Experience the Northern Bite in Banawe Street, Balintawak and See What's Cooking Up There!

Balintawak is one of the places in Quezon City that is teeming with history, heritage, and promise. For those not familiar with Philippine History, it was where the country's revolution against Spain began. In the 1990's, the area became a manufacturing and economic hub and now serves as the main gateway connecting Metro Manila with the provinces in the north.

G's Cafe

Last week, I joined other foodies in visiting six restaurants along Banawe Street, one of Balintawak's famous areas because of the myriad of shops selling car accessories. Our first stop was G's Cafe where automobile enthusiasts hang out for some high-octane dining. They serve a variety of delicious sandwiches and aromatic coffee. The walls have very interesting decor that will excite any car lover. Check this place out, soon!

Lam Tin Tea

Lam Tin Tea, on the other hand, is the place to go if you're craving for hakao and dumplings. Their fried chicken is really good, too! Also available there are orders of taro puff and sea king roll with very interesting flavors.

Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Food Street 

We also dropped by Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Food Street and had lobster balls, fried stuffed tofu, and breaded scallops that are crunchy on the outside but sweet and juicy inside. They are perfect to pair with the super yummy kiwi shake that I would love to drink every day if only I live near the place!

Fook Yuen

The crab lover in me delightedly cracked open a huge claw at Fook Yuen where we dined on two crab dishes (one cooked in salt and pepper and the other in a savory sauce) and oyster omelet. The owner said they get a lot of diners from different countries who are searching for good crab recipes. I'm not surprised their offerings are bestsellers.

King Chef

As if our tummies weren't replete yet with all the awesome tastes we've already had, we were served an eight-course meal at King Chef where I had the pleasure of indulging in several amazing Chinese dishes. I enjoyed how the seafood with spinach soup warmed my tummy before I tackled the steamed suahe that I dipped into vinegar with garlic and salt. 

photo credit: Juan Manila

There was also pork eggplant hotpot, sautéed squid in XO sauce, yang chow fried rice, french beans with salted egg (this is my kind of veggie!), sweet and sour fish fillet, and pancit canton guisado. Guests would definitely love dining there because not only are the dishes really good, their platings are works of art, too!

Caffe Dolce

We ended our food tour at Caffe Dolce with beautifully arranged and colorful sweets waiting to be photographed and Instagrammed. My friends and I ordered coffee to go with our desserts but we couldn't help but take photos of the fruit tea, with its transparent pot and accompanying dainty cup and saucer, delivered to another table. 

Caffe Dolce's fruit tea

In the next few years, the Balintawak district is projected to be the next growth center in northern Metro Manila. Aside from several government infrastructures being built, Ayala Land, Inc. is also developing an 11-hectare master planned mixed-use development right at the juncture of North Luzon Expressway, EDSA, and A. Bonifacio Avenue.

site of Cloverleaf Balintawak

Providing a welcome respite from the urban jungle, Cloverleaf Balintawak will be the site of landscaped pedestrian promenade, wide road networks, lush greenieries, and exquisite architecture. Apart from retail strips, a shopping mall, office buildings, and residential towers, the area will also be home to QualiMed Hospital, a quaternary medical institution to be launched in 2017.

Avida Towers Cloverleaf

Cloverleaf Balintawak will also be home to Avida Towers Cloverleaf. This three-tower development will have a good mix of studio, 2-BR and 3-BR units, which come at 22sqm, 52 sqm, and 61 sqm respectively. The residential towers will be connected to the nearby Ayala Mall and have quick access to the road networks.

Cloverleaf's commercial strip

In addition, the soon-to-be-completed Skway Stage 3 project will make A. Bonifacio more accessible from Makati in just 20 minutes. Cloverleaf is also near the LRT Line 1, which is already connected to LRT 2, MRT 3 and, soon, the planned MRT 7.

Cloverleaf Balintawak entrance 

Millennials and start-up families looking for a good community are encouraged to learn more about this master planned development that's very ne. For more details on Cloverleaf Balintawak and Avida Towers Cloverleaf, please visit www.cloverleaf.ph and www.avidaland.com