• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Dining Review

Dad’s and Sambokojin Buffets Built for Families by Family

I come from a big family.

When we were all together my mom would cook up a storm. We’d all sit around the table and of course we were super noisy, boisterous and always hungry. In my family we came to the table HUNGRY. We aren’t a family that is big on snacking in between meals and we are not big with junk food either, but we LIKE to eat.

If you like to eat like I do, then that means you like to have lots of different tastes, lots of different textures and lots of different choices. I know two places that are perfect for you to visit.

Dad's is an institution in Megamall.

Dad’s is an institution in Megamall.

Luckily, I was able to avail of both of these buffets because they generously sponsored the last two #SoMoms #betterme sessions with Coach Pia from The One Core for venue and food. We were able to have our monthly sessions with Coach Pia in a comfortable air conditioned private room in both places AND we were able to enjoy the bounties of both buffets.

Kara who is the managing director of the newly revamped Dad's World Buffet shared the story of how the family ventured into the restaurant business. She also shared that a buffet is NOT a buffet if Lechon is missing!

Kara who is the managing director of the newly revamped Dad’s World Buffet shared the story of how the family ventured into the restaurant business. She also shared that a buffet is NOT a buffet if Lechon is missing!

What I didn’t know, was that Dad’s in Megamall has been around for over 20 years. it came from the fact that the Villavicencio family (They are a big family too!) loved to eat as well. The patriarch of their family (Kara’s dad) had always instilled in them that they could eat as much as they wanted as long as they finished what was on their plate “all the way.” Talk about an institution! Dad’s (Saisaki & Kamayan) are well known for many a Filipino families who enjoy the variety that they have to offer.

Talk about a Salad Bar! This was only half of the cold selection!

Talk about a Salad Bar! This was only half of the cold selection!

Dad’s is just as family centered as much as it is concerned about nutrition. Kara shared that they have added new unlimited fruit shakes and juices to the menu because they know that often times, it’s hard to get the kids to eat their veggies. Even more important than that-I know that with such a wide variety of choices and such a HUGE buffet to choose from that it is vital that all the different foods are served at the correct temperatures.  Kara assured us that this was something they are on top of by monitoring the coolers and the warmers so that there is no chance of food entering the “danger zone.”

Of course I started with a plate of sushi and sashimi. Can you figure out what one of OC tendencies is by looking at my plate?

Of course I started with a plate of sushi and sashimi. Can you figure out what one of OC tendencies is by looking at my plate?

If you eat at Dad’s you will see a carving station and a seafood grilling station. You will also see food from China, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, American, Argentina, Morocco, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and of course the Philippines. That’s 16 different countries!

There is no shortage of meat if you are a meat lover. Pictured from top left corner-clockwise is Satay, Lechon, Churrascaria, and Carving station of Ham and Turkey

There is no shortage of meat at Dad’s if you are a meat lover. Pictured from top left corner-clockwise is Kebabs, Lechon, Churrascaria, and Carving station of Ham and Turkey.

A short while after the SoMoms visited Dads, we visited Sambokojin in Eastwood. It was a busy day for me when we had this particular Better Me session, and even though I had to eliminate some of the activities I had planned for the day because I ran outta time, I was not missing out on my favorite buffet place to visit. Nino and I have visited Sambokojin in two other locations, first starting with their place on Edsa, and then when they opened in SM Southmall we visited that outlet. But now I can say that I have also visited the Eastwood outlet and truth be told-the service and food remains consistent all through out. Excellent.

In case you didn’t know, I’m a dipper. I thoroughly enjoy dipping. I like making my own sauces, and I like using the sauces that are provided in Sambokojin. You might say I’m the condiment queen, because even when we have our grilled sausages I need to have ketchup, mustard, mayo, and my friend Vangie’s Secret Sausage Sauce. (and that’s just for grilled sausage!) So you can imagine my delight in a scene like this:

I need these little divided dipping dishes in my home! They are perfect!

I need these little divided dipping dishes in my home! They are perfect!

The good thing about eating in Sambokojin is that I don’t feel guilty because EVERYTHING is grilled! You choose the meats and fish that you want to grill and then they have these awesome SMOKELESS grills that take all the smoke out of grilling!!! It literally sucks the smoke out of the air so you are not uncomfortable and you can enjoy the smoky grill taste without the smoke!!!

IMG_1538

I was at this cooler a lot. Can you guess were my favorites?

You can flip back and forth from Japanese and Korean dishes, as well as having all of the side dishes that accompany these grilled specialties. I always enjoy the Korean appetizers when we eat Korean food so my appetizer plate looked something like this:

Do you see a pattern with my food placement? I really don't like my food tastes to mingle too much. I know, I know, it all goes to the same place, but I feel like all of the different tastes are there to change the taste in my mouth when I need it...so...I don't like them to touch...

Do you see a pattern with my food placement? I really don’t like my food tastes to mingle too much. I know, I know, it all goes to the same place, but I feel like all of the different tastes are there to change the taste in my mouth when I need it…so…I don’t like them to touch…

But when you are choosing what to grill for yourself, there are so many choices. Unfortunately, or fortunately, (depending on how you look at it) I’m a creature of habit. I usually get the same things all the time…

I usually get bacon wrapped veggies. As you can clearly see here...I have gravitated once again to the asparagus and the enoki mushrooms. *sigh* (creature of habit talaga.)

I usually get bacon wrapped veggies. As you can clearly see here…I have gravitated once again to the asparagus and the enoki mushrooms. *sigh* (creature of habit talaga.) The foil wrapped pouches are veggies and shrimp with garlic butter.

There is no smoke when you grill here. Of course you will still smell like you have grilled all your food in front of you-but you won’t suffer from the smoke that usually comes along with grilling. Another reason to love Sambokojin!

Remember that song from Sesame Street? "One of these things is not like the other..."

Remember that song from Sesame Street? “One of these things is not like the other…”

Thank you Bokie Villavicencio from sponsoring our #SoMoms #BetterMe session in your Eastwood Branch of Sambokojin. All the SoMoms in attendance not only left with happy hearts and minds because of our Better Me session, we also left with full tummies not feeling guilty about what we ate!

Bokie shared with us that the name of the restaurant is also the name of a "Japanese Kitchen God."

Bokie shared with us that the name of the restaurant is also the name of a “Japanese Kitchen God.”

To find out more about the nearest Sambokojin to your place, you can visit their website.

Dad’s has a whole list of all of the different foods you can find on the buffet in Megamall.

As always, the Somoms are grateful that healthy living is supported by companies like Unilab.

 

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« The New Tiger Tacook Rice Cooker
Lactacyd Mums and Tubs »

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...