DUBAI: As you pass through Exit no. 1 of Burjuman Metro Station, you will find a small eatery by the left side, facing the waiting area and bearing a huge signage, Hobibi. At first glance the place doesn’t look inviting, but the crowd sitting right outside would give you a hint that this rather tiny, unpretentious place is serving something good. In fact, Hobibi is a favorite stopover of Filipino metro passengers.
And you will know why when you get to taste their daintily prepared yet heftily served all-time Filipino comfort food and snacks like arroz caldo topped with sliced egg and garnished with scallions and shreds of chicken meat. A warm and tasty treat for the bone-weary. But serious eaters who prefer something heavy and filling to the belly, would choose the other bestseller, tapsilog.
The other “silogs” are just as scrumptious and satisfying. On the other hand, noodle lovers would like to have Hobibi’s chicken mami. Hobibi’s version of this muchloved Filipino snack, tastes so perfect that you will be tempted to ask for a second serving! Did we mention their chicken siomai is a must-try? They taste sooo good, we guarantee you’d ask for more.
If you are tagging your kids along, we recommend Hobibi’s Filipino-style spaghetti. Just a precaution: Hobibi’s serving of this all-time-favorite is rather enormous, so make sure your kids are really hungry when you order one for them – though you can always ask for a doggy bag, so no problem.
For the lovers of all things sweet, we highly recommend Hobibi’s moist chocolate cake – a piece of heaven that would give other pastry chefs a run for their money. We are not kidding. Try it and see what we mean. For the more traditional Pinoy foodie, taho is just as ubiquitous at Hobibi as it is back home.
Hobibi’s version is this healthy tofu snack, is just in the right balance – not too sweet, not too bland. Weight watchers will surely enjoy them. Those who are not diet conscious can choose between Hobibi’s delightful buko pandan or the refreshing halo-halo.
Asked why her food is so popular with Filipino commuters and even with other Asians, owner and manager Pum Pattanapreechakul, who is from Thailand, said that before she decided to open the business three years ago, she tried all Filipino foods. She first made sure she got the taste of each dish just right and perfectly balanced before serving them to customers. “I love to cook and bake.
Plus, I am a foodie. I just love to eat! So I know how a good dish should taste. That is why when I decided to open Hobibi, I really made sure that all our dishes will be well-liked by everyone.
I also made them affordable because I want to serve those who don’t have much to spend for a good, satisfying meal. I want that after a tiring day’s work, customers are well-fed and satisfied when they reach home,” she said. So there you go. The next time you happen to be at the Burjuman Metro Station, or when you want to lift your spirits up with comfort food without emptying your pockets, just go to the direction of the station’s First exit.
