Recess Time - Antonio St., Manila

Being hungry around UST imposes a problem. A problem of choosing where to eat. With many food spots around the University, it becomes hard for you to choose where to eat. 

While walking along Antonio St. we saw this eatery called Recess Time. The logo is in the form of a burger, so we assumed that they serve good burgers.

It was around 2pm. We were the only customers there. One of their employees approached our table to take our order. We thought it was similar to how restaurants service their customers. Wherein they will take your order from your table, and serve the food on your table. However, when our food was ready, instead of serving it to us, we were asked to get it instead. It felt awkward because their employees are just walking around the store, and doing nothing. It is understandable to follow their SOP when there are many customers eating. But we were the only ones there, they could have made an exception.

This is their biggest burger, the Triple B. It looks big, juicy, and tasty in the picture. 

But when the actual product is served, it just looks small and lousy. 

Only the rice meals are served with iced tea, so the ones who ordered burgers asked for water. Then again, instead of getting water for us, they just told us to get water near the counter. Their service really needs to get an improvement. One of their employees even smoke cigarette in front of their store. Despite having a bad service, and small serving of meals, the food tastes great. I don't crave for their food, but the next time I'm hungry, I will still consider Recess Time. Hoping that their service has improved. 

Lan Zhou La Mien - 818, Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila

Lan Zhou La Mien is located in one of the busy streets of Binondo. Known as Manila's Chinatown District, Binondo is a home to several Chinese restaurants. Having many Chinese restaurants here, I am expecting a good service on every each of them as competition is stiff.

All their employees wear red shirt, red visor hat, black pants, and black shoes. It is pleasant to see that they are in uniform.

Tea is immediately served alongside their menu.

We requested for spoon and fork, water, and a small plate. At first, they only gave us one pair. But there are six of us, so we told them to provide each of us. Our request was granted a while after.

It didn't take very long for them to serve the food. Considering, they still have to prepare it.

  Add some condiments to your food, and it will look even tastier.

Despite having a small looking bowl, it is filled with noodles and meat. Only a small quantity of broth is inside the bowl. That is the reason why you can ask for additional broth.

Lan Zhou La Mien provides tasty food that will satisfy your tummy. They have decent customer service and their price is decent as well. I would recommend Lan Zhou La Mien if you are really hungry. Their serving size might look small in the pictures, but don't be fooled, they will be able to fill every inch of space in your tummy.

Yvan Navy - Sampaloc, Manila

Yvan Navy has one of the most value for money burgers I know. It is being talked about in several universities in Manila. Whenever I eat here, I see students from different schools. Mostly Thomasian students, some from the university belt, and even from farther schools coming from Intramuros. Their ₱50 burger is the most ordered in their menu. 

For only ₱50, you get a quarter pound burger with some tasty onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. If you eat it by itself, the patty would taste a bit dry and the taste of onions would protrude. 

However, if you put some tomato ketchup and their yellow chili sauce, your burger will be delightful to eat. 

Other products in their menu, like nachos, are also good, but I wouldn't say they are as much value for money compared to their ₱50 burger.

Yvan Navy is always crowded during lunch time and dinner time.

To cater all the dine-in and takeout orders they receive, they have a somehow self-service practice. Some of the employees will prepare the orders, one the employees would take the order and payment, and another employee would call out names whose orders are ready. It's similar to how Starbucks' service works.

Lakay’s Special Palabok – San Antonio Avenue, Parañaque City

Lakay’s palabok is quite affordable at only ₱150 for the small one. Despite their low price, they provide a generous amount of toppings with their palabok. The chicharon topping is what makes their palabok really good. It has the right amount of crispiness for a palabok and it goes well with the overall dish. Despite not having a home delivery, their service is still quite good. If you don’t like waiting for your palabok to be prepared, you may call their number and have a palabok ready for you as soon as you get to their store.