Hyphy's (San Franciso Filipino Cuisine)

It's been over a year since my last visit to Robinson's Galleria Mall along Ortigas Avenue. I was quite excited when I heard they opened up a new section called the VERANDA wherein some of the new restos are located. When I got there, I was a bit disappointed to find out that this VERANDA is just a short strip along one side of the mall. (Robinson's Place in Malate had at least 3 to 4 floors of new places to explore)

Most of the restos here I have tried before in other locations.......


8 Spices which serves thai inspired cuisine


Johnny Rockets for burgers


Delicious Kitchen by Eat Well which serves chinese dimsum and short orders


Papa Johns which serves pizza (this is one of two places here which I haven't dined before)

Of course we weren't much in the mood for pizzas at the moment (since I had pizza the night before) so we opted for HYPHY's which they advertised as serving San Franciso Philippine Cusine.



This resto is owned by Chef Bruce Lim who I heard is a celebrity chef of some sort.

Kahel
A blend of Squash, Orange and Dalandan enhanced with Ginger Syrup



To start our dining experience, I ordered one of their unique (non-alcoholic) drinks. Truth to tell, while the taste was just alright, it wasn't something thats going to blow me away.

Sweet Potato and Leek Soup
Thick and Starchy Sweet Potatoes sauteed with Leeks and pureed to a Creamy Broth


It's really thick and starchy and its got that nice smokey flavor which I really like while the leeks provided the extra punch at the end. I was however a bit disappointed that the soup was not hot. Instead it was kinda lukewarm already.

I asked the friendly servers if its normal that their soup is served warm and they really couldn't decide. (and I quote: "hot siya, but minsan warm")

Spam Masubi
Slices of Spam topped with Rice and Egg wrapped in Seaweed and served with a Sweet Soy Sauce



Probably because I consider Spam as one of my comfort foods which made me order this. It's basically a Spam Sushi Roll without the vinegar flavor from the rice. While I wouldn't say its a bad dish, I wouldn't want to call it a good dish either.

Another minor issue is that they cut the rolls into too big slices. (I normally like my sushi rolls small enough for single bites)

Pan Fried Pusit Sandwich
Monterey Style Breaded Pressed Between Homemade Bread and served with Fried Potatoes



It's like eating flat calamari though they put too much batter so one can barely taste the squid. (the fries are good though)

Calamansi Tuyo Pasta
Native Dried Salted Fish sauteed in Garlic and tossed in Pasta topped with Cheese and Calamansi


Nice firm spaghetti, salted fish that isn't overly salty and the subtle sour flavor of calamansi which provided a contrast to the saltiness of the fish. This was my favorite dish for the day. (Unless you like foods which are spicy, then its better you opt to stay away from the chili garlic breadsticks that accompanied the pasta dish)


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Overall, it was an interesting dining experience for me. Though I'm having a harder time grasping the "San Francisco" concept from their dishes. (probably because I haven't tasted San Francisco Cuisine in this part of the planet yet)