Here are some of the most popular restos in the Metro serving Chinese dishes that are the favorites of business tycoons
Chinese food is very much ingrained into the local palette of Filipinos. We have assimilated a good number of their dishes and made it our own and have even received international acclaim for it (Lumpiang Shanghai, anyone?) So, since it is Chinese New Year Weekend, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Chinese restaurants you can drive to for the family and friends to enjoy. Just like any Filipino road trip (however short that is), a hearty meal awaits at the end. And remember, since it is Chinese, it’s best enjoyed with a big group to really get into the holiday spirit.
1.) East Ocean Palace
Address: Lot 37, Block 5, Aseana Business Park, Paranaque
East Ocean Palace is arguably the best Chinese Restaurant. You can see the sheer number of Fil-Chi and Chinese Nationals who dine there every single day. They have multiple function rooms to host groups and events, making them a favorite for social gatherings. Their specialty? Braised two-head Australian Abalone, Lobster Sashimi and Coconut Sharks Fin Soup. But the best part is their willingness to customize individual dishes. The best part? Owner / founder big boss Robert See has an uncanny memory and remembers almost everyone, treating regular guests like family. This is the favorite of Insurance magnate and sports car enthusiast billionaire Robert Coyiuto Jr.
2.) Choi Garden
Address: 12 Annapolis st., cor. 1500 Purdue St., Greenhills, San Juan 1015
For those living in Greenhills, New Manila and Cubao, Choi Garden is the go-to place for excellent Chinese cuisine. Aside from dimsum and traditional Chinese fare, their shabu-shabu selection is arguably the best in this list. It’s so good, it’s almost impossible to find parking there so best reserve and arrive early. Their specialty? The pigeon dishes and their 3-way lapu-lapu is excellent, but the shabu shabu as mentioned is peerless in both selection and quality.
3.) Hai Shin Lou
Address: 1223 Antonio Arnaiz Ave., Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati 1223
Hai Shin Lou is an institution for the Makati crowd looking for the very best in seafood. Indeed, their full name indicates Seafood King as a moniker of theirs, specializing in live fresh seafood, from garoupa, to lobsters, and my favorite, seafood mantis, all cooked in the best of Cantonese tradition. Definitely one to try. So good was Hai Shin Lou that the patriarch of the SM Group, Henry Sy Sr. was a frequent diner before he passed on.
4.) Century Seafood
Address: 227 Wilson st., Greenhills, San Juan and Ground floor, Century Park Hotel, 599 Pablo Ocampo st., Malate, Manila
Century Seafood is relatively new in San Juan but has quickly established itself as the pre-eminent go to for fresh seafood. Their specialties are shellfish: Crab, shrimp and lobsters prepared in a myriad of ways to indulge your palette. The original Malate branch is of course a very popular choice for banquets and events, with many weddings and major social functions held there regularly for the Chinese community. It is a staple for event choices. The original Malate branch is a landmark and of course the favorite of El Kapitan, taipan Lucio Tan.
5.) Peking Garden
Address: Greenbelt 5 Phase 2, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila
Another favorite for Chinese food enthusiasts in Makati, Peking Garden is known particularly for, yep, you guessed it, Peking Duck! More than their famous ducks, Peking Garden is best known for their Imperial Northern Chinese dishes served to the emperors of China. The restaurant is also affiliated with the hugely popular and renowned Maxim’s Caterer’s Group of Hong Kong, making it stand out with its unique pedigree.
6.) 8 China House
Address: 5th floor, Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Ave., cor 35th street., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
8 China House, located at the fifth floor of Grand Hyatt Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet but exquisite Chinese meal. The layout insures privacy and discretion for diners, and opens up to the views around Bonifacio Global City. Its Cantonese fare is prepared exquisitely and pricing is surprisingly good considering it is a five-star hotel food outlet. Safe to assume then that it is the favorite Chinese restaurant of Toyota Motor Philippines Chairman, Alfred Ty.
7.) Jasmine Restaurant
Address: 2nd floor, New World Hotel, Makati Ave., cor Esperanza St., Makati City
Jasmine, located at the second floor of the New World makes it to this list because they offer perhaps the best value Chinese meal in Makati. They offer first-class hotel quality eat-all-you-can dimsum for lunch and dinner and the fare is truly delicious. Not the usual overly salty, MSG-infused food one would expect from an eat-all-you-can restaurant. Aside from their dimsum and barbecue roastings, their live seafood selection is excellent! Should you visit, don’t just have the eat all you can option, order from the regular menu, as well!
8.) Summer Palace
Address: 2nd floor, Tower Wing, Edsa Shangri-La, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Opening its doors in 1992, Summer Palace has been ‘THE PLACE’ for the movers and shakers in Ortigas Center to enjoy the very best in Cantonese and Southern Chinese Cuisine. Specialties include their hot prawn salad with fresh fruits, the ever favorite Filipino-Chinese meal of sweet and sour pork plus their braised fish fillet with egg yolk on a hotpot. Their dimsum is also extremely delicious, plump and juicy! Rumor has it that San Miguel Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang is a regular there, no doubt because of its proximity to the SMC Main Office.
What else do you think is a must-try? Let us know!
Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone! We wish you all good luck, health and greater prosperity in the year of the dragon!
