When instant noodles came into the market, they became an instant craze. I remember making a taste test of about 20 of them, and one Malaysian company stood out for its Lucky Me Pancit Canton products.

Every now and then, I like to open two packs of these instant noodles. Just before draining the water, I drop an egg and hum away.

I once read that popular comedian Vice Ganda likes his instant pancit canton noodles to consist of two regular packs and one spicy combined. I can see how that combination hits the spot, so to speak.

In my grocery shopping, I’ve discovered many items I’ve come to love and my kids have gone crazy over. Yes, I eat processed products. I will forever have Century tuna on my shelves. I use it for omelets, and eat it with whole-wheat Skyflakes or Magic Flakes.

I also always have Purefoods Turkey hotdog. I love them. I have them boiled, then put on steamed hotdog buns with some cheese and a sauce combination of catsup, mustard and mayo. Soft and delicious, the hotdogs remind me of a bigger version of what the Burger Machine hotdog used to be.

The inspiration behind my bun is Jollibee’s classic hotdog. Of course, to my mind, the turkey version is healthier. I have succumbed many times to Jollibee’s version on my drive home, just before entering the village.

I also love Saranggani Bangus Tinapa. I unfold the thawed boneless fish, fry the meat first then the skin side until crunchy, and that’s what I feast on with sinangag and fried egg.

Boneless, easy to prepare

Another thing that’s always in my freezer: Purefoods Chicken Drumettes. I absolutely love them. They are boneless and easy to prepare. Just pop in the oven and eat away. I call this emergency food for the kids. Purefoods has come out with a buffalo version of this favorite. Another winner.

That the Purefoods basketball team is my favorite PBA team has nothing to do with my delight at some of its products. Interesting how this company has been cranking up innovative food items for so long now, leaving many competitors behind.

Recently, I purchased five brands of corned beef: Purefoods, 555, Swift, CDO and Argentina. I had all of them sauteed and almost tostado. Among these, I found the 555 variant the best-tasting, followed by Argentina. I also taste-tested the Century and Argentina corned tuna products, and found the Century version better.

New idea

I also got to try a new idea from Nestlé’s Magic Meals of Nestlé. Buy a pack of Maggi Magic Meal. Inside are two pouches, one with a plastic bag and the other with flavored powder such as afritada. Put the powder inside the bag, add a little water, add a few veggies, then the sliced chicken. Seal, then drop in a rice cooker and forget about it until the rice is done. Tastes very good! There’s convenience with quality for you.

Among the grocery stores I have been to, Robinsons Galleria has the best selection of marinated meats. I saw a variety of provincial longganisa, tocino, tapa and many others. I also frequent Shoppersville in Katipunan, with its asado and adobo rolls.

When in the grocery, keep your eyes open for anything worth sharing.

Happy eating!