LIST: These food trays could make your Noche Buena a delightful one with the family
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here.
Nothing compares to the joy of making food for Noche Buena with the family before the clock strikes on Christmas Eve. But let’s be real—December is also one of the busiest months. On top of year-end reports for work, there come the social engagements, holiday rush, gift shopping, and other activities that could keep our calendars full.
If you’re worrying you might be left with no time to whip up some dishes for your Christmas spread, don’t fret as there are restaurants and food brands offering family platters that could still make your at-home celebration merry. Here are some of them.
Gianetto Pizzeria
Are you up for a pizza party as you welcome Christmas this year? Gianetto Pizzeria is still accepting orders for their mouthwatering pizza offerings like Eats Me Spinach (P599), Quattro Formaggi (P530), 3 Cheese and Herbs (P530), Beer Buddies (P600), and Classic Pepperoni (P530).
Gloria's Table
Do you love chicken? Gloria's Table is offering some roasted chicken with a twist. This boneless menu item is stuffed with boiled eggs, seasoned ground pork, red hotdog, cheese, bell peppers, and other spices that make it exciting and satisfying. Completing the dish are herbed carrot, potatoes, and mushroom gravy sauce. The family tray (good for 4-5 pax) costs P1,500, while the party tray (good for 6-9 pax) costs P2,300.
Chimken Do It!
Speaking of boneless chicken, Chimken Do It! is also offering such in various savory flavors, including Korean Honey Butter Garlic, Honey Sriracha Lime, Orange Chicken, Classic Buffalo, Caramelized Patis, Original Honey Butter, and Buttered Snow Cheese. It's available in three sizes: "tropa" (good for 7-9 pax with up to two flavors) for P670, "barkada" (good for 10-13 pax with up to three flavors) for P950, and "grupo" (good for 15-18 pax with up to four flavors) for P1,250.
Arcy's Kitchen
Arcy's Kitchen is famous for its truffle pasta, but for families that love all things truffle, its baked salmon with truffle cheese sauce might be worth a try. This menu offering spotlights Norwegian pink salmon amped up with the food brand's signature truffle cheese sauce surrounded by garlic butter vegetables. It's available in three sizes: small (4-5 pax/P1,450), large (8-10 pax/P2,600), and party (25 pax/P5,500).
Manam
Tired of plain rice? This Christmas, why not make your meals a whole lot more flavorful with Manam's rice offerings in "Super Benta" boxes? It's available in two variants, which could bring delight to 6-8 people. The bagoong rice (P365) has bagoong and green mango shreds on top, while the tinapa rice (P375) is made even more exciting with salted egg.
O'ini
Paella rice, anyone? A standout in O'ini's holiday lineup, the Royal Holiday offering puts the focus on the satisfying combination of Italian slow-roasted boneless pork belly (flat porchetta) and paella rice. Good for 4-5 pax, each order is priced at P1,799.
Big 5
If your family is into sisig and pancit, you'd be happy to know about Big 5's Pancit Sisig offering. This family platter has "perfectly fried and sizzled Kapampangan-style sisig, topped with crunchy, crumbly chicharon, nested in a flavorsome bed of saucy pancit canton and sauteed veggies." With a price range of P380-P1,450, this menu offering comes in three sizes, making it perfect for small and big groups alike.
Goldilocks
Can’t pick between lasagna and mac n’ cheese? Goldilocks is offering both in family-sized platters for P864 each. Good for 4-6 pax, these baked goodies feature pasta tossed in mouthwatering layers and layers of cheese, including sharp cheddar, cheddar, quickmelt, and mozzarella. The mac n' cheese is finished off with bits of sweet ham, while the lasagna is elevated with ground beef and pork as well as some creamy béchamel sauce.