Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Zomato Gold Experience: 4/5
The place was surprisingly deserted on a Saturday night but that was beneficial to me. I loved the grilled pork belly - so sinful! Service was also good and the staff was friendly. Not 100% satisfied with the Zomato Gold experience only because certain items on the menu are not included in the promo. I wanted to order the pho and banh mi but we already had too much food ordered. Maybe next time.
Me and my friend were starving when we decided to get ourselves some Vietamese grub at Bawai's. Coming down several steps, the restaurant is well-hidden among a medley of plants and foliage. Upon opening the door, the place exudes a quiet and sophisticated vibe perfect for family lunch or special dinner. The menu was straightforward and full of healthy options. We got the pork belly, shaking beef, ginger chicken and two kinds of spring rolls.
Serving size was so-so except for the pork belly and chicken ginger which were generously plated. I loved the pork and shrimp vermicelli rolls more than the beef vermicelli rolls but both were good. Ingridients were fresh and crunchy. Chicken and beef were okay. I was just looking for the coriander in between the dishes. Service was good. For the zomato gold promo, it was not bad at all.
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Disclaimer: i love pho and vietnamese cousine in general and so im a little bias.
This place is just so great. We got here right away when they opened. Before you enter the door, you are greeted by their lush garden, you can def sit outside or opt to dine inside. The location overlooks the buildings in Eastwood, reminds you enough of your distance from the busy streets of Libis. This is great for some intimate events. Staffs were great, too. Ambiance was serene.
Steamed roll was superb. I would recommend this everytime. 👍👍 Bite into this goodness, and let the flavors sing into your palate.
Ginger chicken was good too. It resembles chicken tinola with a stronger flavor of ginger. Good soup. Chicken was tender although i would appreciate it more if there was more flavor in the meat.
Bum bo hue was comforting. The soup was light yet delectable. A bomb of flavor! A little bit more of lemon plus extra herbs then I'd go ecstatic. I still look for the characteristics of the traditional pho.
One note, pho is supposed to be served steaming hot, am i right?
Basil ice cream (75php / 2 scoops). This is the type of ice cream people should serve! Aromatic, Oh-so creamy consistency, melts in the mouth so slowly! Base of this is vanilla ice cream.
Rosemary ice cream (75php / 2 scoops). Same consistency, rosemary was crushed into bits. Base is cheese ice cream.
Ordered Bawai's salad, spring rolls, seafood/pork pho and traditional beef pho. All the dishes were excellent but we loved Bawai's salad the most. Definitely a must try place for the food plus the resto (White Plains) had a very relaxing vibe. We'll be back soon.
Food wise there is nothing I can say, it was very tasty super delicious. The serving were for sharing. The price is reasonable enough since it is already for sharing. Giving 4 stars because one time i went there, it was so hot! Seems like they will not open the aircon if there are no customer. Too bad it would have added to the great ambience of the place.
I availed the zomato gold 1+1 food promo. I ordered the hue pho noodle soup and the beef luclac. The pho was good but lacks flavor. Maybe it needs more white onion to increase the sweetness level or some spices. I haven't eaten the real beef luclac in Vietnam yet so I can't judge the dish. The beef was buttery and cooked tenderly. I liked it 😀
One of the may eats along White plains.
I really like the ambiance in this place especially during a weekday because it was so chill and it has a good view overlooking the side of Eastwood. It was a great place to have a meaningful date or converse with friends. The only thing I didn't like was the amount of mosquitoes in the place which was kind of a bummer.
Food wise, it was pretty okay, you really get your money's worth. In terms of service, they were pretty solid as well and fast although our server kinda had a hard time explaining some of the dishes when we were asking her.
If you are looking a quiet place to have dinner or lunch in QC, this is your place.
Bawais has been a go to place for me and my wife for Vietnamese food. Their Fried spring rolls and salads are really good in addition to their Pho.
Great homelike ambiance. Servers are knowledgeable and hospitable. Would recommend this restaurant for their Vietnamese noodle soup choices.
The first time I tried this was in Nuvali. I really love Vietnamese food so when i found out that they have a branch in whiteplains, I asked my friend to dine there immediately. The location is a little bit hidden but you can't miss it because of their huge sign outside. The ambience looks like a house converted to a restaurant. It's very comfortable! Loved their Pho and fresh spring rolls
If you are a meat person, their ribs is a must try! It's very tender and flavorful
Simple. Clean. Quiet. Cozy.
The ideal place to savor legit Vietnamese food.
The place gives off this relaxing vibe that makes you want to stay long and munch on their specialties.
TIP: Spring rolls are a MUST when you try it here for the first time.
The place was very nice... we went there a little too early for dinner so we had the place to ourselves.
Cum Suon Cha (Pork Belly) - 3.5/5
Big serving but kind of tasted just average pork chop for me.
Cha Gio (Fried rolls) - 4/5
I liked this appetizer, it did not disappoint from my meticulous spring roll taste-o-meter 😄
Pho Bo - 3/5
It’s good but probably my taste buds were consciously looking for that familiar Pho soup flavor from yet another popular Vietnamese place (sorry✌🏻)
Atmosphere - 5/5
Service - 5/5
Food - 3.5/5
Value - 3/5
Had a business meeting last monday here.. we super love the place cause its quiet and solemn. Full of plants that can really refresh you.. its like ur not in manila cause of the surroundings. Prices for the food is worth it and its good for 2 to 3 person. Thanks for the staff who is always there to assist us on our needs.
Love all the food we ordered! I hope they open more branches! We tried almost everything on the menu as we were on a Food adventure mood.
😊😊👍🏼👍🏼👌🏻👌🏻😊😊
The place is beautiful, especially if you sit outside. Feels like you're having a meal in someone's home garden. As for the food, we tried a couple of banh mi's and the beef pho. The lemongrass pork banh mi was delicious and authentic. Good quality bread. The pho was quite bland and lacking in taste, bit of a disappointment. It also arrived very late! I would come back for the banh mi though.
The Girl Who Eats Her Feelings
+4
Update!
I've gone back twice here. The quality of the food has not gone down. We'll keep coming back.
We also tried the chicken curry and papaya salad.
Had a friend date here today! Got an Eatigo discount, which was great. Even if we didn't have one, I still think it's worth splurging on.
We got:
1. Pork belly with mushroom pie-this is served with rice. Easily my fave. Seasoned well and tender.
2. Fresh garden rolls- rolled tightly, not falling apart, generous serving
3. Shaking beef- not cooked properly, tough
4. Beef and pork noodle soup- was okay, meat was also tough
5. Drip iced coffee with condensed milk- yum, perfect for lazy afternoons
The place was clean and inviting and their loo is spotless. Water was served after I asked, but that's okay. Only knocking off points for the texture of the meat. Will definitely go back!
Bawai’s is our favorite Viet restaurant. This place never fails us. Ingredients are fresh, and food definitely tastes good! We always frequent their White Plains branch, it’s as if you’re visiting a friend because the place is so relaxed and homey.
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Bawai's changed my view on Vietnamese restaurants— it's nothing like those mediocre ones in the Metro. I went to dine here alone so I didn't get to order that much (since their servings are HEFTY; already good for 2-3 pax). I had Com Suon Cha (pork belly) and Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls).
🍖 The pork belly was VERY TENDER!! I was expecting that it would be kind of chewy since it came as a big, thick slab of meat but there was nothing like that at all, and I didn't even need knife to cut it! 🤗 It also had an equal ratio of meat and fat so I didn't have that gross, heavy feeling after eating it. The eggplant pie that came with it was flavorful. The sauce was a great pair for the pork. It was sweet and slightly spicy and tangy.
🍃 The fresh rolls had that earthy, clean taste. The peanut sauce that came with it was the kind you wish you'd be able to make at home, though I think it would be better if they put peanut bits in it for added crunch. Nevertheless, it was a delish appetizer, could be an entrée because it's already filling!!
The service was good with the ratio of the servers and the customers, plus food as fresh as what they serve would definitely take its time! ❤️
Great food. Good sized portions.
Ordered fresh spring rolls, dry noodles with shrimp and pork belly.
Pork belly was the star. Good enough for 2 people. Not your ordinary pork belly. Fall off the bone and quite tasty.
Fresh taste. Great ambience. Perfect for a Sunday lunch.
Service a bit slow but friendly staff.
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It's a cute homey restaurant that it surrounded by greenery and they even have a koi pond yup a real koi pond with real koi.
We ordered their green mango and green papaya salad as an appetizer. We loved the salad. The crunchiness of the papaya, the sourness of the mango and the sweetness of the dressing was a medley of flavors in my mouth. Next we ordered pan-fried lemongrass sole. If you love lemongrass this is your kind of restaurant. Almost all the dishes either tastes only of lemongrass or even has a slight hint of lemongrass. It's lemongrass heaven. So the lemongrass sole was a bit on the oily side but the flavor was really good. The flavor of the lemongrass along with their fish sauce "sauce" complemented the fish beautifully. We also ordered their chicken curry which was good. The chicken was so tender that it was almost falling off the bone. Their curry was flavorful but not flavorful enough it tasted like it was watered down then I noticed that their curry is a bit on the thin side. The last dish we ordered is again flavored with lemongrass but now served with beef skewers. Oh the flavor of the beef is so potent but in a good way. It's really good. But I noticed on the menu that they use beef tenderloin so I expected the meat to be tender what I got is dry and tough. If we're talking about flavors they get 4 stars but the toughness of the beef was a let down.
foods are delicious! Perfect for families and/or dating couples 😍😍😍 because the ambiance is good! 👍 staffs are friendly and accomodating.
An authentic Vietnamese cozy restaurant that offers a fine dining experience. Their place has a very nice view. Ideal for dates, family, friends and company bonding. 😊
Their Pork Belly is one of the best.. not to mention their Fresh and Fried spring rolls. One order will never be enough! I also love their Iced coffee!!
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Bawai's is a hidden gem of a Vietnamese restaurant, tucked away like a cozy home in the middle of small garden in the Bellitudo Lifestyle Strip in Katipunan. The place was a bit hard to find, that my family and I got lost about three times and parked a good two minute walk from the resto. The "roadtrip" was worth it though, as the overall experience was quite delightful 👍🏼
I know it's very unbecoming of a self-proclaimed foodie, but it was actually my first time to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant. Maybe because I didn't enjoy the food experience when I had a trip in Vietnam, when all we ate were all sorts of veggies that were bland, and I ended up in the hotel room eating Subway for dinner 😂
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the food here in Bawai's. We were unfamiliar with the names of the dishes but I liked how the menu was very informative. Each food item had a concise description of what we should expect-- whether it was chicken, pork, fish or shrimp, and even some of the ingredients like coconut or lemongrass. The staff was also very helpful in sharing whether the food was spicy or not, as my mom cannot tolerate any form or hint of spice in her food. After a long deliberation, we ordered the Com Suon Cha (grilled pork belly), the Bun Bo Hue (noodle soup) and a carafe of Dalandan juice.
The noodle soup we ordered was for sharing, but it was slightly "bitin" between my brother and I. We ordered extra soup with no charge, which helped-- watchout though that if you order another bowl of soup, you'll be charged already. Which is just fair, and the same policy they have in Pho Hoa, as per my brother. The grilled pork was also appetizing-- the meat was soft and flavorful, and the sauce (fish sauce that was sweet and slightly spicy) was a good complement to it.
Ambiance was quite homey, with it's sturdy, wooden tables and chairs and regal interiors. Service was notable-- food was served quickly and staff members were very accommodating and friendly.
Our bill was slightly pricey though (more than PHP1,000), as their extra rice was slightly expensive than usual plus we ordered juice when we normally don't. However, overall, an excellent dining experience! Will definitely be back😊
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I have loved Vietnamese food ever since I've been to Vietnam, and if I get the chance to try a Vietnamese restaurant in our country, I would gladly take it.
We visited their branch in Tagaytay. It's in a secluded area, and if you don't have Waze or any other map-related app, it's highly unlikely that you would stumble upon this place.
It's a house with a dining area on the 2nd floor. It's small and intimate. We had both their fresh (Goi Cuon) and fried (Cha Gio) spring rolls. Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), beef stew and their Com Suon Cha (grilled liempo with mushroom eggpie) Everything was served beautifully. Good for 2 people at least and all were served hot and fresh. The best thing I like about my experience with Vietnamese food is how refreshing and clean and fragrant their food is. While eating here, I was taken back to my days in Vietnam. Truly this place serves authentic Vietnamese food. Not to mention, there were a group of Vietnamese dining here so you are guaranteed with the authenticity of their food.
This place in Tagaytay is really a hidden gem. Definitely worth coming back to.
Bawai's has a nice ambience and serves a unique selection of Vietnamese food. The food is delicious and very filling. However, the menu could use a larger variety of food. The second time I went there I felt there was a lack of choices. Overall, the dining experience was excellent but, sadly, there are too few choices on the menu.
Michelle Chan Cortes | TFC
+4.5
Did another Zomato Online Delivery, this time for Bawai's. Unfortunately, this time the order took longer, it was a bit late. Good thing my husband also was late, they both arrive at the same time. So good thing for Zomato Online, they were still on time :).
But the wait was worth it, their Pho Ga (Noodles Soup with slices of chicken topped with herbs and spices) has a subtle and light flavor that is refreshing and clean-tasting. Even with its light flavor, you can taste the flavor of the chicken broth.
Their highly recommended Com Suon Cha did not disappoint. Tender pork belly with crispy skin with a juicy and sweet full-rounded flavor from the caramel-lemongrass marinade. It comes with mushroom egg pie. The down-side of this juicy flavorful meat is the oil that oozes from it. Why is it the most juicy, delicious meat comes with a free cholesterol laden oil (the sad part of being a foodie).
While a bit pricey, the food delivers its worth.
Been a fan of this place since the Tagaytay days. I enjoy their Bun Tom, Fresh Spring Rolls and Chicken Curry. The one thing I don't enjoy is the price. A meal for two will easily cost P1400 with drinks (don't order that weird tamarind drink).
Dennis Carlson Lim | TFC
+4.5
Passed through Bawai's while drivng to somewhere, heard so much about this ppace but never had a chance to try. Luckily, they have delivery now via Zomato Online Delivery.
Although the delivery was a little late because the rider could not find a parking space, it was worth the wait. We had the Chicken Pho which was flavorful yet light. It was clean tasting and would somehow warm the heart. Tasted authentic too. We wanted to try their spring rolls but upon reading some reviews, everyone was raving out their pork belly, so we had that instead. This dish was really worth its price. It was delicious. Serving is generous and comes with a lice of mushroom and egg pie. The pork belly is double boiled so it was very tender. A little oily though because of the pork fat but definitely worth every calorie! The mushroom pie with egg and vermicelli was something different as well.
Presentation of delivery was nice and the food was packed well, and delivered in a paper bag. Looking forward to visit the restaurant physical the soonest.
Fridate Diaries By Cecil Valle
+3.5
Tuck in the quaint side of White Plains is this hidden cozy restaurant that serves everything Vietnamese. Having dinner on a Friday night the place seems quiet and relaxing seeing the bamboos surrounding the place makes the place look soft and cozy.
We started with Banh Tom or crispy shredded sweet potato which we really love you can either wrap it in a lettuce or eat it as is either ways it's good crispy, sweet plus the sweet and salty Vietnamese dip. For the main course we had Ga Koh Guong or slow cooked chicken in Ginger and Lemon Grass, tender juicy chicken that reminds me of our tinola very simple dish. We also tried their traditional noodle soup clean tasting refreshingly good must try with Ceracha sauce. For dessert we tried 2 of their best the Banh Dah Lon Pandan and Mung bean sweet tasting and the consistency is right very sticky over all it's good, though I love the sweet corn sticky rice more because it reminds me of my favorite ginataang mais 😀 not too sweet and the shredded corn blends well with the sticky rice. For a quiet dinner and preferably healthy one this is a good place.
One of my favourite restaurants, food is always fresh and service great. Always such a wonderful dining experience, highly recommended for others who love Vietnamese
The staff are the most accommodating I've ever experienced. Very nice and patient. I had to stay quite a time because I needed to work. I had not heard a peep from them. Their spring rolls are to die for. But what really blew me away was their coffee. It read freshly dripped and had an after taste of soy milk. Super amazing.
So far for me this is the best vietnamese cuisine restaurant the spices and the way the food is cooked is so authentic and so good that you will almost forget that you are still in the country
Bawai's is our personal standard for quality Vietnamese food. Whenever we have the chance, we book a table at their restaurant to celebrate important occasions. The personal touch they add to your visit always charms visitors to patronize this quaint restaurant. We prefer though their branch in Tagaytay as we find it more cozy, and the owner personally attends to the clients. We even got free desserts when he learned we were celebrating our anniversary then. And for the quality of the food, I say that they are very affordable, reasonably priced.
I was recently invited by Zomato and Cruising Magazine to dine at this cool place along White Plains: Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen.
For appetizers, we had the healthy dishes: the Goi Cuon and Bawai Salad. I love how fresh the veggies used in these dishes are.
For entrees, we had the Com Suon Cha or double grilled pork belly and mushroom egg pie and Pho Ga, or Chicken Pho. The meat of Com Suon Cha is so tender and flavorful, combined well with the mushroom egg pie. I really loved it! The Pho Ga has a thin soup yet the taste is refreshing. A perfect soup for the cold weather.
For dessert, we had the Banh Da Lon. This reminds me of the our very own sapin-sapin.
Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen is the perfect place for authentic Vietnamese cravings. The prices are reasonable and the servings are good enough to share. I would love to return here soon.
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Admittedly, my foodie-in-crime partner and I have only eaten at this place once. It is a pretty, cozy little restaurant, and that's quite a pleasant plus mark.
The food we had on our visit was tasty yet not very remarkable. We tried the standard and ever-popular Pho, which I've eaten many times at Vietnamese places around the world. While it was good, it didn't have the "knock your socks off" quality that some rich and exotic Pho broths have given me. Also, this restaurant does not serve the customary separate plate of Pho additives, such as lime, fresh basil, fresh lettuce and fresh bean sprouts. Rather, those had already been added to the soup by the kitchen. I prefer the more tradition way, with the fresh veggies offered on the side.
The salad we tried, a beef and fresh coconut meat mixture, was very tasty and commendable. The desserts we had were variations on sticky rice dishes, and were just "ok".
Finally, the place is a bit pricey, and what I'd consider to be a bit over-priced for the quality and quantity offered.
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Vietnamese cuisine has remained under the radar for the past decade or so. Save for a handful of known Pho noodle houses, there are very few full menu restaurants in the metro. Also, the lack of authenticity hampers the growth of this Southeast Asian flavor here in our country.
One must usually trek to distant places, far from the metro, for that real Vietnamese food experience. Bawai's was a hidden gem in the jungles of Cavite, finding it was an adventure. Luckily, they finally decided to bring their signature taste to the metro.
Highs:
1. Com Suon Cha (pork belly): now this is pork belly! Not the pork 'abs' of some noodle houses. Generous fat to meat ratio, grilled with a smokey sweet taste. Melts in your mouth consistency, a cloying mix of sweet and saltiness. Artery buster.
2. Cha Gio (fried spring rolls): what's Viet cuisine without spring rolls? I always adored the deep fried version, and these pack a punch. Full with fillings of minced pork and chicken, served freshly fried and crisp. Pairs well with the chili vinegar but some would prefer the sweet chili Thai dip.
3. Tom Rang Me: huge tiger prawns simmered in tamarind paste. Looks imposing at the start, seemingly seething hot with spices and chili. But worry not, it practically has no spice (downside for me). The prawns were plump and fresh, succulent and sweet to taste. The tamarind paste offered a citrusy, cidery flavor, but it does get overwhelming with the overzealous sauce. Pairs well with rice to dampen the flavor.
4. Pho Bo: took a sip of the common place beef tenderloin soup, and the flavors was levels above that of your usual Pho shop. Meat was thin and tender, and the rice noodles were firm and succulent. The broth was mildly spiked with chilis, but it was fresh and clean tasting. Some would prefer a stronger herb taste but this was light, yet rewarding. A clear cut above the rest.
Lows:
1. Goi Cuon: not really a fan of fresh spring rolls, but this was a bit too heavy as a starter. Perhaps too much rice vermicelli? Nevertheless, the freshness of the greens and shrimp were evident. We couldn't finish our serving though.
2. Ca Kho To: braised kingfish in a caramelized sauce. Seemed lacking in flavor, a bit dilute perhaps. Pity though, since the fish was large and fresh, juicy and easy to eat being nearly devoid of bones.
3. Location: despite a relaxing view of the valley below (Libis, actually), the area is known for tough traffic. Parking is even tougher. At least Bawai's managed to keep the charm of the adventure of going to their place.
Bawai's is a welcome break from the usual Japanese / Korean / Chinese Asian food we are so saturated with. Ingredients are fresh and flavors are light, refreshing, and invigorating. One is almost tempted to linger and ruminate in this charming corner of the metro. Despite being a bit pricier, it certainly worth it with this kind of quality and experience.
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If you are looking for quality Vietnamese dishes, this is the spot. I came in expecting the usual dine-in, but I left with a wonderful experience and a happy belly. ;)
We walked in and we were quickly greeted and seated. I immediately knew we were going to get prompt and attentive service, and that's exactly what we got. The ambience is also very fitting; Foliage gives the feel of a true Asian restaurant, again complemented by the great hospitality. The restaurant has a warm feel to it, nice and cozy, like a place where old friends gather to simply talk.
Now onto the food...
I'd say the dishes here have interesting combinations of flavors and spices. If I were to describe Bawai's food in three words, they would be: FRESH, DELICIOUS, and SAVORY. Let me tell you what we had:
Goi Cuon - Think of fresh Lumpia (spring rolls). This dish completely changed my taste buds forever. It was soft, crispy, and a bit sweet (probably from the caramelized pork) and paired with a rich peanut dipping sauce that literally left me licking the tiny bowl when it was done.
Bawai's Salad - Another winner! It had fresh coconut sprouts, herbs, steamed shrimps, and strips of glazed pork. I really enjoyed all the little punchy elements that contribute to the overall flavor of the dish. My mum absolutely loved this too!
I was a huge fan of the Com Suon Cha (twice-grilled pork belly) that came with a mushroom egg pie and greens on the side. The meat was sweet, savory, and I actually enjoyed this indescribably good charred taste. Similar to a slow-braised pork, the meat was very tender and succulent. Don't ever leave Bawai's without getting this dish. Must-try! Repeat after me, MUST-TRY!
We also tried the Pho Ga. It was such an experience! It was full of chicken meat, herbs, and egg noodles. The broth was sublime. The perfect blend of heat and spice.
For dessert, we had Che Bap (think of Sapin-sapin) - a traditional Vietnamese pudding which basically marries chewy, sticky rice, corn, tapioca flour(?), and coconut cream. Of all of the sticky rice and coconut milk desserts in the Vietnamese dessert repertoire, I think this corn-stricky rice pudding rendition has to be my favorite. The one served to us was at room temperature but imo, this dessert would be best served warm.
Everything was presented beautifully and the portions were generous and very filling. Mum and I left here truly satisfied. Service was well above par. It was very quick and conscientious. The waiter was so friendly, making conversation with us, refilling water frequently.
Overall, a great experience, and definitely a place I will come back to again! Many thanks to Manila Bulletin, Cruising Going Places, and Zomato, for inviting us to be part of this event! It was an amazing night for us, and I'm glad to have shared this experience with my Mum and fellow foodies.
Special thanks to Atty. Herminio Liwanag and his daughter, Hyra, (owners of Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen), for having us last week!
***Food and drinks are complimentary.
#TravelForFood #CruisingxZomato #ZomatoPH #BawaisManila
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If you're looking for authentic Vietnamese food, I can assure you that Bawai's is the place to go to.
During Cruising Magazine and Zomato's 13th leg of visiting restaurants for their 16th anniversary, I was invited to review the food Bawai's would be serving. I've always wanted to eat here ever since they opened a branch in Quezon City, so I did not let this chance to taste their much-talked-about food pass.
We were first served their Goi Cuon or the spring rolls that had caramelized pork, shrimps, vermicelli, and the ingredient that would tie all of these together perfectly, their sweet peanut sauce. It was so good that you can choose to add the sauce maybe also to your salad.
Speaking of salad, the salad they let us taste their Bawai's Salad. I was surprised that this salad, which I though had radish as its main ingredient, actually used fresh coconut sprouts. It was very interstingly mixed with glazed pork, steamed shrimps and their house dressing which was like their own sweet version of vinaigrette.
Next up was the Com Suon Cha or the double grilled pork belly with caramel-lemongrass marinade. This marinade made the pork have an interesting sweet taste. Not your usual barbequed ones. You may want to drizzle the vinegar included, but I'd say even without it, it was still delicious. It was paired though with mushroom egg pie, which I am not particularly sure was a good pairing. It was a little bland for my taste. In my opinion, I guess it would be better paired with something to neutralize the sweetness of the pork belly.
How can you go to a Vietnamese place without tasting pho? So of course we had to order their Pho Bo. This was their traditional beef noodle soup. As described in their menu, it was indeed clean-tasting. Basically, you needed to add either sriracha to make it spicier or the hoisin sauce to make it sweeter.
Lastly, we were given their Che Bap or the corn sticky rice poured with coconut milk. It may be compared to our sapin-sapin based on its stickyness and taste, which I'm not entirely a fan of. For me, I always made sure the sticky rice had some coconut milk to make it more tolerable to my liking.
Overall, I love this branch of Bawai's. Despite being in the busy area of Quezon City, it was able to create the signature charm which they have in their Tagaytay branch. It has the overlooking view of Marikina and the atmosphere of nature with their plants all around the restaurant.
It's a great place to hold get-togethers with your family or a place to spend with a loved one. :)
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Executive Summary: Authentic Vietnamese dishes in a private nook in the metro. The price -- reasonable. A romantic place for health conscious.
Details:
Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls with rich peanut butter sauce) - In other restos, the sauce is more peanut buttery. In Bawai's, the sauce is good blend of peanut butter and some other ingredients which I tasted only in Vietnam. So this introductory appertizer already tells me I'm in for an authentic Vietnamese dinner.
Bawai's Salad (heart of coconut with pork and shrimp) - This is a surprise. Its simple and bland looks is a deception! This is a delicious sweetish healthy salad. The flavor - is it from the coconut heart or from the sauce? Never knew. But this alone made me want to go back to this resto.
Com Suon Cha (grilled pork belly served with mushroom eggpie) - I think this is the only sinful dish we had. The 2-hour-slow-cooked pork belly melts in the mouth. Be warned though that this pork belly dish is very tasty. Just get an inch slice or two coz nakakaumay.
Bahn Da Lon (pandan and yellow mung bean "sapin sapin" with gata) - I thought the gata would not blend well with the sapin sapin, but it did! This is a nice mildly-sweet dessert just right after a flavorful main course.
Ca Phe Sua Da (iced Trung Nguyen coffee with condensed milk) - This delivers the authentic vietnamese flavor with a bang! Trung Nguyen brand is more popular in Vietnam than Starbucks. As is true with vietnamese coffee, this one is VERY STRONG. Consider yourself warned. I usually take only half serving of a vietnamese coffee and share the rest with a companion.
I'm definitely going back and will tag along a date or barkada.
Update: As promised, I went back and tagged along a friend. My friend liked the Goi Cuon (fresh sprig rolls). On the other hand, he LOVED the bawais salad and the place and the interior! This is a hidden gem!
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Bawai's is a hidden gem! Located at the back where you wouldn't think there is something special, first impression is that you made a mistake since you seem to be looking at a house and not a resto. Going inside, you will certainly feel like you have been invited to your grandmother's hacienda with a suprisingly good overlooking view of the Ortigas area.
As for the food, it tastes authentic. We learned that the ingredients are always fresh and some imported from Vietnam. We had the Goi Cuon or fresh spring roll with the special peanut sauce. Very good for my taste. Next we had the unassuming Bawai Salad. Unassuming because it looks plain until you taste it. Definitely a big winner and worth coming back to. For the main course, we had the Grilled Pork Belly with Mushroom Pie. So tender and flovourful after being cooked for 1.5 to 2 hours. So sinful, I had to refrain myself from eating the last bite. The Pandan and yellow mung bean cake is a welcome dessert. I had two servings :) Of course, a Ca Phe Sua Da is a must in any vietnamese restaurant. Although I would have liked it better if it was served with the french drip.
The service is really good, the crew is very friendly. We were lucky that the owner was there and we actually learned the right way of eating the Goi Cuon.
I will definitely bring my father and kids here.
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A hidden gem in white plains.
Who would have thought there's a restau at the end of bellitudo and it was over looking Ortigas. A dainty quiet place where, according to the owner, most of their clients are politicians & celebrities.
They serve authentic vietnamese cuisines. As for their ingredients are imported from vietnam. This is their second branch. The 1st 1 is in Tagaytay. These are the following dish that we were able to try:
Goi Cuon or vietnamese spring rolls, a popular vietnamese dish. 6 big slices. The peanut sauce was very rich in flavor. the spring rolls itself was bland for me. I don't know maybe that's how it should taste. The peanut sauce really gave it the flavor. Which was very savory. P320
Bawai Salad. one of my favorite dish that night. Its fresh heart of a coconut with herbs, glazed pork & steamed shrimp with house dressing. Looks plain but when you get to taste it its like all the flavors explode in your mouth. I just had to pause in awe of this very sumptuous dish. Definitely a must try! P335
Com Suon Cha. Grilled Pork Belly served with Mushroom Eggpie. Perfectly glazed and uberly tender pork was sinfully enticing. The taste was rich too but i was worried with the meat very fatty. The mushroom eggpie i didn't ate much because of how it looks but it was good. P430
Banh Da Lon. Pandan and yellow mung bean cake with coconut paste & sesame seeds for dessert. Looks like a big kuchinta. Its not too sweet, just right. Good for 1 at P65
Ca Phe Sua Da. Trung Nguyen Iced Coffee with condensed milk. Very strong tasting coffee. P120.
If you're looking for a unique taste and place this is the place to be! Price wise i think its reasonable; with the ingredients and ambiance. Lady G
The Greedy Appetite PH
+4
Manila Bulletin's Cruising Magazine is celebrating their 16th anniversary by tying up with Zomato. And with it, a total of 16 participating restaurants will give everyone a chance to taste their food for free. Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen was one of it's participants and I was lucky enough to be invited.
For everyone's knowledge, "Bawai" is a vietnamese word for grandmother. Bawai's Vietnamese kitchen also has a branch in Tagaytay. Both of their branches have a cozy atmosphere overlooking the city. The location is good since it has a bit of privacy.
We started the food tasting with of course, an appetizer called Goi Cuon. It is fresh garden rolls with caramelized pork and rice vermicelli rolled up in greens and has a steamed shrimp outside; served with rice peanut sauce. I appreciate that the ingredients was all rolled up- not only that it releases all the flavor but it is much easier to eat as well.
Next food, "Bawai's Salad". It is shredded coconut meat with herbs, glazed pork with steamed shrimps and house dressing. I like the texture of the coconut meat while I'm gnawing it and the flavors just played itself inside my mouth.
Of all the food that was served, Bawai's Com Suon Cha won my taste buds. It is a succulent double grilled pork belly, flavored with caramel lemon-grass marinade, served with mushroom egg pie and greens. Not only it looks appetizing but the combination of the pork belly that was cooked to be so tender with their mushroom egg pie, blew my mind away. It's really so perfect together as if it's a match made in heaven.
Lastly, for our dessert we tried Banh da Lon. It is a layer of pandan and yellow mung bean cake with coconut cream and sesame seed. It's like the "sapin-sapin" here in the Philippines. Banh da Lon's aroma is good that'll make you crave for more.
I liked Bawaii's Beef noodle soup and the fresh shrimp rolls. It's a must try but it's not one of the places we like to go back to from time to time. For some reason, I prefer other Vietnamese restaurants such as Pho Hoa, Phat Pho or Zao's.
First time having Vietnamese and the decision to go here was the perfect one. The set meals for one including one of each signature dishes is a smart meal to have as introduction to Vietnamese food. Additional points for location, ambiance and great view.
Bawai's did not failed my expectations for authentic Vietnamese food! I'm fond of Vietnamese cuisine but it's hard to find restaurants that can carry real Vietnamese food here in the Metro Manila but Bawai's satisfied my Vietnamese food cravings!
Christopher Pangilinan
+4
Spring roll with their sauce is the Best i've ever taste. But their Signature Salad is just fine for me, pricey for the quantity of servings. Diff kind of Ice cream, new to me #Basil and Rice cake tasted our local ginataang bilo bilo. But the exp. was worth it and their customer service is very good. Will come back to taste other dishes
The best vietnamese restaurants I have tasted here in the philippines. Their vietnamese food is on the evil side (a bit more oily and tasty) than the standard vietnamese food served elsewhere.
Tried the Bun Bo Xao and it was better than the bun in Ba Noi's. The meat was good though not outstanding. The portion is quite small for the price (P335). I also tried the fried spring rolls and it was good. The patis that came with it however was too salty.
My friend and I have been to Bawai’s a number of times already. Every time we go here we try something different, so we could try everything. So far the ones we liked for the entrée are the Chicken Curry, the Lemongrass Beef and the Pork Belly. We have yet to try the Black Tiger Prawn, but seeing from when it was served to another table, it also looks good! For the appetizers, the Fresh Spring Roll is a favorite! We tried the Smoked Pork Sausage, but didn’t like it much though.. For the noodle soups, we liked the Pho Bo, and Pho Bo Kho. The Pho Bo Kho we liked better because its spicy! For dessert, Basil Ice cream for my friend, and Salted Caramel Ice Cream for me!
If you're looking for a hidden sanctuary amid hectic city life - you absolutely must find Bawai's in White Plains.
The food is amazing. Fresh, clean, light - yet packed with flavor. Your soul will be so happy but your stomach won't feel heavy at all.
Highly recommend the fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce. And their pork belly with a mushroom and egg cake - all beautiful delights.
Take an adventure and try their Basil ice cream for dessert. First spoonful was out of this world - it was so strange yet it was so deliciously complex! Couldn't stop eating it after that surprise introduction.
On the Table: Com Suon Cha, Curry Ga, Hu Tieu, Pho Bo, Goi Cuon, Sweet Tamarind Drink, Ca Phe Sua Nong
My-Food-O-Meter:
Taste: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
A bit pricey but serving is big enough for sharing... A great place to bring a date. Quiet and I really like the ambiance.
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I fell in love with Bawai's back in 2013 when I made my first visit to their branch in White Plains, QC. Prior to that, I have had the chance to also visit their original branch in Tagaytay. My opinion, Bawai's is the finest Vietnamese Restaurant in town. I seldom get the chance to eat there though as it's a bit out of the way for me and it's usually packed on weekends that it's hard to just be dropping in without prior arrangements.
For this visit, I wanted to try again the items I ordered during my previous visit. I couldn't remember the authentic Vietnamese names so Instead, I showed the wait staff the food photos from before that still I have on my phone and she was able to identify them all accurately. And this time i made sure that I jot down the names of the dishes.
I highly recommend the following: Bun Bo Hue (deboned spicy pork knuckle noodle soup); Goi Ga (finely-chopped cabbage with steamed chicken, herbs and peanuts); Tom Rang Me (Tiger Prawns in sweet tamarind sauce); and Grilled Pork Belly. The dishes mentioned above are all exquisitely prepared that they're all a feast to the tongue as well as the eyes.
Another item in their menu which is very interesting for me is the Vietnamese Crepe. It has a crisp batter filled with bean sprouts, vegetables and pork bits. It comes with a sweet vinegar type sauce that complements the dish quite perfectly.
For beverage I tried their Sweet Tamarind Drink which is very unusual yet good and refreshing. For dessert, my favorite is their Basil Ice Cream and I also tried the Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream.
I give this place a perfect rating as I truly love the way they prepare the food that they serve. The place has ample space to fit families as well as quaint spots for those on dates. Not to mention a scenic view of Eastwood City that can be seen from their window. There is actually ample parking but you really need to plan ahead when you eat here as it gets really packed during peak periods.
It's a really nice place for a dinner date. The food is close enough to the restos I've tried in Vietnam, i guess I just expected too much. But it's still good, although it took them so long to serve the food to us.
Good place for a quiet dining with the family. Chill ambiance and the food is also great. There's nothing to complain about. The food can take a while to be served, but the wait is worth it. The banh mi is great and the pho soup is delectable. I especially like their pork strips and beef soup.
The desserts are weird because they're hot. I expected my desserts to be cold, but after the little surprise, they were actually very nice. Yum. Got full without guilt because the meals are made from fresh ingredients.
Great!
Food is great. May fave is the Bun Tom. Everything seems fresh. Eating Vietnamese foods for me is like taking a break from all those unhealthy eating. There is always a lot of flavor on a single dish.
Jose Antonio Lorenzo Delgado
+3.5
Good. No Vietnamese restaurant has surprised me as much as bun bo nam bo in Vietnam. Bawal certainly didn't. But it did get close. Plus they have AMAZING interiors.
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This is actually a review of their Tagaytay branch.
We already went here two times and I fall in love with the place and its food every time. All the ingredients are fresh and savory. The taste is a little lighter than most Asian cuisine but I love it because it is balanced - not too salty or too sour - and melts in your mouth goodness.
For appetizers, we ordered Chao Tom and Cha Gio. I forgot the name of the salad we ordered but it's either Goi Thit Tom or Bawai's Salad. Of course we ordered Thai cuisine's specialty, Pho Bo. We also ordered Ca Kho To with Dory fish. And since we're the only ones in the resto that day amd time, we had Che Bap for complimentary dessert (Yaaay!)
Aside from the dishes mentioned, we also ordered a savory chicken dish that I forgot the name (Sorry, hehehe). The server said that that dish was actually already removed from the menu but since they have the ingredients on hand, they still offered to serve it. How generous of them!
I haven't gone to the QC branch but I really love their Tagaytay branch because of the scenery. It's so quiet, airy and simple. I really recommend this place for everyone to try at least once. It is advised to have reservations first though because they only open for specific days and time.
P.S. So sorry if I didn't take a lot of pictures.
One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city. It did take some time for their Tagaytay branch to set up one in Manila. My favorite dishes would include the spicy beef pho and the fresh prawn rolls.
On the downside, parking is difficult during peak hours.
Ultimate Vietnamese comfort food! I am so happy that Bawai has a Manila Branch. First met Bawai in their little hidden home-restaurant in Tagaytay, she's a lovely Vietnamese lady who's lived in the Peens for a long time. The food is amazing it packed with robust flavours, vietnamese herbs anf aromatics. I order the house whenever I am here. Fried Spring rolls, Rice paper rolls, Beef Phó and Fried Pork with Broken Rice are my must haves! Broken Rice is one of those meals that I constantly miss from Australia (it was our Saturday morning hangover food) and Bawai absolutely nails it - this meal has everything: fried pork, smashed up (broken) fried rice, pork floss, egg and some sort of noodle cake (never really got what this was but it works with the dish). Once I slather the whole thing with the vietnamese fish sauce the dish is complete and ready to devour! Bawai successfully delivers stunning Vietnamese dishes that are tailored to Pinoy taste buds! Can't wait to go back!
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Thumbs up! Why??
1. Dishes were made up of !fresh! Produce. Those looking for healthy eats, this is a place to be!
2. In terms of ambience: They had Sanso paintings, and well constructed wood paneling AND the area overlooks Eastwood and their koi pond. Plus points for me! The atmosphere is very homey and inviting.
Price range (with service charge): 400+ per person
We ordered the following and would recommend these if you're simply looking for something yummy:
Bawai's salad - fresh coconut sprouts with herbs, glazed pork and steamed shrimps with house dressing
Banh Xeo - crispy crepe stuffed w pork shrimp and onions
Bun Tom - sautéed lemongrass prawns on dry noodles with fresh and pickled vegetables and nuts
Tom Rang Me - black tiger prawns with sweet tamarind paste
Curry Ga - slow cooked tender chicken on an aromatic curry base garnished with coconut milk
Rosemary Ice Cream
Tamarind Iced Tea
Possible points of improvement:
1. The seats are kinda hard, they're wooden chairs - may be an issue for people with back problems
2. You can still go the extra :) smile :) with respect to service! but they're already respectful and prompt as it is.
3. The access ramp to comply with BP 344 has a very high slope. Would have to be extra careful if you're bringing your Lola here!
Lovely garden outside the resto makes your dining experience way better. I enjoyed the main entrées (we had beef stew and fish), but I think the appetizers could be better, more flavorful.
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Tucked behind a number of other establishments at Bellitudo White Plains, Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen has been inconspicuously delighting customers with its well-prepared and authentic dishes. This hidden abode appears to be the original main house (on a residential lot turned commercial lot) that was renovated into a restaurant. The modern- asian furniture, lighting and decor provide that relaxed and home- like ambiance which makes it an ideal place for meet-ups or dinner.
Our party of twelve ordered a lot, but if there's one dish you must have at Bawai's, it has to be the Com Suong Cha, or the grilled pork belly. Its tender, sweet-savory and boneless meat will transport you to pork heaven and back in a single bite. Maybe prior to grilling, it was first boiled in a special broth which made it extra succulent and melt- in -your mouth soft.
I also recommend the Goi Cuon, or shrimp spring roll. Its usually served as a starter, but the fresh, clean taste is a good complement to the entrees at any point in the meal. It also refreshes the palate from sauces and oil.
Another must have is the Bun Bo Hue or the spiced beef and pork knuckle noodle soup. The broth is comforting and flavorful. Though not as rich and hearty as ramen, the spicy and fragrant accents shine through.
Minus the endless rows of Hanoi city motorcycles, Bawai's successfully delivers the flavors of Vietnam to Metro Manila.
Everythings here at Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen are nice. The restaurant, the set-up, the homey feeling and the food. Must try: Com Suon Cha and Goi Cuon.
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