Social media has done wonders as far as getting the word out on the latest happenings. Big Belly Buffet's grand opening was one of those flash-mob like things that happened by just a few posts at Facebook. I was one of those who was intrigued as to what they had to offer.
We showed up on Day 2 of their operations as the crowd was insane on their opening day. Here's what went down on our visit to Big Belly Buffet and our thoughts on it:
1. LOCATION:
The official address of Big Belly Buffet is #1 Baguio-Bua-Itogon Road, Tuding . Located at the boundary of Baguio and Tuding, it's actually just a 5 minute drive away from CJH, Pacdal and South Drive.
Accessibility may be an issue though without bringing your own vehicle as public transportation in the area isn't readily available at certain times of the day. Big Belly Buffet is opened from 10 am to 10 pm. You probably should pick the lunch hour to visit if you're not bringing your own vehicle to the area. Lots of parking available. SCORE: 3/5
Accessibility may be an issue though without bringing your own vehicle as public transportation in the area isn't readily available at certain times of the day. Big Belly Buffet is opened from 10 am to 10 pm. You probably should pick the lunch hour to visit if you're not bringing your own vehicle to the area. Lots of parking available. SCORE: 3/5
2. AMBIANCE:
Architect Luis is both the owner and the man behind the beautiful renovation of the Muling Ligaya property. The modern lines, wonderful use of natural light and ample indoor lighting showcase the food and provide a beautiful space to relax and enjoy one's meal.
The background music was non-intrusive, the surroundings were spotless and the layout of the furniture and decor looked like it came straight out of an interior design magazine.
Loved the look and feel of the place! SCORE: 5/5
The background music was non-intrusive, the surroundings were spotless and the layout of the furniture and decor looked like it came straight out of an interior design magazine.
Loved the look and feel of the place! SCORE: 5/5
3. MENU:
Since the place offers buffet service, the food you get is what's served that day. For now, they're doing Filipino/Cordillera Fusion. With plans to do a full Asian Fusion menu by next year. Menu's quite extensive. For the variety offered, it's worth a visit. SCORE : 5/5
4. FOOD:
As is the norm with buffets and the fact that taste is a very personal matter, I wasn't on board with some of the meal items and in love with the rest. That being said, the staff and their supervisor Ms. Raquelyn (please don't hate me for not getting the proper spelling of your name xoxo) went out of their way to get real-time feedback from diners. Now that's a good sign as food and flavors evolve for better. Here are the food items that we ate and our corresponding feedback:
a. ACTION STATION OFFERINGS: made to order shawarma, sisig on mini sizzling plates (MAX had 2 servings!), ribs and crispy pata.
We loved everything except for the ribs (after eating the ribs at HOKA BREW, you'll understand why). The latter wasn't bad but not fall-off the bone plus the butchering of the pork ribs could've been better as it resembled sinigang cuts, which probably contributed to the way it was cooked).
The shawarma sauce could also stand to take in a little salt, garlic, cucumber and maybe a dash of olive oil. Basically a tahini sauce. Had to mix the sauce with the spicy sauce of the fried chicken to give it flavor.
We loved everything except for the ribs (after eating the ribs at HOKA BREW, you'll understand why). The latter wasn't bad but not fall-off the bone plus the butchering of the pork ribs could've been better as it resembled sinigang cuts, which probably contributed to the way it was cooked).
The shawarma sauce could also stand to take in a little salt, garlic, cucumber and maybe a dash of olive oil. Basically a tahini sauce. Had to mix the sauce with the spicy sauce of the fried chicken to give it flavor.
b. MAINS
- Pizza Margherita : fresh crust, lots of cheese and basil. Max had 6 slices. Enough said.
- Fried Chicken with spicy dip: well cooked, great crunch!
- Butter Vegetables : no one could mess this up. Seriously
- Chami: salty and coooked more like Pancit Bihon rather than how a real chami should be. The chami sauce works best with the rounded thick noodles. Bihon doesn't do well when soaked in warm liquid.
- Grilled Vegetables: Yum! It's so simple and rustic but it makes a good side dish/condiment to everything else.
- Carbonara : it's really Pasta Alfredo. Cooked well, plus MAX ate a full plate enthusiastically.
- Aligue Rice: enough aligue to give it flavor but not be intrusive that you can't eat it with other dishes. We loved this too!
- Pinikpikan Soup: brilliant as far as incorporating Cordilleran food goes. It also had a hint of lemongrass making it taste Thai-Cordilleran somehow, which made us excited to see how Big Belly Buffet will be making their Asian Fusion menu in the near future.
- House Salad: fresh veggies with a fruity-yoghurt based dressing.
- Pork Steaks: salty. Could've been sliced thinner and not cooked too long as it sitting in the warmer would cause it to dry and harden further.
- Binagoongan: made spicy with lots of then pork slices and eggplant...probably my fave item on the menu!
- Baked Igado: a twist to a classic Pinoy dish. The concept was good but the igado was a bit salty and topping it with cheese made it saltier.
- Prawns with Aligue Sauce: delicious in every way. Tricky though in keeping shrimps under a warmer is that it can dry out the shrimp, letting the skin cling to the meat. Shrimp tasted fresh though, so it was a case of it being slightly overcooked by the warmer.
- Sweet and Spicy Crabs: while it's not the season for crabs (thin ones were served), the dish was quite tasty. Perfect flavors. I just wanted more crab meat, but not hating on the dish at all!
c. DESSERT: an assortment of daintily served treats, I can't find anything wrong to say about the almond fruit cocktail, cheesy tupig, whole fruits and mango panacotta.
d. DRINKS: free flowing orange juice, tea and coffee.
SCORE: 3/5
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| thanks for the beautifully crafted apple swan Big Belly Buffet! |
5. SERVICE
This is one aspect that the folks at Big Belly Buffet should be very proud of! Detail oriented, prompt attention to the diner's needs and that intuitive way they would offer services that I didn't even knew I needed! Awesome all the way! SCORE: 5/5
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| function room for 150 pax |
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| everything's so shiny and clean |
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| pay first before you eat |
On a side note, it's worth mentioning that they do have 2 functions rooms on the 2nd and 3rd level of the main building.
Both floors offer killer views of the greenery and mountains that border Tuding.
Construction is still underway on Phase 2 of the compound as there are plans to open a 22 room bed and breakfast in the structure connected to the dining area. An al fresco bar and grill is also in the works near the parking lot, so that's something to look forward to as well.
Both floors offer killer views of the greenery and mountains that border Tuding.
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| the rooftop of the 22 room bed and breakfast |
Construction is still underway on Phase 2 of the compound as there are plans to open a 22 room bed and breakfast in the structure connected to the dining area. An al fresco bar and grill is also in the works near the parking lot, so that's something to look forward to as well.
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| the wrought iron enclosed space by the parking lot is where they plan to set up the al fresco bar and grill |
From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!
awesome review Ate Aya! 🌻🥰
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