Hiyas – Chocnut Turon and Other Filipino Dishes That Truly Hit Home

 

When things start to get a little bit rough in life, we tend to look for ways to lose ourselves. Some people like to spend their days at home, submerging into the fictional world of movies and books until the stress subsides. Other people like to pass the time with their best buddies, going out for retail therapy, or having a good time taking swigs of their favorite drink. But for some, de-stressing does not involve losing themselves; instead, it involves finding their way back home.

Food has always been one of the easiest things to turn to when we feel like we’re missing home. The smell of our favorite sinigang, the sweet texture of Chocnut — don’t you just find the utmost comfort when you feel like you’re close to the place where you belong? (Sounds like a song, but trust me, this is unintentional.)

 

 

Early this July, one of the few Pinoy restaurants in Kapitolyo opened up, and it promises to have a big future ahead. True to its name, Hiyas Modern Comfort Food offers a wonderful array of Filipino dishes that will make you feel like you are always at home — from your favorite adobo to sisig and inasal.

 

 

Located at the heart of Pasig, Hiyas is definitely a place that you should drop by. Aside from the fact that their menu is overflowing with Filipino dishes that would tickle your Pinoy tastebuds, Hiyas has also an ambiance perfect wfor chilling with friends or having a nice dinner with your family. They are only a few minutes walk from the main road, as well, making it easily accessible when commuting.

 

Boneless Adidas (Php 185)

 

What made me like the place even more is the fact that they try to reinvent the usual Filipino dishes while keeping the authenticity of their tastes. For instance, they served us boneless adidas (chicken feet) cooked as adobo and served with rice paper for texture. I, for one, really appreciated the fact that eating this appetizer was hassle-free (no messy hands!). It goes perfectly with your favorite beer, too, though I would have preferred for it to be a little spicier.

 

Lumpiang Hubad (Php 175)

 

If you want something green and tasty, then you should try their Lumpiang Hubad. Stir fried in fish sauce and served with peanut sauce, Lumpiang Hubad is surprisingly tasty with the right amount of spice and bitterness. The veggies are obviously fresh and they are kinda crunchy when eaten. The peanut sauce complements the vegetables well and resembles the taste of kare-kare sauce.

 

Ensalada (Php 165)

 

One of our group’s favorite dish would be the Ensalada. What is usually just a mishmash of eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and salted egg is elegantly presented in Hiyas. Aside from it being pretty, the Ensalada also tastes very well with the tangy vinaigrette drizzle. The salted egg is cooked differently, and the taste is powerful yet complements the dish well overall.

 

Monggo (Php 150)

 

When you think of Filipino dishes in fine dining, you won’t really expect to be served with Monggo, right? Surprisingly, Hiyas offers Monggo as a part of their appetisers, which really acted as more of a plus point for me. I am a huge fan of my dad’s version of this dish, so imagine my delight when I saw this baby and actually found out that it is served with crispy bacon on top!

 

Bagnet (Php 220-390)

 

Of course, for the main courses, we would not miss out trying Hiyas’ version of the world famous, putok batok, Bagnet! You can choose from any of the 3 sauces — atchara, pinakurat, and bagoong isda — depending on how you like your Bagnet. Although most of my friends leaned more into pinakurat and bagoong isda, my personal preference is still atchara, which gives the meat the right amount of sweetness and texture.

 

Kare-kare (Php 290 – 550)

 

Another crowd favorite was Hiyas’ Kare-Kare. What made it stand out from the usual Kare-kare is the fact that it can actually stand alone. Its sauce is already salty and nutty in flavour, so there is no need add bagoong anymore. We loved the fact that the puso ng saging was fried first before being mixed with the rest of the ingredients, too. It gives the dish an extra crunchy and saucy texture.

 

Turon ng Hiyas (Php 175)

 

What’s a meal without a dessert, right? For our course finisher, we had their Turon ng Hiyas. Served with muscuvado caramel and vanilla ice cream, what made this turon even more special was the surprise chocnut in the middle. It blends in perfectly well, and despite the fact that almost all the ingredients of this dessert is sweet, they all come together and complement each other nicely. The turon is also served hot, so trying it with the ice cream creates a different experience!

 

The team with Sir Francis and Chef Elmer

 

All in all, Hiyas is nothing but a wonderful experience! From their friendly crew to the food and the ambiance, it is definitely a place to try. Their food really made our worries go away even for just a couple of hours. This place is another gem added to the wonderful list of Kapitolyo food haven!

 

 

After eating in Kapitolyo, why not drop by Cookie Bar Manila and grab some dessert to take home afterwards? Cookie shot glasses, anyone? 🙂 Read more about Cookie Bar Manila here: 5 Ways to Enjoy Cookie Shot Glasses

 

Dining experience courtesy of Groupon Philippines.

 

 

HIYAS

 

G/F D’Strip, 20 United St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Open 10AM – 10PM (Monday-Thursday, Sunday); 10AM – 11PM (Friday-Saturday)

https://www.facebook.com/hiyasmodernfilipino

 

 

Hiyas – Chocnut Turon and Other Filipino Dishes That Truly Hit Home