Din Tai Fung Dim Sum
Cover Din Tai Fung Dim Sum

Welcome to Foodie Finds! This is an article series by Tatler, chronicling where and what to order according to the food-obsessed.

I myself have never understood non-foodies. How can one not love flavours, spices, aromas and all the cultural nuances and memories that come with every bite? Dining is an experience meant to be savoured and is even more fun when shared with loved ones. Dining around a table means sharing, conversing, bonding and learning. A dish can tell you so much about a person, a culture, and a country. It speaks volumes of a nation's history and is an art form on its own. Skilled hands are trained over years or are born out of pure passion and practice. Professional chefs and home cooks alike, from young stars to grandmothers, have been cooking up meals filled with emotion and have truly made us foodies, happy.

Through Foodie Finds, we ask our epicurean friends to share their favourites. In this feature, we tackle takeout and delivery. Hear what Nicole Ortega, lifestyle blogger and artisanal food purveyor, has to say. Here, she shares her go-to shops for takeout.

Read more: Heritage Recipes From Tatler Friends - Nicole Ortega, Cheryl Tiu, Marielle Po and more

1. Mendokoro Ramen Bar

@mendokoro_ramenba

It’s the most authentic for me. It’s like being in Japan and you don’t feel shortchanged when you leave. Their flavours are all on point and execution is flawless. I like their regular shoyu ramen with an ajitsuke tamago and an order (or two) of gyoza on the side. They make the best gyozas, hands down! The filling is perfectly seasoned and the wrapper is delicate. I also love their chilled, dry spicy hiyashi bowls. 

Read more: Foodie Finds With Paolo and Geline Bugayong

2. Hai Shin Lou 

@haishinlou

Hai Shin Lou is always consistent. Their seafood is always fresh and having it at home is still as satisfying as eating in the restaurant. I like their white chicken with ginger sauce, sweet and sour pork, steamed deep-sea fish, vegetable hot pots, beef hofan noodles, their egg white and chorizo fried rice is stellar. When it comes to Hai Shin Lou, there’s too many to mention, really. Not to be forgotten is their snowball dessert: pillowy soft mochi and desiccated coconut with an egg custard filling in the middle. 

Read more: Foodie Finds With Wagyu Studio Co-Owner Carlo Alvarez

3. Acachan Eats 

@acachancooks

Acachaneats is an Instagram seller and they make two dishes: Spring onion chicken, and char siu. It is homemade but done to restaurant standards. For the price you pay, it’s unbelievable. 

4.  Betty’s Best

@bettysbestph

Here, you need to try their sisig pancit, and bangus pancit. Their bibinka is also good. I’ve been giving it as gifts to friends celebrating birthdays and it’s always a hit. It’s so easy to order too, and delivery is swift. I’ve always had a pleasant experience ordering even if I’m all the way in La Union these days. 

Read more: Foodie Finds With Food Enthusiast Roman Recto

5. Blackbird

@blackbirdatthenielsontower

Blackbird is always a regular craving for me as well. Their team never misses a chance to update me regarding operating hours and their food is always neatly packed and fresh upon arrival. Their pizzas, Asian style dishes, such as my favourite fish curry and twice-cooked beef short ribs, always hits the spot. 

Related: Chef Colin Mackay On The Importance Of Teamwork

6. Masamadre

@masamadrebakehouse

This once a week croissant delivery Instagram store has been a go-to for authentically made croissants. We especially love their sausage filled version too. 

Read more: Where To Buy Chocolate Croissants 

7. Din Tai Fung

@dintaifungph

Their chocolate xiao long bao is a cult fave in my home. It keeps frozen and is the perfect delight for that late night or after-dinner craving. 

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8. Mo’ Cookies

@mocookiesforyou

For me, Mo's frozen lava dough balls are also a freezer staple. Imagine chunky freshly baked Mo’s cookies, still warm from the oven... that's even better than going to the mall to pick them up or waiting to have them delivered. 

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