Hodai means "Unlimited or Unli" and by that Hodai Restaurant offers its visitors nine (9) different fusion dishes to go crazy about and fill that hungry tummy. It's a new restaurant located in one of the residential but busy section of West Triangle. To be exact the restaurant is in Examiner Street, West Triangle, Quezon City. Just a few walks away from West Avenue.


If you're familiar with the place you'll eventually know that the place is one of the many residential residences in Quezon City that have big cuts of lands. More space than the current house and lots in the metro.  Hodai Restaurant rented the place from the owner and gladly they were able to maintain the house's original identity. Some of the prominent features of the house that you'll eventually notice that it is an old house is the elevated received area or sala, the half-level of elevation from the kitchen or CR, and the most interesting part is the stars which are considered to an antique stair already. These kinds of houses are built int he late 50s or early 60s.

What made me visit this place? Well, they have this interesting 100 Days Anniversary Promo with 40% off. Their Silver and Gold Sets are off with that 40%, from Php499 to Php299 and from Php599 to Php359, respectively. Value for money and satisfaction for the tummy.

So, if you'll be planning to visit Hodai here are my recommended 9 Unli Fusion Dishes review for you. I just so happen had a great time dining at Hodai. Take note that their dishes are fusion so don't expect something of your usual flavor.

Pork Tonkatsu - if you're familiar with the Japanese dish Pork Tonkatsu it means pork cutlet that is smeared with bread crumbs, deep-fried and served with Japanese Worcestershire sauce, rice, and vegetable that is mainly cabbage. The Hodai version is the same, though, it is a bit thinner slices, perhaps to make it more easily chop and munched.  
Chicken Karaage - the Karaage is simply described as "fry". So whatever it is, whether chicken, pork or anything it is just one thing... it is fried. So, with the served Hodai version, I find it interesting as it is chopped just right for munching. I think other than having it as a dish, it is also good to pair with beer or sake.


Seafood Pasta - This one is a little bit confusing for me. At first, I thought it was ramen but it was not and I find it a little bit interesting because of the mussels on top fo the pasta (which I thought ramen noodles). But then again after tasting the flavor I really savor the flavor. It's much much creamier that I think I might go back and try a bowl if I can finish it in just one sitting.

Kani Salad - One of the appetizers that are really good and one of my favorites. Mostly cabbage mixed with crab meat strips some flavorful sauce (which I don't have any idea about the mixture of the sauce).


Assorted Sushi - Of course Japanese dish wouldn't be complete without the sushi and maki rolls being taken by the other customers. Sometimes it's really hard to maintain establishments like this.

Spicy Barbeque in Chile Sauce - This specific dish is not surprising enough for others, I'm not sure how it is called or is it Filipino or Japanese.

Tempura - yes, that crunchy coating that covers the sweet and tasty meat of shrimps. I really love it very much and if only I was still young that unlimited serving of Tempura would be great.

Steamed Tofu - if you're into being a healthy buff, well, some of the dishes offered by Hodai isn't for you but there are two that you enjoy and one of them is the steamed tofu. It may be bland at first but once you taste the flavor you'll definitely enjoy it very much.

Fish Teriyaki - the Teriyaki according to google dictionary means any fish or meat marinated in soy sauce and grilled. Basically, it is a grilled dish and for this instance, it is a fish, which I really enjoyed the flavor. I'm not really sure if it is a Fish Teriyaki but it's more likely of a Karaage but anyway since it is a fusion restaurant anything can be possible.

Ms. Sam (one of the owner)

So, there you go my nine (9) reasons for you to dine it at Hodai. The nine (9) dishes that will truly fill you up. Enjoy your dine at Hodai.

I'll be coming back here very very soon!

If Manila got their Chinatown at Binondo , Quezon City have its Chinatown at Retiro. Yup, you’ll definitely find Chinatown in Quezon City and that is in Retiro. The establishment is more of a Taiwanese cuisine restaurant but it’s more likely of a Chinese restaurant so you’ll find some familiarity.

Chinese are very particular with their culture and when dining they do it together, that’s why you’ll find most of the Chinese/Taiwanese restaurants are designed and created with spacious area. And Tien Ma’s, the one located in Retiro is designed with spacious area to accommodate quite a number of customers. Of course there’s the usual Chinese characters and designs on walls, doors and windows. And the classic Chinese music that let customers feel relaxed.


So if you’re family or friends are looking for a bigger venue to celebrate life’s moment, then Tien Ma’s is one of them.


Oh before I forget Tien Ma’s literary means Mother Tien or Mama Tien. The restaurant was established by the couple and it became known and it was called Mama Tien. Its dish is basically the home cook meal of a typical Taiwanese house. Then it was sought by Figaro to have a partnership with, then later on it was fully acquired by Figaro and became part of the growing number of food establishment owned by the company.





Xiao Long Bao? Well, Tien Ma’s got on their list of menu and what’s great with them is that they got some interesting selection. Lately, this dimsum is making a buzz and I’m not sure when it begun to be a hit but one thing I know, it’s yummy. Their version of Xiao Long Bao got the Original, with Black Mushroom with Truffle Oil and with Cheese, which I really liked.




Next in line of the dishes that we indulge with are the Beef Brisket and Wanton Noodles. I soup and noodles very much. According to Tien Ma’s they make their own noodles that’s why it taste different than any other Wanton Noodles.


The Salt & Pepper Spareribs. If you’re been trying different Chinese restaurant you’ll know that there are some dishes that are present in every restaurant and this dish is one of them.

This one is something new for me, it is enticing and looks appetizing enough to taste. The Salted Egg Prawns. Cooked and coated with a salted egg sauce that is just light, yummy and flavorful. But of course this particular dish for me should be taken lightly and rarely.
Tainan Fried Chicken is best taken with Taiwan Style Fried Rice. And as Pinoys our meals always comes with a rice.





Now if these selection fills your tummy, well better think again because there still dessert.


The dessert line up Pan Fried Sesame Pancake, Almond Jelly with Lychee, Mango Sago, and Melon Sago.


This makes my day and take note I haven’t tried some of their dishes yet so we’ll definitely find time to visit again.

TIEN MA’S
Branches :
Retiro Branch
NS Amoranto cor. D. Tuazon, Quezon City
Tel. No. 256-5761

Libis Branch
C5-Libis Beside Union Bank
Tel. No. 372-3955

Makati Branch
Constellation St. In front of AUB
Tel. No. 810-9706

CDO-Limketkai
CDO, North Concourse of LImketkai Center
Tel. No. (088) 856-2476

Legazpi Branch
Yashano Mall Legazpi City

Facebook : www.facebook.com/tienmasph
Twitter : @tienmas
Instagram : @tienmasph
#TienMasPH

Kwento Ni Toto's roots are not from Iloilo but also from an Ilonggo speaking province. As most Filipino know the term Toto is an Ilonggo word which means kid and that's where this blog came about. This was mentioned because our recent food escapade roots from Iloilo.

The "inasal" word came from the Hiligaynon which means roasted or grilled and today's generation was very glad because they don't have to visit the Visayan region just to experience the taste of inasal.

Juan Stop Inasal is one of today's restaurant where you can experience the true flavor of inasal. Their place is just located along the street of N. Domingo St. and right before Balete Drive just be sure on the look out for the colorful banderitas on their logo.

We have featured different cuisines and restaurants here in Kwento Ni Toto and the best part of that is sharing those enticing food experience with you, dear readers.  We have been to a Chinese Restaurant, a Japanese Restaurant, a Middle Eastern Restaurant, and more.  Savoring in each and every meal sure give us a full stomach plus a new place to visit.


For this moment of our food escapade our correspondent Justin were able to visit one of the Korean Restaurant in the metro.  Yup!  It is indeed a Korean Cuisine this time.  Though we were able to taste some of the Korean food, this time it was the first time for Kwento Ni Toto to feature a Korean Restaurant.   Chef's Noodle Korean Restaurant is the name and it is located at the Ground Floor of SM The Block.

It's a great weekend to have something fresh and tasty. And it was great that Kwento Ni Toto was able to indulge in one of the rich culture when it comes to raw dishes, its none other the Japanese Culture with their different cuisines. Personally, Kwento Ni Toto is a great fan of Japanese food and of course their anime as well.


So, for this indulgence we're taking you right in the heart of Malate somewhere in Adriatico St. where one of the known Japanese restaurant's serve the best Japanese food. The name of place is called IZAKAYA KENTA. Owned by Dr. Sakura Medina and Mr. Erwin Medina, siblings who's very fond of Japanese food. According to them the IZAKAYA KENTA have already flourished in the streets of Adriatico and was already established before but due to some unforeseen matters the restaurant closed and the owner declared bankruptcy. The Medina siblings, Dr. Sakura and Mr. Erwin being eager to venture into restaurant business and being raised and a number one lover of Japanese cuisine, they took the opportunity to get the name and have it registered under their names.

Few days ago one of Kwento Ni Toto's correspondent was able to be part of the group that Chef Robby introduced and have a taste of his entry for the Manila Food and Wine Festival which is called Porchetta which is an Italian dish but what make it interesting is that Chef Robby put a Filipino twist in it.


Chef Robby will present his take on Porchetta, which is usually referred to as the "Italian pulled pork" made of savory, fatty and moist boneless pork roast of Italian Culinary Tradition, spice with garlic, rosemary, fennel and other herbs.  Chef Robby puts a Filipino twist in this Italian dish by using the Pinoy's well love lechon, spice and dressed with caramelized onions and arugula leaves to suit the Pinoy taste.

It's the first food review of Kwento Ni Toto for this year and since it's New Year new things will happen.  To start the tease for the changes I mentioned in one of my post that there will a Monday Jam for music and today which is for food, restaurants, recipes, drinks or everything that deals with food and drinks will fall under Tuesday Appetite.  Of course I know most foodie events are done on weekends so I'll just make sure to have it posted on Tuesdays so readers will know what they'll be expecting on that day.  So expect more!

So for our Tuesday Appetite we will be having a Singaporean and Cantonese Cuisines from Wangfu Chinese Cafe.  The place is located at Il Terrazzo Mall in Tomas Morato.  It's just around the place of Tomas Morato where most of the best restaurants and bars in the metro are found.  Of course it is Quezon City which is dubbed is the City of Stars.  For those who will looking for the place it can easily be spotted.

In 1956, Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro left Naples to migrate to the United States. Of course, their Italian roots were never far behind. Along with their three sons, Joseph, Mario and Anthony,they soon opened a salumeria, an Italian delicatessen in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, that was an exceptional showcase of authentic and fresh Italian fare, from freshly made mozzarella and homemade sausages, to traditional Italian delicacies and desserts, all based on the Sbarro family recipes.

Image from Sbarro Philippnes Carmela Sbarro

As they branched out to more locations and grew into delivery for family celebrations in 1967, Carmela "Mama" Sbarro gave a new twist to the business: a restaurant with a pizza area in full view of customers and a fast moving self-service style, with the same Sbarro family tradition of delicious, authentic Italian food. The modern day Sbarro was born.

In 1972, Pampanga native Jaime "Jimmy" Salvador joined the Sbarro business. Jimmy worked alongside the original founders and their sons, living and breathing the family brand. He worked in operations as a store manager, then ran the corporate commissary in Brooklyn, and eventually served as Sbarro’s first Area Manager.

Then, in 1989, after 17 years of living in New York and working with the Sbarro family, Jimmy returned to the Philippines — carrying the Sbarro brand with him. Along with Ma. Teresa Rodriguez and her family, he opened the first Sbarro Philippines branch at the Annex in SM North Edsa in 1990 — the first Sbarro in all of Asia. Years later, Sbarro Philippines expanded to the Visayas, thanks to a partnership with Gerardo Luzuriaga and Marcelino Florete, Jr.

And so today, Sbarro Philippines continues to satisfy the cravings of Filipinos with 25 branches nationwide. And through all these years, Jaime Salvador – together with his family – ensures that Mama Sbarro’s legacy remains unchanged: the commitment to good food, fresh ingredients, excellent service and great value for money.

So what is Sbarro’s recipe for success? Over forty years later and with over 1,000 outlets worldwide, the secret remains the same. All across our values, traditions and recipes – It’s all about family.