Being the largest continent in the world, Asia is home to the most vibrant cultures and stories that make it one of the most colorful places in the world. Its sense of diversity is also mirrored by the food it puts on its table. One can get an instant history lesson by feasting on its many cuisines. Lucky for us today, one doesn't need to fly abroad just to have a taste of its food.
In the Philippines alone, there are a myriad of food spots to discover the best of Asian cuisines. But if we are talking about elevated experience, Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill is one of the places that will dominate the list. Under the umbrella of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the Taguig City-based shopping center is loved for its romantic architectural design, art displays, array of boutiques, and, of course, its dazzling food offerings. This time, the premier lifestyle destination is putting the spotlight on its dining scene with its campaign that invites everyone to go and savor the best of Asian flavors.
Dubbed #TasteTheWorld, the campaign celebrates Megaworld Lifestyle Malls' food scene, and in Venice Grand Canal Mall's case, its Asian gastronomic delights. During a visit to the mall, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got to dine at its top restaurants serving authentic and modern Asian dishes. If you’re craving just that, be sure to stop by and eat at the restaurants we are listing below.
Japan on a plate
It is an understatement to say that Filipinos are big fans of Japanese cuisine. A testament to that is the Japanese restaurants present in many locations in Manila. But when it comes to authentic Japanese eats, one can get them at Botejyu restaurant. Founded in 1946, the restaurant is one of the many pioneering food brands that introduced Osaka food culture to the world. Locally, Botejyu has over 70 branches nationwide. Its store in Venice Grand Canal Mall, its landmark 50th branch, boasts the restaurant's revamped interiors.
What diners shouldn't miss trying from the restaurant are its freshly-made sushi, sashimi, and tempura. Its Pork Tonkotsu Ramen is the very definition of comfort food with its warm tonkotsu-based broth, soft-boiled egg, and slices of grilled char siu pork. Its Pork Tonkatsu Cutlet with Egg Teishoku dish pays homage to Japanese culinary tradition. As for drinks, one can order the Osaka Mix Fruit Juice, a light and healthy beverage made of mikan orange, banana, apple, pineapple, peach, and milk.
Botejyu is located on the ground floor of Venice Grand Canal Mall | +63 917 862 2236
Where tradition meets innovation
Another jewel in Venice Grand Canal Mall’s food scene is the Hashi-Pan Asian Restaurant. Unlike other food spots, this restaurant is known for blending traditional dishes from Asian countries like Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam with contemporary culinary techniques. Each plate is exciting, full of spice, and definitely Instagram-worthy, perfect for those foodies who are looking for something different and modern.
Apart from its sushi rolls, dim sums, and noodle soups, what we recommend everyone to try are its salads. Sashimi Salmon Salad is a fresh plate of marinated salmon and mixed greens flavored with soy vinaigrette. Its Warm Chicken Salad is a savory plate of stir-fried vegetables in sweet chili sauce, chicken, and cashew nuts. Something truly spicy is its Firecracker Chicken and Prawn. For dessert, be sure to make room for the White Chocolate Ginger Cheesecake and Banana Katsu, the latter is a play on the classic Pinoy merienda turon.
Another thing that makes Hashi-Pan Asian Restaurant stand out is its location. The restaurant is set against the picturesque backdrop of the stunning grand canal. On the weekends, guests can enjoy a dinner alfresco-style with live music sessions. Just imagine, enjoying its signature cocktails under the night sky with good music and the softly-lit canal in the background. What could be more romantic than that?
Hashi-Pan Asian Restaurant is located on the ground floor of Venice Grand Canal Mall | (02) 8511 0725
To learn more about the #TasteTheWorld campaign, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com Megaworld Lifestyle Mall’s official Facebook (@megaworldlifestylemalls), Twitter (@MegaworldMalls), Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and Tiktok (@megaworldlifestylemalls) accounts.