Cebu Secret Chows: Kameyaki Okonomiyaki

           Asian street food is the best street food in the world. Who could refute? Japan's takoyaki balls are gaining popularity in Cebu as you find them even on the streets now. Takoyaki is Japan's version of squid balls -- "tako" meaning squid and "yaki" meaning grill. These are typically filled with squid and vegetables, grilled on a takoyaki pan. These are one of my favorite thrift snacks since I first found them in Metro Ayala food court at P20 for 3 pcs but these didn't contain any squid in them. 

         There's one particular food stall I've spotted at Piazza Elesia in Talamban called Kameyaki Okonomiyaki  which is snugly situated under a staircase. It has an authentic Japanese street food impression with those matching welcoming bright lamps hanging from its corners. Its delicate glow seemed to beckon me as I was watching it from a distance (actually, I was at Buddies then).

see the staircase? ;)

        Kameyaki actually specializes in noodle pancakes which are considered as Japan's popular fry or grilled delicacy. They serve a variety of this such as squid, pork and their own special mix. The takoyaki was a new addition to their menu the last time I was there (a few months back; check their fb page for updates). :D

        Everything at Kameyaki is cooked fresh to order. I also fancy watching takoyaki in the making. :)

         Their takoyaki was served in 6 pcs for only P90. I noticed that theirs was bigger than the cheap ones at mall foodcourts. This was the real thing. It's got all the works -- nori (seaweed) sprinkles, mayo, a special sauce AND squid bits inside. I ate all of it alone!

        Another thing I noticed here was the great service. The staff are cheerful in greeting you and are friendly enough to give you recommendations. This is one place to get your unique Japanese quick fix.  

        Kameyaki can also be found in BTC on Sundays. I'll be writing about this food market soon! :D

*This is a Cebu Secret Chows segment. Check out the page on my homepage's menu bar for the complete list and more posts like this. :D


Kameyaki Okonomiyaki
Piazza Elesia, Talamban
Cebu City 6000

Contact:    (032) 360 6877
                 +63 926 690 1503

Price range:   P90-170

Operating Hours:   Mon - Sun   2-10 PM

Facebook:   facebook.com/kameyakifoods

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Hitting Two Birds with One Stone

            ZeroThreeTwo recently hosted a raffle on Twitter for 30 free milk teas from Bubbletea Station and I just thought there was no harm in giving it a shot. To my delight, I found a direct message from them that I've won (just 1 of the 30, of course)! STOKED!

         Meanwhile, I've been hearing about a cool new Asian street food stall at BTC (Banilad Town Center) where Bubbletea also happens to be. And you know nothing gets me pumped up like checking out a new food spot. The thought of hitting two birds with one stone got me really excited. BTC isn't a frequent hangout for me so I've really been itching to head out there with the mission of claiming my free milk tea and seeing that food stall for myself. Yesterday was the perfect day.  

Hello, Bubbletea! :D

          Bubbletea Station is a milk tea stall with a small dine-in setting inside the BTC mall, right by the entrance. :D

           I was entitled to any regular sized (16 oz) flavored milk tea with regular sinkers. I opted for the bestseller, Wintermelon Milk Tea with pearls. My other half got a regular sized Dark Chocolate with pearls. They didn't ask for my sweetness level so I totally forgot about it.

regular Wintermelon Milk Tea with pearls  P75
regular Dark Chocolate Milk Tea with pearls   P80

              You can definitely trust Bubbletea with your milk tea because I found mine to be perfectly fine! I loved the Wintermelon and the pearls were cooked just right! Not too soggy, not too al dente. The dark chocolate wasn't bad either. ;)

 

click on each photo for a larger view :D

       ...And for that new food stall, I discovered for myself that Bubbletea and Small Eats are actually sister shops, being of the same owner. I found out because Small Eats' menu was also at Bubbletea and you could actually order from there and they'll serve it to you while you enjoy your milk tea. :D 

       Small Eats is located outside the mall, beside Potato Corner; that's on the left side if you're from the parking lot, facing the front of the mall.

           It's actually a shabu-shabu stall which serves shabu-shabu items such as lobster balls and squid balls on a stick (with a choice of fried or boiled) or in a bowl with soup or both soup and noodles. 

      They offer fish balls, squid balls, seafood tofu, lobster balls, Taiwanese sausage and pork siomai. I looovvve lobster balls so I got this and the seafood tofu, both boiled (yay to healthy :p). I'm a sucker for seafood. :D

Boiled Seafood Tofu   P54  and Lobster Balls   P44  

           They were served to me at Bubbletea, already swimming in a shallow pool of soy lime sauce. Nom nom! These are great snacks and could easily become a quick, healthy meal, enjoyed with the noodles in the broth or you could buy puso or rice somewhere. If you're craving for shabu2x, here's a quick and affordable fix to that! :D

Bubbletea Station

1st Floor, Banilad Town Center (inside the mall, outside Nike)

Banilad, Cebu City 6000

Price range:   P70-110

Small Eats

Banilad Town Center (beside Potato Corner)

Banilad, Cebu City 6000  

Price range:   P15-80

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Asian Milk Tea Promo at Tea and Symphony

            When I was delivering some freshly baked red velvets to Tea and Symphony this afternoon, I noticed they were having a promo. Asian milk teas (small size) for only P55 each, pearls included, and P50 for two of the same kind. Choices offered are, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. This runs from May 14-31 only. This is a perfect chance to try out all the flavors! 

               I couldn't resist this sweet promo so I got myself a Hong Kong. :D

It was a perfect balance of sweetness and tea, the pearls being the strong sweetener of the drink. 

If you like your tea more prominent, go for the Thailand or Singapore. 

I now indulge in milk teas at a minimal because the creamer in these things are not friendly to my mission to skinnify. :))

To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)