Tales From The Other Side (Part 3): The Swiss Deli Restaurant

Picking up from the trail we left off, my series featuring the lesser known side of Aguirre Avenue resumes its journey by taking a leap to another continent.  It is a welcome sight to observe that the restaurants along this famous strip now have a more international flavor.

A spot frequented by ex-pats, this quiet deli is unassuming, sharing the lot with a nail spa of some sort.  In fact, one might be misled that there is no dine-in, sit-down type of affair going on inside, if one does not pay attention to the word "restaurant".  Heck, the inattentive onlooker might even mistake it for a first-aid station, with that all too familiar white and red cross sign.

Indeed, it is a deli selling choice cuts of meat and sausages and premium quality cheese.  Then someone had the bright idea of cooking up what they sell and serving it restaurant style.  Hence, the Swiss Deli Restaurant was born.  Inside, the place is simple and quaint.  No fancy decorations here, no pictures of the Alps, no yodel recordings blaring on the radio.  You can tell that the owners like to keep it low-key, and let their food bask in the limelight.

A quick perusal of their extensive menu and we were off ordering a main course for each of us. 

Seafood Chowder, P195 (+10% service charge)

Kickstarting our appetite was this huge bread bowl of seafood chowder, its warmth emanating slowly from the hollowed out chambers of the bread.  It came in the right temperature, and the broth was delightfully thick.  Full of briny flavor, it was hearty and filling.  Though a bit lacking in some seafood contents (we would have preferred more clams), it was a good starter.  The tough bread should complement well, but one might prefer to save some room for more goodies later in the meal. 

Chicken Cacciatore, P260 (+10% service charge)

Mom often times goes for the pasta dish, and this item was off menu but listed as the day's chef's special.  A huge plate of twisted noodles arrived, the delightful scent of fresh tomatoes wafting slowly as it was set on the table.

And the tomatoes were indeed fresh, plump, and juicy.  The sauce was thick and sour, yet still light and not overpowering.  There were huge chunks of chicken in the mix, although a bit dry in some parts.  Nevertheless, the pasta sauce was addicting.  The noodles were perfectly executed al dente, firm to the bite, dancing tantalizingly on the tongue.  A huge dish full of flavor, a steal at under 300 bucks.

Chicken "Zurich Style", P220 (+10% service charge)

The people in Zurich must be utterly out of their minds, as this chicken dish was confusing.  Or the chef in this restaurant simply missed out on this totally.  Swimming in this murky mushroom sauce was a paltry amount of thin chicken chunks.  The sauce was too salty, like an overdone KFC gravy.  The chicken were too few to enjoy, unlike that present in the cacciatore.  A disappointment after all the hits so far.  Avoid it like the plague.

Prawn Mango Salad, P230 (+10% service charge)

The salad, strangely, came midway through our meal.  Still, it was worth the wait.  A huge bowl of dazzling colors of green, yellow, and red glistened in its fresh moistness.  The prawns were large and generous in number, tender and succulent with each bite.  It was smothered in some kind of spicy tomato sauce, rendering an added dimension to this simple dish.

Consisting of just about any green vegetable the chef could get their hands on to, the serving size was good for four.  The mango cubes, though too few, lent its own sweetness to the mix.  Whoever said no good conversations started off with a salad should probably try this one out.

Australian Rib-eye (300g), P660 (+10% service charge)

Of course, I just had to sample their meat offerings which they also sell frozen.  I picked the rib-eye steak and ordered it medium well, according to my liking.  At 300 grams, it was enough for a single person to devour.  

The steak came out exactly as I wanted it.  The criss-cross pattern of grilling were tell-tale signs of an ample grilling method.  The meat glistened in its juices, the strands of fat cloying in the right places.  The meat was succulent, but was inconsistent - tender in some parts, tough in others.  Still, it was seasoned well enough not to need gravy - which they forgot to serve and arrived a little later.

I enjoyed my steak with a side of spatzle - the Swiss (and Germany's) own version of pasta.  This egg noodle has a queer texture, plump and stout, like an over-hydrated rice puff.  It is practically devoid of flavor on its own, save for a light, buttery taste.  I'm unsure how it should taste, but in retrospect, I should have ordered rice with my steak.

Hungarian Sausage, P195 (+10% service charge)

Earlier, before our meal, I peered through their frozen section, rows of refrigerators keeping their choice meats cool.  I was curious how their sausages would taste, so we ordered one to try.  A fat length of sausage arrived smelling fresh and hot off their grill.

The Hungarian was heavenly.  Peppery and stout, its flavor emanated from the juices trapped within.  It was a travesty to use ketchup, as the sausage was bursting with flavor.  It came with a side of french fries, which was rather forgettable - it was the grocery kind of fries.  Still, the sausage was the star.  Meat done well.

This deli dishes out mouth-watering meat dishes, its steak and sausages attractively priced for this kind of quality.  In fact, one might opt to bring home the frozen versions which should save you up to 20%.  But the lazy ones, like me, prefer to dine in this serene spot along Aguirre.  

The Swiss Deli Restaurant looks to become a fixture in this part of the neighborhood, a regular haunt for ex-pats and locals alike.  Service is attentive and generally okay, and prices are reasonable.  Parking might be a drag during peak hours, but taking out the frozen meat is always a viable option.  A welcome member of the growing "United Nations" of food along Aguirre, the Swiss Deli will instantly transport you to the Alps.  Now only if they can sing a little yodel.

Jones

The Swiss Deli Restaurant

321 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/swissdelirestaurantbf

Read more

Tales From The Other Side (Part 2): Mensakaba Geishu

In the first part of this series, I spoke of the tales from beyond, the other side of the long stretch of Aguirre Avenue.  This lesser known section is a haven of multinational cuisines: Japanese, Korean, Italian, Spanish, and even Swiss and Greek.  Tucked away from the chaos and traffic of the more famous end, the far side of Aguirre flourishes silently on its own.

Already legendary simply by word-of-mouth, this small ramen nook is unassuming and nearly oblivious.  The brainchild of a husband and wife team, Mensakaba Geishu, just by its sheer tiny size, reminds one of cozy street-side ramen stalls in Japan.  Or that corner stall from the movie The Ramen Girl.  Devoid of any Japanese themed decorations, the only things that exude Nippon in this shop are the food and its chef-owner.

With only a short counter table and a few stools, the place inevitably gets packed by the hungry lunchtime crowd.  We arrived just a half-hour before they closed their lunch service, so the place was nearly empty already.  The menu is limited, even down to just 4 basic ramen variants and a few rice bowl choices.  The off-the-grill snack sticks are also quite limited.  And there is no sushi nor sashimi.  Nevertheless, food is guaranteed fresh and cooked to order, as one can waft the tantalizing scent emanating from the traditional Japanese grill and a big cauldron of broth.

Torikawa (Chicken Skin), P35 per stick

Not being a fan of ramen, I proceeded to order from the grilled items.  I particularly enjoy watching Tori-Q's automated grill machines back when I was in Singapore, and I was missing that distinct yakitori taste.  I picked two sticks of Chicken Skin, and I was amused by their small dainty aluminum grill.  It took quite some time for this order to arrive, because it was as fresh as it could be.

The scent of the Torikawa was cloying.  There were some parts that were not charred to my liking, but the smokey flavor was definitely present.  The skin was crisp on the charred areas, fatty and greasy in some.  The sauce complemented the skin well, with its saltiness and a hint of sweetness.  For some, this would pair well with a bowl of hot white rice.  I know I would have done the same.

Shoyu Ramen, P250

Being nearly ignorant of ramen choices, we asked the chef's wife which one was their best-seller.  The Tantanmen apparently sold like pancakes, but this was obviously too spicy for my mom.  Instead, we ordered the mellow Shoyu Ramen.  This huge bowl arrived piping hot and fresh off the cauldron.

Generous slices of chashu were tossed into the mix of clear broth and noodles.  The noodles were firm and perfectly cooked.  The broth was heart-warming, with a tame salty taste.  The pork belly was glorious, with just the right amount of fat marbling.  The sliced egg, I presume, was supposed to be more runny though.  Despite a less colorful appearance, this bowl of ramen was filling for both the heart and stomach. 

Miso Ramen, P250

Just to be a little different, my dad ordered the Miso Ramen.  Served much the same way in a huge bowl, it looked dirtier than the other ramen.  The black stains were actually garlic oil, adding a distinct dimension of flavor.

Thick and generous cuts of pork belly were also a part of this mix, as with the sliced eggs. There were a few chopped cabbage and carrots and a handful of bean sprouts added to give the soup some body.  The garlicky taste was unmistakable, but the broth was still light and tangy.

I did the unthinkable by ordering a non-ramen dish in this ramen place.  Still, it was surprising that this rice bowl was also an apparent best-seller.  Or perhaps, for lack of a wide array of choices, this must be the default.  Nevertheless, it was worth a try.  What with those thick cuts of pork belly.

Chashu-Don, P150

Like most dishes here, the rice bowl was huge!  Six ample cuts of thick pork belly rested peacefully on top of a heaping serving of white rice.  Sprinkled with chopped Japanese seaweed and green onion leeks, the bowl was then smothered in the same sweet yakitori sauce.

The pork belly was roasted to perfection, retaining its smoothness and tenderness while adding a little crunch to the edges.  The meat to fat ratio is amazing and cloying to the tongue.  The sauced adds some spunk, but the dish might be good either way.  The chashu-don deserves to be the best-seller, and not just because it's one of only two rice dishes.  That pork belly is indeed heaven, whether swimming in ramen broth or lying gloriously on top of steamed rice.

The secret is out, the legend is true.  Where else can you enjoy authentic ramen without even breaking the 300 peso mark?  Where else can you greedily gobble thick slices of chashu for less than 200 bucks?  By keeping its menu limited, Mensakaba Geishu managed to perfect its craft and concentrate on the authenticity in the details.  

Service is impeccable, in-your-face, and personal.  It feels much like your friendly neighborhood stall - or even eating at the comforts of your own home.  My only reservations are these two: the menu might be too limited for some, especially those craving for other Japanese staples like sushi, tempura, and teriyaki.  And secondly, I hope they don't grow too famous too fast, following the way of Kenji Tei.  Keep it simple and stay on the other side.

Jones

Mensakaba Geishu

Southland Apartelle, Aguirre Avenue

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/MensakabaGeishuPH

Read more

Sumptuous Sunrise Buckets!

There's nothing more comforting than the mere thought of deep fried chicken wings tossed in good old buffalo sauce, a cold drink in one hand, the sun kissing your skin, and the music of ocean waves crashing upon the rocks and sands.  Ahh, such an idyllic moment.

Sunrise Buckets seem to capture this snapshot, despite no trace of ocean for miles around it.  The shop has been a fixture in the Ortigas area for quite some time now, a regular haunt for budget conscious students, weary office workers, or simply those longing for a piece of the beach, and good times. 

The place is a portal that whisks one away to another place.  One that's sunny, happy, bright and gay.  The walls are studded with beach-themed ornaments, complete with surfboards.  The only thing that seems lacking is real beach sand.  The shop was quite small but cozy, comfortably seating around 40 people or so.

The menu consists mainly of American comfort food, but the wings are the centerpiece, of course.  Only a few can rival Sunrise Bucket's vast array of wing flavors, surpassing even that of Wingman.  But is the quality at par?

Frings, P295 (+10% service charge)

The perfect way to start any comfort dinner is to chow down some potato fries and onion rings.  Dubbed as Frings, this huge basket arrived with a gargantuan sized onion rings!  Breaded and deep-fried to perfection, the onion rings were succulent and delectable.  The fries were crisp and plenty, but lacked some flavor.  The blue cheese dip should have added some punch but seemed to be tamed and watered down.

Picking the flavor of the chicken wings seems like a daunting task, with over 15 flavors to choose from.  The menu, though, helps you out by dividing flavors into 3 categories.  "Awesome" includes the tamer and milder flavors.  "Wipeout" amps up the spice a notch higher, including the original buffalo mix and Sunrise's own concoction.  The category also encompasses other more adventurous flavors: hickory, black pepper, and garlic.  The last, more flamboyant category, dubbed as "Cloud 9", truly is the heaven of wings.  With unique mixes infused with liquor such as Jim Beam and Jack Daniels, the taste is out-of-this-world.  We picked at least a flavor from each category for variety.

Spicy Jack, Half Pound, P245 (+10% service charge)

The distinct taste of liquor was evident but not overpowering in their unique, Jack Daniel-infused Spicy Jack.  The fruity overtones of alcohol blended well and was tame enough to let the zest and spice of buffalo sauce shine through.  It's nearly inexplicable, yet it works.  The chicken meat itself was crisp on the exterior, but a little dry within.  Nevertheless, the sauce is enough to make it finger-lickin' good, to borrow that famous punchline.  Trust me, there's no other flavor in this world like this liquor infused Spicy Jack.  Hands down, the best of the night.  For that price tag, it should be.

Smokin' BBQ, Half Pound, P165 (+10% service charge)

A simpler, more straightforward choice, the Smokin' BBQ was probably lost in the limelight hogged by the Spicy Jack.  The smokey flavor was nearly non-existent, although there were a few traces of a grilled taste.  Too tame or too watered down?  This one was a bit disappointing, tasting just like a lowly common fried chicken.

Garlic Parmesan, Half Pound, P245 (+10% service charge)

I'm a sucker for any garlic and cheese flavor combo, and this pick looked promising.  My palate has since been longing for this taste ever since I grabbed a bite of Wingman's own parmesan mix.  My expectations were thus high for this flavor.  Sadly, Sunrise's version was overboard salty.  The saltiness was overpowering, perhaps due to an overflowing seasoning as evidenced by the leftover powder in the bucket.  The garlic taste was hard to find, subdued by the oiliness of the butter and the overeager flavor of the parmesan powder.  This would have been mind-blowing, had it been executed carefully.

Real American Buffalo Hot, Half Pound, P175 (+10% service charge)

We opted to sample their version of the original buffalo flavor, and it was spot on.  The zest and kick was evident, along with the familiar sourness of the buffalo wing taste.  Available in 3 degrees of spiciness, this should be the usual pick for those who prefer no-frills buffalo wings.  

One fact about Sunrise Bucket's wings is that the serving is small - too small for the price tags.  The cheapest bucket comes at a tad above 150 bucks, but the wing joints appear minuscule.  Some pieces appeared thin and lacked enough meat.  This is in contrast to bigger wings seen in Buffalo's Wings and Things, Wingman, heck even the budget B. Wings.  

Pound for pound, it's not the best bargain in the metro out there.  But what Sunrise Buckets offers and keeps hooking and reeling in their customers is the wide variety of flavors and their really unique alcohol amplified concoctions.  I would be willing to shell out a few bucks more just to sample their Jack Daniels or Jim Beam wings again, even if the sizes are less than average.  It's as ground-breaking and other-worldly as that.

Jones

Sunrise Buckets

Madison Square, Madison Street corner Ortigas Avenue

San Juan City

https://www.facebook.com/sunrise.buckets

Read more

Mexican March Madness: Chihuahua Mexican Grill

March seems to be the month of the Mexican, at least for me.  I had been craving for the good old simple taco and quesadilla for a number of days now.  Our recent foray into the belly of El Chupacabra further sparked my desire for Mexican cuisine.

Long before El Chupacabra was making waves in social media and foodstagrammers, Chihuahua was already whipping up affordable yet authentic Mexican fare.  Its first branch was in a rather delicate location - right smack in Makati's red light district and nearly impossible to access for most of the general public.  Still, it developed a loyal following and has since then expanded to two more outlets that are more appealing to the hungry masses.

Ordering here is as easy as 1-2-3.  You walk up to the counter and pick your preferred wrap: burrito, quesadilla, or the taco.  Fillings range from the usual meat choices, including steak!  The place is well-lit, simple, and no-frills.  Curiously, various game boards were placed on empty tables as it seems the joint welcomes people who want to kill time while gobbling.  One section of the wall caught my fancy - the hot sauce library!  One is enticed to pick their poison of the day, designed to add some oomph to your dish.

There was quite a variety of sauces to choose from, but one caught my palate's fancy.  This Chili Rojo was zesty and deceptively hot.  It starts out mild but as you keep absorbing it, the effect multiplies in your mouth.  Definitely a good pairing with any Mexican dish.

Chips and Queso, P125

To begin our little fiesta, we ordered a bowl of Nachos to share.  This version came with a side of cheese dip.  The chips were cut in large pieces but are relatively easy to wolf down.  Crisp and lightly salted, the dip added flavor to an otherwise tasteless affair.  The cheese dip was mild though and could have benefited from a more thick and gooey consistency.

Quesadilla (Solo, P195) + Steak (add P50)

Having sampled El Chupacabra's melt-in-your-mouth steak quesadilla, we tried Chihuahua's own version.  Three palm-sized flatbread arrived filled with slices of US beef.  At first the size looked daunting, but once you bite, the filling seems too few.

The flat bread was lightly toasted on the exterior, rendering a mild crunchy texture.  The steak was tender and juicy but less smooth than El Chupacabra's version.  Still, there seemed to be more morsels in there compared to the latter.  I would have preferred the cheese to be more gooey and stringy in consistency, but it was flavorful on its own.  The dish came with refillable sides of salsa to add another dimension and taste, but there's nothing a dash of chili sauce can't save.

Tacos (3 pcs, P245) + Steak (add P50)

I picked the steak taco for an apparently lighter fare.  Interestingly, one can mix and match your choice of whether to get the soft shell or the more familiar crunchy version.  I picked one as soft-shell just to have variation.

Again, the steak was generously cut and larger, with a tender texture.  But it was less smooth and was grittier than what I sampled in El Chupacabra.  Also, it was served cold!  The toppings of greens was more than sufficient, adding yet another crunchy texture with its fresh crispness.  I added some more salsa and a dashes of chili sauce to seal the deal.  The dish could have benefited from more cheese though.

Chihuahua also has a diverse drink collection, from local and foreign beers to their own margarita concoctions.  But this Dr. Pepper Cherry Soda instantly caught my eye!  I absolutely love the peppery, almost medicinal taste of whatever Dr. Pepper soda variant there is.  It was the perfect pairing to douse the flames of Mexican food.

Although somewhat overshadowed by its now more legendary rival, Chihuahua still deserves a place in the Mexican food scene.  It is simple yet satisfying, and being one of the pioneers of demystifying Mexican cuisine.  Prices are affordable and their 2 latest locations are more accessible for the general hungry public.  The dishes could use some more generosity in the ingredients though.  But one is assured of its freshness and authenticity.  Chihuahua is probably an easier choice to quell the Mexican craving.

Jones

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center

Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/chihuahuamexicangrill

Read more

Meaty Monstrosity: El Chupacabra

Legend tells of a mythical, mysterious creature that feasts on the blood of livestock, terrorizing the Latin American countryside.  This hideous beast is often described as a bear-sized monster studded with spiny outgrowths - almost an other-worldly being.

It is curious how this brainchild of the proprietors of Mexicali is aptly named.  The only creatures feasting here are the hungry miscreants of Makati night-life, eagerly stuffing themselves silly either before or after a night of partying.  Yet the name is catchy, mysterious even.  Finding it is an adventure itself - tucked away in the bowels of Poblacion.

El Chupacabra has built its legend on the strength of the social network, powered by Instagram and Zomato and whatever food-sharing app.  The place is not too shabby, neither is it intimidating.  It consists of a modified flat, with tables set al fresco albeit in a haphazard way - much like a fly-by-night carinderia.  Yes, complete with the obligatory roadside barbecue grill where the good stuff goes on.  The lighting inside is sinister red, illuminating the crowds consisting of a mix of locals and boisterous Japanese ex-pats.

A hot, humid hell house it is - a perfect setting for sampling even hotter Mexican fare.  We settled for two kinds of quesadillas, but I proceeded to be more adventurous with an order of their signature wings from Hades.

Gringas, Carne Asada, P195 (+10% service charge)

The quesadilla collection, coined as Gringas, is a myriad of selections that should cater to everyone- from all-meat to pure veggies.  The Carne Asada consists of thin slices of steak eneveloped by glorious melted cheese.  The flour wraps are light and toasted perfectly, as evidenced by blackish-brown stains.  The steak meat is bliss - soft and tender, oozing with its natural juices.  Such a pity that the strips are too few in between - but still enough to tickle one's fancy.  The cheese is gooey, sticky, yet not overpowering.  The dips are almost unnecessary, but the chimichurri blends well with the wraps.  Truly a bargain for the meat-lovers.

Gringas, Cheese, Garlic and Onion, P125 (+10% service charge)

I picked a non-meat version of the Gringas, but nonetheless lip-smacking good.  Four thin quesadilla filled with gooey cheese arrived with an unmistakable aroma.  The wraps were seared and toasted well on the exterior.

Though the wraps could use more fillings, the zest added by the garlic and onion was a welcome change in flavor.  Again, the green chimichurri dip works best with this dish.

Lord of the Wings, P250 (+10% service charge)

The main reason why I opted for a non-meat wrap - the Lord of the Wings.  The name was catchy and interesting, especially for a night when I was craving for fried chicken wings.  Their version of the classic buffalo wings was a sight to behold - the sauce was generously and lovingly draping every part of the wings.

I was hyped up for the wings - but the first bite was a bit of deflating.  The wings had arrived cold!  I wasn't sure if it was due to the sauce that they probably stored in a cooler.  Or my plate might have gone cold as it was the last item to arrive.  Nevertheless, the meat inside was juicy and flavorful.  The skin was inconsistent though - crisp in some parts, questionable in others.  However, prepare your taste buds for some torment.  The sauce is fiery - straight from Hades.  The first stain on your lips is deceptively mild, but as you bite through one piece, all hell breaks loose.  Sour and zesty, their homemade sauce is consistently and painfully hot, yet enjoyable.  Dip it in the accompanying blue cheese dip to tame the flavors a bit.  

I managed to finish off the dish, with a little help from my friends.  It was highly addicting and should be popular for spicy sadists.  The size of each wing joint was average, smaller than dedicated wing restaurants like Wingman and the like.  Still, at 250 bucks, it's a good bar chow to share or naughty dish to order if you feel like having it all for yourself.

It seems strange that despite the longevity of Mexicali in the local Mexican food scene, it is their side show El Chupacabra that has exploded in popularity.  Perhaps the adventure of finding this humble street side nook is part of the charm it exudes.  Perhaps tales of dirt cheap burritos and tacos and honest-to-goodness Pinoy-style barbecue (yes, it is also a best seller) piques the interest of foodies.  Or perhaps the folk lore of hungry chupacabras devouring flavorful meat lures the hunters themselves.  Try the spicy goat burrito next time and truly one will transform into a real goat-sucker, El Chupacabra.

Jones

 El Chupacabra

5782 Felipe corner Polaris Street

Bel-Air, Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/Elchupacabraph

Read more

Sen Lek Thai Noodle House: From Rags to Riches

In the foodie scene, each restaurant has its own story.  I'm a big fan of rags to riches fairy tales, no matter how cliche they may be.  It's always fascinating to see a humble little nook rise to stardom.  It gives us something to cheer for in a world filled with daily negatives.

My sister remembers Sen Lek Thai Noodle House as a small joint in a lesser known part of BF.  I never had the chance to visit them when they were still relatively unknown.  But she swears the food, especially the noodle concoctions, were authentic and good.  Fast forward to a few years back, when Sen Lek resurfaces like a prodigal heroine.  Currently, they occupy a strategic spot along the main road of Aguirre, reeling in patrons, both the loyalists and the novice.

Their current home is large and brightly lit, exuding a cozy vibe with walls adorned with Thai-themed furniture and snippets.  On a lazy Sunday lunch time, the place was half-filled.  Ordering is simple since the menu is quite limited.  The star of course are the noodle soups, but they do offer Thai staples such as curry and tom yum  soup.  They do offer rice meals which seem value-for-money.

We were in a bit of a hurry, so we ordered three rice meals that seemed bang for the buck.  We added another order of noodle soup to share among the three of us.

Wanton Thai Noodle Soup, P100

I'm not kidding.  This big bowl of homey goodness is just a hundred bucks.  Filled nearly full with a smooth, warm broth, the Wanton Thai Noodle Soup is a definite bargain.  The broth was mild and not overpowering with a herbal taste.  Some people have aversion to a queer, medicinal tasting soup, but this is quite tame and should agree with most.  Add a little sriracha chili sauce and you're good to go.   

The flat noodles were soft and perfectly al dente.  I liked the generous serving of fresh mongo sprouts swimming in the mixture.  A dash of chopped herbal greens and onions added color and dimension.  The dumplings though were a bit sad and tasteless, like a cheap grocery version.  Nevertheless, beggars can't be choosers with such a dirt cheap price.  I'm usually not fond of noodles or ramen, but I do have an inkling for Vietnamese or Thai noodles.  This, save for the wonton dumplings, is a steal.

Chicken Pandan, P160

Mom picked the chicken pandan, a usual Thai favorite.  This version, however, was regrettable.  Out came two minuscule, nearly flat portions of chicken wrapped in burnt pandan leaves.  

The chicken was dry and crusted.  It was nearly devoid of flavor, and no amount of soy vinegar dip could save the dish.  It was overpriced and disappointing.  We should have picked another noodle soup instead, which are all value for money.

Beef Curry, P140

I grabbed the beef curry rice meal since I wasn't in the mood for a chicken dish.  The serving looked ample, with a sizable amount of white rice.  The sauce looked fiery and exciting, as I eagerly sampled it.

The curry gravy was a tad too oily but was indeed fiery.  It had a hint of zest but the spice level was not overwhelming.  I enjoyed pouring the mildly sweet and milky sauce on my immaculate white rice.  The beef strips were thin but commensurate in number.  It was tender but some portions were inconsistent.  Also, there was nothing else inside the bowl.  I would have appreciated some eggplants or carrots, or even potatoes.  Now I really miss the massaman curry I had back in SG.

Green Chicken Curry, P130

My sister picked the ubiquitous Green Chicken Curry rice meal.  It looked mundane but the taste was surprisingly good.  The curry gravy was less oily than my beef curry, perhaps neutralized by the chopped eggplants and string beans.  The vegetables were fresh and crisp, for that matter.

The sauce was also mildly sweet and had spicy overtones.  It was highly addicting and would undoubtedly lead one to order extra rice for that generous amount of curry gravy.  It reminded me of the curry I had in Maxwell FC.  It had a more watery consistency which some would not prefer, but it was enjoyable pouring spoonfuls over the rice.  The chicken was tender and flavorful, unlike its pandan counterpart.

Thai Iced Tea, P60

All the heat and tangy flavor deserved a cool down, and what better way to do so than with the all-time favorite Thai Iced Tea.  This version was a few notches too sweet, but one can always douse it with more water.  I liked that the leafy taste was distinct but not dominant, and I could somehow make out a little spice on the drink itself.  A perfect pairing for all the spicy Thai dishes here.

I'm not sure where Sen Lek made its first beginnings, but what it is now is a far cry from its humble little corner spot it used to occupy.  Despite the obvious changes, they have manged to keep prices at bare minimum, and thus kept its loyal fans coming back and virginal converts like me to keep wanting it.  The noodle soups are bang-for-the-buck, with its hefty servings and authentic taste.  Some of the dishes might be hit and miss, or too tame for Thai food purists.  But with a price that's hard to beat, a location that's hard to miss, and food that hits the comfort zones, Sen Lek is more than just the cliche of rags to riches.

Jones

Sen Lek Thai Noodle House

4 Delfa Street, corner President's Avenue

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/SEN-LEK-THAI-NOODLE/209933752464115

Read more