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Balbi's

After watching the latest installment of the 007 movies, Quantum of Solace on its opening day, I decided to find out why both Cecile and Inday Hami rave about Balbi's. It was Cecile who first mentioned it in the comments section and luckily Inday Hami blogged about it so it already had a bull's eye mark for me.
Around 4pm I was at their snack shop and ordered the items which Inday Hami mentioned to be favorites. I got pancit palabok, ensaimada and cheese roll. It was then a usual clicks and flashes scenario while waiting for my order. I can’t believe that this snack shop is almost 50 years old for it was only days ago that I got to know about it.
The place is small, only 5 tables, making a homey and unpretentious ambiance. They only have a few items on their wall menu plus some turo-turo items for lunch with some breads and pastries on display.
My order arrived, the palabok looked and smelled enticing plus the breads were inviting. It was a good thing that I was the only customer that time and the staff was busy chatting so they didn't see (or pretend not to) what I was doing. Thankfully it was a quick session, since most pictures were clear enough, for I was really hungry.
The palabok was good and even though I was surprised it cost PhP 53, it was well worth it and I did not feel shortchanged. You'll find seafood mix the swimming under the sauce.
The breads were both good and priced just right (Php12 and Php13). I liked the contrast of the "hard" sugar (as topping) to the soft bread. I felt satisfied that I brought home two of each (and for better pictures too.)
It was really a satisfying experience and there would be more soon. Just like what Inday Hami told me during the EB, there are things better done in three's.
You bet!
UPDATE:
I found a very good article about Balbi's while Googling. Enjoy reading

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