Hey mommies! Have you been to Greenhills Shopping Center lately? Remember those trips for computers and printers? Forget the dusty image of just techie dads browsing for gadgets. Greenhills has totally transformed into a vibrant family adventure zone!
Now you can also visit the place for something that is not tech-related. It turns out that Greenhills Shopping Center has a secret weapon for adventurous eaters: incredible Maranaw cuisine! Nestled in the heart of San Juan, Greenhills offers way more than just gadgets and clothes. It’s become a haven for delicious Halal food, and the Maranaw offerings are a must-try for any family looking to explore new flavors.
A Taste of Maranao Country
You might not know this, but Greenhills has a thriving Muslim community, and they’ve brought their culinary heritage with them. Maranao cuisine, from the southern island of Mindanao, is a beautiful explosion of spices and textures. Imagine fragrant dishes cooked with coconut milk, vibrant curries, and unique ingredients like bitter melon (paria) or jackfruit (nangka). It’s a whole new world of flavors waiting to be discovered!
Beyond Jollibee: A Food Court Feast
Ditch the usual fast food chains and head to the Greenhills food court for a Maranaw feast. Be on the lookout for stalls serving up delicacies like:
- Pater: A savory rice dish wrapped in banana leaves, packed with flavor and perfect for sharing.
- Rendang: A slow-cooked meat curry with a rich spice blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Paria: A bittermelon dish cooked with shredded coconut, simmered in a delicious coconut milk broth.
- Chicken Biryani: Aromatic, delicious, and spicy chicken biryani, fragrant basmati rice infused with herbs and spices alongside succulent chicken.
These are just a few examples, and there’s so much more to explore! The beauty of Maranaw cuisine is the fresh, local ingredients and the unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a true adventure for your palate! We ventured beyond the usual Jollibee and chowed down on pater, a savory rice dish wrapped in banana leaves (also known as Pastil) , and rendang, a flavorful meat curry with a beautiful kick. It was a whole new world of flavor, and I loved the sweet and savory combination.
I was so glad to discover a vegetable called Paria – a Maranaw vegetable that is akin to bittermelon (ampalaya) in taste but looks like a tomato. It is cooked with shredded coconut and probably has turmeric(?). It has a taste profile of bitter, tart, spicy, and sweet., This is the first time I encountered this vegetable and I was once again amazed by so many food ingredients in the Philippines that I haven’t tried yet. This is the nearest Paria recipe that I can find but I’m not totally sure if they’re the same.
Halal Food Fun for Everyone
Speaking of the Muslim community, Greenhills has become a haven for Halal food options. There are restaurants and stalls serving authentic dishes from all over the world, from fragrant biryani with fluffy rice and tender meat to crispy curried samosas with a satisfying crunch. It’s a great place to introduce the family to new and exciting flavors, all while ensuring everyone at the table has a satisfying meal. It’s nothing grand and please don’t expect any special presentation – but eating there along with a community of our Maranaw brothers and sisters made me feel like I went on a trip to Mindanao without leaving Metro Manila.
Greenhills: More Than Just Shopping
Of course, Greenhills offers more than just food! In between bites of Maranaw delights, you can browse unique clothing stalls, hunt for handcrafted souvenirs, or even stumble upon a cultural show happening near the entrance. Now it’s a treasure trove for everyone. Imagine finding the perfect back-to-school outfit for your little fashionista, hunting down unique handcrafted toys made by local artisans for the younger ones, and treating yourselves to all sorts of yummy Filipino treats.
Pasalubong Paradise!
Greenhills is a paradise for pasalubong warriors like us moms! You know how much our families love those little gifts we bring back. Here, you can ditch the generic souvenirs and find something truly special. We’re talking about local delicacies that will tantalize everyone’s taste buds – think mangoes from Cebu or peanut brittle from Pampanga that will leave them begging for more. There are also handcrafted items that showcase Filipino artistry – woven bags perfect for a beach day, intricate dream catchers to ward off nightmares, or hand-painted trays that will add a touch of artisanal flair to your home. Imagine the look on your mom’s face when you present her with a one-of-a-kind find from Greenhills!
Greenhills for Every Family’s Adventure
Whether you’re a family of foodies looking for unique Halal eats, crafty moms on the hunt for special pasalubong finds, or just looking for a fun day out with the kids, Greenhills has something for everyone. It’s a place to ditch the usual mall routine and embark on a fun-filled adventure with your little ones. So put on your comfy shoes, grab the kiddos, and head to Greenhills for a fantastic family escapade! You won’t regret it!
Greenhills Hacks for Mommies
Here are a few mommy hacks to make your Greenhills trip smooth sailing:
- Wear comfy shoes: It’s going to be a lot of walking, so ditch the stilettos and opt for sneakers or sandals.
- Bring a reusable bag: Save the environment and avoid plastic bag charges by bringing your own reusable bag for all your pasalubong finds.
- Pack snacks and water: Keep your little ones happy and hydrated with their favorite snacks and drinks.
- Take breaks: Exploring Greenhills can be tiring, so schedule breaks in between shopping sprees to recharge. There are plenty of benches around the center, or you can grab refreshments at one of the many food stalls.
- Haggling is expected: Don’t be afraid to haggle on prices! It’s all part of the Greenhills experience. But be respectful and have fun with it.
With a little planning and these tips in mind, your Greenhills adventure with the family is sure to be a memorable one!
