A trip down memory lane at Hizon's, Za's Cafe

I love all things old -- houses, music, furniture. As a foodie, I love eating in old restaurants as well -- especially those that have been in business since the pre- 
or post-war days. Oh, I have such admiration for those enduring businesses 

in the food industry, considering the very stiff competition these days.

One of the so-called battle-tested restaurants is Za's Cafe in the heart of Manila. This is the coffee shop owned by the same proprietors of Hizon's Cakes and Pastries -- yup, the one whose No. 1 customer was the country's king of comedy, Dolphy.  The two -- the comedian and the bakeshop -- both started humbly in their own field 
and grew popular together as the years passed. 

Dolphy, I read, was just starting out as an actor when he began patronizing Hizon's in the 1950s, often buying his favorite ensaymada at its initial store on then Calle Raon. Eventually, Hizon's transferred to where it is now on Jorge Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila and Za's Cafe was established adjacent to it to serve not only Hizon's famous baked products but also hot meals. Dolphy, I learned, was a regular there even when he was already ill, to the point that he carried his oxygen tank 
to the restaurant! What loyalty! 

Anyway, it was my first time at Za's Cafe last month, with two of my dear sisters and a brother in law. We were there for late lunch/merienda and opted for something 
a little light as we had breakfast buffet early on. 

We ordered two sets of palabok with pandesal and two dinuguan with puto 
plus ensaymada for dessert.

Palabok with 2 pcs. pandesal, P300. per order

We in our family love palabok so this was a natural choice for us. We loved that all the right flavors from the whole gamut of ingredients were present. And the saltiness was well calibrated. However, it was a bit dry. Maybe, it  would have been better if they put a bit more of the sauce. And I do believe this palabok is overpriced at P300, considering that the serving is not that big and enough for just one person.

Dinuguan with puto, P200.

This, we raved about more than the palabok. It was an impressive dinuguan - very flavorful! It was served with several pieces of puto Calasiao -- those immaculate-white,  bite-sized and sweetish rice cakes from the Pangasinan 

town where it got its name.

Ensaymada, Big, P130.
Hizon's ensaymada is big, fluffy, cheesy and delicious. It's perfect with coffee or hot chocolate -- and great for merienda, I could imagine as I write this, on a cold December afternoon. This ensaymada wouldn't be Dolphy's favorite for nothing!

  Brewed Coffee, P95.

One of my sisters, who was then vacationing from Canada, so loved the coffee at Za's, and was moved to comment that it was even better than their "own" Tim Hortons which they have every work day morning in Canada. I loved this one, too! It's easily one of my best cups ever! It's bold and full-bodied with a very pleasant taste that makes it good even without any sugar and cream added. Halfway into my cup, my sister urged me to try it with some milk. I did and it was also very good! I would definitely go back to Za's Cafe even if only for their brewed coffee.

Inside Za's Cafe

 A picture of Dolphy hanging by the entrance. 

  Inside Hizon's bakeshop

 Hizon's at 1197 Jorge Bocobo corner Arquiza Sts., Ermita, Manila


Aside from the good food and coffee, I took notice of the old-world feel inside Za's Cafe. There are vintage things on use and display and there are pictures of elderly people, most probably the original owners of Hizon's. The present management is already second generation, I learned. One more thing not to be missed by anyone is the framed picture of Dolphy prominently displayed near the entrance, 
making the presence of the late comedy king felt in the place. 
What nostalgic feel this restaurant evokes. I loved it 
and would definitely be coming back.