Lugang Cafe with Rizza and DJ

I really have no idea how everything started with this two wonderful women. It was like I just woke up one day and I am friends with them and we have this annual get- together every 30th of November.

DJ is  one of highschool classmates who I’m not really that close to until around three to five years ago. Rizza is the niece of one of our suki back when we still have a meat stall in Sangandaan Market.

Like I said, I didn’t know how the friendship started… it just did. Last year, we weren’t able to go out because one of us was sick… I already forgot who — maybe it was me? heehee.

Anyway, two years ago, we had dinner at Yakimix Trinoma and had tea at Happy Lemon. You see, each one of us is a foodie. Maybe that’s why we like each other.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao

This year we wanted to have lunch somewhere we haven’t eaten before. We’ve decided to try Lugang Cafe at SM The Block since it’s the nearest mall to where we all live.

Plus we all just had to try the popular Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings) that has been raved upon by people. There are many variations of Xiao Long Bao in the menu but we got the Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao. It is just as big as the head of a spoon. I was expecting more soup inside that small dumpling but it was more pork that soup — which is actually a good thing, right?

Roasted Meat Combination

The Roasted Meat Combination is composed of  Roasted Asado, Crispy Layered Pork, Jelly Fish and slices of Century Egg. It is served with two kinds of sauces and is a great appetizer for a group of diners. I particularly like the Roasted Asado in this plate.

DJ’s darling daughter, Yanna and Ykaie were still busy looking at the menu when the first two dishes were served. I guess they were uninterested with the adult food…heehee

I wanted to try Lugang Cafe’s version of Crabmeat and Corn Soup but we were told that it wasn’t available at that time. So I changed the order to Seafood Spinach Soup.

I know, it’s not great-looking specially with all the greens that you can see but don’t it fool you. This soup is definitely for everyone because it’s very tasty.

Wasabi Mayo Prawns

I started ordering Hot Prawn Salads on every Chinese restaurant that we dine at because I got curious when Rizza told me it’s one of her favorite Chinese dishes. Usually, it is served tossed in mayonnaise and fruit cocktail. Lugang Cafe’s version is different. The prawns were tossed in Wasabi mayo and served on a bed of perfectly cooked broccoli florets. I love how tender and juicy the prawns were inside the still crispy batter covering it.

Stir-fried Beef w/ Mango Slices

I’m starting to think that I’m a fruitarian in my previous life because of my love for fruits and anything fruity — even when they are in my viands. This Stir-fried Beef w/ Mango Slices is such a hit with me and I’m thinking if I can cook a copycat version at home.. The sweet and sour mango slices creates such a unique flavor when mixed with beef slices, bell peppers, and that brown sauce.

Crispy Chicken

Like I’ve said time and time again, Fried Chicken will always be ordered when there are kids on the table. This Crispy Chicken is not their usual chicken, though. It’s roasted, not fried, and it is evident because it has this roasted aftertaste that you’ll always find in chinese cuisine. Ykaie didn’t forget how crispy that skin was.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Just like the Xiao Long Bao, the rice has several varieties to choose from. The Pineapple Fried Rice called out from the venue and we just had to order it. It was actually very flavorful, you can eat it on its own. It has fresh pineapple bits, small pieces of ham, carrots, and cashew nuts.

It was such an amazing lunch. Our feet took us at the Sky Garden after. We walked to The Annex to let Ykaie and Yanna play at Active Fun, and check out some mics. It’s nearly Cristmas, you know, and there will be lots of parties. (wink*). Then we had coffee and gossip at Starbucks, LOL!

I hope this can be more an annual get-together. It was great catching up with you two.

Can we do this semi-annually now, girls?