CASE #034: Naimas Taste of Home
Naimas is an
Ilocano term that means “delicious”. It was also the name of a restaurant with
branches at the ground floor of the CAP Building in Amorsolo corner Rufino
Street, Legazpi Village, Makati and another one at the ground floor of SM Light
Mall EDSA corner Madison St. Buayang Bato, Mandaluyong City.
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| Image source: https://www.facebook.com/naimasrestaurant/ |
Naimas offered delectable Ilocano dishes that will
give you that authentic feel even without traveling to Ilocos. For the SM
Light Mall branch, you can take the MRT and get off at Boni Avenue Station. I
think SM Ligh Mall have an MRT access, so you can enter the mall first and go down
a few floors. You can also take a bus and get off at the bus stop of SM Light
Mall in Boni. It can also be easily pinned through Grab. Just choose the mall
entrance at the corner of Madison Street.
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| Image source: Google Maps |
Ambiance ★★★★
We visited their SM Light Mall branch which was found in the
outer corner of the mall with an entrance facing Madison St. We got there a few
minutes after mall opening so people were still scarce and a lot of vacant tables
were still available.
Their color theme was a combination of black, light brown,
and white. The walls were painted in white giving it a neat and spacious feel.
The tables were all rectangular. Some tables were white, and some were light
wooden brown. Long tables were also available for groups.
I loved their concept for chairs though. They were made of
wood and the back rests looked like they were made of hand-crafted tree
branches which gave the native appeal. There were cupboards and cabinets
painted in what looked like black to me, but it could also be a darker shade of
brown. There was a staircase that leads to an upper floor. I wasn’t just sure
if they have a second-floor dining are. Sorry I forgot to ask for we are all
too hungry.
There were LED screens mounted on the wall. It were turned off during our visit, so I don’t know if they were offering local TV, cable, or Netflix for entertainment. Apart from the CCTV camera and split type air-conditioning
units, a two-layer shelf also decorates the wall with picture frames, wooden
sculptures, and books.
Plates and napkins were readily laid out on the table for
their guests. Their counter was made of grayish granite (not so sure either as
I did not approach their counter), with open cupboards full of plates, glasses
and utensils. They have two refrigerators full of beverages. Bottles of
alcoholic beverages are displayed on a top shelf and wine glasses hang from their
overhead cupboards at the counter.
What I just didn't like was their air-conditioning which was not that cold. I don't know if it was because the store had just opened or the position of their restaurant allowed too much sunlight to get in. There were also flies that roamed around the place and could annoyingly land on anything at the table. Not that I am being a neat-freak at all, but this was a restaurant and not your typical open-air carinderia or turo-turo. Flies would be tolerable in those places but not on sit-down restaurants like this one.
Food ★★★★★
Their menu offered a wide choice of dishes that were all familiar
to all of us. We ordered Crispy Garlic Isaw, Naimas Bagnet, Dinengdeng, and Bagoong
Isda as an extra sauce. We wanted to order Sinigang na Bulalo, another one of their
specialty, but it was not yet available. They probably were still steaming up
the bulalo to tenderize.
The Crispy Garlic Isaw were pork intestines deep-fried in
garlic until crispy. It had that sinfully addictive taste that would make you
munch them all in one go. It went well with their sukang Iloko.
The Naimas Bagnet was to die for. We called it the killer
combo because of the pork fat, meat, and skin all sandwiched in chunky and
crispy goodness. It melts in your mouth upon every bite. It also went well with
their own concoction of Bagoong Isda mixed with minced tomatoes and onions.
While the Dinengdeng was only a second option to Sinigang na Bulalo for soup, it paired it well with our other cholesterol-packed dishes.
It was a mix of veggies (camote tops, sigarilyas or winged bean, string beans, and
okra or lady’s fingers) boiled into a stew of fish bagoong. The vegetables were
medium cooked and contrasted with the oiliness of the bagnet and crispy isaw.
Food servings were big enough to feed four hungry people. I
kept emphasizing the word hungry because our group have big appetites. All four
of us have not yet had breakfast. We have one guy who had just played a
basketball game and three voluptuous women who can turn into dragons if not fed
well. For us to be satisfied with their servings, then it is indeed large
enough.
Service ★★★★★
Service was excellent as well. We were dead hungry when we got
there but they were able to serve the Crispy Garlic Isaw first while we wait
for the rest of our orders. Waiting time for the rest of our orders were quick
as well. I just don’t know how they will fare on peak hours or when the place
was already packed with customers.
Water in our glasses were being refilled from time to time
and we need not ask for it. Additional orders of rice and Bagoong Isda
were immediately attended to as well. Their manager was also kind enough to take
our group picture.
Both credit cards and cash were acceptable for those who would prefer cashless transactions. Not sure on debit cards though. I always forgot to ask because I seldom use them.
Pricing ★★★★★
I was expecting a handsome price for such a sumptuous meal
and service. But I was wrong. For four people, our bill only fared around Php1,200.00
which can cost around Php300 per person. Not bad for that a delicious meal.
Overall Ratings = 4.75 ★
This is a good deal for people looking for awesome tasting
food on a budget. It is also accessible through public commute. Parking is available within the mall. This could be a great hang out for group of friends and
dating couples as well.
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All reviews are based on my own experience. My views and opinions may vary from others. If you have a different experience with this place, feel free to let us know through the comments section. The descriptions and prices mentioned are based on what I have actually encountered. It may vary from time to time or in different branches. Again, feel free to comment for updated information.
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