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

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Spanish in the Village: Las Paellas Cafe

One of my least favorite cuisine is Spanish.  I don't know why, but it must be its relative similarities with most Filipino dishes, such that the distinction is blurred.  Or maybe it's the general appearance of the food, commonly served in small portions or tapas style.  Although I do agree that Spanish food is both filling and fulfilling.  I have been gratified with my few forays in Alba, Guernica, and Ilustrado - particularly liking salpicao and cochinillo.  Still, it's not something I dream of whenever my mind is idle (and my stomach empty).

Nonetheless, the village does have notable Spanish restaurants in the vicinity.  I couldn't recall when this Las Paellas Cafe branch opened just behind our house.  Likely, I didn't give it much attention.  But, a free lunch is still free lunch.  So, I happily joined the family for a trip behind our fence, ridiculously taking our cars for a distance we can actually walk through.

Caesar Salad, P195 (+10% service charge)

The place was empty as it practically opened for us.  With brightly lit interiors, the walls were painted in festive orange and yellow to set one in the mood for food.  The menu was basically Spanish food with Filipino imprints.  We started of with a serving of Caesar Salad.  The greens were fresh, moist and crisp.  The light vinaigrette dressing was a welcome flavor.  The croutons and crispy bacon added yet another crunchy dimension, although the bacon bits seemed few and negligible.

Gambas Al Ajillo, P255 (+10% service charge)

One of my favorite tapas, the obligatory Gambas was my pick of the day.  Sauteed in olive oil, these shrimps were peppered with chili to add some zest and spice.  It came served with a single piece of garlic bread cut in half.  One would dare wipe up the excess olive oil with the bread, which was crusty on the outside yet soft enough within.

The shrimps were small-sized yet plump and juicy.  Mildly spicy, the flavor was addicting.  My only gripe was that it was literally swimming in oil.  I should have ordered rice immediately to soak up the sauce.

Tortang Talong Stuffed with Galunggong, P195 (+10% service charge)

Although eating with senior citizens comes with its perks (hello, 20% discount!), the downside is most orders are either seafood or veggies.  The Tortang Talong has pinoy written all over it, with its toppings of chopped fresh tomatoes and onions.

An easy dish to make in one's own home, this version was supposed to be stuff with galunggong fish.  I could hardly make out the stuffing, yet even find minute traces of it.  The eggplant was okay, and the egg batter was not overwhelming.

Crispy Kare-Kare, P310 (+10% service charge)

Already widespread in its many permutations, the Las Paellas version was apparently a more recent addition.  A rack of crisp pork belly was soaked in thick peanut sauce and served with various vegetables.  This was obviously ordered to appease my carnivorous cravings.

The pork was crisp but not consistently so.  The fat to meat ratio was 50/50, which is actually a plus for me.  The skin was crisp in some parts, but chewy in some slices.  The meat though was flavorful in itself.  The sauce was nutty and leaned toward a sweeter side, a particular preference I liked in kare-kare.  The string beans and sliced eggplant were crisp and fresh also.  I did, however, raise my eyebrow with how it came served with the bagoong dip haphazardly placed within the bowl itself.  I would have preferred it to be served separately, to give one the freedom to season the dish to taste.  Their version was okay, but pales in comparison to the higher quality of Pino's version of kare-kareng bagnet.

Valenciana, P525 (+10% service charge)

What's a trip to a Spanish joint without paella?  The group feasted on two versions, the Valenciana and the Marinara.  The Valenciana was a mish-mash of nearly everything - chicken, pork chorizo, and assorted seafood.  The saffron rice was soft but not mushy, it was creamy in texture.  The tomato-based sauce was mild but somewhat more fluid than the usual paella way.  I liked the chorizo as it was peppery and fatty.  Bits of chicken were nowhere to be found except when I was jolted by its chopped up bones.  Some of the clams and oysters actually had no content, which was a disappointing revelation.

Marinara, P525 (+10% service charge)

On the other hand, the Marinara mix seemed heftier and had more content.  The slices of squid was tender and not rubbery.  The briny flavor of the shrimp was good and added saltiness to an otherwise oily dish.  Again, the rice was correctly done, leaving no burnt grains on the pot.  The serving size for both paella dishes should be good for 3-4 average persons.

Perhaps not as classy or high-end as Ilustrado, or even Alba, Las Paellas Cafe is an easy and affordable way for people who crave good Spanish food without breaking the bank.  True to their name, the paella dishes are done correctly, but not spectacularly.  For the simple reason that Pino is quite far from my place, I may come back for this version of Crispy Kare-Kare, as it was nearly at par.  Despite my near disinterest for Spanish food, Las Paellas Cafe may deserve that biannual visit.

Jones

Las Paellas Cafe

Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes

Paranaque City

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Tales From The Other Side: Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

There was a time when the long stretch of Aguirre Avenue was nearly devoid of any food spot.  A decade ago, there were only a handful of notables, including Conti's (the original branch), Hanakazu, and Little Quiapo.  Today, Aguirre is a bustling neighborhood of cafes, bars, and restaurants.  Often neglected and forgotten is the lesser known far end of Aguirre.  Away from the traffic nightmares so common these days, this area houses a treasure trove of good finds.  I aim to start this series of posts as I discover the tales from "the other side".

Much like the more famous restaurants I mentioned above, Rio has been a resident of BF for a long time.  Under its original title "Little Rio", it slowly gained popularity as a homey, quaint Japanese joint.  It served (and still does) a unique, hitherto unconventional twist with its crispy chicken teriyaki.  Of course, since then, many restaurants have followed suit.  Quite so suddenly, it closed down but resurrected just a couple of years ago with a bigger shop.

The charm of its simplicity, combined with the affordable menu, keeps its loyalists returning.  I, for one, swear on the goodness of their chicken teriyaki.  So, on a rainy and lazy Sunday lunch, we trooped to this quieter side of town.  We had the shop to ourselves when we arrived, and we proceeded to order the usual Japanese fare they offered.

Shoyu Ramen, P190 (Regular)

With the cold downpour of rain outside, sis and Mom deemed it fit to enjoy a warm bowl of ramen.  Mom's choice was the regular sized Shoyu.  The regular bowl was sized similar to the higher end ramen restaurants, but at a much lower price tag.  I don't really fancy eating noodles, but Mom professed it was hearty and fulfilling.  Tossed into the mix were ample slices of chasu pork, half an egg, and some bean sprouts.  I took a little sip of the warm broth and the saltiness was not overpowering.  The pork was tender but lacked a bit of seasoning or flavor.  I'm not sure but the egg should have been a bit more runny.  The thin noodles were okay.

Seafood Ramen, P210 (Regular)

On the other hand, the Seafood Ramen was packed with more contents.  Slices of tuna, squid, and shrimps swam deliciously in a clear broth.  Sister claimed the seafood was fresh enough.  I took a sip of the soup and it was saltier than the shoyu.  Perhaps the natural salinity and brine of the seafood contributed to its denser flavor.  

Clearly, I am no ramen connoisseur, but the ladies enjoyed their bowls down to the last slurp.  Happily though, their 2 orders of regular ramen qualified us to avail of a promo for free 8 piece gyoza!

Gyoza, P160 (8 pcs)

It seemed like the steal of the day with the gyoza worth 160 bucks if ordered outside the promo.  Nevertheless, my expectations were not high for this version.  The dumplings were average-sized and appeared plump.  The skin was all right, not too thick.

At first bite however, it was a little deflating.  The filling was too little as evidenced by the space within.  Still, the mix inside was flavorful with the ground pork and chopped veggies.  Luckily we didn't have to pay for this since I would have regretted ordering it.

Ebi Tempura, P160 (3 pcs)

As usual, I ordered shrimp tempura which I intended to eat on my own.  But of course, the ladies grabbed a piece each.  The tempura was light, the batter thin and crisp.  The shrimps were only average-sized yet still fresh and juicy.  Not exactly award-winning, but definitely better than the regular fast-food variety.

I succumbed to my beef bowl cravings and ordered a serving of gyudon, after missing it for so long.  I eagerly waited for my order to arrive.  My heart (and stomach) has a soft spot for beef served in immaculate pristine white bowls.  This was no exception. 

Gyudon, P210

Lost in the messy presentation were thin slices of beef, a few onions, and an entanglement of noodles topped with a fresh golden egg yolk.  I actually forgot to ask the server to remove the noodles, since I was not too fond of having my gyudon in this manner.  It added too much bulk to the dish.  The mirin sauce was a good combination of savory and sweet, although inclining more to a sweeter side.  The beef, I noticed, was fewer in portion compared to a couple of years ago.  Talk about inflation (and deflation of serving sizes!).  Nevertheless, it was tender and not tough, easy on my jaws.  The rice portion was hefty and I dared not to polish it all off.  

Despite the influx of more hip restaurants and more exciting cuisines, Rio has managed to retain its humble charm and "old-world" magic.  It reminds long time residents of BF how our place used to be so quiet and peaceful, with shops such as Rio offering a homey take on old-time Japanese favorites.  Although admittedly, Rio is not as creative and innovative as other hole-in-the-wall joints.  But neither do they intend to do so.  As such, prices are kept at a minimum (even doing away with service charge) but quality is certainly above any regular fast-food joint.  Therefore, don't expect to be blown away.  Rio is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the other side, as it rightfully sits on the more serene end of the foodie street.

Jones

Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

303 El Grande Avenue, corner Havana Street

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/thelittlerio

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Rekindling the Flame: Flaming Wings

During my one-year sojourn in Singapore, one of the comfort food that I really missed and craved for was the good old buffalo wings.  Although the fried chicken wings of hawker fare had its own charm (even the wings at Ikea were good), nothing could replace the distinct tangy taste of buffalo wings.  

I am really so fortunate (or unfortunate, at times, because of traffic congestion) to live just behind the now famous foodie street of Aguirre.  A long-time resident of this street has been serving buffalo wings since time immemorial, keeping its cozy nook despite expanding all over the metro.  Flaming Wings, a favorite of budget conscious foodies, was a 5 minute walk away.

My last visit at Flaming Wings at their White Plains branch was a bit deflating.  So much so that I didn't visit this next-door branch.  But on this particular night, my craving for buffalo wings was overwhelming.  So off we strolled just behind our street.

The place is really small compared to their other branches, accommodating perhaps only about 20 people max.  They do have an extension next door, but it seems lonely to stay there.  Flaming Wings does offer other items such as pasta and even salad, for the health conscious.  But the wings are kings.

Mild N' Sweet, 3 Wings, P150

Mom was intolerable of spicy food, so we picked a lesser evil, the Mild N' Sweet flavor variety.  Of note, the joint serves their famous wings by the number - and three wings really mean three FULL wings, not just three pieces.  Again, some people prefer wings served by weight so they get more heft, but then, the weight of the bones has to be factored in.  In contrast, serving by the number seems more reassuring, but then some joints can cheat by serving minuscule, frog-leg sized wings.  

Consistently though, Flaming Wings serves wings of adequate proportions.  It does pale in comparison to the heftier portions of Wingman, but of course, this one is cheaper.  Nevertheless, the milder toned sauce draped every nook and cranny of each wing.  The exterior was crisp and perfectly deep fried.  The sauce seeped into the meat within, which was tender and juicy on its own.  Each order of a 3-wing set comes with a free dip (hooray!), and this honey-mustard further enhanced the hints of honey of this wing variety.

Wild, 3 wings, P150 and Wing Meal, P130

My tongue was longing for the heat, so sister and I ordered the Wild variety.  This was their hottest flavor, unlike other wing joints that offer much more.  Still, it was quite a daunting challenge.  The heat level was higher than I expected, but I managed to devour my 3-piece set.  Of course, my teary eyes and runny nose had to absorb all its effects.  What was strikingly different from my first foray in Flaming Wings was that the sauce here was so generous!  A pool of zesty buffalo wing sauce collected at the bottom of the basket, perfect for scraping up with each bite of wing.  The skin was crisp, as always, and the meat tender.  The dips we picked (bleu cheese and balsamic mayo) complemented the wings well.

Wicked Oreos, P80

To dissipate the heat, we ended our meal with the much sought after Wicked Oreos.  Three piece of Oreos were draped in buttermilk batter and deep-fried, topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The batter was a tad too thick.  I would have preferred a thin, more crunchy texture.  Still, it was sweet and sinful enough.  The ice cream was not overwhelmingly sweet, but partnered with the cookies well.  A dash of chocolate powder and powdered sugar added some more saccharine goodness, as if the cookies itself weren't enough.  I wished they would serve more cookies though.

My return trip to Flaming Wings was redemption.  Perhaps this long-standing branch rewards its loyal customers by being more generous with the sauce and servings.  Or maybe back then, when I tried the White Plains branch, it had just recently opened and were ironing out some kinks.  Prices are dirt-cheap, easily one of the more affordable wing joints without sacrificing quality.  Needless to say, this more convenient location has reaffirmed the comforting goodness of their buffalo wings such that I would soon go back.  Frequently.

Jones

Flaming Wings (multiple branches)

302-A Aguirre Avenue

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flaming-Wings/265052803521204

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Return to Songkran

On lazy Sundays, the default habit of the family is to eat out for lunch.  There is clearly no need to look further beyond our neighborhood, with Aguirre Avenue already a bustling food mecca.  Despite the seemingly endless options, there's something lazy cozy about coming back to that Thai joint just behind the rusty old gate.

As a testament to Songkran's longevity, the restaurant has remained under the radar yet keeps its loyal followers coming back for more.  Many joints have come and gone along the now famous avenue, yet Songkran has retained its spot tucked amidst the trees in a quiet corner.

We arrived ahead of the hungry BF Sunday crowd, and promptly ordered the Thai staples.  Nothing much had changed since my last visit, even the prices remained easy on the pocket despite a little inflation.

Crispy Catfish with Mango Salad, P215 

An all-time favorite, the Crispy Catfish Salad announced its arrival with a pungent zesty smell.  The shredded fish flesh was lightly fried to a crisp, a texture that was tantalizing to the tongue.  The mango hidden underneath the tangled mess rendered a sweet sour dimension of taste to the dish.  Highly addicting, it was good on its own - but often the case is to sprinkle this over piping hot jasmine rice.

Fresh Spring Rolls, P145

In keeping with a healthier theme, we picked the Fresh Spring Rolls over the fried version.  These rolls were stuffed to the core with fresh lettuce, carrots, and cilantro.  The near transparent wrap barely kept the burgeoning roll together.

Six fat pieces were more than a mouthful.  The greens were fresh and crisp, its flavors enhanced by the accompanying sweet chili dip.  A dash of chopped peanuts added a subtle nutty taste, reminding one of our own local lumpia versions.  I've tried a good variety of spring rolls, from the Vietnamese rolls to the Singaporean popiah, but it's the Thai version that comes out the winner.  Songkran's rendition is a good representation of authenticity.

Stir Fried Morning Glory with Tausi, P135

It seemed we haven't had enough of vegetables, as we added the Stir Fried Morning Glory to our order.  Chopped leaves and stalks of kangkong were sauteed lightly in savory tausi sauce.  The greens were crunchy and fresh, not soggy.  The sauce was not overpowering, mildly sweet and salty.  

Tom Yum Goong, P255

A big bowl of piping hot goodness, the ubiquitous Tom Yum soup was set prominently on our table.  Submerged in the spicy broth were plump shrimp, mixed with some sliced tomatoes, basil, onions, and lemongrass.

However, the vegetables seemed too scanty for the overflowing broth.  A little more greens would have been appreciated.  Also, the number of shrimps was also few, and some were not too fresh.  The broth this time was too sour and overwhelming, despite having the right amount of spiciness.  Still, for less than 300 bucks, the bowl was good enough for three to four persons.  The mere sight of the big silver bowl conjured memories of that Thai stall in Maxwell FC back in Singapore.

Green Chicken Curry, P285

No trip to any Thai restaurant would be complete without sampling the curry offerings.  I've tried Songkran's Green Chicken Curry before, and it was delightful.  Despite lacking a notable viridian hue, the scent of the curry spices wafted gloriously from the plate.

The slices of chicken were tender and moist, absorbing the curry gravy well.  This time out, there seemed to be enough vegetables than my previous experience with this order.  Ample cuts of succulent eggplant shared the mixture with chopped tomatoes and green chilies.  The spiciness was distinct but not too powerful.  The curry gravy was milky, mildly sweet and zesty.  This dish remained consistently good and thoroughly enjoyable.  The only qualm was that the smallish serving size, but one's complaints are easily calmed by the price tag it comes with.

In an avenue with numerous dining options almost like the entire United Nations, (yes there is Greek food finally in BF), Songkran remains the go-to Thai escape for hungry BF residents.  Prices are kept nearly dirt-cheap, although serving sizes are variable and might not be commensurate for some people.  Still, the perk of not needing to endure the worsening traffic of the metro have us homeowners simply strolling leisurely to this hidden gem.  In my case, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump.

Jones

Songkran Thai Restaurant

249 Aguirre Avenue, corner D. Tuazon Street

BF Homes

Paranaque City

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Lose Your Mind at Crazy Katsu!

A couple of years ago, katsu was the "in" thing.  People would endure long queues just to be able to gobble up their favorite crunchy fillets.  Katsu places now are dime a dozen, from the perennial favorite Yabu, to the higher end Saboten, and everything in between.  The market is flooded by katsu restaurants, even fastfood joints are modifying their menu to include them.  But, unlike the ramen craze, the clamor for katsu has mellowed down.

Keeping itself under the radar, Crazy Katsu has stealthily occupied a comfortable niche in the low to mid-level market for katsu.  From its humble origins in the bustling food mecca in Maginhawa street, Crazy Katsu managed to expand its reach as far as the southern foodie haven in BF.  Just a few meters behind my home, I had been eyeing this place every time I went for an afternoon jog.

This particular branch is quite diminutive but cozy, tucked away in a small corner beside a sari-sari store and a burger bar.  Inside, around 30-40 people can comfortably seat on wooden chairs.  Despite this, it didn't feel like a cheap katsu place.  On a lazy Sunday lunchtime, the place was rather empty.  The family quickly ordered as we were all famished.

The menu was a one-pager.  Clearly, all they offered was katsu and a few other Japanese dishes.  No sushi or sashimi here, for those needing their raw fix.  But it was all good for me, as I was here to sample their best-selling katsu.  Service was understandably fast since there were only two other diners inside.

Tonkatsu, P150

I am not a big fan of chicken katsu, so I instantly selected Tonkatsu from the menu.  I kept my expectations reasonable, knowing that this is a budget joint.  It was a pleasant surprise, therefore, when my order arrived.  The size was bigger than I expected, larger than an average man's palm.

Remarkably, the fillet was also a centimeter thick.  The exterior was stunning, deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown.  At first bite, there was very little trace of oil, a welcome finding.  The coating was consistently crunchy in all parts.  The panko crumbs are light and gentle to the palate.  I always disdain katsu that have crumbs that pierce my mouth.  

The meat was flavorful but tough in some parts.  There were hints of luscious fat, but it left me wanting.  Clearly, it lacked the marbling so evident in higher-end katsu.  No ceremonious grinding of sesame seeds here, as the sauce is provided on the side.  It was a combination of sour-sweet flavor, a good accompaniment to the tonkatsu.  The shredded cabbage was generic and wasn't saved by the usual mayonnaise dressing.  Nevertheless, this was a good bargain.  Well done!

Chicken Katsu, P155

Mom picked their renowned best-seller, the Chicken Katsu variant.  Chopped cubes of chicken deep fried to a crisp came served on a bed of shredded cabbage.  Again, the serving size was a delightful surprise, seemingly more than the price tag.

The outer breading was light and crunchy, with very little panko.  Yet, it was highly addicting!  The chicken meat was tender and juicy.  Some cubes had the skin-on, retaining a cloying fatty flavor.  Still, the secret, apparently, was the soy-vinegar sauce on the side.  Spiked with red chilies, it raised the heat level a notch and added a zesty dimension.  One can request this potion drenching the chicken, but I prefer that the meat retain its crunchy texture.  Although I wasn't a big fan of ANY chicken katsu, I really enjoyed this dish.  It defended its moniker as the best-seller, indeed.

Fish and Vegetable Tempura, P150 

A non-meat eater, Dad was thankful that they had the Fish and Vegetable Tempura on the menu.  Although I was wary that they would not deliver well on this, the order looked tempting when it arrived.  Three thin fillets were lightly battered and fried to a perfect crisp.

Veggies thrown into the mix included slices of eggplants, sweet potatoes, and string beans. I didn't get to taste all but I assume it was okay, as my dad consumed them in a jiffy.

Gyoza, P130

We had a side order of gyoza, just so I could sample them.  I was missing Kenji Tei's spicy cheese gyoza, so I craved for this.  However, this was just the regular variety.

The dumplings were slightly burnt on the underside - a good sign for gyoza.  This surface was crisp, while the opposite side was smooth and soft.  The filling was warm as I had my first bite.  However, it was a tad too bitter and wanting with pork meat.  I preferred a more savory taste, and there was nothing that the soy dip could do.

Bargain bounty!

With nothing over 200 bucks, Crazy Katsu is a steal.  For that price tag, the food quality is above par, especially both chicken and pork katsu variants.  No wonder it still is a hit among students.  The other dishes though are a bit off, but these guys certainly know what they are doing with their katsu.  With the departure of Tonkatsuya in BF, Crazy Katsu should dominate the scene.  Ditch your plans for a quick katsu fix in fast-food posers.  It's better to lose your self here.  In my opinion, the best budget katsu in the country.

Jones

Crazy Katsu

231 Aguirre Street

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/crazykatsu

   

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