Bauhinia's Pinoy Food with a Twist

Sometimes we get oh so stressed out because of the daily routines we experience. But, we cannot just hop in our trucks and seek for adventure because we all know we'll be screwed by the boss in the morning. Unless its a weekend, I bet you don't want try. So, what do we usually do?? That's right ladies and gents... COMFORT food. And if you want to enjoy some of the finer things in life , try the unique food that they offer in Bauhinia. Its located at The Avenue, Pison Compound, Mandurriao.

They offer Filipino dishes with a twist coupled with sleek and modern ambiance. The waiters are really nice and really polite. Thumbs up to the management.

After placing our orders, I really liked it when they served the drinks first. Most restaurants often neglect this. As you can see, their iced tea is really large. Res Ipsa Loquitor... Even though its not filled to brim and some parts of it is just froth, its still massive. I'm a big person, and I had no problem quenching my thirst and I find the taste just right.

Bauhinia Iced Tea

Since we had to photograph the facade of the restaurant, the tacos were a little soft when we went back to our table. But I still find it amusingly delicious. The smoked taste from the fish was really there and I found the texture just right for my taste.

Smoked Tangigue Tacos

Next to go down my palate was the Bulalo steak. Its really tender, good for people who have dentures. Its sauce is also good. But, as the waiter said, "its just good for two". And he wasn't lying, it was... Honesty always scores a point in my book.

Bulalo Steak

Although I'm allergic to crustaceans, I was really curious about the Sugpo sa Aligue at Sili. Which is made of tiger prawns cooked with coconut-crab fat sauce. And it did not disappoint me. If you're allergic to crustaceans too, just bring some anti-histamine. Its something that you don't want to miss tasting.

Sugpo sa Aligue at Sili

At this point, I really admire that Bauhinia has really good food presentation. They add a bit of flair to the dish. On to the Tinuom nga Pusit. Its presentation is good, and like a gift, it gives you a bit of excitement when you're opening it. Smoke puffs out and after that you'll see white gold... I was really amused at the small pieces of super white squid. But the taste was just OK. Not much to write about. Ah... What is life without a little disappointment.

Tinuom nga Pusit

Their Pandan Rice was a bit lacking of that Pandan aroma and taste. But the Longganisa Fried Rice was just right to satisfy us.

And to the dessert. We asked the waiter the best cheese cake that they can offer. So we ended up getting the Ube flavored cheesecake. All I can say is that its not really up to my taste. I cant taste the cheese and I was really disappointed because I did not find it delicious. But what I liked about it is that it wasn't too sweet.

Bauhinia Ube Cheesecake

To sum it all up, "Will I return to Bauhinia?"... Its a definite YES! Except for some forgivable disappointments (hey, nobody's perfect), the place is great. It amazed and amused me and I hope when I go back, I would feel the same way.

Something nice to know about the word Bauhinia...
Its pronounced as bau-hin-i-a (baw-hin-ee-uh; bo-hin).
Bauhinia or Bauhinia Malabarica (scientific name) is a small but stocky tree growing to a height of 8 to 10 meters which can be found in the Philippines. Its common names are Alambangbang (Tagalog), Alibangbang (Tagalog, Bisaya, Pampanga), Balibamban (Pampanga), Kalibanbang (Pangasinan, Tagalog) and Kalibangbang (Ilokano).

There are many species of Bauhinia. They share the 'butterfly' configuration of the leaves. Alibangbang is an Ilonggo word for butterfly. Other scientific names are Piliostima Acidum, Bauhinia Tomentosa and Bauhinia Purpurea.