Situated at the ground floor of Uptown Parade, the 50-seater Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen adds color to the restaurant scene in the area. And while it is situated in the busy heart of BGC, one can still feel the homey ambience—comparable to the out of town experience provided by its original home in Tagaytay.
A large mural showing Vietnamese women by a lotus pond adorns the wall and echoes Vietnamese culture. Intricately-designed tiles of striking geometric patterns on the floor and parts of the walls provide the accent to the interiors, perfectly melding with the furniture. By the counter are various wooden frames with photos depicting the Vietnamese way of life. These complement woven bamboo pendant lamps, hanging from the ceiling as droplights and providing a natural and earthy feel.
Bawai’s ambience is simple and laidback which is ideal for business meeting, for hanging out and providing a welcome break after a busy day at work and for bonding over delicious food with family and loved ones on weekends.
Vietnamese dishes are regarded as varied yet simple. Every dish has a pattern and sequence that revolves around five elements: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet—a treat for the five senses. Thus, from the trickle of Vietnamese drip coffee to the cottony soft feel of their spring rolls, the texture of their desserts and the piping hot pho, Bawai’s dishes provide a sensual and savory dining experience.
Bawai’s House Salad is one of the bestsellers, made with fresh coconut sprouts, shredded carrots, topped with glazed pork and steamed shrimp, then drizzled with the house vinaigrette.
Another signature starter is the Goi Cuon, spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles and vegetables wrapped in soft and light rice paper imported from Vietnam.
Of course, no Vietnamese meal is complete without a pho. Bawai’s Pho Bo, traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup with herbs and spices, boasts of the same quality as those served in the streets and restaurants in Vietnam.
For mains, Com Suong Cha, grilled pork belly glazed with a caramel-lemongrass marinade and served with egg pie, is a crowd favorite. And because coconut milk is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, the Curry Ga, tender chicken in curry-coconut sauce, is likewise a good choice.
Seafood lovers, meanwhile, must try Ca Kho To, caramelized salmon with spices and served with a refreshing salad.
Tom Rang Me, black tiger prawns with sweet tamarind paste and garnished with herbs and sesame seeds.
For dessert, the Ban Da Lon is not to be missed. This rice and mung bean cake, bathed in coconut cream and steamed sesame seeds, is a sweet temptation that’s tempered with the right amount of chewy goodness, making it an ideal way to end a meal.
Bawai’s also offers Family Meals that are a perfect array of their best-selling items, good for 4 or 8 persons.
Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen
Retail 15, Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Ave. Corner 36th St., Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City
Contact Number: (02) 812 2924; (0917) 152 2924
Stay hungry,
thehungrychef
Nathaniel Uy
