12 April. 2026 3.8 stars. Side note. Seems like it took…read moreforever to walk through huge Greenbelt 5 to locate this place from the angle we came in. Good exercise. Wife and I shared small orders of Sizzling Lamb, Sweet and Sour Pork of course as we are Americans, Chicken Shrimp fried rice and Fish filet hot pot. The overall experience was good for the service and the atmosphere. The hot pot filet fish was ordered because we wanted broth or soup and it is served as more of a stir fry in a hot metal pot here. The filet was cut into bite-sized sized pieces and breaded. Tasted good but I shy away from glutan. I didn't expect fish McNuggets. The fried rice had too much dry chicken breast meat mixed in. The dishes that came mixed with vegetables came mixed with some green stems that were inedible. Just a caution. The prices I thought were reasonable. They charge extra for tea which should come with the meal as cheap as tea is. If you want roast duck hou have to buy the entire thing. No duck halves. We came here for the duck but there was just two of us. The Men's Comfort room had no Toilet Paper. Some places in the PI don't supply this. I notified the staff in case this place does provide. BYO paper just in case. Honestly we might come back after reading other reviews. The staff are friendly and efficient. Maybe we ordered the wrong dishes.

This is one of the places in which I would go to for duck. I enjoyed their presentation. There's…read moresomeone who carves out the skin. We asked her to prepare the wraps for us. The Golden Prawns with Salted Egg is one of my favorites here. I happen to love salted egg. It's an acquired taste. There is someone who usually removes the bones for the Steamed Fish Fillet with Preserved Vegetables, but this time, there were more bones found while trying to eat it. Sautéed French Beans with Minced Garlic was a good choice. I usually order it with extra garlic.

We reserved a table through Zomato the night before we dine, but when we came at the restaurant on…read morethe reservation day (Lunar New Year), our reservation wasn't recognized. Good thing there was a table available to accommodate us. Despite the little mix-up, we enjoyed their Hototay Soup, Shrimp Puff, Chicken Feet, Beancurd Roll, and Birthday Noodles. The restaurant gets full during lunchtime, and we had to request for water seven times before it was served. The waiting table crew looked confused and lost and didn't know which table to attend to. Requests, food, and drinks took more than 30 minutes to be served, but the dishes were served warm. I think they need to have a system where a certain service crew is assigned to a number of tables, so diners won't be confused whom to call and follow up on a request. Definitely good for groups, but we might consider other dining options if we were at Lucky Chinatown Mall.

In Divisoria on Reina at the relatively new Lucky Chinatown mall, went to this large venue on the…read morerecommendation of some Chinese pinoy, and were disappointed: for decades in North America and Asia we've come to know good Chinese food when it hits our palate. This is not not not good! It's rice was low quality, the dishes we ordered with anticipation were slop, flavours were dull and boring, and we will never go back. We'd wanted to go to President's Restaurant where the dim sum used to be uncharacteristically excellent for the old Chinatown in Binondo, but the rain, the crowded streets, and mostly corrupt transportation services prevented us from making it. So we settled for this drek! Ah, don't bother if you know good Chinese food? So distasteful that I forget what we ordered! Pretends to be high-end in status but just bolabola! Give us a little hole-in-the-wall with line-ups over this pretentious farce. Don't go there if you want flavour, texture and value. Bleh...

Som's was one of the first authentic Thai restaurants in the country, and was one of the first…read morehole-in-the-wall restaurants to gain traction. Located in the heart of Rockwell, Som's has now upgraded with air conditioning and a much more hygienic dining area. Luckily, the food is still good. While it must be said that serving sizes have become smaller since Som's first came to prominence, the flavors have not. Classic Thai dishes are still the specialty of the house. The Pad Thai, while sweeter and redder than expected, still offers a nice balance of sweet and spicy, with noodles still slightly firm. The noodles go well with any of the Thai curries, which are my favorite. Uniquely to Som's, as far as I know, the curries are almost fully customizable. You can choose curry type (Red, Yellow, or Green), Protein (Beef, Pork, Seafood, or Veggie), and level of heat (Spicy is best, but be careful). As you might expect, the curries here are Thai style, with the sweet creaminess of coconut milk to mellow the spices and some curry leaf to give additional depth. Aside from Pad Thai, Som's has a selection of Thai-style fried rice. The Bagoong rice is recommended,as the proportion of bagoong and green mango is just right. In case the spice is getting you, cool yourself down with Pomelo salad, with shrimp and chicken, and their excellent Thai Milk Tea. Finish your meal with Sticky Rice and Mango, another Thai Favorite. I did dock Som's a star for being too Filipinized, however. If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine, this isn't the place to be. Everything is a bit too sweet and too mild for my taste. Admittedly, that's a taste that prefers very spicy foods and doesn't like sweet food, but hey, this is my review. The amendment to the taste will probably work well for most Pinoys, though. Aside from that, Som's is hard to beat for Thai Food in Metro Manila. So long as you order everything as spicy as you can (if you can handle it), it's a worthy destination for a food trip.

Me: Ate, ano po yung 'Tofu & Togue'? Waitress: Uhm. Sir…read more.. Tofu po... na may togue. (Oo nga naman! Toinks!) Such was the exchange that happened between me and the waitress over at Som's Noodle House when I visited earlier with my friends - yet another memory added to all the great and hilarious experiences that I have had in this authentic Thai street food place to date. I used to go here a lot with friends after drunken romps in the Williamsburgos pubs, and I haven't been back recently so I decided to brave the traffic all the way from Quezon City. We arrived after the dinner rush, so the service was fast and efficient. As usual, my friends and I ordered the vegetarian red curry with the spicy basil fried rice. We also had the chicken satay with peanut sauce (because our favorite chicken pandan wasn't available) and then the tofu and togue, which was the source of confusion in the conversation that I described above. It turned out to be firm pieces of tofu in sweet soy sauce, with fresh bean sprouts. Everything was delicious, and we were ravenously hungry that everything was gone in minutes flat. We downed everything in the Thai milk tea, which they serve in small bottles. I will keep coming back for more. Always a great time when there's good Thai food and lots of laughs with my crazy friends.

Max's Restaurant is one of the oldest running establishments in the Philippines. In my childhood…read moredays, we always celebrate here with my Lola's and family. Truly it has become a legacy in serving Filipino dishes that truly goes to the heart of their customers. Since their tag line is "The house that Fried Chicken Built," what more should we order from them? Max's Fried Chicken is always a favorite of every diner here. Chicken is not dry and its tender. Partner it with banana ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, it is perfect! They have a Fiesta Platter that let's you enjoy their Fried Chicken and Fresh Lumpia. This is what I always order because I also love their version of Fresh Lumpia. You can also order you old time favorite Filipino dishes here like Kare-Kare, Sinigang, and a lot more. Visit the nearest Max's Restaurant in your place and enjoy your favorite Filipino dishes as it reminds you of your childhood days.

Good food.... cozy place... What I love about The Dimsum…read morePlace is their menu from veggies to meats. the must try is the crispy fried shrimp dumplings and if you want something spicy cucumber with century egg is the best

My family's longtime Chinese go-to spot where we order the same thing everytime: salted fish fried…read morerice, century egg and jellyfish, sweet and sour pork, hot prawns salad, har gow. Add in the peking duck done one-way and a veggie dish from time to time, and that's the last decade plus of us going to Gloria Maris.

Amazing space, huge banquet hall with insanely high ceilings and a flood of natural light during…read morethe day. You pull up to the front door and it's like an entrance to a fancy hotel with a door person who can help with people getting in and out of a car. Almost seems like there would be valet service but nope someone's gotta park the car around the corner. Entrance has a huge seafood tank with would rival a tourist museum/aquarium. I heard there are 3 levels, the bottom being general public, and other 2 for different levels of reserved dining probably a floor just for big banquets for weddings. Tofu Spinach Soup (4*) Very simple soup of thickened broth (chicken/seafood) with delicate ribbons of spinach leaves and silky bits of tofu. Very mild but a perfect start to whet the appetite. Roast Crisp Chicken (4*) This could be a Filipino/Chinese hybrid prep. Definite soy flavor in the chicken and roasted very crisp that the skin is so rendered and crisp. The meat is on a little on the dry side but I think many Filipinos like it that way. Yangchow Fried Rice (4*) Basic Hong Kong style fried rice with peas, scallion, diced pork and small shrimps. Back in my younger days I could make a meal with just a big bowl of this. This version was okay, I prefer more wok hei but still decent. Seafood Pan Fried Noodles (3.5*) This was just okay to me. Sauce kinda muted and seafood not memorable. Just average. Sweet & Sour Pork (4.5*) I usually don't order this for myself, but my family usually does. This was one of the best versions I've ever had. First off the pork is so crisp on the outside and so tender inside. Then the sauce was totally made in the pan by caramelizing sugar and adding vinegar and something orangish. It wasn't bright red, kinda burnt orange. And that prominent caramel flavor in the background was so eyebrow raising. Steamed Whole Fish (5*) Straight from one of the tanks, some sea bass type of fish, looked real similar to a branzino type of fish. Maybe a pound and a half to 2 pounds, so the fish was so tender and supple. Simply steamed and dressed with that slightly sweet soy and lots of slivered ginger and fresh cilantro. I love this dish anywhere I go, and here was no different. Mango Sago (4*) Don't think they automatically give out complimentary desserts, as this came out in a big tureen after we requested it. I didn't see the bill so not entirely sure. But this is a chilled fruit soup of sorts. Super fresh mango flavor like definitely not from a frozen puree, like I taste from the U.S. This is a tropical country where fresh mangos are super easy to find, thus pretty cheap too. I almost ate mangoes every day on my trip, and I know that fresh mango sensation, very floral in aroma. This soup was perfect texture, not too thick and just enough tiny tapioca pearls (sago) to not make this just seem like thick mango juice. BUT the most unsweetened version I've ever had, like the only sugar was from the fruit. But I suppose I'd rather have the sweetness be a little muted than over done with it being cloyingly sweet. I found out that this is where my family likes to go when they want to celebrate something and sit at a big table for 8-10 peeps. This type of dining is perfect for that as everyone gets to eat family style and just share everything. And let's face it, banquet Cantonese food is a favorite for any Asian culture. This country has a long history with Chinese food, from even actual citizens learning and professionally cooking in that style. I did like how I did see some integration of Filipino taste in classic Chinese dishes, made our occasion that much more fitting. I'm a big time fan. I'm sure I'll see this place again on future visits as my fam are regulars here.

Shang Palace Christmas Set Menu Review…read more We had the Christmas Day set menu at Shang Palace, priced at around ₱2,800 per head, with higher-tier options at ₱4,000 and ₱6,000. For the price, this was a very satisfying experience and a great option for a festive family lunch. The ambience is classic Shang Palace, elegant, quiet, and slightly majestic, perfect for a Christmas celebration. Service was attentive and polished throughout, with good pacing between courses and no feeling of being rushed. The meal started with dim sum, which set the tone nicely. The siomai and shrimp rolls were standouts, delicate, flavorful, and clearly made with quality ingredients. The beancurd roll was also very good, crisp on the outside with a well-seasoned filling. Among the mains, the Wok-Fried US Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper Sauce was a highlight, tender slices of beef in a rich, savory, slightly peppery sauce that felt comforting and indulgent without being heavy. The seafood dish featuring scallops served in a crispy taro nest was both visually impressive and enjoyable, paired with vegetables that balanced the dish well. A mushroom and vegetable dish with bok choy came in a glossy, traditional sauce and complemented the meat dishes nicely. The fried rice was fragrant, well-cooked, and generously studded with meat and egg, the kind that keeps disappearing from the table. Dessert was the only weak point. It was a taro-based sweet soup with sago, similar to ginataan, and felt underwhelming compared to the rest of the meal. Overall, this was a very good Christmas set menu. The food was consistently well-prepared, the ambience elevated the occasion, and the service lived up to expectations. The ₱2,800 set already delivers solid value, though those looking for more premium ingredients may want to explore the higher-priced options. A great choice for holiday dining, just manage expectations for dessert.

From the moment one walks towards Shang Palace, one is immediately impressed by how well appointed…read morethis restaurant is. In preparation for Chinese New Year, they had festive red lanterns hanging from the ceiling that didn't take away from the crystal chandeliers. There were regular tables but we preffered the booths that were slightly elevated and were definitely more private. The staff is very well trained, attentive, ever-present without being obsequious. We learned that every team member helps serve each table, from taking orders to pouring water, serving tea, etc. And all tips are shared. That's great way to promote teamwork and camaraderie. We opted for the Yum Cha, a Cantonese tradition literally meaning "drink tea," referring to a brunch meal where various Chinese teas are enjoyed alongside "dim sum"--small, shareable, steamed, fried, or baked dishes. In our case, that meant dim sum, as many as one can order for one set fee. They have an extensive selection that should please every palate. We ordered pork, chicken, seafood, tofu, even chicken feet. And every single dish was scrumptious. We made the suggestion that they change their tea pots into copper or something else that will retain heat. Their current ceramic tea pots just didn't keep the tea hot enough and we had to keep asking for new pots because our tea got cold very fast. The Shangri-la where Shang Palace is located is another matter. A very elegant hotel that offers venues for all kinds of celebrations. What we noticed was that as busy as it was, it seemed quite serene. It was quiet and very clean, a real show piece.

Philippine Vacay 03-2025…read more Got a history lesson from Manila. This is the very first Chinatown in the world which was established in the Philippines in the 1800s! We wanted Chinese food so we went to the heartland of Manila's Chinatown. We got dropped off on the Grab App in a basic Chinatown location. Upon being dropped off, we stumbled on this Chinese restaurant. We got in and the restaurant was cool and clean. We were greeted nicely and was seated to our table. Ordered crabs, shrimp, fried rice, lobster entree, Birds nest soup, and broccoli beef. Everything was superb. No complaints. The ambiance of this place reminded me of a bruce lee movie I watched not to long ago. This was a safe heaven for being comfortable away from the heat. I would definitely come back again. The food was well worth it. Delicious! Pricing was cheap for all entrees except the lobster entree. They got me on that one. I did not understand the cost at the time of order. For a party of 10, the final bill was very cheap, minus the lobster which was almost $100 us dollars. Smh Place is a Gem in Chinatown.

I went on a guided walk around Manila's Chinatown, apparently the oldest one in the world, and we…read moreended with lunch at President Grand Palace Restaurant. This was my first time in Manila, but the restaurant felt familiar, with a classic universal Chinatown vibe. A spacious dining room with huge tables and a worn-in banquet hall vibe. Lazy susans, dragons and red lanterns, laminated menus a thousand items long. Service was fast and polite, and we were in and out in about an hour. Our guide took care of the ordering, curating a nice spread from that giant menu, which had whole half-page sections for shark's fin and pigeon and frog. We didn't get any of those, but we did have some bird's nest soup, which I think was a first for me. It was interesting, if not especially delicious, kind of a goopier version of an egg drop soup. I didn't bother looking up the dish until now, and have just learned that I ate soup made with hardened bird saliva. Yum. Everything else was less exotic, and it was all pretty tasty, if not especially memorable. I liked the salt and pepper fried squid and the sautéed scallops with broccoli. There was a pot of breaded fish and tofu in a nice, soupy, flavorful sauce. The sweet and sour pork with pineapple appealed to my American Chinese-loving palate, as did the shrimp and pork fried rice. We didn't have dessert, but many of us did indulge in some cold sweet beverages, great for a hot Manila day. I liked both the calamansi juice and the green mango shake, a pleasantly sour, frosty drink made with unripe mango. I wouldn't go out of my way for this restaurant, but it's a solid spot for an indulgent Chinese meal if you're visiting Manila's Chinatown. I had a good time at President Grand Palace, and do not regret the bird saliva soup.