Pho & Banh Mi Heaven

I never thought I could thrive without eating rice for 3 days. Surprisingly, I didn't miss it at all with all the many other delectable offerings Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, had to offer. And to this day, am still dreaming about it.

Pho and Banh Mi pretty much took over the spot which, for the longest time was dominated by the staple steamed rice I normally consume, of course with my favorite dishes. Yes, I cannot live on a Southbeach diet... can you imagine Kare-Kare without rice?!!! But seriously, I myself was surprised to find all other options while in HCMC - their noodles & sandwiches really made a mark.

In between shopping, our party consumed a variety of Pho - from the street food options to the hotel kind. Per my friend's advice, I should leave and forget about all my learnings on food safety and just take advantage of what HCMC had to offer. Interestingly, the supposed level of microorganisms in my bowl of Pho is inversely proportional to its flavor. In simpler terms, just enjoy and worry later.

At NHAT HA hotel

And enjoy I did. It was a remarkable experience, considering that I am not much of a noodle soup fan. What I liked about it is its delicate broth made with clear beef or chicken stock infused with cinnamon and anise - not too overpowering, just perfect with each and every bowl.

At Pho2000


Oh, and the drama - the ceremony of adding your own fresh herbs and veggies and seasoning it with lemon juice coming from a wedge... that also makes it different and very personal. It's as if you made it yourself.

At Pho24

Fragrant and filling, Pho delivered.

Found practically in every street corner is a stall selling Banh Mi - those crusty mini-baguette rolls served with a variety of fillings. From liver pate's to sliced roast pork, it is almost always served with fresh lettuce, pickled vegetables and nuoc mam (sweet-chili sauce).


This one is assembled only upon ordering, so expect to wait for a couple of minutes. Very interactive & enough to make you salivate.



Banh Mi is also offered for breakfast. Where we stayed, this was served in combination with eggs and other meat items as an alternative to the usual sliced bread.

More food finds later.

My Christmas Prayer

When it rains, it pours. And with my favorite season being here, I would like to post a short prayer in recognition of all the blessings that have come my way. Merry Christmas everyone!

Dear Jesus,

As we again celebrate your birth, I offer to you my praise and heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all the blessings that have come my way - health, strength, talents and of course, my family who continue to be my inspiration to lead and serve.

Thank you for graciously showering us with your love and continuous support. Your wisdom has guided me in the decisions I have made, both at home and work, and I hope that I have made you proud, as I feel I have. More importantly, I hope that the decisions I have made have given greater glory to your name.

While I bask in all your goodness and gifts, I pray for those who do not have enough, those who are in much need of your love, guidance and support; those who are facing challenges in their relationships, those who are in pain, those who are broken. I pray that despite all these, they will continue to trust, love and turn to you, because in my heart, I truly believe that anything is possible with you.

As we end this year, I offer the year ahead. Only you know what will happen. My only request is, that you give us the courage and strength to face what lies ahead. Amidst all the busyness of our lives, help us to be faithful, kind and merciful - for this is the true meaning of being with you, of being a Christian, of being your servant.

Happy Birthday Jesus! I love you.

Indulge in Singapore

Singapore food is not for the faint hearted.
Its cuisine is diverse, flavorful, a myriad of treasures... a foodie's paradise.

Covering all dayparts, here's sharing with you findings from my recent culinary journey.

ION Orchard: Waffle Sandwich
Other than it's pretty merchandising and unique fillings, this is essentially your typical breakfast waffle made into a sandwich. What's interesting is that this one uses fillings such as blueberry mascarpone, banana hazelnut creme, etc which is similar to flavors found in creperies.

Food Republic: Toastbox
Your visit to Singapore will not be complete without the Kaya toast and Kopi (Coffee). This time however, I opted for Peanut butter Kaya toast to satisfy my sugar rush. Complement this perfectly with condensed milk-laced Kopi.

Little India: Banana Leaf Appolo Restaurant

Prawn crackers

This place being a tourist destination, you would be suddenly led to a table and offered a variety of pungent specialties which are also displayed in their cafeteria-like setting. Upon ordering, this basketful of prawn crackers will find its way on your table.

Rice and Vegetables

Rice is unlimited. It is served with some sauteed cabbage and curried vegetables on a banana leaf. The locals are using their bare hands while eating. Automatically, the tourists are given spoons and forks.

Fish Head Curry

The red snapper head was served with a generous amount of hot and spicy red curry sauce. Prepare yourself to sweat as you partake of this.

Maxwell Hawker Center: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken
Thanks to a friend, the trip to Maxwell Hawker center was worth it. You will notice Tian Tian's long queu of fans as soon as you get there.

Chicken Rice and Vegetables

There is nothing like having the thigh part of Hainanese Chicken. You get the juicy, tender and flavorful meat without too much bones. This one's fragrant and almost instantly melts in your mouth. The skin is tender as well and beautifully lemon colored. The rice is perfectly cooked, its grains long and tender.

Botanical Garden: Au Jardin Le Amis
Set within the Singapore botanical garden, this place is the perfect date place for those who want privacy and who want to make a really good impression for a first date.

Caviar and Tapioca

This one's entertaining. The caviar pops into your mouth and its flavors complement the delicate nature of the tapioca.

Chorizo and Mushroom Salad

This one's a warm salad: Sauteed fresh mushrooms with some dried spanish chorizo and topped with crisp slices of potato chips.

Roast Suckling Pig

I couldn't resist the skin on this one...it's as if eating peking duck - thin wafer-like skin and truly soft meat served with au jus.

Dessert Sampler (Madeleine, Napoli and Chocolate Lollipops)

This pretty trio was sadly wasted, except for a piece of the chocolate lollipops which I loved.


Wisma Atria: Crystal Jade
I haven't tried the Manila branch, but this one in Singapore delivered!

Seafood Noodle Soup


Steam-Fried Pork Buns

Crisp bottomed, bite into this and be surprised with broth and meat inside.

Sia Long Bao

The famed soup dumpling was rich with soup and pork filling and was quite a challenge to eat.

Cripy Eel

Deep fried, boneless and laced with Wu Xi sauce, this one is perfect with Singapore's Tiger beer.

VivoCity:Marche
This European deli and cafe serves in an interactive way. Cooking stations such as paella, grill, salad and crepe are available, depending on one's craving.

Marina Bay Sands (Tower 3): Ku De Tah
The 57th floor where this restaurant is located provides a breathtaking view to its diners. Portions are for sharing.

Foie Gras & Salmon

What else can I say? Anything foie gras is good.

Fish Tartare

Small bits of jackfish was blended with roasted fresh pineapple and served in these mini ramekins.

So, are you planning your trip anytime soon?