There are food adventures, and then there are food odysseys—and what I experienced at the grand launch of Maple Tree House, Du Hsiao Yueh, and Rossopomodoro was nothing short of extraordinary. Three restaurants, three countries, three distinct cuisines all in one place: North wing of SM Mall of Asia’s entertainment area.

Thanks to Viva International Food and Restaurants — the ever-growing empire behind Botejyu, Wingzone, Paper Moon, and Greyhound Café, we now have a premium Korean barbecue experience, an iconic Taiwanese noodle house, and an award-winning Italian pizzeria, all bringing their authentic, time-honored flavors straight to the west coast of Manila.

With Viva Foods President and COO Vicente Raphael del Rosario IV and Marketing Manager Miguel de la Rosa present, the night was a true celebration of culinary excellence. And let me tell you, I indulged in every bite, every sip, every moment.

Maple Tree House: A taste for your soul from Seoul

Korean barbecue has become a global phenomenon, but Maple Tree House is in a league of its own. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, this high-end K-BBQ joint is known for its impeccably sourced meats, refined flavors, and elevated dining experience. After my first bite, I understood why it deserved to go global.

Let’s kick things off with the Cola Chicken— a dish that hits all the right notes. Its sweetness beautifully complements the juicy, tender meat, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Then there’s the Soybean Stew, a bowl of pure comfort. Warm, hearty, and soothing, it’s the kind of soul food you’d reach for on a rainy day or when you just need a little pick-me-up.

The beef and pork selection? Simple yet perfect. Just the right amount of salt and pepper. No gimmicks, just pure, premium-quality meat grilled to perfection. And the Japchae? I hold Japchae to the highest standard, and Maple Tree House delivered. It wasn’t too sweet—just the perfect harmony of flavors.

And the best part? It was never smoky inside. Somehow, Maple Tree House has perfected the art of Korean BBQ without leaving you smelling like one.

Du Hsiao Yueh: Transporting you to Taiwan through taste

What we love most about Taiwanese cuisine is its perfect balance of flavors: comforting yet complex, familiar yet refreshingly unique. Du Hsiao Yueh, serving its iconic dan zai noodles since 1895, is a true testament to Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage.

The Xiao Long Bao was nothing short of immaculate, with thin, delicate skin holding a burst of rich, savory broth that flooded my mouth with every bite. There’s simply no feeling that compares.

Then came the Dan Zai Noodles, the dish that made Du Hsiao Yueh a household name. Unlike your typical noodle bowl, this one had an unexpected twist—mung beans added a delightful texture, while the shrimp topping brought a depth of umami goodness.

And of course, what better way to wash it all down than with their signature milk tea? Smooth, fragrant, and the perfect end to a deeply satisfying meal.

Beyond the food, Du Hsiao Yueh also made a major announcement at the event: its partnership with Steam Box Corporation for their HotBox technology. Imagine a self-heating, portable food box that keeps your meal warm anywhere—at the office, the beach, or even outdoors. Just pull a string, and steam will magically heat your food, no microwave needed.

Now on its second branch in Manila after SM North EDSA, the restaurant isn’t just preserving a legacy—it’s bringing it into the future.

Rossopomodoro: The heart of Naples, now in Manila

I’ve had my fair share of Neapolitan pizza, but Rossopomodoro is on another level. As Italy’s largest pizza chain, they don’t just serve good pizza; they serve real pizza, the kind you’d find on the streets of Naples, handcrafted, wood-fired, and packed with history.

At the grand opening, instead of a ribbon-cutting, the executives did something even better: a pizza-cutting ceremony. Because really, what better way to celebrate the best pizza in the world?

First up is the Cinque Formaggi Pizza, a five-cheese masterpiece. But the real surprise? Peanuts on top. Who would have thought? Yet it elevated the dish, adding an unexpected crunch and nuttiness that blended beautifully with the melted cheese.

Then came the Bruschetta, a seemingly simple appetizer that overflowed with the best kind of tomatoes: juicy, fresh, and sweet. The highest quality ingredients make all the difference, and Rossopomodoro delivers nothing but the best.

To end the night, I ordered a Negroni—just the right balance of bitter and sweet, smooth with the perfect kick. Molto bene!

And then, the Tiramisu. Oh. My. What a tiramisu. Creamy, airy, and soaked in rich coffee which was pure perfection. It was the ultimate finale to an unforgettable food adventure.

A culinary world tour: No passport needed

With Maple Tree House, Du Hsiao Yueh, and Rossopomodoro, Viva International Food and Restaurants has created a world of flavors right at SM Mall of Asia. Whether you’re craving sizzling Korean BBQ, comforting Taiwanese noodles, or classic Italian pizza, it’s all here. No plane ticket required.

After indulging in three incredible cuisines in one night, I left with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a newfound appreciation for how food can transport you across continents.

Now, Manila, it’s your turn to take the trip — one bite at a time.