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The Best Restaurant in the Philippines with the view of an Extinct Volcano – Sandtrap Cafe by Culinary Adventures at Mount Malarayat

Like the cycle of life, being a food enthusiast has it’s phases.

When I was in elementary, I always wanted to go to different fast foods, I was tired of the same old filipino food everyday. I wanted to eat what was shown in the commercials of our TV screen.

Then when I was in high school, I wanted to eat at restaurants and buffets in high end malls, I wanted to experience food outside of our province Batangas.

Then when I was in college, I wanted to try and explore different cafes, aesthetic and instagrammable “trendy” coffee shops if you may.

Then after graduating college, I knew that I want dining to be an experience, it has to have a view or something amazing, unique or worth noting.

Then now that I’m working, I want to explore different cuisines of different countries on the country itself. This means a food adventure in another country. And the first thing I’d look for is AUTHENTICITY. I do not want a variation or fusion or a modified version of a certain recipe, I want it how it’s traditionally made, I want to eat the same food that locals have been eating for the past centuries. I want to immerse myself in the local food scene, rich culture and brimming history that comes with the first bite of an authentic meal.

I went to Vietnam recently and everything was just so beautiful and the food was super great. Upon landing back to the Philippines however, I immediately craved for filipino food. And the first restaurant that popped into mind is Sandtrap Cafe by Culinary Adventures at Mount Malarayat.

It’s a beautiful restaurant with a majestic view of an extinct volcano with courteous and welcoming staff that serves WARM and FAMILIAR flavors. The way every meal is cooked can be traced down to its original recipe and roots.

As a food enthusiast, maybe I went back to the first phase and my cycle has ended. After all, there is no place like home — and maybe growing up is just a constant journey of trying to find your way back home. Home after all, is where love and comfort is.

After 23 years, I realized that my favorite food and cuisine is Filipino, maybe because I am filipino and I would always find my way back where I have established a sense of belongingness. In life, it is inevitable to encounter struggles and impediments, diamonds are made under pressure but bread dough rises when you let it rest. It is human nature to always seek comfort.

The beauty of sandtrap cafe is they don’t modify their recipe, so this tastes like what your favorite aunty used to cook for you, or a random baysanan that an acquaintance invited you too.

Food is not just food. It’s a celebration of life, meaning, and existence. It’s a form of love. Sandtrap cafe is my definition of nostalgia and warmth. It is a place where I feel loved – that’s just how delicious the food is.

It’s not just a cafe, it’s not just a meal, it’s where warmth and familiarity is.

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/culinaryadventuresph
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryadventuresph
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culinaryadventuresph

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The Best Restaurant in Lipa Batangas – Sandtrap Cafe by Culinary Adventures at Mount Malarayat

Where to eat in Lipa Batangas?

Where to dine in in Lipa Batangas?

Where to experience a good dining in Lipa Batangas?

Where to chill/relax in Lipa Batangas?

Where to take your family in Lipa Batangas?

Where to take your date in Lipa Batangas?

Where to take your friends in Lipa Batangas?

If you are looking for a restaurant with great food, good service and amazing view in Batangas, then this is it.

I have been to a lot and maybe I have graced most restaurants in Lipa and Batangas with my presence but Sandtrap Cafe by Culinary Adventures at Mount Malarayat is my favorite and top 1! Why?

Warm and Familiar Flavors
Breathtaking view of Mount Malarayat (the best view in lipa)
Kind and welcoming staff

Bulalo – super soft and it melts in your mouth, the soup was so hearty and full of flavor

Karekare – delicious even down to the vegetables

Sisig – a must order with every meal

Beef salpicao – soft and you can feel the culinary expertise behind it

Sigar and soul – you can’t find a cafe/restau with a breathtaking view that serves sugared kamote

Above all, the cakes here is super great. They also serve Mokaflor coffee and they are the only restaurant in the whole Philippines to do so. This is the place to go when you are visiting Lipa batangas!

Anything else, you just have to try and experience yourself. Since they are located in a prestigious golf and country club, you can dine in but reservations are strictly required, reserve now at their social media pages below ~~

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/culinaryadventuresph
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinaryadventuresph
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culinaryadventuresph

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The Best Buffet in Lipa Batangas : A Culinary Adventure You Shouldn’t Miss

As a foodie, buffets can be considered a sanctuary. A place filled with all your favorite food, from appetizers to main courses to desserts in different kinds of cuisines served unlimited? That must be the closest door to heaven these days.

We’d typically run to vikings for these, NIU by vikings if business is good, and maybe even Spiral if there’s a milestone or an occasion. Safe to say — that’s far — 100 kilometers far. As someone who resides in Batangas, I’d prefer if there was a buffet with that kind of quality that is actually already in Batangas.

And guess what, what I found was even better.

Last July 22,2023, I had the chance to try Culinary Adventures’ weekend buffet at Mount Malarayat Golf Country Club. Mind you, if you’re not familiar, but in Batangas when you say Mount Malarayat, you know it’s different. It’s not your normal exclusive, member-only club Golf & Country Club. It’s way much more than that, it’s of the highest standard, it’s for the elite, the name just screams premium everywhere.

Anyway, I was surprised to see that they have opened doors to the public, for people like me. And even more elated that they offered a buffet! Because no doubt – I knew the food was gonna be BOMB. And indeed it was, every bite was just a series, a succession even of explosion in my mouth.

Imagine this, you get to have this scenic mountain nature view while live music is playing while you get to eat all the premium high quality food that just melts in your mouth. It was a whole EXPERIENCE. When you arrive at Mount Malarayat, you get to see all their state of the art facilities and amenities, and then upon entering the dining hall, you are greeted by all the kind and nice staff. This was an international buffet, so they had stations from all around the world.

These won’t be the normal food review where I state all the cuisines and stations and rave about their taste in astonishing detail because quite frankly, I’d rather have you try it out for yourself. Because it would be such a waste if you won’t get to marvel in these delights that are already at the palm of your hands.

One thing I love about buffets are the chances to try lots of new food! They had oysters so fresh and so aesthetically presented, you have the option to have it baked.

There were lots of highlights in this experience. One of what stood out the most was this pasta cooked in Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Wheel! You can’t find this easily anywhere. And aside from the eye catching preparation, the pasta tasted really authentic, I felt italian for a bit.

My favorite dessert is the carrot cake which I am still dreaming of till now, I just might have to buy one whole cake. It was so soft and moisty. Another favorite is the prime rib eye which was so juicy and premium that it melts in my mouth! The sashimi was so fresh and it was basically the best I’ve ever had. Writing this is making me hungry, this is an experience you’d definitely go back to!

And of course, all the wonderful staff and chef in unity that gave us this wonderful one of a kind buffet experience!

I can go on and on with this, I can use more flowery words to describe the food and experience, but this is a rare instance where the pictures alone are already enough to convince you.

So, don’t walk but RUN to Mount Malarayat for a CULINARY ADVENTURE you should not miss.

If you’re interested, do contact JanrieMay Dela Pena at 09568234897!

Here are their pages as well!

Culinary Adventures

https://www.instagram.com/culinaryadventures.inc/

https://www.facebook.com/CulinaryAdventures2019

Mount Malarayat

https://www.facebook.com/officialmountmalarayat

https://www.instagram.com/mountmalarayat/

Follow my instagram for more reviews and food finds!

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Best Cookies in Lipa Batangas

No need to read the whole post to find out, it’s PANPAN Bakeshop. Links here!

https://www.facebook.com/panpanbakes/

https ://www.instagram.com/panpanbakes/?hl=en

I initially thought that when food bloggers/reviewers say that “brand x” is the best brand ever, it’s a form of exaggeration.

I thought I should always be scratching the depths of my brain to give things a better title than simply declaring that it’s the best of its kind, because BEST is a superlative and when you use it too much, it can lose its meaning.

But when you go to google, what do you type? I just know I won’t be typing okay tasting cookies in Lipa Batangas, I would be typing the best, searching for the best, because we all want the BEST.

Rather than a food review, this is more of a snippet of my discovery, attachment, and loyalty to these cookies.

Around the pandemic, CIRCA November 2020. We went to OUTLETS in Malvar, and we saw a “Bazaar” with no people. It was the pandemic, people were hardly going out. But I had an urgent check up so we passed by outlets anyway. And that is when I saw PANPAN Bakeshop!

I decided to try and I was SURPRISED because they were so affordable. As a cookie enthusiast, I am always searching for cookies, and often times, they would cost PHP 180 – 200 a piece! Affordable cookies were hard to find ~

One look and upon opening this box, I knew it was gonna be good. IT SMELLED PREMIUM !!! (It must be the chocolate used)

Long story short, after having this once, I was going to outlets EVERY WEEK just to catch them there! I also LOVED their mini cinnamon rolls and brownies, but as a cookie enthusiast, these affordable, fresh and premium tasting cookies stood out the most.

After the BAZAAR closed, I was no longer able to purchase these cookies, I always try to message the page but my indecisive, impulsive ass ends up not going through with my order.

But this year, after almost 3 years, I said, this type of cookies is the type I should taste again and so I ordered! for real this time! One thing about me (which is a red flag to small businesses) In this world of preorders, I prefer placing my order the day itself and getting it the day itself too. And with PANPAN bakeshop, the seller bakes the cookies just right after you placed your order, so you can guarantee FRESH FROM THE OVEN cookies, HOW GOOD IS THAT???

This post took more than 2 years in the making but I knew it from the moment I tasted it, this is the best cookies I have tasted in all of Batangas.

Affordable, premium tasting (chocolates are premium), freshly baked, soft and chewy on the inside, RICH with chocolate, kind seller, and again, the thing that makes these cookies BEST is how affordable it costs while giving a premium taste!

So yes, best as a superlative is perfectly valid when given to the right brand.

A taste of heaven with just 170 pesos? In this economy. Sign yourself up!

But please don’t expect literal heaven, but (it is) on my experience and mine alone and will be yours to find out!

Follow my instagram for more reviews! Thanks for reading ~

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My TOP/BEST Cafes/Coffee Shops in Batangas

Hi everyone, these are my top 3 cafes in Batangas. As someone who is very choosy when it comes to coffee, I promise you that these three, though affordable, won’t disappoint you. If I could, I would get coffee from them everyday :).

Kin’s Cafe

Message them here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083393018479

In this modern age of digitalization, Kin’s cafe reminds us to take a moment to breathe in, relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. With its relaxing vibe and nature like interior, you’ll be instantly relaxed with the ambiance. When we went here, I had to try two flavors because the first one tasted so good. Their burger is honestly delicious too (I craved another one after the first, because the first was so yummy, I knew the rest would be great too). Aside from the great ambiance, the owner was super friendly and accommodating too.

The only sad thing about this cafe is its only open every weekend, however, its worth the detour and special visit.

Mini Cafe

Message them here (photos grabbed from their facebook) https://www.facebook.com/minicafe.ph

My favorite drink here would be the honeycomb latte. Honestly, I just wanna ask the owner straight up for the recipe because their coffee is the drink that I’d never get tired drinking everyday. Their mango pavlova, beignets, cream cheese bun and red velvet bites are all amazing too!

Homebrews

Message them here https://www.facebook.com/homebrewscafe

All items in their menu taste good! Their pastries are affordable without having to compromise its quality. The owners are super friendly and accommodating and if you ever get the chance to visit here, expect a cute doggo to welcome you.

My favorite here is their white chocolate mocha.

It’s worth noting how of all cafes I’ve been to, (among these are cafes which probably spent a significant amount of money in marketing, architecture and crafting the perfect menu), my top 3 ended up all being what you consider a home cafe.

These home cafes are small mini cafes attached at the owner’s home.

I guess this is a testament that service and taste is better translated when genuine and coming from the heart.

I can attest that these home cafe owners are passionate in bringing out the best in each of the drinks they serve. And for that, these are my top cafes in Batangas when it comes to aesthetics, budget and taste.

You can check out my instagram for more!

@bellypursuits

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Easy Smoothie Recipes

Smoothie Recipes using Berries from Wellsmith.ph’s Berry Troop

The Berry Troop consists of 1 KG Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry and Blackberry. Special mix of your favorite berries to suit your intentional lifestyle.

Mix 1 Cup Mixed berries and 2 Bananas top it with mixed berries, cashew and fresh mint.

Mix 1 cup strawberries & raspberries, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp flax seeds and 2 Bananas top it with blueberries, blackberries, 1 kiwi and cashews.

Mix 1 cup strawberries and 3 bananas top it with 1 Banana, Cashews, Blueberries, Blackberries and Goji Berries.

Smoothie Drink No Banana!

Mix 2 cups mixed berries and 1/4 cup water (or milk) top it with a handful of cashews. The soaked cashews you get at the end is on a whole new level.

Hope you guys got ideas for your next smoothie bowl/drink 🙂

Special thanks to Wellsmith.ph. These smoothies wouldn’t come to life without their wonderful Berry Troop.

Follow and Like for more content!

https://www.instagram.com/wellsmith.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/bellypursuits/

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Wellsmith.ph

Local wholesome shop for your intentional lifestyle

I’ve wanted to make a smoothie bowl ever since I began my food journey so I was super elated when Wellsmith.ph sent me this smoothie kit. This “mermaid bliss smoothie kit” consists of frozen bananas, blueberries, acai berry powder, chia seeds and granola good for two servings. (But you can control your portions, I ended up making 5 smoothie bowls with mine.)

This smoothie is healthy, delicious and curated to suit your needs with convenience & thoughtfulness in mind.

You can tell that wellsmith.ph stayed true to their roots and vision evident on thow they market, package and deliver their products.

When purchasing something, we don’t want to just focus on the product, as much as possible we also consider how the products are sourced. Is it sustainable? Does it give back to the community? Will it harm the environment?

Well, combine product value and a socially responsible business then you have wellsmith.ph, your local wholesome shop.

So guys, If you wanna know to how to create customer loyalty and build customer retention, I think you have your guide.

If you want to make a smoothie and if you have no idea how to do it then this kit is perfect for you.

Check out their page because it radiates wellness & positivity, something that can sometimes be so foreign in our modern world.

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Choco Butternut Loaf : Double B of Ibaan, Batangas

The law of diminishing utility is axiomatic in nature, therefore irrefutably true. But today, this Choco Butternut Loaf from Double B transcended that 😳.

How could this be? Could the yumminess of this loaf be something that the economists did not foresee? 🧐

Normally, the more we consume a product, the less satisfaction is derived from that product, BUT for this loaf, I’m telling you that’s not the case 🧡🧡🧡.

Because one bite will be followed by another bite and another one and another one until your mom tells you to stop 😅

The secret must be its SOFTNESS, this loaf is so soft to the point that even the action of chewing it feels good 🥺tastes not too sweet, no overpowering flavors, just the right amount of deliciousness consistently distributed all throughout the loaf. So umay? Who is she? I don’t know her 😋

With coffee? ✅

With milk? ✅

With water? ✅

To wipe away your problems & remove your sorrows? ✅

This choco butternut loaf made me feel loved 🧡 because the seller is so generous with the serving 🤤 do you see the umbok on the top? (refer to yesterday’s post) the box was literally heavy, it was so bulky that the loaf could pop out any moment if not for the little tape holding it together 🤣

Softness 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀💫

Smell 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Value 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Economists 😒😒😒😒😒

Seriously, the only bad thing about this is when it’s already all in your tummy and you still want more . You’re gonna want to order again 💸 but they’re super affordable so the purchase is worth it 🥰🤩

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Ube Cheese Pandesal : Double B of Ibaan, Batangas

I dont know you and you dont know me, but believe me, if you’re craving for ube cheese pandesal, get it from Double B 😳

These babies set the standard high. I haven’t even finished the product yet I immedietely thought of buying again 🤣 this is like ube halaya and cheese with a little bit of ube pandesal as its cover 🤤 I was wondering why they were so heavy, turns out its because of the super massive filling of ube halaya and cheese inside.

Softness 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Filling 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Yumminess 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Over-all rating 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

And believe me I’m kinda hard to please 😌 but I’m their new loyal customer 🤩🙋🏻‍♀️ They were originally located at Rizal but now they moved to Batangas (in the brgy next to ours haHeHi 🥳😈)

Authentic Indian Cuisine in Quezon City

Life is meant to be lived.
Food is meant to be eaten.
Experiences are meant to be felt.
Royal Indian Curry House is meant to be experienced.

Never mind searching Google for synonyms of “delicious” or asking AI to help me find the right words to describe a great dining experience. Royal Indian Curry House is simply one of those places you just have to try for yourself.

Located on the third floor of Terrazzo Mall in Tomas Morato, Quezon City we were warmly welcomed as the cordial guard opened the grand door for us. The moment we stepped in, the hustle and bustle of Tomas Morato faded away, and we were transported into a place of luxury—high ceilings, refined furnishings, plush sofas, elegant interiors with soft backlighting, and stunning marble finishes that made the whole experience feel royal, just as their name implies. Presenting authentic traditional Indian fare in modern, minimalistic forms, Royal Indian Curry House seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary style, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The service was excellent, just as we expected. We didn’t wait long for our food, and all of the staff were well-trained, always ready to assist. But let’s talk about the real highlight—the food.

Appetizers

🌟 Vegetable Samosa – Crispy on the outside, deliciously spiced filling on the inside, and served with three flavorful and vibrant Indian chutneys that made every bite even more better.

Mains

🍛 Chole Bhature – Bhatura (North Indian deep-fried bread) paired with hearty chickpea curry. We were surprised by the bread’s lightness and puffness —it was visually striking and perfectly satisfying.

🍗 Chicken Sheek Kebab – Juicy, smoky, and packed with spices, straight off the clay oven. The hint of smokiness, combined with a squeeze of lemon, made the flavors pop.

🍛 Chicken Lababdar – A rich, flavorful chicken curry with a creamy sauce. Definitely a favorite and a must-try! This dish has officially updated my curry rankings. The Massaman curry I made in our Bangkok cooking class has just been dethroned. This Northern Indian curry now holds the top spot as of February 2025!

🍛 Murg Makhani (Butter Chicken) – Tandoori chicken bathed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. Their cooking technique ensured the chicken remained tender and juicy.

🍚 Hyderabadi Biryani – Of course, we couldn’t dine without having biryani—fragrant and spiced rice layered with lamb chops. The soft bread on top was a perfect addition. This is the most authentic biryani I’ve ever tried. It made me want to book a flight to India just to explore their culinary scene. It was THAT good.

Sides

🥖 Cheese Naan – Soft, warm naan stuffed with melty cheese—delicious on its own. I will definitely order this again.

🥖 Butter Naan – Fluffy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up every last bit of curry.

Drinks

🥤 Rose Lassi – Light, refreshing, with a hint of floral—a perfect cool-down drink.

🥤 Mango Lassi – Slightly sour, creamy, and the ideal pairing for our meal.

Desserts

🍯 Gulab Jamun – Soft, warm, and soaked in fragrant syrup—best enjoyed with ice cream.

🍦 Ice Cream – Cold, creamy, and the perfect sweet ending.

I will definitely be coming back—this time, to bring my mother. And what better compliment is there for a dining establishment than returning to share the experience with someone you love?

This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. Every dish, every detail, from the flavors to the ambiance, made me feel like I was dining in a royal Indian palace. If you’re craving authentic Indian food, this is THE place to visit. Dare I say, the best in Quezon City!

📍Il Terrazzo Mall 3/F, Tomas Morato QC

📞09171331417

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558990595577

@bellypursuits

Affordable and Delicious Food in Batangas? Chickenchamps BTG Food Review

While COVID 19 pandemic resulted to unprecedented job losses, it also paved way for homeowners to try and venture out their business ideas. Chickenchampsbtg is one of the passion projects that rose amidst the global pandemic. After having it, I can say that its taste, quality and affordability are enough to get you hooked.

I was given the chance to taste their pasta and chicken combo, the charlie chan and honey lemon chicken for 180. Upon opening, you won’t be disappointed with the serving. The serving is already good for 2 people. The charlie chan was super flavorful with real nuts and mushroom. The components of the pasta were loaded and not lacking. The taste of the honey and lemon in the honey lemon chicken were so strong. Plus points because the wings were actually big. The flavor managed to stick all throughout the bones of the chicken. The pasta and chicken were definitely a good combo. I’d even say the charlie chan is better than yellow cab’s.

The twister fries were so affordable yet so high quality. It is only 66, yet it could be 150 and I’d still buy it. My brother immediately ate it and I was left with only a few bites. It’s that addicting! It was super fresh and crunchy.

Taste 5/5

Smell 5/5

Value for price 8/5

Serving 6/5

Quality 5/5

Can you believe that this chicken clubhouse is only 90 pesos?

Read that again.

Chickenchampsbtg is the epitome of quality, taste and affordability in one. The freshness of the ingredients and the thickness of the sandwich got me. Every bite was wonderful.

Taste 5/5

Smell 5/5

Value for price 8/5

Serving 6/5

Quality 5/5

https://www.facebook.com/ChickenChamps.Btg/

https://www.facebook.com/bellypursuits

No Garlic Stir Fry Vegetables (Super EASY)

My stir-fry veggies are always just a bunch of veggies thrown together! Today’s stir fry turned out to be the best one yet 🙂

Ingredients:

Spinach

Bell Pepper

Spring Onions

Lettuce

Bean Sprouts

Green Chili

Chickpeas

Tuna

Sautee this in SESAME OIL and don’t forget to season with salt and papper (optional:garlic powder)

Sprinkles celery leaves, flax seeds and some chili flakes on top with boiled egg on the side. The end 🙂 There you have it! Super simple and easy but flavorful.