE'. So I thought its not yet too late, I should thus exert an effort now of spreading that the word Pho is pronounced as 'FUH". 

The noodle comes with salad of herbs and vegetables piled in a separate plate and the others floating atop the broth, noodles and cuts of meat. 

 Made with pristine white rice flour noodles that are made daily and sold in markets.  A good pho broth is crystal clear, like a French consommé. The broth alone has a magical taste which I've never tasted anywhere else. I loved the mint leaves and the green lime. The play between the greens and the sweet-and-sour broth, with noodles playing their key role, is a total magic.

In pho, cinnamon and star anise lead the charge, with assists from cloves and cardamom. 

In Vietnam they will charge you extra for using wet tissue.