Lechon is arguably one of the favorite specialty foods for Filipinos in and outside of the Philippines. If the sight and smell of a whole pig roasted to perfection brings pleasure, what more the taste of it? I have tasted many types and variants of lechon from different places in the Philippines - from North to South - but last week it was my first time to taste the Native Lechon made by the Cotta family in Lucena City, Quezon Province.

Inside, read my attempt to describe the taste of the Cotta Native Lechon. Crispy outside. Tender and juicy inside. Sounds like a commercial huh? I dare you to try Cotta Native Lechon and tell me if you think otherwise. Just take a look at the pictures of the lechon inside I guarantee you will want to taste this lechon, too.

The TIKOY (Chinese New Year pudding) is a standard delicacy for Filipinos especially during the celebration of Chinese New Year. Filipinos, even those without Chinese lineage, to enjoy a slice of tikoy during Chinese New Year and even during the Christmas holidays.

The Zabala family in Lucena City, Quezon province are well known inthe country and other parts of the world because of their special TIKOY delicacy. Yes, TIKOY Lucena.

By Valerie Tort

Watching movies in your favorite theatres is considered more enjoyable than viewing a pile of the latest DVD series of your much-awaited shows and anthologies in your pad.

Alas! It is movie theatre popcorn—the missing ingredient for the ultimate satisfaction of movie viewing at home. You miss the crunch and the buttery taste it fills your mouth in every crunch. Due to the large market for fast, convenient, and instant meals and snacks, anyone can enjoy movie theatre popcorn in minutes.

More Jolly Time Microwave Popcorn flavors

By Valerie Tort

Tea is a great morning starter and a calming herbal concoction to cater people from different age groups. Tea is the next most popular drink to water. Just like morning or mid-afternoon coffee breaks, drinking tea is usually associated with healthy and satisfying rituals or get-togethers.

Different researches show that drinking approximately two to four cups of tea per day may cut down the risk of developing cancers and heart disease, and at the same time increase the level of antioxidants in the body. In addition, a cup of tea can lessen the cravings for high fat and sugar laden foods.

Find the perfect Tea type for you

By Valerie Tort

Crepe is a break in the routine of a fast food nation since it is easy to prepare and quick to cook. Crepe is also a versatile choice for diners who wanted to try something new most of the time.

Making crepes can utilize those leftovers in the refrigerator and transform them into another dish. Crepes vary according to their fillings. Fillings may be a dessert-like treat glazed with caramel, chocolate, or your choice of sauce or a sumptuous savory lunch/dinner packed with protein-rich meat and vegetables.

Get great Crepe Recipes for dessert

By Valerie Tort

The charisma of Middle Eastern cuisine continues to invade the streets of Malate as Luckyway Chicken and Kebab Restaurant served authentic Arab dishes.

The family-style restaurant is appealing since it has a casual and homey ambiance that can accommodate all walks of life as opposed to an upscale fine dining establishment. Diners are afloat in a gastronomic sea of culinary cultural influence in Luckway Chicken and Kebab Restaurant as it focused not only on the Arab cuisine but also the Filipino, Chinese, American, and Italian cuisine.

Savor Middle Eastern Cuisine at Luckway Chicken and Kebab Restaurant

By Joel Pinaroc

Mang Jimmy’s, an eatery at the MWSS compound in UP Diliman near Katipunan Avenue, remains an institution when it comes to how to best serve sizzling food, fast, and efficient, without straining one’s budget.

For quite sometime now, Mang Jimmy’s continues to provide a unique, and satisfying way to give diners money-for-value items, that are simply unbeatable.

If not for the long queue of vehicles outside its premises, first time visitors will not immediately notice Mang Jimmy’s.

More on Mang Jimmy’s mouthwatering sizzlers

By Valerie Tort

Amid the Starbucks phenomena, how many of us know that that the Philippines grows the best verieties of coffee in the world? And the kapeng barako is just one of them.

More and more people are becoming coffee drinkers. Coffee has become a part of the everyday Filipino diet. Remember the choice of tapa (smoked meat) or longanisa (Filipino sausage) served with sinangag (fried rice) and fried egg paired with coffee for a Filipino breakfast? How about the merienda of cuchinta and coffee?

Find out more Philippine Coffee variety

by Valerie Tort

Bibingka is one of the local terms used to describe Filipino rice cakes. The Filipino specialty can be eaten for breakfast or for merienda. Bibingka Royale is a soft, fluffy, and cake-like dessert with a slight sticky texture unlike the traditional bibingka made from glutinous rice topped with coco jam.

No need to wait for the Christmas songs to play and the well-lit lanterns to be displayed in front of the village houses to have a taste of Bibingka Royale. Even beginners can prepare and cook Bibingka Royale at the comfort of their homes without the hassle.

Get the Bibingka Royale recipe

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

A fusion of world-class dishes blends seamlessly in a chic and modern lifestyle dining at Serendra in The Fort. For call center agents who would want to have a taste of just about everything anywhere in the world, then they don’t have to look far: Serendra pleases various palates yearning for more than just coffee.

Like a concoction of your favorite dish, made with a tad bit of everything, and soothing appetizers to taste, Serendra offers Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Hawaiian, Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese and of course, Filipino meals.

Check out the Serendra Dining Strip Manila restaurants