Soms Noodle House: Authentic Thai Food at a Cheap Price

I used to see Soms Noodle House in several lifestyle shows in the local channels. As a big fan of Pad Thai, I was lucky that one time, my tito took us to a branch they have in Reposo which was closed already. The original branch is still up and running in Algier street, right beside the gate of Rockwell. People still flock this place and it's great to see how well they're doing since they're having a newly constructed restaurant right beside it.

I believe the have the best tasting curry in the metro. The spiciness of it is just right and even has a slightly sweet and a nutty taste. The beef though is not too tender so I highly recommend chicken. I like it in either green or red curry.

Of course the pad thai is my favorite. The noodles are cooked and seasoned just right. It also have big chunks of chicken which I like.

Here are some of our Soms favorites.

Red Beef Curry

Yellow Curry Crab

Pad Thai

Also a must try are: Chilli beef, Spring Rolls, Pandan Chicken

Carlitos

Since today is Jaro Fiesta and I'm missing all the festivities back home, I just wanted to share with everyone a little piece of home through Carlitos.

Carlitos is the brainchild of Kim Guadarrama and brings a whole new dinning experience in Iloilo. I'm even proud to say that I even helped out with some items on the menu. The first branch is located in Brgy Cabugaw Sur in Pavia Iloilo. The newest branch in Jaro (right beside Biscocho Haus) just opened two months ago and bringing the taste of Carlitos closer to the city.

Here's a taste of what Carlitos offers, great food, great ambiance.

Spanish Chorizo Pizza

Pork chops with buttered vegetables

Callos

Another Mann Hann Dinner

Yet again, my friend Johann strikes again with his Mann Hann convincing powers. Whenever he suggests or declares his undying love for this restaurant, we always end up eating there. So to celebrate Marlon's birthday, we had our usual favorites plus a new pick from the birthday boy.

Mann Hann Megamall didn't seem to be that organized when it comes to the waiting list that day but we didn't really mind the slight confusion they had before we were seated. After a few minutes that have our table, our food finally arrived.

We ordered our usual and the first thing we had was spicy spareribs. I love how tender the pork is and the fact that it is dipped in vinegar. Too bad though this time around the pork wasn't that juicy.

We also had our usual mixed vegetables. All the veggies were well seasoned and cooked in a way that it is not raw but it still has that crunch in it.

We tried a new dish, fish fillet with broccoli which was the birthday boy's choice. The fish was really tender and the breading is also soft. Like the mixed vegetables, the broccoli is cooked but crunchy and the sauce just compliments both fish and veggies.

Of course we ordered their Yang chow rice which I would say is the best yang chow in town. 

Mann Hann has several branches across the metro. I'm pretty sure Johann would make us eat there anytime soon.

Missing another Jaro Fiesta

It's time again for me to be jealous and homesick at the same time. Every year on February 2, is our town fiesta the feast of Our Lady of Candles but more known in Iloilo as the Jaro Fiesta. 


Before, our classes are called off because almost everyone would be in Jaro to eat until they drop. Jaro is also the main access point of several towns in Iloilo to go to the city and traffic is just terrible. Well, the intention is supposed to be religious but eating and drinking has been everyone's goal as long as I can remember. It's a time I see so many people at our house. I know some of them are friends and relatives but I don't know everyone but I try to smile to everyone if they know me. 


Our day usually starts really early like 4 or 5 in the morning to hear mass at Jaro Cathedral. It's usually really crowded even if you hear the first mass. By the time we have managed to walk home, we are greeted by one of the best breakfasts I have known--embutido, fried egg, rice, pan de sal ni paa, ensaymada, hot chocolate and eveyone's favorite homemade chorizo.


By lunch time, my friends from school would arrive and it's time to each lunch of ox tongue, chicken alexander, lechon with ube for dessert. We would then go to the carnival for rides until or after the procession of the king and queen. During my last fiesta in 2001, I was finally allowed by my parents to let my friends stay for some drinks...ok a lot of drinks.


Hopefully next year I can make it back home.