Date #2.1: The Kebab Factory

Please click on thumbnails to enlarge. 

   The Kebab Factory has inviting modernized interiors and comfortable couch seats. The tables are usually arranged side-by-side for groups of four, but don’t worry, it’s a couple-friendly restaurant, and I’ll tell you why.

  As you enter The Kebab Factory, you will be seated by the kind waiter who will hand you the menu. After finishing your orders, he will fill your table with flavorful garlic sauce and hot sauce (not for the weak). Don’t be afraid to ask for refills, he will be generous enough to fill you up.

Garlic Sauce and Hot Sauce

Papadum Masala P65 

  I love fresh tomatoes and onions—espcially when they’re on top of chips. These lentil wafers were fried to crisp, and they were also spread thinly, so that makes them a light and healthy snack to start up your meal. However, its being thin can also make it too delicate because I remember it snapping in half when I was just holding it in one hand. Nonetheless, try pouring garlic sauce and hot sauce over it, and you have one must-try appetizer.

Sweet/Salted Lassi P80 

  I’m actually kind of upset that we didn’t have a better picture of this, because it was the best part of the meal (we were too excited to eat to take better pictures).The yoghurt blend was smooth and refreshing, definitely the beverage to match with all the spices you will be eating. 

Raita P90 Yogurt with fresh cucumbers

  I loved their Raita, although you’ll get a little tired of it if you also ordered the Lassi. Since they’re both yogurt-based, you can opt to try just one of them. The only difference is that this is more flavorful than the Lassi because it’s not meant to wash out the aftertaste of spices. For me, the fresh cucumbers were a nice touch but they put a little too much. It felt like a noodle soup with the cucumber as noodles. Sharing this with your partner will make you both happy and satisfied.

Jasmine rice P45

   The jasmine rice is much cheaper than the Saffron Rice, which most kebab places brag about. Try eating the saffron rice because I heard The Kebab Factory’s version is good, but it was expensive (about 140php I think?) so we opted for this instead. It’s worth about two cups—sulit! Eat it with the stew dishes and the kebabs.

Garlic Butter Naan (P65) Note: We had three orders, so it won’t be this much if you order just one.

  The naan was just like the other naans around, soft and really chewy. I liked this although some parts were charred.

Chicken Mast Kebab Regular P250

  This Kebab looks dry when it is served to you, but damn, does it change your expectations the moment you sink your teeth into it. You can feel all the spices blending and merging in your mouth along with the very tender chicken. Seriously, if chicken was this good, I would quit eating pork or beef. It’s more expensive than the chicken kebabs you can get from other Kebab restaurants, but I’m telling you this is worth it. Although they only serve you two skewers, they’re enough for two people because the pieces were cut big. Eat this with generous servings of garlic sauce, and it’s chicken heaven.

Lamb Lahore Curry (P320)  A strongly spiced curry, cooked with lots of spices and in its own juices, resulting in a deep strong flavor.

  I have mixed feelings with this curry because it’s not as spicy as I thought it would be. I still remember eating the curry from Tru Food (in Boracay), and I thought that this would be somewhat similar, but it wasn’t. Nonetheless, Douglas really loved this dish because of how the spices contrasted with the lamb, which was tender and was easy to separate. It had a creamy aftertaste which he liked. 

  I ate it with Naan and I felt it was too salty for my taste. It’s better to eat this with rice because the sauce cuts cleanly into the rice, diluting the saltiness a bit.

The Verdict: This is a lovely place for second or third dates (not ideal for a first date, cause you have to know if your partner is into this type of cuisine.) It’s casual and fun, and it’s not just your average commercialized food. This place spells out adventurous and daring. (But also on the safe side cause you’re sure to enjoy your meal here!)

2/F SM Megamall Atrium,

EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Philippines

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With and For Love,

Rina Caparras and Douglas Chong

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