Sukimoko? Definitely yes!

You know those moments when you and your friends decide to eat dinner together yet you can't decide on a place? It was one of these moments that led us to this building next to National Bookstore along Katipunan Avenue. The building is home to different kinds of restaurants but the one that really got our attention is the "food court" they have on the second floor of the building.

It was the typical type of foodcourt. It had tables and chairs and around it, you have these food stalls. The food court has four functional stalls: there is a stall which serves a Korean snack called hoddeok and waffles, there is also Magnolia stall serving icecream, banana splits, sundaes and milkshakes, Quickly, and of course, Sukimoko, which serves Japanese cuisine. I don't know if it was on purpose but the name seems like a witty wordplay.

So it was my friend who ordered first, asking for a Beef Gyudon, and the thing that caught my attention is that they have their kitchen just right next to their cash register, and it is an open kitchen so if you want to see how your meal is prepared, you can pretty much stand just at the side and watch. The beef gyudon costs P85 pesos and it was pretty much okay considering the price.

My other friend ordered their pork katsudon which is also P85. It had a pretty decent plating, compared to the beef gyudon. She partnered it with a P40 iced coffee and I swear it was one of the best iced coffee I have ever tasted, which I totally didn't expect from Sukimoko.

I, on the other hand, ordered from their Japanese Bento selection, asking for the Beef Tapa Teriyaki for just P85. The meal comes with a side dish of stirfried mixed vegetables which complimented the meat perfectly. Out of all the dishes that night I was happiest with the meal I ordered.

We also ordered a side of Tofu Salad for P75, so if you're vegan, they also got you covered.

The thing that I really like about Sukimoko is their unlimited iced coffee promo for only P80. As I've mentioned before, they have really good iced coffee and I was really excited when they offered the unlimited iced coffee promo. I had around 4 servings (and ended up pretty hyper throughout the night).

We also ordered the ice cream waffle sandwich and a sundae from the other stalls in the food court.

Looking at the prices in their menu, Sukimoko seems very affordable. So if you are into Japanese cuisine, but you're on a budget, you might want to pay a visit to Sukimoko. It is right next to National Bookstore. If you visit on a Friday night, you might even catch me and my friends there.

PS. Another food stall is opening soon, which serves Korean dishes, so be sure to check that out as well.

Itadakimasu! || Teppanyaki Brothers

Last monday, my family and I had lunch at Teppanyaki Brothers, which was located at the food court of SM Aura.

It's one of those kinds of Japanese eateries wherein the meal is being cooked right in front of you. We were pretty lucky that there weren't much people during that day so we managed to get really good seats and witnessed most of the food we ordered being cooked right in front of us.

This is what the stove looks like. It is really right in front of you. Everything was so clean and neat, and the design of their stove was beyond amazing. This is what our appetizer looked like while it was being cooked.

This is what our appetizer looked like after it was being cooked. It was absolutely delicious. 

This is our main course. Unfortunately, I was not able to catch the name but it was so good. We got the spicy kind and it tasted great! The spice was just right and the sauce will make your mouth water. The rice is even great, the amount is enough to definitely fill your tummy and what I really like about it was that it was not too tasty but it was not completely bland either. I could say the same for the rest of the food that we ate. 

I had a great time and the service was more than satisfactory. Plus the food was too good for words, so it deserves a score of soft-boiled!

I apologize for not having much pictures, again. Let's say it is a sign that I enjoyed their food a lot. To learn more about them, you can visit their Facebook Page or you can go directly to SM Aura Premier in Taguig to try the delicious food for yourself. Till the next post~

S A M B O | K O J I N

Last Thursday, my family and I decided to have dinner at Sambo Kojin, which is an all-you-can-eat restaurant, SM Southmall in Las Pinas. The food mostly consists of Japanese and Korean cuisine, along with some western desserts, random appetizers, and Yakiniku. However, eating here is not that simple. In order to get in, you need to make a reservation because they get a lot of customers (yes the food is that good). However, despite of this, we had to wait in line until a couple of customers are through with their meals. Fortunately, the wait did not take forever.

The ambiance is pretty simple. There are still waiters who are willing to sing you happy birthday, but they were really helpful when it comes to the buffet. At first I had no idea what to do or where to go, but they simply guided me to the sauces and plates even though I did not ask for any help. Such wonderful service if you ask me.

The grill was the best part for me. I have encountered self-cooking stations in buffets before, but this is the first time I tried cooking for myself. I had so much fun. I actually consider this as a personal achievement since I haven't cooked tuna (which is the one I cooked for myself) or any kind of fish before.

Sukiyaki 

This is what I cooked! To witness my "cooking skills" click here

This is Korean food, but the name of this skipped me (apologies).

Sorry if there aren't much pictures for this post (since I was too busy pigging out). But overall, I had a great time. I don't usually dive in when it comes to buffets, but I certainly went overboard on this one. Luckily, I did not experience any tummy sickness--or any kind of sickness-- afterwards.

Meet my hatching scale~ 

 Personally, I really enjoyed Asian cuisine with a mixture of good service. I also appreciate the fact that the place was very spacious and not too glamorous and I did not have to worry about space or dropping the food whilst going back to my table (since I am such a total klutz). For that I shall give this a place a.... 

If you'd like to try out the place, I do know that there are branches in Eastwood and SM Southmall. But you may click on their website for more details (Menu, Prices, Branches,etc.). Till the next post~ 

More from Tama-chan!!!

Tama Travels || Most Scenic Views of the Cordilleras

The Scrambled Geek || Fangirl Moment! TEEN TITANS
The Soft-Boiled Lifestyle || 20 Books

NIU By Vikings

This is how it looks from the entrance.

NIU has this unique ambiance - it feels like you're dining inside a 5-star hotel.

It is a high-end buffet of the Vikings group, located on the topmost floor of SM Aura Premier in Taguig. 

Niu (pronounced as nee-uh) is the latest of buffet chains by popular all-you-can-eat restaurant Vikings, which already has different locations in the Philippines.

How can you stop wandering around? 

There is a live grand pianist that fills the whole place with wonderful Filipino and  Foreign love songs.

There is also rotating wines, from imported red wines to imported white wines. 

Cold Station

This is where you start your buffet experience.

You can have your salad, Salamis, Mortadellas, Prossciuttos, and a wide variety of cheese

Pastry Section

Pastries are so delicious. I don't know where to start. 

Those mini burgers are my favorite!

Japanese Section

Itadakimasu! You can choose from an assortment of maki rolls, sashimis, and katsu dishes. They even fry the tempura and slice the sashimis right infront of you when you want them. 

They also have baked oysters, and a lot more!

Chinese Section

Here is the Chinese Station. 

They have a lot of chicken dishes to choose from. Macau lechon! Yum!

Dumlings, Siomai, Pork buns and many more!

Drink Section

They offer a lot of fresh juices. They can also make fruit shakes if you ask them to.

One of their best offerings: unlimited draft beer below 0 degrees! 

They also do concoctions. They can create Mojitos, mixed drinks and the like.

Carving Station

This is my favorite section. Hello, steaks!

Niu Belly Chon is a must try! 

The steaks are really tender. The sauces are to die for. 

Dessert Section

After having your full meal from the buffet, here comes unlimited sweets! 

They have ice creams, crepes, a lot of delicious cakes, and fondues.

This experience is really satisfying. Tummy satisfied!

How much to eat at Niu?

Weekday lunch for adults: P1088  + 5% service charge

Weekday dinner/Weekend or Holiday lunch/dinner for adults: P1,388  + 5% service charge

Weekday lunch for kids 3-4 ft or 3-7-years-old: P288 

Weekday lunch for kids 4 to 4ft 6 or 8-10 y.o.: P488 

Weekday dinner/Weekend or Holiday lunch/dinner for kids 3 -4 ft or 3-7 y.o.: P388 

Weekday dinner/Weekend or Holiday lunch and dinner for kids 4 to 4 ft. 6 or 8-10 y.o.: P688

Kids below 3 ft or 3 y.o.: free

Special Promo: 50% discount to senior citizens 75-years-old or older

NIU by Vikings
6F SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, 1630 Taguig
Telephone: +632 478-3888, 847-3888
Mobile: +63 917 586-6888, +63 919 999-6888
Email: niubyvikings@gmail.com
Website: http://niu.ph

Facebook: NIU by Vikings: SM Aura

Twitter: @VikingsBuffet

Instagram: @NIUbyVikings