Sze-Chuan House, Aloha Hotel

Dining at Sze-Chuan House, Aloha Hotel has been part of our childhood memories. I remember, every year we would eat here during the Holidays all because the owner of this establishment is my brother's Ninong.  This year we decided to dine here again to relive the memories plus my sister is here visiting from the US, and today is my birthday.  This time, as a paying customer - though they still gave us discount :-) 

It is from this restaurant where I discovered  about Sze Chuan shrimps and the Fried String Beans.  Which became my all-time-favorite. I even have this notion that they are the only one who can best cook these 2 viands. Well I think they are not the best, after being exposed to other Sze Chuan type of cooking, but I still use them as my benchmark. :-)

We also LOVE the silver roll  fried bread. Well its supposed to match with pork knuckles but we aren't fond of it, so we didn't order it anymore.

They are the chinese restaurant who have Small, Medium, Large servings in their menu. This is good for small or big diners. Our orders were all SMALL and it was just enough.

The photos shown are: Spinach Cream with Seafood Soup Php330, Stir Fried Beef Tenderloin (chinese style) Php250, Fried String Beans Php160, Stuffed Tofu with Brown Sauce Php180, Stir Fried Shrimp with Hot Pepper 240, Silver Roll - Fried Bread 75

Sze-Chuan House, Aloha Hotel is located along 2150 Roxas Boulevard cor Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila.  Tel Nos +632.526.80.88.  http://www.alohahotel.net.ph

Ang Tunay Beef House

We always hear "Ang Tunay" from my Papa. Ang Tunay is actually his favorite eatery/tambayan in Binondo at which I have never been to. During his last few months alive, and up to the point he can't barely walk, he would still want to go and eat at Ang Tunay. So in memory of my Papa, one Sunday, we all went down to Binondo and had our lunch there.   

Per my experience, I couldn't see what he loves in that place. I guess its because its a typical chinese fast food in Binondo. Plus the good service being given to him (He has his own spot/table). Though I noticed they have a wide-range of menu. There are ready to eat meals which is displayed at the counter, then there are the "for order" meals posted on the menu board wall.

The waitress who always assists my Papa said my Papa always order the Pork Knuckles and the Pork Adobo.  The pork adobo really looks good. Was tempted to try it but we ordered a lot already.

After being exposed to "Ba Chang" all my life. I learned that day that there are different types of it. In Ang Tunay they have 2 types. Which is TAO CHANG (red string), recommended for non-pork eaters. The sticky rice is mixed either with beans or mushroom or chicken. And MA CHANG (yellow string) is sticky rice mixed with mushroom or pork.

With all our orders, the fish (Lapu-Lapu) is what I really like.  Though per my standards, I find the meals too oily which is common in chinese eateries, that's why drinking hot tea is a must.

This place is recommendable for people who wants to explore chinese day-to-day food.  Some of them, I can't even imagine trying.  

Shown in the photos are: Lapu-Lapu Php250, Kimachay Php55, Pork Ears Php80, Oyster Soup Php130, Pansit Misua Php130, Tofu (Mapu) Php55, Rice Php20, Ma Chang/Tao Chang Php65

Ang Tunay Beef House is open daily. Mon to Sat: 7:30 am to 9:00 pm. Sunday: 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. It is located at 825 Gandara Street, Sta Cruz, Manila. Tel No. +632.733.11.06