Swagat - A Taste of India

I think India is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Despite the sexist horror stories I've heard, I'd still like to go there someday (if only the Great Pax of the Fashion World would come with me - it might take 5 more years of bribery before she actually sets foot there).

Anyway, I love spicy Indian food so I decided to treat myself for lunch. December is my cheat month so I have the excuse to eat as much as I like. That means "Swagat" time! There are a few posh Indian restaurants (with really really Indian chefs - seen them in action kc chismosa me) but this one is cheaper than most.

Simple outside

How authentic can you get? You get blasted by Manong's Angry Mustache + Indian MTV as soon as you set foot inside.

Inside decor

And here is what tickled my spicy fancy for today :

Shrimp Biryani (225php). I know it just looks yellow but the shrimp is out there somewhere. Believe in the power of camouflage.

Their long grain rice really tasty and really spicy. It's good for two but I eat for two most of the time. Actually, most of their biryanis are good for two. You have the option to order just the dish though and order rotis instead of rice.

Goat balls (70php). It sounds nasty but they're actually goat cheese. Tastes like really flaky leche flan. Not my number1 but also pretty good.

Rose Lassi (70php). This is a really pink drink. I can still taste the pinkness. Yummy.

They have a menu thicker than the Harry Potter series so I think you'll find something there that suits your taste. They even have vegetarian choices! I love it. Looking forward to the next lunch break! (You might want to buy mints though. Do I need to expound on this?)

Swagat is located along Rada Street, Makati. In front of Serenitea!

Tea adventures

I'm fond of teas. I like drinking it and checking out the different kinds.

My current favorite is Jipin Tieguanyin. Jipin means 'ultimate' or 'supreme'. Tieguanyin means weed.

No. Not really. It does not seem farfetched though since I'm currently addicted to it. My drug pusher (the ass of an officemate who gave me 4 teeny weeny packets of tea) says its 'The Champagne of Teas'. I'm gonna have to agree with him since most teabags now tastes like horse pee by comparison. It smells like flowers. I could just smell it the whole day. And it has a sweet aftertaste. Yum.

The weed

Half goes a longgg way. 2 brews is ok for me.

It fills the entire tea steeping ball. Garden in my ball.

The tea is a pasalubong whenever his relatives visit from China so when I run out, I go through several days of hating his gutts.

Then I get over it and drink the 2nd best light tea which is the Lipton white tea. Its also pretty good with a sweeter taste than green tea but without the really fragrant aroma.

I recently found a White Peony tea in the Enterprise Bldg Makati. I'll try it out when I feel like splurging. It costs 200php per 5 cups. Can someone buy me a bag for christmas?? I promise to worship you everyday until the supply lasts.

Sweet tooth

I've been craving sugar highs lately. I finished a bag of Goldilocks polvoron a few minutes ago. There were bits of cashew nuts in it so it has to be healthy, right?

Last night, we met up with some Cebu blogger friends at The Borough (Podium Ortigas - behind Megamall) to feast and make chika.

I've been eyeing 'The Elvis' for some time now but I never got to order it since 'The Ipac' doesn't like bananas. Since we were there just for desserts, I ordered our regular Milk and Cookies for her + The Elvis for me. You should also try their Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup. Yum!

Deep fried peanut butter and banana sandwich + dulce de leche + sour cream (190php)

Milk and Cookies 12pcs (220php)

The Elvis is the epitome of 'Wagas na Wagas'. Words can't describe the moment it touched my mouth. I just want to inhale it and die. Death by sandwich.

My other favorite is their home made fries. Gersh is in love with his fries. He seems to moan every time he bites into it.. Mm.. Juicy soggy yummy gaaaahhh

I love you mwah mwah nom nom nom (80php)

I don't usually get peer pressured. But I let them pressure me into drinking this one time. It's a screaming orgasm! I thought I'd be screaming after I drink this but nothing happened. My blood sugar just upped by 30%. It felt like I was drinking cream. Really sweet cream. Not what I was looking for.

Screaming orgasm (140php)

Another thing NOT to order here (if you don't like sour buns) is their BBQ Pulled Pork. I don't have a picture but it's soggy and there's too much vinegar for me. Bleech.

Overall, I love how varied their food choices are. It's actually worth the price (at least for the desserts :p ... I'm biased.)