Whenever I need to go to areas to do work or a chore, I create an incentive as a reward to myself. That usually involves food. I also like to make use of my time while being in the area anyway by getting other things done.
I usually take my car to a shop in Banawe for the usual checkup, tune up, tire change, or whatever it needs. It was here where I discovered many dining places or visit old restaurants with classic cuisine, many of which have become comfort food. Some of these are Ma Mon Luk, Ling Nam, Shiok Shiok, Hongkong Street Food, Meat Depot, Causeway Bay, and a few others. I have been eying Mandarin Sky for a few months now and I will get there soon.
I was having my car tuned up at Carzone when I was told it would take a few hours. I didn’t mind because I like walking around just to explore the area while waiting. During my walk, I happened to pass by what looked like Chinese restaurant. It had a tiny section that sold fish, chicken, and pork flakes in plastic jars, Taiwanese Rabbit candy, tea, and many other snacks. When I entered, I saw a display of dishes that all looked appetizing but mostly unfamiliar. I started browsing and swallowing at the same time. I was so confused I didn’t know what to order.
Fong Wei Wu had a lunch special for P150 that included one serving of rice, two vegetable dishes, and a main. Not bad, I thought, but kulang to me. I ended up with braised chicken, bamboo shoots, pickled mustard, and a rice platter, plus a side dish of boneless bangus. Very good, but I still wanted to try the other dishes.
Every after two weeks, I crave for the food at Fong Wei Wu and even if I don’t need to do anything in Banawe, I drive there just for that. Once I got quiqiam, fried chicken, adobong tofu, and that P150 special. Also very good! Another time I had the duck breast and fried pork chops. I hardly eat rice but at this restaurant I cannot do away with rice and I end up breaking whatever diet I’m on.
During my walk, I happened to pass by what looked like Chinese restaurant. It had a tiny section that sold fish, chicken, and pork flakes in plastic jars, Taiwanese Rabbit candy, tea, and many other snacks.
Does it happen to you that after you order, you glance at another table and wish you ordered the same thing? Always happens to me. These two elderly Chinese-Pinoy-looking gentlemen walked in, ordered a bowl each of kiam pong, fried pork chops, sliced sausage, and braised mini oysters. What went through my head was that these guys were wise and experienced and sure knew what was good. So a few days after, I went back alone and ordered a kiam pong, braised pork with black bean sauce, and two vegetable sides. Good, but I learned something that day: Since the rice is already flavored, have it with something without sauce like sliced sausage, pork chops, or duck breast. Kiam pong is soy flavored and made with sticky rice. It’s a bit dark in color and topped with some peanuts. I am also eyeing the braised pork belly next time.
Kiampong 
Bamboo shoots 
Stewed pork with black beans 
Quiqiuam and pork balls and duck breast
Fong Wei Wu also serves their halo halo for dessert. Also very good. The one I really enjoyed was the mixed halo halo, but most of the time, I have no more space for it. I see a lot of local Chinese in the area doing take-home. This is one of my go-to places in Banawe. Every so often, the menu changes. Check it out!
Happy eating!
Fong Wei Wu is located at 82 Banawe corner Samat Streets in Quezon City. (02) 3412 5435 | 02 8741 3112