Food
WITH THE food & beverage (F&B) industry easing safety restrictions post-pandemic, more customers now opt to dine in and experience an ambience where food transforms into a delightful celebration of culture and flavors shared with loved ones. Online deliveries are now a thing of the past, only becoming an option for its accessibility and convenience. But, if you’re paying the same price for deliveries as you would in brick-and-mortar stores, how else could the former entice customers?
Enter Kraver’s Canteen: a metro-based cloud kitchen that emphasizes convenient and quality-grade delicacies through the local and international brands it houses. Recently named as one of the promising startups in the country, Kraver’s continues to reshape the F&B industry with a diverse assortment of food options available at your doorstep.
With multiple branches across Metro Manila—including one within the campus’ International Residence Hall—Kraver’s Canteen is ready to serve whatever cuisine one could be craving at the moment. Kraver’s concept also perfectly matches the dynamic nature of Ateneans who would want a full meal that’s quick, accessible, and easy to reheat—on par with their busy college life.
To see how Kraver’s Canteen delivers a culinary experience on-the-go, Vantage Magazine dives into iconic Kraver dishes such astheBurger Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Veggie Frittata with Garlic Rice, Chicken Tikka Masala with Cucumber Raita, and their signature Kraver’s Insani-Tea. From the start, the meals are already packed in vibrant, compact, and biodegradable take-out boxes that display nutritional information and ingredients.
The Burger Steak with Mushroom Gravy had a distinct taste reminiscent of childhood memories, the kind that would take you back to those children’s birthday parties or handaans at home. It had a faint and subtle sweetness to it amid the savory, beefy taste—a good attribute if you prefer burgers that resemble the classic taste of an American patty. The creaminess of the mushroom gravy complemented the savory beef flawlessly.
The rice included in the dish, however, exhibited a slightly dry and flaky texture. Properly cooked rice not only serves as a side dish to the ulam, but it also acts as a foundation for a harmonic mixture of flavors within the palate. If the rice accompanying the Burger Steak had been cooked better, it would definitely elevate the dish overall. Still, this is an ideal meal for when you’re yearning for a trip down memory lane to your youthful days.
Next on the menu caters to those with a mindful approach to wellness, offering a delightful experience: Kraver’s Veggie Frittata paired with Garlic Rice. In most cases, a good vegetable frittata would be hard to get by due to it usually being bland, dried, or overcooked. However, Kraver’s Canteen deserves praise for its soft, creamy, and perfectly seasoned frittata. The medley of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini, is already noticeable at the first bite, infusing the dish with a mild taste. It was also a genius idea to pair it with banana ketchup, as the sweetness of the condiment was a cherry on top of the rich and delicately crafted dish.
Similar to the previous dish, the garlic rice or sinangag, exhibited a dry and flaky texture. Nevertheless, the garlic rice enhanced the Veggie Frittata, adding aromatic flavor and complexity that plain rice lacks. It harmonizes well with the vegetable medley, elevating the dish. The dish also stands out as an ideal option for anyone thanks to its versatility. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast to kickstart the day or a quick dinner during a late-night study session, the Veggie Frittata fits seamlessly into anyone’s schedule, making it a convenient and delicious choice for any time of the day.
The third dish, Kraver’s Chicken Tikka Masala, stands out for its dipping sauces that offer a perfect balance of flavors: cucumber raita to cool the spiciness and a sweet tomato puree to add a delightful twist. This unique pairing makes it a memorable dish, catering to various palates and offering a distinct dining experience. The chicken was perfectly cooked in a way that it was still juicy and tender on the inside while being smokey and slightly crispy on the outside. The grilled vegetables, like eggplants and peas, also mirrored this balance as they offered a seasoned and crispy crust that gave way to a delightful interior. A surprising bonus to this dish was the rice, as it was cooked soft and fluffy, melting in your mouth.
To cap off the savory journey is something that will satisfy the sweet tooth in you: Kraver’s specialty drink, the Insani-Tea. The tang is a fusion of both the zestiness of orange and the sweetness of mango, which creates a refreshing blend when paired with the accompanying savory meals. This drink balances both the sweet and salty to result in this entwined culinary tango.
Each dish was commendable in its own way for being meticulously prepared—a testimony to how Kraver’s Canteen prioritizes the customer’s utmost satisfaction and experience in mind. The fulfilling meals prove that Kraver’s is a strong choice for those looking for a quick hearty fix in between the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Craving for more? In case you missed it, Ateneans can now fulfill their kravings on campus with the Kraver’s Canteen branch that is currently operating from 6 AM to 8 PM at the International Residence Hall.
