Culinary Class Wars PH Edition: Which Chefs Should Be Included?

LongHorn, the beloved American steakhouse famous for its bold flavors and its no-nonsense motto “You Can’t Fake Steak,” just opened its very first branch in the Philippines at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s Streetscape wing. 

This launch is the delicious result of a partnership between LongHorn’s parent company, Darden Franchising, and local dining powerhouse The Bistro Group.

Bringing the spirit of the American West straight to Manila, LongHorn is all about hearty portions and warm hospitality. 

Expect standout cuts like the flame-grilled Outlaw Ribeye—juicy, bone-in, and perfectly marbled—or Flo’s Filet, a center-cut piece so tender it practically melts. 

The New York Strip, known as their thickest cut, brings that classic steakhouse bite, while the T-Bone offers the best of both worlds: the flavor of a strip and the tenderness of a filet. 

Then there’s their signature, The LongHorn, a bold porterhouse that lives up to its name.

But it’s not all steak, guests can also try their LongHorn Salmon, marinated in bourbon and grilled to perfection, or their Redrock Grilled Shrimp, covered in smoky tomato butter. 

Other crowd-pleasers include Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, and LH Burger—the lone burger on the menu, a thick, juicy half-pounder that holds its own. 

Finish off strong with indulgent desserts like the Chocolate Stampede, a chocoholic’s dream, featuring six different types of chocolate served with vanilla ice cream, or go classic with Molten Lava Cake and their different types of cheesecake.

To make a reservation, visit this website. For more information, check out their Instagram and Facebook. 

Location: Ground Floor Unit 4, 9, 10, Shangri-La Plaza, Edsa corner Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong

Asia is one food-crazy continent! We take great care to pick restaurants based on culinary vibes, rankings in international gourmand guides, mentions in magazines, Instagramability, and added allure. Yes, Chef! features the region’s chefs' stories of love and labor in kitchens, which has made some of our restaurants the next big thing in Asia.

Chef Stephen George Bustamante has dedicated his entire life to bringing people comfort through food. The Pinoy native, who is best known as one of the founders of One World Deli, and also as the former private chef of George Lucas (of “Star Wars” renown) takes on a new challenge amidst the sprawling estate of Pontefino in Batangas. 

Helming the hotel’s headlining restaurant, Pastorelli, Chef Stephen welcomes locals and visitors alike to a table boasting elevated fare. Today, we speak to the man behind innovative dishes such as Binagoongang Lechon Kawali and Lamb Shank Adobo.

What would you say is Pastorelli’s specialty?

Chef Stephen: We made sure our menu is very inclusive and comforting. While we are a restaurant, we are also a hotel, so our guests look for comfort food. That’s why the menu is international with Pinoy flavors – this is to cater to our international patrons.

We do look forward to creating different concepts for the future, but we want to do so when we’ve already garnered the trust of our community. Because we know that people go back to the same restaurant when they trust the cuisine.

To add further context to his words, Chef Stephen also revealed that in Pastorelli, they create in-house recipes, such as bagoong and marmalade. This extra mile, put in by the chef and his team, ensures that every spoonful is guaranteed to be delicious, plus these products become undoubtedly unique to Pontefino Hotel.

We heard you wanted to do a kind of “Filipino tea time” menu at Pastorelli?

Chef Stephen: Yeah, so we were thinking that instead of tea sandwiches or little hors d'oeuvres, what we’d do would is put bibingka on the first tier, then kakanin, then pandesal with fresh kesong puti and marmalade, jams, and chorizo. So a very Pinoy take on classic English tea.

We also want to create a retail area in the hotel where people can take our specialties – like our homemade jam – home.

When did you realize you wanted to become a chef?

Chef Stephen: When I was 13 or 14, my family had people coming to the house, and my tita gave me a recipe for a simple Caesar salad. I followed that to a tee and everyone ate it and loved it. They asked who made it because it was so good. That’s when I kind of had an inkling that I liked to cook. So I started learning to cook with the family because everyone on my dad’s side is great at cooking.

I started eating more and learning more; eating was how I developed my palate. Fast forward to 1998 or 1999, I got laid off in California from the dot com boom (a market crash where many startups failed to become profitable). That’s when I decided to formally pursue cooking.

What cuisine would you say is your specialty?

Chef Stephen: When I graduated from culinary school in Canada, I worked for the Saban family. They were a rich, private family in [Los Angeles], and I started learning different cuisines there. They wanted a lot of different things, including comfort cuisine. I dabbled in Mexican, Spanish, French, etc.  It was definitely tiring, I spent long hours in the kitchen. But when you enjoy what you do, you don’t feel it until you get back home. But the next day, you wake up, and you still enjoy going to work.

You’ve trained in the West but are also familiar with Filipino food. How would you differentiate the Batangas palate from other taste profiles you’ve come across?

Chef Stephen: Batangueños have a sweeter palate. They like their sweets, they like a touch of sugar with everything. In Manila, it’s mostly savory, everything has a touch of acid; people love vinegar. Batangueños are also pretty straightforward. They will criticize the food if they don’t like it, so I try to balance everything as much as possible when it comes to flavors.

Did you ever feel like you needed to connect to your Batangueño roots?

Chef Stephen:  I think I was always connected to my roots, but subliminally.  When I was a kid, my favorite food was my uncle’s Humba (Visayan braised pork dish). I loved how it was both sweet and savory. As I grew up, I kept looking for it, but no one could ever replicate how my uncle made his. When I was in California, I loved cheesecake, but at the end of the day, I always looked for kakanin. I think that’s how I always stayed close to Batangas and Filipino culture cuisine.

What drew you to Pastorelli at Pontefino Hotel?

Chef Stephen: As One World Deli was growing, I felt that I’d already done my job. I wasn’t looking for a job as an executive chef, but I met the owner [of Pontefino], who’s my friend, and he said he wanted to bring up the brand of Pontefino again. And I realized I wanted to take this experience on head-on because it’s a different opportunity to work in a hotel restaurant. Being able to draw a bigger market through food is a big responsibility.

What is your cooking philosophy?

Chef Stephen: I try to bring out the most excellent food. It doesn’t matter if it’s late, as long as it comes out perfect.

I also think that at the end of the day, everyone looks for comfort food. When you go home, you look for your favorite food. If you’re Filipino, that’s probably Sinigang or bread from the panaderya. My favorite food memory is having pandesal with Century Tuna at midnight with my dad. That’s why I enjoy cooking comfort food.

What do you love about your job?

Chef Stephen: Honestly, I love watching people eat. I love seeing how people enjoy food, sometimes without even realizing it. Everyone’s palate is different, and it changes, too. What we enjoy differs and evolves as we age or as we try new things. That’s how we make our palate wiser, or more knowledgeable.

At some point, after eating enough, you might even be able to identify ingredients in the recipe. You might be able to tell what herbs or spices they use or how it was cooked. The science behind cooking is very captivating to me, to think about the depth of food.

What’s an unexpected challenge you’ve encountered during your time at Pastorelli?

Chef Stephen: This space has been here for some 20-odd years. One of the challenges we wanted to tackle was figuring out how to get people to come here again. And how else can we do that but through food and ambiance? Our restaurant is very bright and airy, overlooking the pool, very soothing. During breakfast, you can admire the pool. During merienda, watch the sunset, and at night, there’s a beautiful fountain display. I’m very lucky to be here.

Out of curiosity, what was it like working with George Lucas?

Chef Stephen: It’s funny because his favorite food is Chicken Burrito. He loves Mexican food. I learned how to make fresh tortillas, how to braise pork, how to make pico de gallo, salsa, all that. Through working with him, I met certain people such as Clyde Owen, Seth McFarland. My stint there was a very good experience.

Follow Pastorelli Restaurant on Instagram and check out PonteFino Hotel's website for more updates! For dining reservations, call PonteFino at 0915-964-1026 or 0908-293-9026.

Location: Pastorelli Restaurant, PonteFino Hotel, Gov. Antonio Carpio Road, Batangas

Opening Hours: Breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM; Lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Dinner from 6 PM to 10 PM

Restaurant Story

Kazu Café opened in 2024, taking notes from its older sibling Kazunori, a celebrated Japanese restaurant that opened in 2017. The café is owned by Ryan Cruz, CEO of Nippon Hasha Inc. 

Nippon Hasha Inc. is the group behind the popular ramen bar concepts Mendokoro Ramenba, Ramen Yushoken, and Marudori, which have become endeared to the local and foreign communities in Metro Manila.

Kazu Café is a more whimsical take on the restaurants that Nippon Hasha operates, taking on a casual yet elevated experience that is influenced by Tokyo’s café culture. 

“Japanese cafés often embrace flavors and dishes from around the world. At Kazu Café, we are bringing a global twist to our offerings while maintaining the precision and discipline of Japanese cuisine that the Kazunori brand has been known for all these years,” said Ryan Cruz in a press release. 

Vibe and Venue

Nestled in the lush and relaxing scenery of the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Kazu Café stands out for its youthful charm and playful take on what is quintessentially Japanese. While keeping to its traditional Japanese roots through its menu, Kazu Café is casual, hip, and whimsical. 

Its interiors were designed by Liza Crespo of Ecotecture Design Studio, featuring sculptural lights and denim-upholstered seating as a nod to the Japanese denim industry. Its branding and identity, created by Singapore-based ACRE Design is described as “bold and artistic, yet approachable” by TY Zheng, co-founder and creative director of ACRE Design, which can be seen through its clay-like logo that can be seen throughout the café. 

The café is a calm respite in the midst of a bustling city, with spaces fit for every kind of party, for any occasion. 

The Menu

Kazu Café offers an elevated take on beloved Japanese comfort classics with the high-level culinary techniques utilized by Nippon Hasha’s restaurants. The menu offers a wide-range of options — from salads, soup, sandwiches, to teishoku, pasta, donburi, pizza, curry — including Japanese café bites and breakfast platters for the morning. 

Chef Kuramochi Kazunori, the head chef at the café’s sister restaurant Kazunori, created the menu that Kazu Café is now known for. Some of his creations are the Hitachi Wagyu Burger, Yaki Tonkotsu, Kazu Oyakodon, and Hanetsuki Gyoza.

Their dessert menu is also not one to miss, especially with offers like the Musk Melon Kakigori, Yuzu Tiramisu, and Matchagato giving diners a glimpse into the fashionably trendy café culture in Japan. 

Kazu Café recently added new items to their menu, which perfectly fit the bill if you’re looking out to try something new!

The Cost

Kazu Café is quite affordable, especially since you’re paying for high-quality ingredients, generous servings, and an inviting space. Prices are friendly for everyone, with Kazu Café’s starters ranging from P220 to P460, with the exception for the Hitachi Wagyu Burger costing P1,400. 

The prices for the mains range from P380 to P550, and Kazu Café’s set meals, or the Teishoku, are priced at P450. These set meals include rice, a small salad, miso soup, and the main dish. 

The café pastries are much cheaper, ranging from P180 to P300, and the breakfast set offerings are priced from P390 to P880. 

For their drink menu, their coffee offerings range from P150 to P250, which are common among all cafés in the area. Some of their more premium offers, such as their matcha, range from P200 to 260. 

Kazu Café’s new cocktail menu is priced from P280 to P520, and their new bar menu ranges from P295 to P550. 

What We Tried

Kazu Café gave The Beat Manila the opportunity to try out their newest bar menu, which were the Yakiniku Pizza, Crispy Chicken Sando, Gyoza, and Nikomigyuu Niku Bolognese.

Itadakimasu! 

We started our meal with the Gyoza, which was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These pork dumplings were first steamed and then fried to get that crisp exterior and juicy filling, and the overall experience of biting into it was incredibly pleasing. 

Next, we had the Yakiniku Pizza, which was surprisingly sweet and definitely not a usual pick. The teriyaki-flavor gives it a unique umami kick and it’s best paired with coffee or matcha. It’s also a great pick if you’re looking for a heavy snack!

The Crispy Chicken Sando was an absolute delight; the chicken thigh was cooked to perfection — crunchy on the outside, juicy in the inside. The garlic mayo was a perfect pairing to the dish, too. It’s subtle, and didn’t overpower the dish. 

We had the Nikomigyuu Niku Bolognese for last, which is a must-try for pasta lovers if you’re not a purist. The sauce was rich and beefy, and it soaked perfectly into the linguine pasta. It’s cozy, satisfying, and worth your money for sure. 

The Beat Manila was also able to try Kazu Café’s newest cocktail menu, which are cocktail classics reinvented with Japanese flavors that were creatively concocted by renowned mixologist Arcadius Rybak.  

Every drink had their own personalities and mood — here’s how we’d describe them. 

Althea: Light, floral and sweet, but the bitterness creeps in once you’re a few sips in. Made with Rinomatto Bianco, elderflower, yuzu sake, soda water, and a bit of prosecco, it’s sweet and refreshing, but the bitter aftertaste rounds it up and brings you back. 

Gabriel: If you’re not much into drinking alcohol, then this drink isn’t the one for you. It’s made with Mancino Secco, Widges Gin, wasabi, kiwi, and lemon, and can be quite intense. The lemon and kiwi offers a sweetness to the spice, but beware, the gin kick is real, and it lingers. 

Rossi: This drink is fruity, sweet and cute, but don’t underestimate it. It blends Ratafia Rossi, red wine, guava, lemon, and shiso for a Japanese version of sangria. It may not be too strong at first glance, but then you realize you’re tipsy after a few glasses. 

Edo Sour: The green tea in the drink got us raising our eyebrows. It’s bold, unexpected, and quite bitter, made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, green tea, passion fruit, and egg white. The result? A bittersweet and complex drinking experience. 

Kurogane: This drink was blended with Arette Bianco Tequila, Derrumbes Mezcal, yuzu juice, and yuzukosho, making it a wonderfully smoky flavor trip. It’s both smoky and zesty, with a hint of citrus to give it a different body. Not our usual pick, but it’s one to try.

Hide: The drink was both intense and refreshing — something that feels quite opposite from one another. This drink blends in Aperol, basil, guava, and soda water, giving it a citrusy-spicy taste. The guava leaf also gave it an herbal twist to the drink, and it’s perfect for chill sessions with friends. 

Amayuzu: It may just look like water, but don’t let that fool you. Made with Grass Vodka, Derrumbes Mezcal, almond, yuzu, and tonic water, it’s quite strong with a citrus edge and a bitter aftertaste. But its taste is perfectly balanced and if you’re one that prefers your drinks clean and packs a punch, then this one’s for you. 

Kusama: Sweet, light, and effortlessly cool — mixing sake, Pisco Fernet Hunter, lychee, and muscat grapes into an elevated fruit juice-like drink. It’s got that elegant vibe, and it wouldn’t look like you’re drinking alcohol in the first place. 

Gochisousama Deshita!

Follow Kazu Café on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on their F&B offerings!

Location: Kazu Café, Unit 05-06, Ground Level, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

Opening Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM, Daily

If you were glued to the screen during Culinary Class Wars, now’s your chance to taste the drama (and the dishes) that made chef Choi Hyun Seok a household name. 

The South Korean culinary icon is serving up his signature creations in Manila from Apr. 11 to July 6, at Finestra at Solaire Resort North, Quezon City, and Waterside at Solaire Resort, Entertainment City, Parañaque. 

Fans can dig into standout plates from the Netflix hit — including that infamous Vongole, the very dish that led to Choi’s dramatic elimination in Episode 10 (thanks to a missing clove of garlic). 

Now it is back and better than ever — garlic included this time. At P750, you can experience the dish he’s been perfecting for nearly three decades.

But the menu doesn’t stop there. Chef Choi is bringing a full lineup of his Culinary Class Wars favorites: Seaweed Soup with Hairtail Fish and Radish (P680), the indulgent Jang Trio Steak (P6,680), Tender Beans (P560), a luxe Donut with Corn and Caviar (P1,200), and a special Bingsu (P2,000) — Korean shaved ice personally made for Solaire.

Whether you're a fan of the show, a Korean food lover, or just someone who appreciates bold flavors and top-tier technique, this limited-time experience is not to be missed. Come hungry, and maybe rewatch the sixth episode for the drama before you go.

For more information, visit Solaire Resort on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Finestra Location: 38/F, Solaire Resort North, 1 Solaire Way, Vertis North, Bagong Pag-asa Quezon City 1105 

Opening Hours: From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Daily, Dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM Daily

Waterside Location: G/F, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, Paranaque City 1701 

Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM, Daily (Bar) from 10 AM to 1 AM

Last Monday evening presented us with an exciting culinary journey featuring the delicate nuances of Asian cuisine beautifully blended with the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexico.

Discovery Primea started strong with their first culinary collaboration of the year, featuring the joint partnership of Chef Cara Davis of Hálong and Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco of Flame, the hotel’s premier dining venue serving modern Asian cuisine. The two chefs presented a special multi-course menu blending Pan Asian flavors with playful Mexican influences, all paired with premium Kubota sake selections from High Tower. 

The luxury hotel’s quarterly culinary series, "Elements of Flavor," spotlights meaningful collaborations between Discovery Primea’s culinary team and celebrated local and international chefs. Each edition offers a unique and tasteful experience formed through distinctive techniques, philosophies, and flavors and presented through thoughtfully crafted menus that celebrate culinary artistry. Some noteworthy previous editions include Beijing x Manila with Michelin-starred Chef William Mahi, Flavors of Colombia with Chef Alex Nessim, and Flame x Idalia with Chef Kevin David. 

Last Mar. 31, The Beat Manila embarked on a culinary journey that took us across the region with a spicy Mexican kick, highlighting each chef’s cooking styles in a spectacular medley of flavors presented through an eight-course meal with sake pairings.  

Chef Cara Davis spent seven years in Mexico and has been across the globe sharpening her skills with experiences in acclaimed restaurants such as Alinea (Chicago), Arzak (San Sebastian), and Eleven Madison Park (New York). Hálong is her homecoming project that serves à la carte menu items featuring a Mexican motif with pops of bold Asian flavors. The restaurant is located in Legazpi Village, Makati City.

Meanwhile, Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco leads the culinary team of the property’s premier restaurant on the 16th floor and is known for his innovative techniques that transform classic Asian dishes into flavorful modern masterpieces.   

Traveling through Taste: Where Asia and Mexico Meet

The meal kicked off with a tasty snack: Far-East Elote, a classic Mexican street food dish featuring charred baby corn with smoked chipotle butter, onion ash aioli, and dressed in yuzu and fermented honey. An interesting choice for a starter, as it perfectly introduces you to the flavors of this menu and sets the theme for the multi-course presentation. Street food is many travelers’ go-to meal the moment they land somewhere new, and is the best way to get to know the locals’ palate. So, this was a wonderful metaphor showcased through this appetizer. 

The first highlight of the night is the Lapu-Lapu Ceviche with lime, jalapeño, red radish, coconut milk, kaffir lime and lemongrass oil, and salmon roe. It was unmistakable ceviche, but it also reminded us of one of our favorite Thai dishes, “Tom Yum Kung.” The refreshing dish tasted like a chilled version of the famed Thai soup and was complemented by the scent of citrus, lemongrass, and galangal.

Next up was the Octopus with roasted bell pepper-chorizo foam with munggo and granola salad on the side. Octopus is infamous for being chewy, but this was incredibly tender and fell apart in a single bite! The creamy sauce was also perfectly paired with it, giving it that smoky and sweet taste. 

The Black Pepper & Coriander King Prawn was perfectly charred and tender, but we have to admit that it was overshadowed by the next dish: The Japanese Kinmedai Fillet, which was one of the best seafood dishes we’ve tasted in a while. The fish fillet (golden-eye snapper) was perfectly seared on just one side, which made the skin crispy and the meat incredibly juicy! We could’ve eaten an entire portion of this — and by portion, we mean the entire fish. It was served with Mexican “Nam Phrik” tomatoes, cilantro, red onions, and green mango, which was a great salad side and reminded us of the Filipino grilled Pompano with mango salsa. From Mexico to Thailand and now the Philippines, this course is definitely taking us across the region!

The heavy players came in near the end as we were served the Crispy U.S. Pork Belly with carrot habanero and grilled and fresh pineapples. It definitely gave the classic Filipino bagnet a run for its money with how crispy and tender this slab of fatty meat was. The pineapple side gave a pleasant, tangy kick that balanced the spices well. We would say it’s similar to atchara (pickled green papaya). Habanero is known for its intense heat, but the portion provided on this dish elevated it to new heights, giving a simply meaty dish some flair. We think even those who aren’t fans of spicy would agree that it marries perfectly well with everything. 

The last dish on the mains lineup was the U.S. Beef Short Ribs “Al Pastor” with pan-fried foie gras, sticky rice tamales, charred corn kernels, gochujang, chicharrón, herb salad, and pickled red onions paired with Kubota Manjyu Junmai Daiginyo. That description was a mouthful, but it perfectly encapsulated our experience with this Mexican-style adobo, which was undoubtedly the highlight of this show. We couldn’t forget the way we sliced into that tender meat and were met by a perfect pink color, or the way that first bite felt like we had ascended into food heaven. We were thoroughly full, having reached our final destination for the mains, but our plates were swiped clean as we eagerly enjoyed this final dish. 

The Cherry On Top

Although full and satisfied, we always have room for dessert, and the chefs prepared two decadent treats that wrapped up this enjoyable dining experience in a pretty bow. The Flourless Chocolate Cake “de mi Abuela” with toasted rice ice cream and cinnamon milk crisps was for the chocolate lovers. The cake was smooth and dense, and was more like a thick mousse. It may be too sweet for some, but the sweetness was very much welcome considering the entirety of the menu leaned towards more savory and umami flavors. Additionally, the ice cream and cinnamon crisps had a more neutral flavor, which balanced it out. The cake was also shaped like a pyramid, which was a clever ode to Chichén Itzá in Mexico. 

Those who like their desserts on the sour side will definitely enjoy the Petit Fours, which feature miso financier and yuzu tartlets. The tartlets were divine and provided just the right amount of tartness with a dash of sweetness from that tiny bean-shaped chocolate, while the miso financier gave us quite a surprise, not expecting that intense saltiness. Together, these desserts were an attack on the senses and made up a daring combination — one that encapsulated the bold statements Chef Cara and Chef Chikiamco were making throughout the night with their wonderful dishes.

Overall, everything was delicious. But more than that, this collaboration took us on a fun journey across the region that was both satisfying and unforgettable. We may not have been to Mexico, but it sure felt like it was only a short flight away from other ASEAN cities we know and love, with how it easily blended with Asian flavors. 

Kudos to the chefs for giving us a taste of Mexico and proving to us that flavors are just as exciting as destinations. We can’t wait to see what the “Elements of Flavor” series has in store for us for the rest of the year. 

For the latest updates, follow Discover Primea on Facebook and Instagram. 

Restaurant Story

Chicken Chingu first opened days before the COVID-19 lockdown in Metro Manila back in March 2020. Born out of a love for fried chicken, delicious and high-quality dishes, and the Hallyu wave in the Philippines, Chicken Chingu is known for their perfectly double-fried boneless Korean fried chicken, bold flavors, and crave-worthy combos. 

“From a humble dream born during the pandemic to a brand embraced by #ChinguNation, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our loyal customers since 2020. Their love, passion, and enthusiasm are at the heart of our success, and this celebration is our way of giving back,” said Chef Marc Justin Tee, General Manager & Co-Owner of Chicken Chingu. 

Currently celebrating their fifth Chingu-versary, Chicken Chingu is offering their #ChinguNation some exclusive offers, in-store surprises, and unforgettable moments as a way to say thank you for all their support.

Vibe and Venue

The branch at NU Mall of Asia is smaller than most of their dine-in locations, but it’s not too cramped to feel like you’ve no space. Chicken Chingu’s signature colors — red and yellow — are accented with wood tables that give off a friendly, no-frills vibe. 

Chicken Chingu’s largest dine-in location is at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf. Other dine-in locations are at Biz Terreno Building Sct. Torillo, Quezon City, You.Suites, Recto, and SMDC Green Mall, Taft. 

The Menu

Chicken Chingu prides itself on having delicious and high-quality boneless Korean fried chicken and comfort food items that make them a favorite for many. Their bestseller is their Boneless Korean Fried Chicken with numerous flavor options.  

Aside from their Chingu Combos and Chingu Feast Bundles, they also offer a la carte items, for sharing options, snacks, side dishes, and beverages like their Iteawon Iced Tea.  

For their Chingu flavors, they have Original, Honey Soy, Spicy Yangneom, Jack Daniels, Buffalo Blue Cheese, Crunchy Garlic, Butter Parmesan, Sriracha, and K-BBQ. 

The Cost

Chicken Chingu is budget-friendly, offering combos and bundles for any party size. The Chingu Combos have a price range of P169 to P239, with the option to upgrade their drinks or rice for P35 each. 

Their a la carte menu — boneless fried chicken, bulgogi, beef stew, pork/chicken katsu, and pork/chicken katsudon — ranges from P139 to P 209, with for-sharing options costing P319. Their French fries snack options are priced from P139, and their extra side dishes have prices ranging from P25 to P69. 

What We Tried

Our mukbang for the day was the Mukbang Feast Bundle, which included approximately 28 pieces of Chicken Chingu’s boneless Korean fried chicken in four flavors: Butter Parmesan, Honey Soy, Jack Daniel’s, and Spicy Yangnyeom. The bundle also included Bulgogi, two kinds of dip (Cheese and Aioli), rice, and their Iteawon Iced Tea with Sinkers. 

We also had the opportunity to try Chicken Chingu’s limited-time flavor, Jeju Orange Chicken, which they described as their take on the popular Chinese-American fried chicken dish. 

Our mukbang began with a taste of the Butter Parmesan-flavored chicken, an interesting twist to the usual Garlic Parmesan flavor we’d see in other restaurants. The flavor profile is both rich and sharp — with the richness of the butter blending in perfectly with the sharp and strong taste of parmesan cheese. 

Next was the Honey Soy flavor, which was simply a perfect balance of sweet and umami. Each bite was delightful, with the caramelized honey and deep, savory soy sauce creating a delicious harmony of flavors that you’d go back to every time. 

The popularity of the Jack Daniel’s flavor is well-deserved; it is an indulgently rich flavor, with a bold, smoky kick that elevates the crispy chicken. If you’re looking for a barbecue-like flavor to your meal, then the Jack Daniel’s flavor is what you should be choosing. 

No Korean fried chicken tasting would be complete without the Spicy Yangnyeom flavor. The heat isn’t just there for the sake of the spice — the flavor is thoughtfully layered, never overpowering any other flavors. It’s authentically Korean, striking a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, with a fiery kick wrapping up the entire experience.

Finally, the Jeju Orange flavor is satisfyingly sweet and tangy and fits the palates of Filipinos. The citrusy flavors of the sauce are perfect with the crunchiness of the chicken, and each has a pleasing taste. It’s a new flavor, and there’s a reason why it’s become so popular even though it’s only available for a limited time. 

Chicken Chingu’s boneless fried chicken is irresistibly flavorful, delivering a satisfying crunch and burst of taste in every bite until the very last. 

Their Bulgogi also lives up to the hype, being a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and subtly smoky flavors. When paired with rice, it becomes even more satisfying, leaving you craving for more with every bite.

The Iteawon Iced Tea rounds up the meal with a refreshingly sweet taste. It’s a good palate cleanser to your meal if you’re looking to try other flavors, with its sweetness not too overpowering, and its sinkers adding another dimension to your drink. 

Locations: Multiple Locations

Okada Manila is embracing spring in style with a lineup of gourmet experiences, family activities, and wellness indulgences running throughout April.  Enjoy everything from lavish Easter buffets to rejuvenating spa treatments, promising to leave you feeling as refreshed as a blooming flower!

Enjoy Seasonal Feasts and Easter Delights

Celebrate Easter with the Hoppy and Hearty Easter Buffet at Medley Buffet on Apr. 20, 2025. Diners can feast on fresh seafood, succulent roasts, and Easter-themed desserts, with a special egg hunt for families. The buffet is priced at P4,500 nett per adult and P2,250 nett per child.

For a more refined afternoon, A Taste of Spring High Tea at the Lobby Lounge offers floral-infused pastries, finger sandwiches, and premium teas. Available from Apr. 1 to May 1, 2025, the set is priced at P1,150 nett for one and P2,280 nett for two.

Foodies can also savor seasonal menus, including La Piazza’s Primavera Perfection, featuring marinated ocean trout, green pea ravioli, and Romana-style pizza with shrimp and stracciatella cheese. Available from Apr. 1 to 30, 2025, dishes start at P400. Meanwhile, Okada’s traditional Chinese restaurant Yu Lei offers the Flavors in Bloom set menu by Chef Mikiya Imagawa for P6,800 nett, available until Apr. 20, 2025.

For those with a sweet tooth, A Sweet Easter Surprise at the Lobby Lounge and Pastry Shop features Easter cakes and chocolates from Apr. 10 to 21, 2025, starting at P450 nett.

Family Fun

Families can enjoy Easter Fun at Cove Manila Beach Club on Apr. 20, 2025, with live entertainment, poolside activities, and special treats. Tickets start at P1,788 nett. Kids can also get active with Flip, Jump & Play Gymnastics Classes at PLAY, with trial sessions for P750 and full-term packages from P9,888 nett.

Seasonal Spa and Beauty Indulgences

For a spring refresh, The Retreat Spa offers a Total Relaxation Package for P8,900, including a 60-minute Pore to Pure Facial, 30-minute Aromatherapy Scrub, and a 30-minute Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage.

The Beauty Salon presents the Springtime Glow Treatment, with a Glow Boost Hair Treatment for P888 when paired with a Base Hair Color service. At the Nail Art Studio, Blooming Nails offers spring-inspired nail art with a complimentary Hand Thera Paraffin treatment for P2,500.

Location: Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive 1701 Parañaque Metro Manila ·

For more information, visit Okada Manila's website, or their Facebook and Instagram.