Foodie finds

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos are passionate about food. They know where to dine for that crunchiest sizzling sisig, the juiciest lechon manok, the freshest seafood, or the best-tasting pancit luglog. Some would even go the extra mile just to give in to their delectable cravings.

At SM City Fairview, one can go on a culinary journey without leaving the mall. This sprawling mall boasts a terrific food court and great sit-down dining options that serve cuisines from around the globe. Check out these restos for more yummy finds.

Sbarro: Pizza, pasta, and more

This pizza chain is famous for its New York-style pizza, selling mostly “by the slice.” The hand-tossed dough is made fresh daily and topped with only the finest ingredients. Best-sellers are the New York Style thin-crust pizza which comes in four variants: cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and supreme.

Vegetarian diners can have their pizza, too. Indulge in the Classic Pan Cheese pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, grated Romano cheese, and oregano; or the Spinach, Broccoli & Tomato.

For pasta dishes, diners have the option to order whole or half-baked Ziti for only P174 and P96, respectively. They can also choose the sauce and toppings to go with it.

* * *

Sbarro is at the ground floor, The Annex. For information, SMS 0922-8357738.

Panciteria Lido: Home of pugon-roasted asado

What started as a hole-in-the-wall in Binondo has now become the “it” place for authentic but affordable Chinese dishes.

Panciteria Lido takes pride in its more than 70-year-old recipe – the pugon-roasted asado – which was concocted by the resto’s owner Mr. Lido. This carefully cured loin pork is roasted using an old-fashioned brick oven. Every bite of this ambrosial creation releases exquisite flavors. This Chinese-style cold cut goes for only P240 per serving.

The san-bei-ji (three cups chicken) is another must-try. It tastes like our own chicken adobo, but the flavor is enhanced by the secret Chinese herbs and spices. This delectable dish is served sizzling hot in earthenware.

* * *

Panciteria Lido is at the upper ground floor, SM City Fairview. For details, call 355-5436.

Bacolod Chicken Inasal: Iloilo’s pride

Only one place leaps to mind when the craving for chicken inasal knocks on the palate. Bacolod Chicken Inasal serves the juiciest and best-tasting prime chicken cuts marinated in choice herbs, spices, and achuete and then grilled to perfection.

This dish goes well with a bowl of sour broth with pork, jackfruit, and kadyos beans. These two dishes have always been the beloved staples of Bacolod cuisine.

Cap the meal with a serving of suman surprise. Similar to Bangkok’s famous sticky rice, this yummy delicacy is made even special because it is lathered with vanilla cream sauce.

* * *

Bacolod Chicken Inasal is at the ground floor, The Annex.