Die! Die! Must try!

Don’t apologize for being fat. It only means you have lived a full life. So says Mr. Makansutra himself, Chef KF Seetoh. This Singaporean food guide to Asian cuisine is both a humorist and a food historian. Prior to setting up Makansutra, the restaurant, he has gone to several food places in the Philippines, including the Jolly Jeeps, as part of his search for the best Filipino dishes. I had the privilege of talking with him while stuffing myself with delicious Singapore Chicken Rice in Makansutra at the Manila Ocean Park.

Chef KF Seetoh

He’s not a stand-up comedian kind of guy like Bobby Chinn, but his sense of humor is witty and full of food trivia gems, which I find to be very fascinating. He has appeared in popular TV food shows like “Lonely Planet” and a regular on networks like Discovery Travel and Living, and Martha Stewart TV. With his many achievements, he has been awarded a Special Recognition Award for being Singapore’s true Food Ambassador.

Makansutra, the restaurant

Right smack in the second floor of the Manila Ocean Park, Seetoh has established Makansutra Asian Food Village, a restaurant that serves only the best Asian hawker food from Singaporean to Chinese to local Filipino fare at astoundingly reasonable prices. Imagine Hainanese Chicken Rice for only P90.00! (US$1.95) Makansutra food is as good as if your were dining in Singapore.

Do visit the Makansutra at the Manila Ocean Park. Beginning this Friday, Jan 22, you can experience Makansutra’s upgraded dining experience by going full service. No need to wait in line! Just call a waiter, order and it will be served at your table in no time. Sip a Michael Jackson while feasting on Coffee Spare Ribs, a Makansutra favorite!

Here’s the recipe on how you can make this wonderful dish at your home. I suggest you give it a try, it’s really good!

How to make Coffee Spare Ribs

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch white pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 350 grams Baby Back Ribs (approximately 6 ribs)
• 2 tablespoons corn flour
• 1 & 1/2 packet of 3-in-1 instant coffee mix
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 leaves iceberg lettuce
• some bird’s eye chili for garnish

Procedure

1. Marinate the ribs by adding salt, pepper powder,  and soy sauce. Mix well.
2. Cover and marinate the ribs for a least 2 hours in refrigerator.
3. Heat a pot of oil to about 190° Celcius.
4. Lightly coat the ribs with corn flour and deep fry for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the ribs are cooked. Remove and set aside for cooking later.
5. Using another wok, combine the coffee powder, sugar and oyster sauce.
6. Cook over medium heat and reduce the sauce to achieve a thick and saucy gravy.
7. Toss in fried ribs and evenly coat all ribs in the coffee sauce.
8. Garnish and serve.