We were disappointed with our first dining experience at Bawai’s in Tagaytay last Sunday, September 29. The owner, Virgilio Tatlong Hari, met with us and profusely apologized. He said they were catering for 100 people on that day that’s why they were under-staff. They also ran out of ingredients and only a few dishes were available.
As their way of redeeming themselves, Bawai’s invited our family (4 px) to return and they promised a more pleasurable dining experience. We didn’t want to drive all the way to Tagaytay just for that and our schedules were tight, so Julienne asked if we could just go to their newly opened branch (September 18, 2013) located in White Plains.
After attending the Holy Mass at 6:30 pm on Saturday, October 5, we went to Bawai’s for dinner. It’s a bonus that the place was near our place.
There’s a white commercial building built sideways, where Crave Burger is at the front facing Katipunan Avenune. There’s a house at the end of the commercial building. Bawai’s renting that house where Senator Tito Sotto and family had lived according to the business partners of Bawai.
There’s a small garden and down below is a pond.
Our reservation was at 8 pm but we arrived at 7:40 pm
Lexi, the niece of Virgilio Tatlong Hari came to greet us. She explained that an appetizer, noodle soup, salad, main course, and dessert had been prepared with their compliments.
We may order extra dishes but extra pay. Shoot.
Oyen was very disappointed when they didn’t have this Goi Cuon in Tagaytay.
Bawai totally redeemed themselves when they served us fresh spring roll (free). We all liked it that’s why we ordered another plate (pay). It’s good, I must say.
Bawai’s Salad (free) made of fresh coconut sprouts with herbs, glazed pork and steamed shrimps P335. We loved this too. We’re easy to please, most especially when we’re hungry.
The family that eats together, stays together.
Everytime we go to a Vietnamese restaurant, daughter always order Banh Cuon (pay)-
minced pork and mushrooms with Vietnamese ham P320
Grilled Pork Liempo (free)
I couldn’t figure out what the pie was made of, but it tasted good.
Beef noodles soup (free)
Spicy Tamarind Prawns (pay) P545. We had difficulty removing the shell.
They gave each one of us a small plate of Banh Da Lon (free). It reminded me of sapin-sapin but a lot stickier and tastier.
There was only one dessert item on the menu. When Oyen asked if they have other things aside from the pandan cake, the waiter said basil ice cream. I ordered for myself. I could taste the basil even with the very creamy ice cream (pay) P65
Edmund paid an extra P1,750 for the additional orders.
We are definitely going back. Bawai’s in Whiteplains made it to our list of good restaurants. We liked the location, we liked the ambiance, we liked the food, we liked the fast service.
Caution: Parking is very limited.
Omb with Chef Victor (the eldest son of Virgilio and Bawai Tatlong Hari),
spouses Laarni and Herminio Liwanag. The Liwanags are from Whiteplains and being regular customers of Bawai’s in Tagaytay, they convinced the Tatlonghari’s to open a branch in Manila. That’s how their partnership was born.
Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen
79 Katipunan Avenue
Whiteplains, Quezon City
For reservations: +63917 885 1445
landline: +632-442 8874
