A few years ago, I went to Chengdu in China. We were sent by Nestlé Philippines to see the Magic Sarap factory. I was one of those who was curious how it was made. Then, I was asked to endorse it. I was most impressed. They use fresh chicken, garlic, onions, salt, pepper, MSG (tiny amount), turmeric and egg yolk. They turn that into liquid then into granules. Galing! Great product!
While going around in the area, I noticed a lot of restaurants. Many of them were Hot Pot. Boiling soup with a variety of vegetables and meats, rice and many others. We got to try a meal once, but it really didn’t create a memory on me. From this, I remember a restaurant chain here I used to frequent. More or less the same concept but the unlimited food was on display. I got a bum tummy once and never went back. I guess many of the items that aren’t taken are served the next day. To me, that’s okay, but seafood can be very delicate if not handled properly.
Recently, my daughter Danielle has been craving Hot Pot. She took us once to this place at the BGC strip. I found it very interesting since you make your own sauce or have the service staff make one for you. It wasn’t cheap, but as long as my kids are happy, so am I.
Last week, a friend, Kat Hernandez, told me she went to a Hot Pot place near where we live. P599 per person, eat all you can. I immediately knew where I was having lunch that day. I asked my daughter Ali and her boyfriend Bingo if they wanted to come. Of course they did!
Off we went to Jiang Nan (I am told they have a few branches all over). This is around Don Antonio Heights area along Commonwealth. It is located on the 3rd floor. The place is new and beautiful. There are tables with burners and exhaust just above. Place was a bit warm, though maybe it’s because of all the boiling pots. We sat down and started browsing thru the menu and listing what we wanted.
I personally like to stuff myself with veggies first, then the meats. We ordered 2 broths. One spicy and one regular. I started with Taiwan pechay and inoki mushrooms. Lots of them. Then I ordered beef balls, squid balls, fish balls, chicken and lamb. Ali and Bingo got the entire menu. Also on the unlimited list were orange juice, tea and chilled plum juice, which I zeroed in on. Sarap ha!
The service staff provided us with the house sauce, but we went to the sauce counter to make our own. In mine, I added satay sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic, chopped coriander, chopped peanuts, and a spicy sauce. This sauce turned out too thick, so you can add a little soup from your broth. My regular broth was just for me, as my seatmates preferred the spicy one. I stuffed myself with boiled veggies and mushrooms before moving on to the meat balls. The thin slices of lamb were frozen, and rice was also unlimited. The meal was delicious, especially considering it was only P599 per person. It tasted even better when Bing paid.
Today, Jiang Nan has become a staple in our family. I love it. Healthy pa!
Jiang Nan - The Rock Lifestyle Hub, Isidora Hills subdivision, Holy Spirit Drive, Corner Marcelino, QC. Tel. (02) 7006 1547 Happy Eating!Habol! My Hokkaido Food Tour: Sept.1 to 8. Message Melody at 0917 624 2819