It was full of Korean food! I love Korean food! I think everyone loves Korean food!

I’ve been craving kimchi rice for a while now and so, we ordered just that.  I also wanted to try the Army Soup (Buddae Chigae) and we ordered that as well. Knowing that American servings are huge, I can only half a meal with someone else.

This is also the first day I went out with the state of Maryland recommending everyone to use N95 masks. I’m doing my part to help contain the virus and still be able to go around safely.

Everything tasted great! I will go back and eat Kam Ja Tang next!

Restaurant: MANNA inside Lotte Market in Ellicott City.
Price: Around $13 to $19 per meal

January 15, 2022

I got invited to the launch of a purified water here in the Philippines. With that said, I thought it was just going to be a casual event. But good thing, I felt like dressing up that night because it was the most posh water event I’ve ever been to! How posh you say? Ms. Pia Wurtzbach was their featured guest along with other featured personalities that embodied being the best at something.

The event launched Aquafina, a bottled water brand known all over the world! It has made its way to the Philippines with Pia as the face of their brand. Aquafina is known for its purity and has won consumers around the globe, since it was introduced in the U.S. in 1994. Aquafina expands in the local market, so Filipinos can experience the world’s best-selling bottled water.

Acquafina water is purified using the best technology available to purify water, this process includes reverse osmosis, ozonation and carbon filtration to remove things like chlorides, salts and other substances that can affect the taste of water. With this, you’ll get pure water consistently crisp taste in every bottle, no matter the market, across the globe.

Aquafina hopes to give every individual the inspiration they need to become their best self. No matter how big or small they may seem to be, these successes deserve to be celebrated. This is why Aquafina chose none other than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach to represent the brand’s philosophy. With an inspiring backstory to her now-stellar career, Pia undeniably emobides what it means to persevere, stand out, and eventually become the best.

Acquafina will soon be available in all leading supermarkets and grocery stores at Php 10.00 for 350mL, Php 15.00 for 500mL and Php 24.00 for 1L.

Check out their Facebook page to know more.

Combining two famous names to form a totally new name or a hybrid became a craze very recently. Celebrity names like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie formed a popular tandem, “Brangelina”. A scrumptious combination of croissant and donuts became the hybrid that is “cronuts”. Corndog has been around for quite some time now but that name was also borne out of marrying two delicious snack favorites, that which are CORN and HOTDOG. These new terms just prove that when you combine two good things, something even more surprisingly wonderful comes out of it.

Mister Donut, known for its Bavarian flavored donuts with the right sweetness or “tamang-tamang tamis” as we say it in Filipino, pushed its product innovation further through the Bavarian Doubles with 2 fillings! Yes, 2 famous all-time favorite flavors in one uniquely delightful treat in the newest addition to the Bavarian Doubles line. Mister Donut combined Mango and Pastillas to create the truly original and delectable Bavarian Doubles “Mangostillas”!

This new name was coined through a fun and cute way by the brand’s lovable talents in its latest TV Commercial. The young twins featured are seen enjoying the new variant brought home by their mom as a more than pleasant surprise. Another brilliant union of fillings is the Bavarian Doubles “Chocoyema”, which combines Choco Fudge and Yema. The more famous Bavarian Doubles and one that already has a strong following among the Mister Donut customers is Chocolate and Bavarian, now called Chocovarian! As shown through the joy and excitement of the twins in the commercial, the shared moment between the kids and their mom becomes even more special and cherished.

Catch these surprisingly new flavor combinations at the nearest Mister Donut, and share the moments “na punong-puno ng fillings.”

Â

Wingstop has been in the country since last year and Wingstop fans have loved the 10 unque flavors they offer that consist of spicy, sweet, and savory variations. I was very happy to have tasted 10 of these, plus more, I will tell you about it in a bit!

   by  Flair Candy 

Wingstop has become popular in Asia, and with this, they now offer new flavors, where East Meets Flavor.

These are never tasted before flavors such as Korean Soy, Spicy Soy, Honey Garlic and Honey Barbeque. Wingstop gives a not at Asian cuisine, infusing the bold flavors of soy and garlic into the comforting tastes of honey and barbeque.

I personally love the Spicy Soy – but it’s super spicy you need rice or potatoes to deal with it! I also loved the Garlic Soy, both sweet and a little salty at the same time. Which flavor do you like?

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

More photos on my Flickr album.

Wingstop Philippines
Wingstop website: www.wingstop.com.ph
Wingstop Instagram: WingstopPH
Wingstop Twitter: WingstopPH
Wingstop Facebook: www.facebook.com/wingstopPH

——

Sofitel Philippine Plaza pays homage to Sofitel’s French history, culture and tradition this whole month of July. If your palate craves for some authentic French cuisine, I suggest you take advantage of Sofitel’s promotions and discounts as they celebrate Sofitel’s Gastronomie A Paris, a month celebration of gastronomy and wine.

Sofitel invited French master chef Matthieu Garrel of the famed Paris restaurant Le Belisaire to prepare special dishes that you can try at Spiral. Master chef Garrel is an artisan awarded as Maitre Cuisinier de France 2014 (Master Chef of France). Food prepared by Chef Garrel will be available throughout the month of July in Spiral.

   by  Flair Candy 

Here is the schedule and price/rates for this month at Spiral.
Chef Matthieu Garrel exclusives

Chef Garrel and Sofitel Chef Bettina Arguelles will cook for you and feature 3 specialty dishes

July 4, 2015 at the Sunset Bar 6pm-1030pm
available at PHP 2,700 nett per person

Chef Matthieu Garrel live cooking
Chef Garrel will feature the Le Belisaire dishes
July 3 to 7, 2015 at the Spiral French stove

Chef Matthieu Garrel’s French dishes
July 8-31, 2015 at Spiral

Chef Matthieu Garrel’s Le Bélisaire book
Signed copies will go on sale at Spiral 2 Go on July 3 to 8, 2015.

An Evening in Paris
Spiral | Monday 6th of July 2015 | 7pm to 10.30pm

Gourmands are transported to An Evening in Paris as they embark on a feast for the senses and inimitable journey of taste. Chef Matthieu Garrel presents sumptuous dishes from his collection of culinary masterpieces featuring Ravioles Au Homard (Lobster Raviole), Foie Gras Poêle Legumes et Coques (Pan-fried Foie Gras, Vegetables and Clams), Duo De Canard aux Asperges Sauvages (Duck Two Ways with Asparagus) and Moelleux Chaud au Chocolat du Bélisaire (Bélisaire Chocolate Meolleux). Indulge in delightful pairing as the featured offerings are enhanced with the enviable collection of wine by Gustave Lorentz and Bernard Magrez in a gathering tailored for the most discerning of gourmands and connoisseurs. Be part of this magnifique voyage of gastronomy and wine at Sofitel.

Rate is set at Php3,250+++ per person.

Bastille Day at Spiral
Sunday to Tuesday, 12th to 14th July 2015

Be part of historic reminiscence as the most interactive dining destination Spiral commemorates Bastille Day. Featuring an enriched selection through the 21 dining ateliers, thematic cocktails, French-inspired styling and live entertainment from the 12th to the 14th of July 2015, enjoy the elevated distinction of a gastronomic voyage truly French, truly Sofitel. A scenic view of a special fireworks display is in store for our discerning gourmands on the 12th of July 2015.
Sunday Brunch is available at Php3,650+++ per adult and Php1,600+++ per child. Sunday Dinner is available at Php2,750+++ per adult and Php1,450+++ per child.

Bastille Day at Sunset Bar
Sunday, 12th of July 2015 | 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Dine al fresco in a commemorative gastronomic feast as Sunset Bar reminisces over revolutionary France culminating on Bastille Day. Sunset Bar features its signature barbecued specialties enhanced with thematic revolutionary cocktails, live entertainment and a magnifique fireworks display. Rate is set at Php2,450+++ per adult and Php1,225+++ per child.

Epicurean Voyage at Le Bar
Le Bar | Saturday to Tuesday, July 4 – 7, 2015

Dine in a setting of lavish interiors enhanced by live entertainment as Le Bar presents Chef Matthieu Garrel’s special set menu. A 4-course culinary offering featuring Roasted Bone Marrow and Foie Gras, Pan-Fried Foie Gras with Vegetables and Clams, Duck Two Ways with Asparagus and Bélisaire Chocolate Moelleux paired with a selection of wine from some of the finest vineyards in France, the featured epicurean voyage of Le Bar is a decadent feast of the senses.
Chef Matthieu Garrel’s Special Set Menu is available for a limited period at Php2,500+ for the set menu and Php5,000+ for set menu with wine pairing.

Pétanque at Sunset Bar
Available daily for the month of July | 3pm to 6pm

For a slice of outdoor recreation, unwind with friends and colleagues with a friendly game of Pétanque. A form of boules where participants throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small target, a wooden ball called a cochonnet or jack while standing inside a
designated circle, this friendly game of precision is available daily from 3pm to 6pm at Sunset Bar. Spend leisurely Sundays with this interactive game available with a special offer of Pernod Ricard from the 5th of July 2015. Featured beverage is available starting at Php250+.

For inquiries and reservations for July featured offers, please call +63-2 832 6988 or
email H6308-fb12@sofitel.com

Photo from Azrael

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

   by  Flair Candy 

I am not really a wine enthusiast, but I am starting to be one.  If you hear about the story and the nature of wine, you will realize how wonderful this “art” is.  Yes, it is an art indeed.  I have learned a whole lot about wines over one evening.  Thanks to our wine expert Mimi of Santis Delicatessen who guided us throughout this experience.

The event was held at the romantic Top of the Citi in Makati

What is Malbec?

Is it a place in Argentina? Is it a person? Is it a flower? I came to the event asking these questions.  I am so sorry guys, I really don’t know anything about this, but there’s always a first time for everything, right?  

Obviously, I know that this evening was all about wines.  My scientific guess would be – Malbec is a kind of wine.  And I was right!  It is the flagship wine of Argentina.  Proudly Argentinian.

Factors that affect the taste and character of wines

There are a lot of things that affect a bottle of wine.  First and very important factor is the fruit.  It is, by default, made of grapes.  And if it is made of other fruits, the bottle should specify what.  Second, soil and weather play a huge part in growing the main ingredient of wine – the fruits themselves.  After these first two, you would consider the aging process of wine – container, length of fermentation and so on and so forth.

What does Malbec taste like?

I took my notes ladies and gents (because a good wine taster has to have one!).  

Technically, every brand of Malbec is a little bit different from another.  But in general, the common trait of Malbec wines is that it is made from grabes in Argentina.  With that, I mean Argentina’s soil.  Usually, most wines that are sold around the world are from France, but Malbec, is the pride of Argentina.

As I mentioned above, grapes are affected by the soil and weather in which it was grown.  Argentina has a great weather for growing fully riped grapes.  Fully riped grapes give more tanning, more tanning gives more alcohol, more character.

This is actually one of the notable wines I have tasted.

Full of character, enough sweetness. – that’s just me 🙂

The ladies of When In Manila

The great Argentina.  Hoping someday I do fly to this place!

Facts and interesting notes about Argentina and its Malbec

This is one of my favorites – Rosé

It’s thinner, sweeter and sexier!

One wine to another

Finally, we had one wine that we could taste and take notes together.

This wine is entry level Malbec, but it is Oak aged.  Oak aged wines usually give more quality.  

It is priced at around P500, it is entry level – but the quality is not sacrificed 😉

This one is a little bit more pure – it is also oak aged, but it took longer time.  

After tasting a few sips of wine – your blogger became a bad photographer 😉

I just had to give the camera to the waiter to help us with our group shot.

SMILE!

Do you have any wine stories?  Please do share with me your notes!

xoxo,
FlairCandy 

I really don’t get it, I tried a few and to me, it was just some normal dessert.

Oh, little did I know that I just haven’t tried a really good macaron! Seriously!

So when Cheryl of littlerunningteacher.com told me about Mrs. Graham’s Bakery that makes macarons with different unique flavors, I was sure to give macarons another try.

OMG!!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE!?!

BEST macarons ever!

It might be too sweet for some, but I think that’s really how it should be.

If it wasn’t, the macarons would just taste bland.

I know… don’t they look delicious? You should definitely try them!

Flavors:

Salted Caramel

Inside-out Smores

Cookie Dough

Malibu Rum

Tequila Rose

Bailey’s

Tequila Rose

Nope, it won’t get you drunk! But they do got the flavor

I also ordered a box of Inside-out smores – their BEST SELLER!

The dough tasted like graham crackers too

Sweet and creamy cookie dough

The texture is very rich and it will fill your tongue’s senses! I’m pretty sure it will!

I love every bite!

and EVERY bite counts!

I was so into it, I ordererd a few more.

A box full of SMORES macarons!

Thank you for letting us taste this delish dessert!

We sure will order more, more, MORE!!!

Price:

P200 for a box of 6

P400 for a box of 12

For Orders, contact Mrs. Grahams

Contact no.: 0917 805 5479

Facebook: facebook.com/MrsGrahamsBakery

Twitter: @MrsGrahams

Location:

28 Scout Gandia, Brgy Laging Handa, QC, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines

You can never go wrong dining in Din Tai Fung if you want authentic Taiwanese food!

Din Tai Fung is a popular Taiwanese food chain that even opened branches in other countries such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Thailand. I often wonder, when will they ever open one in the Philippines? That way I wouldn’t have to worry about finding flights to Malaysia or Thailand just to eat at the restaurant.

This restaurant has been highly recommended by my friends and when I saw the name of the restaurant on our group tour itinerary, I was just ecstatic!

Me, Kevin (thank you for this photo) and Mica

We ate at Din Tai Fung during lunch time. In the morning, we visited the Eslite bookstore known for their great selection of books, opening 24 hours a day. Believe me, 30 minutes to roam around wasn’t enough! I got lost a few times! Then, from here, we walked all the way to Taipei 101. It was a great opportunity for exercise! I’d like to thank our tour guides for that. We did all the eating we could get in Taipei and walking around the city was such a relief! It was very cold at that time with temperatures dropping at 12 degrees Celsius at night and 18 degrees in the morning with breezy wind which makes it even colder!

Who would complain? None of us did. We actually loved the winter weather which we don’t have here in the Philippines.

I got natural rosy cheeks because of this.

And because I didn’t know we were walking to Taipei 101.  I left my DSLR in the bus >.<

Which means, my Din Tai Fung photos were captured by my HTC Chacha.

Appetizers and in-between servings

Condiments. Sauce. Ginger, Vinegar and Soy Sauce

Spicy Cucumber

Rating: 4.5/5

I’m telling you, I’m not a fan of cucumbers.  But this one was admittedly quite yummy!

Hot and sour soup, perfect with a little vinegar.

Rating: 4.5/5

It’s just the perfect soup to start your meal especially when you’re hungry.  Warming up the stomach for the feast that’s about to happen!

Yang Chow rice served in the middle of our meal

Rating: 4/5

simply because it wasn’t too salty nor bland.  It was the perfect blend.

Garlic Spinach

Rating: 4/5

Maybe because I’ve tasted better, but it’s good to have fiber in our meals.

Taiwanese pork chop sprinkled with herbs and spices

Rating 3.5/5

Nothing too special about this one.  But yes, I taste authentic taiwanese chops 🙂

Xiao Long Bao

It was HEAVEN on a SPOON! or chopsticks – or whatever!

Rating: 5/5

Din Tai Fung is famous for their juicy, handmade Xiao Long Bao (小籠包).  It’s that dumpling with soup inside.

HELLO!?! Best Xiao Long Bao in the world!!! To think I’m not a huge fan of dumplings, this just got me really excited!

Note to self: Don’t write another food blog entry when you’re hungry… like right now… it’s quite a torture!

Writing this article made me crave for another Xiao Long Bao BUT HELLO!?! We don’t have Din Tai Fung in Manila!  Or maybe I can go try this in other local restaurants that offer one.  Any of you recomment a good Xiao Long Bao restaurant in Manila?

Xiao Long Bao is best eatin as soon as possible while the meat inside is fresh and the soup is warm with that tender texture of the delicate wrap around it.

For our table, we were apportioned 6 Xiao Long Bao per person. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

Dumplings

We were offered quite a selection of dumplings like Crabmeat, Siew Mais (Siomai), vegetables and meat dumpling, spicy dumplings and others.  I really couldn’t remember everything anymore because everything all happened so FAST!

It all happened so fast, my attempt to take photos of all the dumplings on the steam bowl was a fail.  Instead, I took a photo of the dumplings I “dumped” on my plate 😛

Spicy dumplings, Crab and vegetable dumplings

Vegetable Dumpling

Rating: 4/5

Shrimp Siew Mai

Rating: 4/5

I really wasn’t able to note what kind of dumpling this is, because they all look the same on the outside.

You’ve gotta take a bite to find out!

Oh, I want to take just one bite!

Service

Yes, everything all happened so fast, by the time we finished taking photos of the dumplings, another set comes in.  Which just means, their service is really good and quite fast!  The servers were also very polite and I see them smirking everytime we get really excited about our food.  Food coma is love!  Thank you for the great service!

Fast service

The servers did everything to make our dining experience happy!

Red Bean Dessert

Rating: 4/5

A perfect way to end the dining experience.

It was a feast we definitely enjoyed and this is one food trip you shouldn’t miss along with the Shilin Night Market.

In Taipei, you definitely need to prepare your appetite for awesome food, and your feet for walking exercise!

Din Tai Fung (101 Branch)

Din Tai Fung Taipei 101 address: B1F, No 45, Shifu Rd, Xinyi Dist, Taipei City 110, Taipei, Taiwan
Din Tai Fung Taipei 101 contact number: 02-81017799
Din Tai Fung Website: dintaifung.com.tw

AirAsia flies to Taiwan four times a week, with fights departing Clark at 12:05 p.m. and arriving at Taoyuan airport at 2:00 p.m.

You can book your flights via AirAsia.com
Follow AirAsia on Twitter: @AirAsiaPH
Follow AirAsia on Facebook: facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines

For tours and hotel accommodations visit AirAsiaGo.com.
Follow AirAsiaGo on Twitter: @AirAsiaGoPH
Follow AirAsiaGo on Facebook: facebook.com/AirAsiaGo.ph

They said it could get crowded in Shilin market. Even on a Monday night, I would say that to be true. My first impression of the Shilin market was, it is pretty clean for something I expected to be dirty! The only thing you wouldn’t avoid noticing is the combined smell of food – raw and cooked.

The food section of the Shilin market is underground. I LIKE IT! It’s like a secret or something and ” underground” just sounds so astig! The only thing is, all the fumes and the steam could get trapped downstairs and all the aroma combined might not be as pleasant at first but as you go around and stand right in front of the individual food stalls, your appetite would be engaged!

Oh, the trip to the night market went well with the schedule. After all the tours during the day and the walking, I was just starving! I was prepared to experience the awesomeness of Taiwan!

It was a chaotic heaven!

I was thankful for the night market vouchers we got from Taiwan tourism. They gave us NT$ 200 (Php 300) worth of vouchers. I used it well and my first meal was buttered Salmon and shrimp for NT$ 200. I added rice for NT$ 10 (Php 15).

BEST BUTTERED SALMON and SHRIMP EVER!

And no, it wasn’t because I was just hungry, or maybe I was, but at that moment I just declared BEST Buttered salmon I’ve ever tasted in my entire life and I think this would be hard to beat!

One background on my taste buds: it prefers raw salmon over cooked one. But that all changed, that one fateful night in Taiwan!

One word to describe my experience with the buttered seafood: FRESH!  Yes, it was really delicious because it tasted really fresh – both the salmon and the shrimps.

Taipei, Taiwan Trip by Flair Candy

 

One thing I look forward to when going to Taiwan is to taste the food.  Especially the fruits, vegetables and the seafood and it never disappointed me.  I can live here in Taiwan and have a pescarian diet and I’d be as sexy as I hope to be.  I’ve been wanting to change my diet to pescarian but it’s quite difficult to do that here in the Philippines.

The fruits in Taiwan taste different.  BETTER!  For some reason, the fruits are sweeter and they have a richer taste!  I was debating whether the grapes I ate were just very sweet or it might be a huge berry.  Upon closer look, it is grapes.  Maybe one of the reasons why their crops taste really good is that the soil is rich from the volcanic sands to the very nutritious water.

Escargot – Taipei, Taiwan Trip by Flair Candy

Salt and Pepper Crabs Taipei, Taiwan Trip by Flair Candy

Authentic LARGE Taiwan Bubble Tea for only Php 45

Are these people crazy!!! NT$ 30 (Php 45) for one large bubble milk tea? #FAINTS!!!  It couldn’t get any more “authentic” than that!  Duh? We’re already in Taiwan!  It was the only night in my life where I wished I had a bigger tummy to fit all the food I’ve eaten!  I bought the Bubble Tea last and while I did enjoy the taste, it had nowhere to go anymore.  I just carried it along with me when I went around the street market.

Shopping in Shilin Market

Apart from the underground food experience, we also got to walk around the retail boutique stores around Shilin Market.  You can see all kinds of things with a great price!  From wigs, to makeup, clothes and shoes, to provocative ice cream the shape of a man’s manhood… yes you can find it there!  So if you’re looking for unique items and fun stuff, you would enjoy going around the market!

Late Night Shopping – Taipei, Taiwan Trip by Flair Candy

 

The City that Never Sleeps – More Night Markets around Taiwan
Our hotel is in a commercial area and therefore, the streets are dead at night. We tried to find the nearest Night Market in our area near FX Hotel. It is the Liaoning St. Night Market. We found it alright! But it was already 2am and we just saw the stores close. I was craving for buns!!! >.< good thing there was an abundant array of convenient stores offering preserved buns and creme brules. I was glad to take that and just chill by the bench outside our hotel at 12 degrees Celsius.

Here's a list of more Night Markets you might want to explore when you're in Taiwan:
*some markets are outside of Taipei
1. Shilin Night Market – most enticing
2. Ningxia Night Market – most recommended
3. Huaxi Street Night Market – most diversified
4. Keelung Miaokou Night Market – most friendly and most tasty
5. Fongjia Tourist Night Market – most tasty
6. Chiayi Wunhua Road Night Market – most recommended
7. Kaoshiung Liouhe Night Market – most popular, most enticing
8. Fongshan City Zhonghua Street Night Market – most recommended
9. Yilan County's Luodong Night Market – most friendly

*source: Taipei Night Markets brochure
More info about Taiwan Night Markets here.

Cuteness Captured!

Along the streets of Shilin Market, I saw this cute dog who acted like a cat – chasing the laser pointer!

AirAsia flies to Taiwan four times a week, with fights departing Clark at 12:05 p.m. and arriving at Taoyuan airport at 2:00 p.m.

You can book your flights via AirAsia.com
Follow AirAsia on Twitter: @AirAsiaPH
Follow AirAsia on Facebook: facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines

For tours and hotel accommodations visit AirAsiaGo.com.
Follow AirAsiaGo on Twitter: @AirAsiaGoPH
Follow AirAsiaGo on Facebook: facebook.com/AirAsiaGo.ph

More Shilin Night Market Photos

//

After a tiring trip, I usually book a hotel that’s very comfortable so I can rest well for my next set of activities in my itinerary.  This time, we were booked at Hotel Dwarika’s and we got more than just the comfort I needed, we got so much more!

Our hotel was booked via Agoda.com and Himalayas Encounters.  This hotel is a heritage boutique hotel.  Although they say it’s boutique, it has about 80 rooms as of to date.

The History of Dwarika’s and the Passion to Preserve Culture

This hotel is very rich in story.  Hotel Dwarika’s was built because of a fortunate accident, or we call it Serendipity 🙂

The founder of the hotel, the late Dwarika Das Shrestha found that over the times, Nepalese people would destroy old houses and use the old wooden carvings as firewood.  Mr. Dwarikas thought it was sad that this was being done and started to collect parts from the buildings demolished, particularly the windows.  In turn of the salvaged parts, he gave the men new lumber.

He displayed his collection in his house and found that many people come over to see it.  With that, he thought of buying a land that was then all grassland and a bit far from the city center.  Today, Kathmandu already expanded and Hotel Dwarikas is now situated at a nice place in the city.

He envisioned this new guest house would allow more people to appreciate Nepal’s ancient cultural history, giving the restored treasures a new lease of life.  Now, the Dwarika’s hotel is not only some place where the guests could stay, it’s also a living museum boasting of a rich Nepali heritage.

Around the hotel, you will be amazed by the great structure and the guest house’s features.  We felt at home.  Like in the Philippines, we received a warm hospitable greeting from the hotel staff. 

Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa

Jyoti, the manager of The Hotel Dwarika’s, explained to us that "Pancha" means “Five” and the word Kosha means “sheath” or shell. Therefore, pancha kosha means five sheaths of the human body.

The Pancha Kosha Spa utilizes a variety of indefenous Himalayan herbs and treatments.  It draws upon an ancient and traditional knowledge of care giving,  the Nepali way.

Nepali massage is usually a form of massage that has its roots within the Ayurvedic healing tradition, while integrating and incorporating local healing techniques and modalities of the Himalayas. I got the Ayurvedic massage.  It was great to have after long hours of flight.  I think we had a total of 6 flights for this trip.

Price: NPR 3,000 (Php 1,500)

Opening hours: 8.00 – 20.00

Zen time!

Krishnarpan Traditional Nepali Restaurant

When in France you say "Bon Appetit," in Nepal, you say "Krishnarpan."

When you want to try authentic Nepali food in one seating, I suggest you try Dwarika’s Krishnarpan courses.  Dining here was definitely an experience for us.  After our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we went directly straight to our hotel.  Famished as we were because of the long flight, this meal was something we were really excited for.

Krishnarpan is a Nepalese specialty restaurant.  Food is served in centuries old plates and bowls by charming hostesses dressed in different ethnic wear.  You have a few options and it starts from 6 course meals and goes up to 22 courses!

As this restaurant is always fully booked, a prior table reservation is essential.  Outside guests of the hotel are also free to dine here, provided they made reservations.

Some of the ingredients of the different dishes are prepared with fresh produce from Dwarika’s own farms, which utilise toxin-free and environmentally friendly production methods.

Price: USD $32 for a 6 Course meal that goes up to USD $55 only for a 22 course meal

I say, GREAT VALUE for a meal like this!

Lumbini Lounge and Library

I think this feature is really quite unique and would be loved by bookworms, travelers and filmmakers, or simply, just by people who want to explore more about Nepal’s culture. 

When it gets a bit chilly, they have a fireplace cozy enough for you to just stay, and read a book.  Going in makes you just want to stay there and hang out.  The other great feature of this library is that they have Film-showing every night at 7:30.  We only stayed for the night and was a bit sad that we weren’t able to view the documentary for the day.  It was all about Mt. Everest.  It was a documentary you would definitely want to see before you step out of the ahotel and explore Nepal.

I really appreciate this feature and I hope Dwarika’s will continue to show more cultural films for their guests.

I will be back 😉

Price: FREE

Toran Restaurant

This is where we had our breakfast.  You can also have lunch and dinner here.  They seerve continental food.  Watch out for their juice and drinks bar.  They make good Lassi and they also prepare fresh fruit juices from a surprisingly variety of fruits.

Price: USD $18 – $28

Although you need to check your booking. Because breakfast might already be included.

Fusion Bar

The bar at Dwarika’s.  It is best to chill here at night, especially on Friday nights where they have live bands and BBQ.  It’s a prelude to as fun, mystical evening in Nepal where you can gt a variety of exotic cocktails snd aperitifs.

Mako’s

They also have Japanese fine dining experience.  They serve duing ounch and dinner.  I will try this on my next visit *crosses fingers.*

Other ammenities of this hotel include the open air courtyard, Pool, Lohn Hiti function room, business center and gift shop.

The Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Room prices: starts at USD $210

Website: www.dwarikas.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedwarikasgroup

Book at The Dwarika’s Hotel via Agoda.com

Hotel Booking through Agoda.com

You can book through Agoda.com via FlairCandy.com! Book just right below the title post 🙂

Registered tour guides for hassle-free trip

Tour Guides: Himalayan Encounters

PO Box 21218(Courtyard Kathmandu Guest House), Thamel, Kathmandu, NEPAL
Tel: +977-1-4700426, 4700335

Fax: +977-1-4700354

info@himalayanencounters.com

himalayanencounters.com

More Photos

Hotel Dwarika’s

Krishnarpan Dinner

Pancha Kosha Spa

var so = new SWFObject(“http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser.swf”, “PictoBrowser”, “500”, “500”, “8”, “#EEEEEE”); so.addVariable(“source”, “sets”); so.addVariable(“names”, “Hotel Dwarika’s”); so.addVariable(“userName”, “flair candy”); so.addVariable(“userId”, “26320309@N08”); so.addVariable(“ids”, “72157631692171775”); so.addVariable(“titles”, “on”); so.addVariable(“displayNotes”, “on”); so.addVariable(“thumbAutoHide”, “off”); so.addVariable(“imageSize”, “medium”); so.addVariable(“vAlign”, “mid”); so.addVariable(“vertOffset”, “0”); so.addVariable(“colorHexVar”, “EEEEEE”); so.addVariable(“initialScale”, “off”); so.addVariable(“bgAlpha”, “90”); so.write(“PictoBrowser121012170809”);

Read more about Nepal

Nepal Visa on Arrival Requirements and Application

Touchdown Nepal: Important Reminders

Boudha Stupa Kathmandu Nepal

Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal – Indulging in the Nepali Culture

Insights in Nepal