Handuraw Pizza: 5 Flavors to Try

In one of the gazillion parties I attended last Christmas season, I finally got to meet Handuraw, the one-and-only pizza I aimed to taste in Cebu. But unlike Zubuchon and Lantaw -- two similar targets which I got to try only on my second visit -- Handuraw remained elusive.

Until late last year, that is. And to make matters weirder, right here in Manila!

Handuraw is a Cebuano word which means "to imagine".
To say that Handuraw is the best pizza ever is to completely disregard authentic Italian places like Bellini’s, or New York style pizzas like Nolita. Originating from Cebu, Handuraw is admittedly in a different universe. But when you consider the great value that comes with the reasonable price tag, yes it might be sensible to announce that statement with conviction.

Think of Yellow Cab’s crust, but thinner, a lot softer and a lot less greasy. Anyone who automatically calls Pizza Hut’s hotline whenever some pies are desired at the table must seriously reconsider. I mean, really, aren’t you getting fed up with all the thickness and oiliness?

Below are 5 Handuraw pizza flavors that I have tried. One of the most intriguing variants from their menu is the Pizza Cebuana—mozzarella, chorizo de Cebu and kesong puti. We didn’t order that, but I’m definitely getting it next time!


1. Margherita

Margherita, P248

Handuraw did nothing but give justice to my favorite pizza flavor of all-time. A simple combination of cheese, tomatoes and basil never fails to make me happy! My personal eating philosophy is: “simple flavors, great execution.” Yes, I don’t need a foie gras pizza or a lechon-topped pie to get me jumping up and down the couch.


2. Roasted Garlic

This is my second favorite after margherita. Olive oil, pesto, garlic—if those ingredients couldn’t make you salivate right now, I don’t know what could. While margherita is my beloved pizza, for pasta, the equivalent affection is reserved for pesto. Now, what do you think happens when my favorite pasta flavor is put into a pizza? That’s right, get out of my way if you don’t want to get hurt!


3. Handuraw Special

Handuraw Special, P318
Upon hearing “special”, I automatically knew this would be a meat-and-veggie pizza—or if you prefer to put it this way, a halo-halo pizza. For me the only purpose of this flavor is to please everybody—people who don’t eat veggies can take those bell peppers out and still be happy. Handuraw’s version is delicious albeit nothing really special. Honestly, why can’t restaurants label some other flavor as their house specialty? For Handuraw, shouldn’t it be the Pizza Cebuana?


4. Shawarma

If you like weird flavors in everything, this is for you. Tomato slices, ground beef, and mozzarella trickled with a yoghurt-garlic sauce. I loved the creaminess of the sauce, which counterbalances the strong flavor of the beef. It was way too savory for me though, that I actually craved for rice after finishing a whole slice, haha!


5. Hawaiian

Hawaiian, P308
As a child, this was the flavor I was most exposed to. I remember every Sunday after church, my aunt would buy me two slices of pizza from Pizza Hut. Ham-and-Cheese and Hawaiian were the only two options for that promo, and equating Ham-and-Cheese with 3M Pizza, I used to choose the latter (yes, even when I was little, I was a pizza snob, LOL). Pizza Hut still has this promo until now, I think (for PhP55). I used to love Hawaiian, but you know after all those years of eating pineapples, by the time I already had my own money to buy me some pies, I stayed away from this particular flavor.

Aside from two whole pies of each flavor, we had the below dishes in our team Christmas party:

Spicy wings, bolognese, pork barbecue
DESSERT: chocolate truffles and Russell Stover chocolate OMFG!!!
Our lively host, this cute little boy. He stayed up til we all finished our Jacks and Absoluts.
Everything we ate paired remarkably with alcohol. Wait, don’t believe me, I can pair chop suey with Tanduay. But seriously, the pizzas were especially perfect with beer!

I have a friend who frequently goes to Handuraw in Sikatuna. I am so ashamed that I have only tried Handuraw takeout! I’ve heard that the branch there features bands on some nights. Acoustic music, pizza, and beer: the idea seemed to me like a picture of a totally relaxing night! It totally exudes a Cubao Expo vibe, I love it!

I seriously should plan a trip to QC and explore the obscure eateries and restaurants there. Maginhawa, UP Town Center, Katipunan, Tomas Morato … be prepared. I am coming.

~*~
Handuraw Pizza

Merville
3270-C Armstrong Ave
Merville, Parañaque
(02) 720-2883

Sikatuna
1A Masunurin St cor Anonas Ext
Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
(02) 381-3349

Official Website: Handurawpizza.com
Other branches: Click here
Facebook (Sikatuna branch): Handuraw Sikatuna

What is your favorite pizza joint?

pepe samson

About Pepe Samson

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.
    Disqus Comment
    Facebook Comment

0 comments :

Post a Comment

Let me know what you think!