Bulalo-nging for you!: Tagaytay Food Crawl

Why does bulalo taste more delectable in Tagaytay?

 

Blame it on the cool weather. Or the majestic view of Taal Lake. But when you’re in Tagaytay City, it’s always irresistible to indulge in a bowl of hot and mouth-watering bulalo soup!

 

Together with Chef Niño Logarta, theater actress and restaurateur Stella-Canete Mendoza, and celebrity reviewer Alex Medina, “Pop Talk” reviewed three Tagaytay restaurants you can try out on your weekend getaway! 

 

Mer-Ben Tapsilogan

Mendez crossing along Aguinaldo highway

Starting price: P80

 

Opened in 2000, Mer-Ben Tapsilogan takes pride for its famous tapsilog. But unless you try their bestseller, then you are surely missing out a lot.  

 

And no, it’s not tapsilog—but bulalo!

 

“Ang specialty talaga namin since nasa Tagaytay, bulalo. Tapos ang partner ay tapsilog, tawilis at saka mga inihaw,” said owner Malou Manolo. 

 

“Personally I like the set up. Puro bintana tapos papasok lang ang hangin ng Tagaytay,” said host Kuya Tonipet.

 

What makes Mer-Ben’s bulalo special is that they use local Batangas angus beef as the main ingredient. A big bowl of Mer-Ben’s bulalo (good for four to six persons) costs P450.

 

Mer-Ben’s seafood bilao costs P1,300 and is good for six persons. For other offerings, you can enjoy their tapsilog for only P80, and tawilis and bangus for P180.

 

“Masarap ‘yung tapa, I must say. Tapos natikman ko na ‘yung pusit, mas mataba siya, mas bagay siya for grilling. Hindi nag-shrink,” said Stella Mendoza.

 

Mer-Ben is open from Monday to Thursday, from 5AM to 12 MN, and open 24 hours during weekends.

 

FINAL VERDICT: 9 pop points

 

T-House

Calamba Road, Tagaytay

Price range: P300 to P650

 

If you are looking for a place where you can relax and satisfy your tummy, then T-House bed and breakfast is the place to be! 

 

It is a spa-hotel which boasts of its all-day breakfast meals such as beef tapa, longganisa and omelet.

 

“Nag-mark sa akin ‘yung smoky tapa which I really liked, at yung presentation,” said Alex. “Kahit ‘yung longganisa maganda at ‘yung servings generous naman siya.”

 

It’s a bit pricey though at T-House because they use Wagyu or Japanese cow as its primary meat for some of its dishes. 

 

But aside from their breakfast meals, the restaurant also serves their own version of bulalo.

 

“Na-appreciate ko ‘yung bulalo… Ang saya, sa sabaw pa lang nakuha mo na ako, bulalo,” said Tonipet. “Kasi alam mong ilang oras na pinakuluan, look at the color ng broth.”

 

“Dapat lalandiin mo nang kaunti, ‘yan, lalong sumasarap,” Chef Nino shared. “Kapag nagluluto ka o kumakain ka, always use your five senses. Dapat mapaglalaruan mo lahat ‘yan.”

 

T-House is open everyday from 7 AM to 8 PM.

 

FINAL VERDICT: 6 pop points

 

Bawais Vietnamese Kitchen

J. Hernandez St., Purok 5, Bucal 4118, Silang, Cavite

P400 to P700

 

While Mer-Ben’s and T-house serve mostly Filipino comfort food, Bawais offers authentic Vietnamese dishes.

 

“It’s home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine. It’s not your typical resto,” said owner Paul Tatlonghari whose mother is a Vietnamese.

 

Some of Bawais’ specialties include goi cuon or Vietnamese fresh lumpia, classic spring rolls, grilled pork ribs, chao tom or Vietnamese sugar cane shrimp, and fresh salad and soup.

 

“Kung may gusto akong araling cuisine, Vietnamese. Basta malinis, very light, at parang ‘di ka agad mauumay. Maraming gulay,” Stella shared.

 

Vietnamese dishes are also known for the presence or balance of the “five elements” symbolizing the five fundamental taste senses. “’Pag Vietnamese talaga may ibang pinanggagalingan, ibang dimension ang sasrap,” said Alex.

 

Our reviewers also raved at Bawais’ kangkong salad, which they described as clean and very light to the palette. The different spices also give off a distinct smell which they found appetizing. 

 

Overall, they all praised Bawais’ concept of serving purely traditional Vietnamese cuisine, noting that there is creativity and uniqueness in every dish.

 

“Ang ginagawa namin, hindi talaga namin ina-adjust ‘yung lasa. Kung ano talaga ‘yung timpla, hindi namin ina-adjust sa mga pagkaing Pilipino,” said the owner. 

 

Bawais is open Thursday to Sunday, from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 to 9 PM.

 

FINAL VERDICT: 9 pop points

 

Pop Talk airs every Saturdays at 8 PM on GMA News TV. For more information about other Pop places to hang out, check out our official Facebook and Twitter accounts. — Yuji Gonzales/BMS, GMA News