#100Carinderia: Kim and Jaffa Bulalohan (Valenzuela)

So lately people have been posting #100daysofhappiness. I believe in making everyday count and what's the point of having the rest of my 265 days in a rut?  Instead of the usual post of the book I've read and the places I've been to, I decided to post something that I have been doing regularly. Most of the food blogs feature restaurants that range around Php500-1000 meal. The challenge is to work on a Php150 budget and find places that are worth the bucks without the diarrhea factor. I've hard my share of food poisoning/stomach flu episodes so I am wary of the place's hygiene and safety.

It begins with our Carinderia #1: Kim and Jaffa Bulalohan and Kambingan

Bulalo is ubiquitous around the Metro. A "Batangas specialty", bones and shanks are cooked in a soup to render the collagen and fat. I personally, prefer Bohol's version of the balbacua having the soup with a thicker consistency. Also, I find it a bit bland having the soup tossed in a few vegetables. Kinda like having tinola sans the chicken. I find most establishments too lazy to even cook the beef properly to get the real broth, instead most just put the beef flavoring alongside the bones.

We happen to pass by this carinderia by accident. I was looking for a place to park the car since LBC Michael Manufacturing Corporation, a supplier of affordable steel rims, was tucked in a narrow corner beside the place. After driving for almost an hour, we finally were able to locate their office. Coming from NLEX (opposite Banawe side), you will pass by a couple of elementary schools, 711. Its opposite a PLDT branch. You will see it on your right side.

The place is pretty much a makeshit carinderia with tarpaulins doubling as roofing. They also serve beer (for those needing their alcohol fix in broad daylight). The goat is served as night time (around six). I guess for the better part of the pulutan crowd. With its hefty serving, the carinderia doesn't scrimp on the collagen (liiitiiid!!). I love my beef unhealthy, fatty and cholesterol-charged.

I asked the lady to get me one serving of the bulalo and good thing, manong was around to help me finish the whole thing. They were pretty much generous with the serving. And you can never have bulalo on a diet because personally, the best ones are the ones laden in litid. I won't compete with my pet dog for those bony parts, plus the extra shards are pain to eat and swallow.

Best part of the meal? For three cups of rice, 2 bottle of softdrinks and this serving, I paid around Php100. Happiness in a bowl! Perfect for those looking for unpretentious, comfort food!

Place is located along 9-Cint. Maysan Road, Valenzuela. If you happen to find yourself lost, just google: Maysan Road. It should be after the Police Station, PLDT (if you are coming from NLEX).

Lugawan sa Pasong Tamo

Rice Porridge in its many variations- my go to comfort food is one of its simplest form: plain rice porridge with kusahos bits on top (marinated, dried, then fried and shredded beef). This has helped me get through fevers and headaches. On a casual night out with my friends last week, I happen to eat at one of the more visited 'hangover-cure' goto establishment in Makati. 

E: So anong pinagkaiba ng lugaw sa goto?

R: Goto is a variation of lugaw.

Manong: May lamang loob sa goto.

Sadly, our goto special only came with egg and kinuhusan (fat rendered till its oil comes out and all that's left is..fried pork fat: crispy and salty). So yesterday, I prodded manong to visit the lugawan that was recommended by pedicab driver. It's a common stop for commuters- apparent in the nearby establishments. You've got the Generic Pharmacy, MCDO, Jollibee, Dunkin Donuts and 711. The small neighborhood also houses a lot of affordable, familiar food.

The place is accessible by jeepney. Its a jeepney ride from Guadalupe Station (MRT), one of the longer stretch of Pasong Tamo near Sta. Ana (Manila) area.

Lugawan sa Pasong Tamo (serves affordable goto)

The tokwa't baboy was served a bit cold. I'd skip this one and instead go for the freshly fried lumpia toge.

 Conversation with ate:
A: Ano order mo?
E: Ate isang goto. Ano po ba laman niya?
A: Mga lamang loob (shows me the contents). Eto tuwalya, puso..
E: Ate pano kung papadagdag ko na rin ng itlog.
A: Hindi na yun goto, lugaw na yun.
...Dumbfounded that I can't have egg on the goto. I just settled on my seat with Mountain Dew and tokwa.

Try asking for kuya to serve you the freshly cooked tokwa. That's one big slab of pork skin.

 They're open till the wee hours. Dine in with your fellow night owls. 

Php30 goto, tokwa't baboy and mountain dew. Plus they're very generous with the garlic bits.

They have an assortment of condiments on the side. Patis, pepper, toyo't suka't sili combo

Lugawan sa Pasong Tamo

Among the other places you can eat is the tapsilogan in fron of Lugawan sa Pasong Tamo. They have an assortment of the usual Pinoy breakfast fares.

 A few blocks ahead (before MCDO), you will see this barbecue stands with people lining up to order grilled meat in all its assortment. (baticulon, atay, isaw, chicken parts and pork).