Manzo and Prosciutto Sandwich from Giovane Caffè

This week’s rainy weather had me getting lunch at Giovane Caffè – Italian Coffee Bar, conveniently located in the lobby of my office building. With no desire to venture out into the downpour, I treated myself to two of their incredible sandwiches that turned my lunch breaks into a mini Italian getaway.

On Tuesday, the Manzo sandwich was a hearty and satisfying choice. Featuring thinly sliced, tender roast beef, it was beautifully seasoned and paired with a tangy horseradish aioli that added a subtle kick. Peppery arugula complemented the richness of the beef, providing balance and freshness. All of this was nestled in a toasted ciabatta roll, which had a perfectly crisp crust and a soft, pillowy interior. It was the kind of sandwich that warms you from the inside out—ideal for a gray, rainy day.

Manzo Sandwich from Giovane Caffè

On Wednesday, I opted for the Prosciutto sandwich, which delivered a more delicate, refined flavour profile. The star ingredient, thinly sliced prosciutto, was silky and flavourful, perfectly accompanied by creamy mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil. Fresh basil leaves added an aromatic touch, while a light balsamic glaze brought a hint of sweetness and tang. What really set this sandwich apart was the focaccia—light, airy, and infused with just the right amount of olive oil and herbs. Every bite felt indulgent yet balanced, a perfect ode to classic Italian simplicity.

Prosciutto Sandwich from Giovane Caffè

On rainy days when stepping outside isn’t appealing, having Giovane Caffè just a short elevator ride away feels like a luxury. Whether you’re in the mood for the bold and hearty Manzo or the refined and aromatic Prosciutto, their sandwiches are the perfect way to brighten a dreary day. If you’re nearby, I can’t recommend them enough!

For my reference, I have tried their caprese sandwich and frittata panino.

Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's Canada

After a long day, I was ready for something quick and comforting. My husband suggested McDonald's to make it easy, so I picked up my usual favourites: a McChicken, World Famous Fries, and 20 Chicken McNuggets. But while waiting, something new caught my eye — the Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry.

Halloween McFlurry from McDonald's

Reese's Chipits 'N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's
A Halloween treat! Reese' Chipits peanut butter swirled into smooth vanilla soft serve and blended with hot duge sauce.

This McFlurry is a treat for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. The smooth vanilla soft serve is swirled with rich chocolate fudge, adding the right amount of indulgent sweetness. But it’s the Reese’s Chipits that take it up a notch, blending in those tiny morsels of peanut butter and chocolate for that irresistible sweet-salty crunch. It’s a true chocolate-peanut butter lover’s dream!

California Crab Roll from Costco's food court

If you love sushi but are not a fan of the usual food court fare, Costco has a new treat! The beloved warehouse chain has added a California Crab Roll to its food court menu. Priced at $9.99 for eight pieces, this latest addition to Costco’s menu is a refreshing alternative to their popular (and still classic) hot dogs.

California Crab Roll from Costco

Should you try it? Not really, unless you want something different than the usual pizza slices and hot dogs.

Fire Island and Pepperoni from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza

Happy Wednesday! This is the only evening I have with no dinner plans. I'm still adjusting to the time difference, and the rain outside makes walking around less appealing. I decided to grab a couple of slices of pizza from our company's favorite, Sal's Authentic New York Pizza.

I ordered the Little Neck Combo, which includes two slices of pizza (I chose Fire Island and Pepperoni), two knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda.

Vancouver also has New York-style pizza, but only AJ's Brooklyn Pizza comes close to this.

The Little Neck Combo from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Two slices of pizza, two garlic knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda

A slice of Pepperoni pizza from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Sal's famous New York pepperoni

The Pepperoni was delicious, but the Fire Island had the perfect balance—savory and meaty pepperoni, spicy jalapenos, and a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. It was absolutely yummy!

I enjoyed my food in my hotel room, and it was the perfect ending to the day. Watching free Australian channels (like "The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition") while eating pizza and then falling asleep — life is good. Thank you, Lord!

Aussie Steak Pie from Costco food court

I survived my first day working in our Melbourne office today. I met my manager for the first time in person and also spent time with HR and our CEOs.

After work, I was tired, so I went back to the hotel to freshen up and rest for a bit. Then, I took the bus to Costco in Docklands. My goal was to check out the food menu and walk around.

The Costco was so empty compared to the ones I've visited in Canada and the US. To be fair, I visited at around 5:00 PM on a Monday. I have the Costco food court menu here.

Aussie Steak Pie from Costco Australia

A peek of what's inside the Aussie Steak Pie from the Costco food court

For dinner, I decided to try their Aussie Steak Pie. The is filled with tender slow-cooked steak in a rich, savoury gravy and the pie is encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust golden brown and crisp. It is such a comforting and satisfying meal!

The Melbourne Star viewed from Costco Docklands

House Down Under in Docklands, Melbourne Australia

I enjoyed my pie outside, away from the prying eyes of seagulls. Then, I walked around the Docklands area and took a tram back to my hotel. What a great way to end my first full day in Australia!

Riding my first tram in Australia!

Hot Honey Crunch and Key Lime Pie from Rain or Shine Ice Cream

After a satisfying lunch at Redbeef, we decided to grab ice cream from Rain or Shine across the street. Hubby and I focused on the seasonal flavours.

I went for the sweet and tarty Key Lime Pie while hubby went for the Hot Honey Crunch. The latter was spicy! 🥵 It included spicy almond.

Hot Honey Crunch from Rain or Shine Ice Cream

Key Lime Pie from Rain or Shine

We enjoyed our treats while slowly walking home enjoying the sunshine. I'm truly grateful for days like this! We started the day with a serene Mass with the community, enjoyed our comfort food, and got to enjoy treats. Thank God for the many blessings.

Croissant with Nutella from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons has recently introduced a new limited-time Nutella product to their menu: the Croissant with Nutella. As a fan of their other Nutella offerings like the Dream Donut, Dream Cookie, and Iced Capp, I had high hopes for this latest addition. Unfortunately, my husband and I were left feeling a bit disappointed.

The Croissant with Nutella is essentially a croissant sandwich with a layer of Nutella spread in the middle. While the croissant itself was acceptable , the Nutella was not filled or stuffed inside. This was a stark contrast to what my husband had envisioned: a croissant filled to the brim with the delicious hazelnut spread.

Croissant with Nutella from Tim Hortons 

Given Tim Hortons' track record with their other Nutella products, it's surprising that they didn't take the opportunity to create a truly indulgent croissant experience. A croissant filled with Nutella, perhaps with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, would have been a much more satisfying treat.

Have you tried Tim Hortons' Croissant with Nutella? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Veggie Pizza from Maple Leaf Pizza (Hemlock Street)

 Maple Leaf Pizza is the closest pizza spot from our home and we decided to grab a couple slices of their veggie pizza that is available.

Veggie Pizza from Maple Leaf Pizza
Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and cheese

It was surprisingly delicious. The dough was chewy and perfectly cheesy. It is definitely an improvement from Bella Pizza.

Montreal Bagel Sandwich from WA-BAGEL

Today marks my first anniversary at work, and what is the theme for our company-paid team lunch? You guessed it — bagels! In fact, it's become a running joke that bagels are the clear favourite, having been chosen a whopping seven times for our weekly lunches in the last 54 weeks.

This week, we ventured to WA-BAGEL to taste their unique Japanese-style bagels. I couldn't resist their signature Montreal Bagel Sandwich. The first bite was a revelation – the Montreal smoked meat's savoury smokiness was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the miso-caramelized onions. They added a depth of flavour that regular caramelized onions just can't achieve. The creamy Japanese mustard aioli tied everything together, adding a touch of tang that cut through the richness of the meat and onions.

Montreal Bagel Sandwich from WA-BAGEL
Montreal smoked meat, miso caramelized onions, Japanese mustard aioli on a plain bagel.

For a sweet treat, I also grabbed their Mochi Matcha bagel. This beauty was a matcha lover's dream – a vibrant green bagel filled with chewy, bouncy mochi bits. The sweet red bean paste was like a burst of sweet, earthy goodness in every bite. The chopped walnuts added a delightful crunch, satisfyingly contrasting the soft mochi and smooth bean paste. It was the perfect way to end a savoury and delicious lunch.

Mochi Matcha from WA-BAGEL
Matcha bagel filled with mochi, red bean paste, and chopped walnuts

We found a charming plaza with tables and chairs along Burrard Street, the perfect spot to enjoy our feast. The summer sun was warm, and the atmosphere was just perfect. It truly embodied the beauty of a Vancouver summer!

SummerCamp Rib & Music Fest: A Smoky Showdown

It's a foodie weekend, and the festivities kicked off Friday afternoon! After work, I embarked on a two-kilometre trek to Jonathan Rogers Park for the SummerCamp Rib & Music Fest. Let's just say the barbecue was calling my name!

This is Bacon promoting Smoke Dem Bones

They had a whole selection of rubs to choose from: Gator BBQ, Smoke Dem Bones, Boss Hog's, Prairie Smoke and Spice, and Grizzly BBQ. We remembered enjoying Prairie Smoke and Spice at the PNE Summer Fair a few years back, but this time, we opted for the intriguing Grizzly BBQ and the enticing Smoke Dem Bones with adorable Bacon (pig) inflatable.

Grizzly BBQ 

Grizzly BBQ: A Tender and Toothsome Twosome

Staying true to the spirit of the event, we ordered the Pulled Pork and Ribs combo from Grizzly BBQ. The pulled pork was an absolute dream - melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with juicy goodness. The ribs, on the other hand, were a textural delight - perfectly cooked to achieve that "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness.

Combo: Rib and Pulled Pork from Grizzly BBQ

Pulled Pork from Grizzly BBQ

Rib from Grizzly BBQ

Smoke Dem Bones: A Brisket Revelation

Our second (and wisely final) stop was at Smoke Dem Bones. We knew we couldn't conquer mountains of meat forever! Here, we dove into their Ribs and Brisket combo. The brisket surprised us - it was incredibly flavorful, even without any barbecue sauce. While it wasn't the juiciest, the rich smokiness definitely held its own. Now, onto the ribs: my hubby declared them the clear winner, but mine threw me a curveball. The first bite revealed a surprisingly tough bark (is that the correct term?). Thankfully, the subsequent ribs were more forgiving, offering a beautiful balance of tenderness and juicy marbling.

Ribs from Smoke Dem Bones

Beef Brisket from Smoke Dem Bones

A Sweet (and Healthy) End

After this carnivorous adventure, we decided to give our hearts a break with a couple of refreshing smoothies from Body Energy Club. They were the perfect companions on our leisurely walk home.

Green Goddess from Body Energy Club
Coconut milk, avocado, banana, kale, spinach, organic dates, almond butter, and vegan protein

Chocolate Keto from Body Energy Club
Almond milk, avocado, organic coconut meat, organic cacao nibs, cocoa, Himalayan salt, MCT oil, monk fruit, cashew butter, and vegan protein

This foodie adventure was a blast, but I have to admit, Texas has set the bar high for barbecue in my book. My standards might be a tad stricter now, but that just means I get to keep exploring and savouring the best of the best!

Tim Hortons Dream Donut: Wildberry Cheesecake vs. Caramilk Filled Ring

Tim Hortons has been serving up donuts for decades, but their recent addition of Dream Donuts has brought some exciting new flavours to the table. I recently had the chance to try both the Wildberry Cheesecake Dream Donut and the Caramilk Filled Ring Dream Donut and let me tell you, it was a delicious battle!

The Contenders:

• Wildberry Cheesecake Dream Donut: This beauty features a light and fluffy donut base filled with a sweet and tangy wildberry cheesecake filling. It's covered with a lavender-colour glaze topped with crushed candy bits.





Wildberry Cheesecake Dream Donut from Tim Hortons




• Caramilk Filled Ring Dream Donuts: This decadent donut boasts a cake dough base filled with a rich, gooey caramel center. It's topped with chocolate glazed, drizzled with caramel and includes crushed Caramilk on top.





Caramilk Filled Ring Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

The Verdict:

(Spoiler alert: I might be a bit biased towards a surprising champion!)

While the Caramilk Filled Ring Donut delivers a classic and undeniably delicious caramel punch, I found myself surprisingly leaning towards the Wildberry Cheesecake Dream Donut. The combination of the donut, the sweet and tart cheesecake filling, and the delicate glaze creates a delightful flavour profile that's not overly sweet. The tartness of the cheesecake filling perfectly complements the sweetness of the donut, making for a well-balanced and refreshing treat.

A peek inside the Wildberry Cheesecake Dream Donut from Tim Horton

Caramilk Filled Ring Dream Donut

The Perfect Father's Day Treat (or Anytime Treat!)

I enjoyed both donuts while waiting for my dad to arrive at Vancouver International Airport for Father's Day. They were the perfect pick-me-up (or sugar rush, depending on how you look at it) while I waited for his flight from the Philippines.

So, which Dream Donut will you choose?

Whether you're a caramel fanatic or a fan of fruity and tart flavours, Tim Hortons' new Dream Donuts offers something for everyone. Head to your local Tim Hortons and grab yours today!

Below is the updated list of Tim Hortons Dream Donut

• Apple Pie Dream Donut
• Birthday Cake Confetti Dream Donut
• Baileys Flavoured Boston Cream Dream Donut
• Black Forest Filled Ring Dream Donut
• Cadbury Mini Eggs Dream Donut
• Caramilk Filled Ring
• Chocolate Fudge Pretzel Dream Donut
• Chocolate Hazelnut Eclair Dream
• Creamy Maple Pecan Dream Donut
• Dulce Apple Fritter
• Dulce de Leche
• Easter Nest Dream Donut
• Gingerbread Chocolate Dream Donut
• Hershey's S'mores Dream Donut
• Matcha Coconut Dream Donut
• New York Cheesecake Dream Donut
• Penguin Dream Donut
• Pumpkin Spice Dream Donut
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake Dream Donut
• Sea Salted Caramel Dream
• Strawberry Shortcake Filled Ring
• Toronto Maple Leafs Dream Donut
• Vancouver Canucks Dream Donut
• Vanilla Bean Dip Dream Donut
• Vanilla Cream Puff Filled Ring
• Wildberry Cheesecake Dream Donut

Pep 150 and Hawaii slice from Straight Brooklyn Pizza

Happy Thursday! For our company-paid team lunch today, we ventured to the pizza paradise known as Straight Brooklyn Pizza, just a stone's throw away from the office. Knowing their reputation for generous slices and killer combos, we opted for their two-slice and a pop deal for an excellent $12.50.

Since I'm a pizza aficionado (having sampled everything else in their display case!), I decided to branch out and try the classic Hawaiian and the intriguing Pep 150.

Hawaii Pizza from Straight Brooklyn Pizza
Ham, pineapple

The Hawaiian did not disappoint! It was a testament to the timeless combo of savoury ham and juicy pineapple. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavour – the perfect balance between sweet and salty. But let me tell you, the Pep 150 was the real showstopper.

Pep 150 from Straight Brooklyn Pizza
150 slices of imported cup n' char pepperoni

This slice was a symphony of deliciousness. Imagine a perfectly greasy canvas (in the best way possible!) adorned with generous slices of imported cup-and-char pepperoni. The char added a smoky depth that perfectly complemented the rich pork, making it the quintessential pizza slice. It was, quite simply, pizza perfection.

Overall, Straight Brooklyn Pizza lived up to the hype. Their portions are fantastic, the quality of ingredients shines through, and the flavours are truly unforgettable. This is the spot if you're looking for an authentic New York-style pizza experience!

Obsessed with Filipino-style Chicken Barbecue from Dale's Food and Products

We spotted Dale's chicken barbecue at the Proudly Philippines: Travel and Food Fair at Robson Square today, and let me tell you, their chicken is incredible!

This Filipino-style barbecue is marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce that coats the entire piece, creating a glazed exterior and an unbelievably juicy interior. It comes with garlic java rice and buttered vegetables, perfectly soaking up that delicious sauce. Needless to say, I'm hooked!

Chicken Barbecue from Dale's Food and Products

Dale's has become my favourite Filipino food vendor in Metro Vancouver. Their food is just on another level. I'm hoping they'll be at more events so I can try their pork ribs BBQ (which looked amazing!).

Filipino-style Pork Barbecue from Cucina Balai

Saturday Morning Bliss! Love those weekend mornings for sleeping in, and today was perfect.

After a quick banana breakfast, we strolled across Granville Bridge to Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver for the "Proudly Philippines: Travel and Food Fair" organized by the Philippines Consulate.

My stomach was already rumbling when we arrived, so we made a beeline for Cucina Balai's Pork Barbecue. It came with fluffy rice topped with crispy garlic, a sunny-side-up egg, and a side of atchara (pickled veggies).

Pork Barbecue from Cucina Balai

This barbecue was different from what I expected. It wasn't the sweet and savoury version I'm used to, but rather a soy sauce-based one. It paired surprisingly well with the rice and the tangy atchara.

Pinoy food definitely holds a special place in my heart, and I'm so glad to be enjoying it here.

McDonald's Creamy Avocado Ranch McWrap: A Verdict on the Newest Green Contender

McDonald's released the healthy-ish Creamy Avocado Ranch McWrap with Grilled Chicken. But does it live up to its name, or is it all hype and no guac? We tried it to find out.

One of the biggest wins for this McWrap is the grilled chicken. It's surprisingly tender and flavorful.

However, the star of the show, the creamy avocado ranch sauce, is hiding. While the wrap boasts "creamy avocado," the flavour is elusive. This is a missed opportunity, as the avocado ranch has the potential to be a delicious flavour combination.

Creamy Avocado Ranch McWrap - Grilled from McDonald's
Made with 100% Canadian-raised seasoned chicken topped with creamy avocado ranch sauce, crispy jalapenos, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato and cucumbers. All wrapped up in a soft white flour tortilla.

On the bright side, the lettuce and tomatoes were fresh, adding a welcome pop of color and texture to the wrap. This isn't always a guarantee in the fast-food world, so kudos to McDonald's for ensuring crisp and vibrant veggies.

Overall, the Creamy Avocado Ranch McWrap with Grilled Chicken is a decent offering from McDonald's. The well-seasoned chicken and fresh veggies are a step up, but the lack of prominent avocado flavor leaves us wanting more.

Have you tried the Creamy Avocado Ranch McWrap? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Domino's Pizza Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak

Calling all Philly cheesesteak fanatics and cheesy bread aficionados! This blog post is for you. Today, we're diving into Domino's Pizza Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak – a flavour explosion waiting to happen.

A Cheesy Adventure with a Philly Twist

Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread is a new variant in the Stuffed Cheesy Bread family. The generously oven-baked breadsticks, bursting with melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese, are a delicious indulgence in themselves. But Domino's takes it up a notch with their Philly Steak variation. This cheesy delight is packed with tender slices of steak, along with the classic trio of green peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Each bite is a satisfying combination of the gooey cheese, the savoury steak, and the crisp vegetables – all working in harmony to create a flavour fiesta.

Domino's Pizza Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak
Our oven-baked breadsticks are generously stuffed with white cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tender slices of Philly steak, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms — covered with a blend of even more mozzarella and cheddar cheese. They are seasoned with a touch of garlic and Romano.

My Verdict: Cheesy Bliss (But Maybe a Touch More Steak Would Be Divine)

I would have loved a slightly more generous helping of steak within the cheesy bread. However, the overall flavour profile was undeniably delicious. The cheese factor was definitely on point – a delightful combination of creamy mozzarella and sharp cheddar.

Domino's Pizza Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak
Our oven-baked breadsticks are generously stuffed with white cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tender slices of Philly steak, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms — covered with a blend of even more mozzarella and cheddar cheese. They are seasoned with a touch of garlic and Romano.

Been There, Done That: Exploring Domino's Other Cheesy Bread Delights

This wasn't my first foray into the world of Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread. I've previously savoured the Pepperoni version, the vibrant Spinach & Feta option, and the fiery Bacon & Jalapeno creation.

14" Hand-tossed Philly Steak Pizza

Our love for Philly cheesesteaks didn't stop at the cheesy bread. We also indulged in a 14-inch Hand-Tossed Philly Steak pizza. This beauty featured all the classic elements — tender steak, crisp green peppers, savoury mushrooms, and sweet onions. The white cheddar cheese and provolone added a delightful richness, while the hand-tossed crust provided the perfect foundation for all these delicious ingredients.

Philly Steak Feast Pizza from Domino's Pizza
Loaded with tender slices of steak, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and three different types of cheese.

14" Hand Tossed Veggie Pizza

This Domino's feast wasn't just about satisfying a Sunday craving but also about stocking up for the week ahead. Our 14-inch Hand Tossed Veggie Pizza, loaded with black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, and juicy tomatoes, offered a delicious vegetarian option for the days leading up to our HelloFresh box delivery on Thursday.

Veggie Feast Pizza from Domino's Pizza
A medley of fresh green peppers, onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, and olives.

Whether you're a cheese lover, a Philly cheesesteak fanatic, or simply looking for a satisfying and convenient meal option, Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak and its wide range of pizzas are worth exploring. So next time you crave a cheesy adventure, head to Domino's and discover your cheesy steak-and-bread bliss!

Prosciutto and Bocconcini Focaccia from Lovelarte

Happy Wednesday! Today was anything but ordinary - it was brinner day! For those unfamiliar with this glorious portmanteau, it combines breakfast and dinner into one epic meal. But this wasn't your average solo pajana-clas feast. Today's brinner was a virtual company-wide celebration, a way to connect with our colleagues across time zones.

Since our company has offices in Vancouver, Melbourne, and Cork, mealtimes get a little interesting. Our breakfast in Vancouver meant early dinner for our team in Cork! We kicked things off with some fun St. Patrick's Day trivia - the laughter and friendly competition setting a lively tone for the morning.

After the virtual merriment, it was time for breakfast! My colleague and I walked to nearby Lovelarte.

I chose the Prosciutto and Bocconcini Focaccia sandwich. This beauty boasted layers of thinly sliced prosciutto, its rich, salty flavour a perfect counterpoint to the creamy, melt-in-your-moth bocconcini mozzarella. Slices of juicy red tomat added a burst of freshness, while the peppery arugula offered a delight bite. But the treu star of the show was the basil pesto sauce. The nutty richness tired everything together!

Prosciutto and Bocconcini Focaccia sandwich from Waves
Pork, bocconcini, mozzarella, tomato, arugula, basil pesto sauce 

To complement this savory masterpiece, I opted for a small mocha. The rich, cocoa-y notes of the espresso blended beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the steamed milk, creating a warm and comforting drink that perfectly balanced the boldness of the sandwich.

Mocha from Lovelarte

Overall, it was a fantastic start to the day. The virtual fun with colleagues, the delicious brinner from Lovelarte, and the feeling of connection that transcended time zones – it all came together to create a truly memorable Wednesday!

Filipino Birthday Fiesta from Little Ongpin and LA Chicken

Another year older, another reason to celebrate! This week, my husband turned another year wiser, and I wanted to make his birthday extra special, especially considering he's away from his family in the Philippines.

Remember when I first worried he might feel lonely after moving here? Well, this year's celebration was all about proving otherwise! It was a Filipino fiesta filled with family, laughter, and, of course, delicious food.

Filipino Birthday Fiesta in Vancouver from my mom, Little Ongpin, and LA Chicken

Staying true to our roots, I enlisted the help of my mom. Her home-cooked Filipino-style spaghetti, bursting with sweet and savory flavors, was the centerpiece of the table. To complement it, we ordered classic party favorites: crispy lumpiang shanghai and savory pork BBQ skewers from Little Ongpin, and juicy fried chicken from LA Chicken (satisfying my chicken craving), all from Little Ongpin, a taste of home right here in Canada.

Fried Chicken from LA Chicken

Looking back on my own childhood birthday parties in the Philippines, these were the exact same dishes that brought everyone together. Food isn't just sustenance; it's a language of love and tradition, and having these familiar flavors on the table instantly transported us back to happy memories.

60 pieces of Lumpiang Shanghai from Little Ongpin

14 pieces Filipino-style pork BBQ in skewer from Little Ongpin

Of course, there were more than just culinary delights. We captured the moment with laughter-filled photos, sang a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday", and watched as my husband blew out the candles on his cake.

Assorted Cheese Tart from Pablo

My mom even surprised him with biko and a refreshing Filipino fruit salad. And, as a sweet ending, my sister's boyfriend brought in a box of mouthwatering Japanese cheese tarts from Pablo. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and delicious surprises. Plus, I got to play Overcooked with my siblings.

Singapore Fried Noodles from Ming Fong Fast Food inside Chinatown Plaza

Our Taste of Chinatown adventure continued, with Lee Man's "Top 10 Dishes" list guiding our culinary compass. After indulging in the sweet delights of New Town Bakery, we set out to conquer another dish on the list. Unfortunately, a mischievous drizzle decided to join the party, forcing us to improvise.

1. 🗸 Duck Noodle Soup from Chinatown BBQ (130 East Pender Street)
2. 🗸 Steamed Dai-Bao from New Town Bakery and Restaurant (148 E Pender Street)
3. Bun Cha Hanoi from DD Mau (145 E Pender Street)
4. Tajarin from Kissa Tanto (263 E Pender Street)
5. Steamed BBQ Pork Rice Rolls from Sun Fresh Bakery (245 Keefer Street)
6. Classic Omelette with Salted Radish from Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie (163 Keefer Street)
7. 🗸 Singapore Fried Noodles from Ming Fong Fast Food (180 Keefer Street)
8. Chilled Tofu with Century Eggs from Fat Mao (217 E Georgia Street)
9. Butter Beef from Phnom Penh (244 E Georgia Street)
10. The Full Irish Breakfast from Irish Heather (248 E Georgia)

With umbrellas unfurled, we wandered the bustling streets of Chinatown. We suddenly found ourselves in front of Chinatown Plaza. It's our first time here. We spotted Ming Fong Fast Food inside the food court, and their Singapore Fried Noodles are included in Lee Man's Top 10 Dishes in Chinatown.

Singapore Fried Noodles from Ming Fong Fast Food inside Chinatown Plaza

The first three bites were a revelation! The noodles, cooked to order, held a delightful springiness, perfectly capturing the essence of wok-hei. Each mouthful was a burst of flavour: bean sprouts added a refreshing crunch, red and green peppers injected vibrant colours and sweetness, and slivers of BBQ pork offered savoury richness. But the star of the show was undoubtedly the yellow curry, its gentle warmth infusing every element with its aromatic embrace.

We were still full and decided to take the rest home for dinner. We packed food safely in our bag and walked to the bus stop.

Red Bean Bliss at New Town Bakery

Our Taste of Chinatown adventure continued! After indulging in the savoury delights of Chinatown BBQ, our stomachs weren't quite ready to say goodbye just yet. With a sweet tooth calling, we walked to the legendary New Town Bakery.

Red Bean Cake from New Town Bakery

The line snaking outside was a testament to the bakery's iconic status. While the lure of their famous bao buns, devoured during our Brinner celebration last week, was strong, we decided to explore the sweeter side of New Town Bakery this time.

Tempting displays of pastries and buns greeted us inside, each one vying for our attention. After much deliberation, I opted for the Chinese Red Beans Donut. I am biased toward Chinese Donuts, with my favourite from Kam Do Bakery in Richmond. My husband chose the Red Bean Cake.

Red Bean Donut from New Town Bakery

We found a spot just outside the bakery and eagerly dug in. My donut was everything I had hoped for: a cloud-like vessel filled with a smooth, flavorful red bean paste. The coating of sugar added a perfect touch of sweetness without being overpowering.

A peek inside Red Bean Cake from New Town Bakery

My husband's Red Bean Cake offered a textural delight. The thin, slightly crisp exterior gave way to a soft, warm interior where the red bean paste shone. Unlike the donut's sweetness, the cake had a more subtle sweetness, allowing the natural flavours of the beans to take center stage.

Inside a Red Bean Donut from New Town Bakery

As we savoured these delicious treats, people-watching and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, we realized that sometimes, the sweetest discoveries are made by venturing beyond the tried-and-true. While the bao buns will be waiting for us the next time, exploring New Town Bakery's sweet selection was a delightful reminder that culinary adventures are always rewarding, especially when they lead to hidden gems like these red bean treats.