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Showing posts with label chinese restaurant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chinese restaurant. Show all posts
Thursday, July 20, 2017
MANHO at MARRIOT HOTEL: STRAIGHT FORWARD CHINESE FOOD

 Did you say roast goose? That was the only thing on my mind. Could it be for real? I had doubts. Having the opportunity to travel, I had the luck to try out this delicacy. For most of us, it would be from a restaurant in Hong Kong. Thankfully, we could have it in Manila. No need to go out of the country. It's now available in MARRIOT HOTEL'S MANHO.
 Located on the ground floor of the Marriot Hotel's new West Wing, MANHO is a quaint and unassuming Chinese Restaurant. High ceilings and a golf course view, you get to enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner with your loved ones.
 
 Drinks are perfectly curated for you. Each is refreshing and just right for the weather. Starting off with soup, one could try out MANHO's version of the crab meat soup with sweet corn or even the hot and sour soup with seafood.
 For something different, the braised seafood soup with caviar would do the trick. With hints of pumpkin, it deals a nice combination with the seafood.
 Somewhat interesting would be the marinated suckling pork leg. This simple looking dish should not be judge by its looks. One bite and you realize that the flavors are there and it's quite interesting and delicious.
 The Scallops and asparagus in xo sauce might make your mouth drool with delight. You get to munch on fresh scallops partnered with asparagus.
If that's not enough the steamed live green grouper with light soy sauce would make you fall in love with MANHO even more. They weren't kidding when they said light. The sauce wasn't overpowering rather, it assisted the fish.
 Meat lovers need not worry as there are also a number of dishes that you could also try out that aren't necessarily seafood. One of them would be the BEEF FILLET with BLACK PEPPER SAUCE. These are like your steak cubes. I believe they used a high quality type of meat to create this tender and juicy dish.
 The Pork Ribs is also another must try dish. The Spicy salt that came with it gave it another dimension. This is the type of food that would taste better if you eat it with your fingers.
 
 Having a deep flavor, the SMOKED duck breast with mango awakens your taste buds. The smokiness works well with the sweet mango.
 Treated more as a starter, the ROASTED GOOSE, for me, is the main star of the show. It is only at MARRIOT'S MANHO that this is served within the metro. I have not experienced this dish within the Philippines except for MANHO. The skin is crispy and has the perfect ratio of fat to meat. With a cup of plain rice, and the sauces on the side, you get to have the perfect meal.
 
 Dessert is not a problem at MANHO. Best sellers would include the coconut mochi and the steamed custard buns.
Special caution though must be issued when eating the custard buns with egg yolk. If you bite it the wrong way, the liquid might escape and squirt out.
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MANHO is the place to have your ROASTED GOOSE FIX. Aside from the main dining area, they also offer private rooms that would cater to your needs.


MANHO
MARRIOT HOTEL
West Wing
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

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Monday, February 27, 2017
KING CHEF in LUCKY CHINATOWN: NEW DISHES TO TRY

Believe it or not, tt was my first time in LUCKY CHINATOWN MALL just a few weeks back. Even if I would pass by this establishment on my way to 168, I have never set foot inside of it. Little did I know that it was big and has a lot of Chinese Restaurants in it. One of them would be KING CHEF.
Located on the second floor, I was pleasantly surprised when I entered. From the outside, the place looked small. Once I got in, I realize the magnitude of the restaurant. Aside from catering to different groups of family and friends in the main dining hall, there are also several private function rooms that could be used for some events and a bit of privacy.
One thing I liked about KING CHEF is that it hones the skills of its chefs by creating contests for them to innovate new dishes. This cultivates their creativity and let's the staff's imagination go wild. This time around, new dishes were brought out for us to try. Starting off with some PRAWN FIRECRACKERS. One would assume that tofu would be the small cubes underneath the shrimps. Rather, they are radish cake. Interesting. Of course, one doesn't go to a Chinese restaurant without ordering dimsum. This is a must at KING CHEF.
Aside from the KING PRAWN SIOMAI and the steamed CRABSTICK BALLS, my personal favorite would be the CRISPY SHRIMP NOODLES. Each bite offers texture. Because of the fried noodles, it gives dimension to something pretty simple.
Another main dish to try would be the BRAISED SCALLOP with SEA CUCUMBER. Honestly, I wasn't expecting it to be good but it was. Although it was my first time to try out a sea cucumber, I realized that it's always better to give it a go. Thankfully, I enjoyed it. Each bite is somewhat soft and the flavor is somewhat neutral that it absorbs the seasoning from the dish.
If there was one dish to order, it would be the Asian Fried Chicken in a Basket. Presented beautifully in a deep fried bowl, the chicken are sweet in flavor and crunchy. It would go perfectly well with the next dish.
THE RICE. This is not your ordinary rice but the LAPU-LAPU rice is a crowd favorite. The taste of the fish is evident in each bite. The saltiness is just right that it makes you want to get another spoonful. This one is another must order.
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For dessert, the golden sesame pao was a little too ordinary. I assumed that there would be salted egg liquid that would gush out of the balls. Unfortunately, the breading absorbed too much of the filling. Maybe they could fix this one part as everything that I tried was pretty good. I would definitely come back for the Lapu-Lapu Rice and The Chicken. With affordable pricing and delicious dishes, KING CHEF really caters to everybody.

KING CHEF in LUCKY CHINATOWN MALL
2nd Floor, Lucky Chinatown Mall, 
Lachambre St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Thursday, December 15, 2016
PARADISE DYNASTY in S MAISON: Definitely Delicious

I have been waiting for this since ever. I have heard the news and doubted it. Thankfully, I was  wrong. PARADISE DYNASTY is now in MANILA.
Ever since I tried Paradise Dynasty in Singapore a few years back which you can check out here, I prayed for it to open one at home. Although quite far from my place of residence, PARADISE DYNASTY is located in S MAISON MALL down south and is worth the trip.
First things first. If this is your maiden visit to PARADISE DYNASTY, try their 8 flavored XLB set. Here, you will be able to distinguish what you like and what you won't get on your return visit. Personally, the FOIE GRAS and the CRAB ROE are the best flavors.
More than just XLB, PARADISE DYNASTY has a diverse menu that is quite reasonable and priced almost the same as its competitors.
One could start with something healthy just to get rid of the guilt.
 This rolled leafy green vegetable salad is partnered with a peanut sesame dip. Perfect for those that want healthy grab and go options.
 For something more traditional, the PORK DUMPLING with chili vinaigrette might be for you. Believe it or not, the sauce isn't too much that it's tolerable for anyone.
Something light, the chilled PORK with minced garlic and soya sauce is ideal. Perfect to prepare you on your culinary journey.
A crowd favorite, the steamed glutinous rice is stuffed in red dates. It's quite sweet yet it gives off a taste that could play with the flavors in your mouth.
If there was one dish, other than the XLB, to try, it would be the RADISH PASTRY.
Cooked to perfection and executed extremely well, this pastry is crunchy outside yet steaming hot inside. The radish strips are delightful and the shell delicious as well.
The DOUBLE BOILED CHICKEN SOUP was just an okay dish for me. You could skip this in favor of other savory items. BUT, if you are looking for something light to warm up your stomach, this might do the trick.
Surprisingly the dry noodle, LA MIAN is a joy to eat. Being able to absorb the different ingredients and flavors, it is both savory and umami.
A bit different but tasty none the less, the SHREDDED PORK in BLACK BEAN SAUCE is the right snack for pecking duck lovers. This is consumed by wrapping it with Chinese crepe. Just like pecking duck.

Others might find the SCRAMBLED EGG with WHITE FISH and CONPOY bland. For me, I liked it so much that I couldn't help but finish one whole order. The egg white was cooked in a manner that it represented crab meat. This dish was actually created to be similar in texture with crabs. The fish and conpoy flavors would equate to something seafoody. Hence, its creation.
Shrimp lovers would rejoice with the STIR FRIED RIVER SHRIMPS. Each one is carefully removed from their shell and can be easily eaten. Pretty light yet filling.

Moving onto serious dishes, the SPICY SZECHUAN CRISPY CHICKEN is perfect with rice. Although filled with peppers, everything is balanced and well thought off.
 For something more child friendly, the DEEP FRIED GARLIC PORK RIBS would work. Masterfully done, the ribs are tender and flavorful.
For the grand finale, the POACHED BEEF in  SZECHUAN OIL is not for the faint of hearts. The BEEF is moist and tender. IT has absorbed the pepper flavors. Be careful when ordering this as it might burn your tongue. Thankfully, you could ask for it to be mild. Just mind the peppers.
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Surprisingly, PARADISE DYNASTY is very competitive and literally a joy to visit. The interiors and ambiance is way better than others and it carries a price tag that isn't as expensive as hotel restaurants. The service is impeccable and the queuing system organized. The food is delicious and is of quality. I would definitely return in a heart beat. If only they would open somewhere up north.

RELATED LINKS:
Paradise Dynasty Experience in Singapore

China Blue: A Notch above the rest. Conrad Hotel Manila

PROTIP: Order your favorite flavor of the XLB instead of the 8 flavors.
They have a promo for diners with regards to parking (until end of December 2016).


PARADISE DYNASTY
2nd level
S Maison Mall,
Pasay, Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Visited this branch twice already. One for an invite while another on my own accord.
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Monday, October 3, 2016
HAI KANG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: Greenhill's Old School Favorite

New Chinese Restaurants have been popping up left and right as of late. Even if this is the case, there is something alluring with an old classic. At HAI KANG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, you are treated to delicious classic Chinese dishes.
HAI KANG is located along Wilson St., in Greenhills. Parking might be a problem but do not let this hinder you as the cuisine they serve are delightful and worth the visit. Dishes are also served in different sizes. Hence, you are able to choose the amount of food depending on the number of guests that you have with you.
For starters, guests might want to try out the SEAFOOD PUMPKIN SOUP. Something warm to prepare the appetite, the soup has a curry flavor mixed into it. Different types of seafood are also present.
It is amazing how a simple ingredient could be transformed into a dish with a lot of flavor and texture. Take for example, chicken. Here, it could be a cold cut surrounded by deep fried wanton wrapper and some mangoes and century egg. Producing a crunchy dish perfect for the kids. On the other hand, it could cooked and mixed with SOY to produce a moist and tender product.
Being named as a SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, HAI KANG knows its a b c 's of the sea.
ABALONE is served with mushrooms that make it as savory and decadent as ever. SCALLOPS are baked with different herbs and spices to make it enticing to the patrons.
Huge prawns are cooked in Laksa sauce to deliver an interesting twist. Partner it with the mantou to scoop up the juices.
Fresh GAROUPA will be picked from an aquarium and cooked in the simplest of ways. This is to bring the flavor out from the fish rather than covering it. Each bite is smooth and heavenly.
HUGE CRABS are also available at HAI KANG. Different suggestions are given as to how and what way to cook them. Some would prefer that it be breaded and cooked with just pepper and other spices.
Since HAI KANG is a Chinese Restaurant, the mandatory must order dish would be the PEKING DUCK.
Beautifully presented and cooked, this duck is a form of art. The skin was light yet crispy. Having it wrapped in pancake with a dab of hoisin sauce gives it a deadly yet scrumptious blow.
After cutting and presenting the meat, the rest are cooked in another way. Deep fried and with lots of pepper, garlic and other spices. Perfect to go with rice.
Speaking off rice, when at a Chinese Restaurant, Filipinos tend to order one thing. The Sweet and Sour Pork.
Their version has the right amount of meat and seasoning. A bit on the sweet side, this would go perfect with any type of rice. The Perfect Match.
HAI KANG lives up to its name. Seafood dishes are straight forward and definitely delivers. The quality and quantity of the dishes are proportional with the amount of money you pay. The only hard part is parking but that is easily remedied by going here early or being able to have someone drop you off. Definitely a must revisit.



HAI KANG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
27 Wilson Street, Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila


Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out this restaurant.
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