Random Obsessions: A Birthday Dinner at Cabalen, Mall of Asia

It was hubby’s birthday. Our original plan was hubby to fetch me in my office, then proceed to Blue Wave Macapagal and meet a friend there. But there was a sudden change. It turned out to be me and hubby together. Anyway, it was Friday night and both of us were very hungry so a buffet will definitely satisfy our hunger. This is actually how we celebrate things, eat or travel. We no longer like crowded and noisy places like bars etc. I never thought that I would hate loud music during those days when I was playing my favorite tapes/CDs on our old karaoke/component at high volume. Maybe it’s sign of aging (sure it is!) hahaha.

We dropped by first at Yakimix. It would be Php620 for each of us. Since we were on a waiting list and were too hungry, we decided to visit Cabalen which we have passed by going to Yakimix.

THE MENU

Cabalen’s menu is more of Filipino dishes, specializing Kapangpangan cuisine and with only slight number of Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes. And the price is Php398 per head. We saved Php444 (for 2 persons) by not choosing Yakimix that time.

THE FOOD

I picked Monggo Soup with Tinapa instead of Bulalo. The taste is good.

For the appetizer, I ate Fresh Lumpia, Mangga Repolyo Salad with Bagoong Alamang and Crispy Kangkong. All of those are delicious in my humble opinion. I always love Fresh Lumpia or Lumpiang Hubad topped with sweet and thick peanut sauce. And I was surprised that their Crispy Kangkong is really crispy. I wanted to eat more of those but I controlled myself since there were more dishes that I needed to try.

For the main course, I ate a little of; Gininsang Kangkong with Shrimp, Kare Kare, Adobong Manok, Menudo, Beringhe and plain rice. All of those are good except for Beringhe. I guess there was something with the spices mixed that made me dislike it. Btw, Beringhe is a Filipino version of Paella.

Aside from Filipino dishes, I also had assorted Maki and Vegetable Tempura. I didn’t find any Shrimp Tempura on their buffet table. Anyway, what would I expect with their inexpensive buffet rate. The assorted Maki is small as compared to Maki of other buffet restaurants like Saisaki and Vikings. But it has an advantage; I didn't have the hard time putting one inside my not too big mouth, thus easy to chew hehe.

They also have Siomai which I haven’t tried. When I got that plate (above photo), Siomai was not yet refilled on the buffet table. I have told myself to return for it but I eventually forgot. Maybe because I was starting to get full after eating those (below photo); Chicken Pandan with Gravy, Pinaputok na Tilapya, Rellenong Bangus and Atsarang Papaya.

For desserts, they have Halo Halo (with only 5 ingredients I think), Kakanin (Maja Blanca, Pichi Pichi), Ginataang Halo Halo and fresh fruits. I didn’t take Halo Halo. I just had a small piece of; Maja Blanca, Sweet Banana (Minatamis na Saging Saba), Sweet Beans and Marshmallows dipped in Choco Fountain.

Drinks or beverages are not included in the buffet. But just add Php40 on top of Php398 buffet price, you will have bottomless lemon or red iced tea.

THE AMBIANCE

Cabalen at Mall of Asia has spacious dining areas. There are lots of dining tables and a bit number of diners even on a Friday night.

The lights on the ceiling caught my attention. It has a Filipino touch, quite innovative and simple as compared to big chandeliers found in some of the luxurious hotels in the country.

It was six years ago (if I’m not mistaken) the last time we dined at Cabalen. The buffet table designs and lightings are different now, better than before (of course).

The buffet tables are really small. So don’t expect too much when it comes to number of dishes. Anyway, the buffet price is very affordable and majority of the foods are delicious (I as well asked hubby about that last phrase).