Food + Trip = Eat to Travel

Let’s be realistic. We cannot always travel to our dream destinations (unless you do it for a living) due to several reasons such as tight budget, hectic schedule, vacation leave dilemmas, family priorities, health issues, and the like. Thankfully in the Philippines, there is now an opportunity to go on a trip or travel internationally without even leaving the country. How? Just by eating!

Here are a few restaurants that let you take a glimpse of the following places:

Japan: Mitsuyado Sei-Men

Japan is my most favorite among the countries I have been to so far because of its rich culture, eccentric style, themed cafes, sashimi like no other, convenient transportation, and hospitable and disciplined citizens. Mitsuyado Sei-Men, which is comparable to Kyoto, intensely reminded me of these that I could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

Cheese Sauce Tsukemen, P310 (Regular) and P350 (Large). How to eat: Pour the cheese sauce onto the noodles before dipping into the broth.

Rating: 4/5

Located at Blue Bay Walk, EDSA Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City

Operating Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Like them on facebook or call (02) 843-4329.

France: La Vie Parisienne

Sip fine wine under the cherry blossom trees at Parc de Sceaux in France. Just kidding. This is actually a boulangerie located in Cebu City. Experience the parisian life at La Vie Parisienne and bond with your friends over pastries and a bottle of wine.

Rating: 3/5

Located at 371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City

Operating Hours: 24/7

Like them on facebook or call (032) 260-4388.

Spain: Cafe Leona

Have a blast in the past during the Spanish colonial era! At Cafe Leona, you can order their Bagnet KBL pizza for an added twist of the famous boiled and deep-fried pork belly in Ilocos known as bagnet.

Bagnet KBL Pizza, P375

Rating: 2.5/5

Located at 2700 Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Operating Hours: 24/7

Like them on facebook or call (077) 722-2212.

Philippines: Pedro ‘N Coi

Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila. With Pedro ‘N Coi’s ultimate best seller, sizzling sisig aww!, you will surely keep coming back to the restaurant’s Manila-themed ambiance. And yes, the waiters literally exclaim “sisig aww!” when they serve it on your table. Hop in their customized jeepney and eat your way to Manila!

Trivia: It is owned by 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up, Shamcey Supsup, and husband, Lloyd Lee. Rating: 3.5/5