A taste of old Chinatown at Comida China de Manila’s new location in Libis

In May of last year, my family and I were shaken up by an announcement that one of our go-to restaurants – Comida China de Manila – located along C5 in Pasig, was closing after twenty-six years of operations.

Comida China de Manila was established in 1996 along E. Rodriguez Avenue (C5 Road), serving Old Chinatown cuisine – dishes that harken back to the Cantonese panciterias that proliferated in Manila during the pre- and post-war years. It has gained renown and a loyal clientele for its homey atmosphere and its delicious classic Chinoy dishes.

We were quite saddened with the news as the restaurant had long been the setting of many memorable family meals and celebrations. It was a shame, we thought, that the pandemic precluded us from having a last meal at this landmark eatery prior to its closing.

Back in business

Well, let’s fast-forward to March 2023 when, during a grocery run at S&R along Libis, we caught sight of a familiar signage at the ground floor of the building. Oh yes, Comida China is back in a brand new location!

It took us a while to be able to eat here as we usually espy a line of diners waiting outside the restaurant whenever we passed by. However, one Sunday morning, just after attending Mass, the family was able to grab a table as the restaurant has just opened for the day.

Now under new management, the restaurant boasts of a more modern layout, though in a much smaller area, with a capacity of 50 dine-in seats (which, if memory serves me right, was about a fourth of the seating capacity of the previous location), with no areas allotted for special functions or private parties unlike the old location.

This new restaurant’s interiors also have a lighter and airier feel, thanks to the natural light streaming in from floor -to-ceiling glass windows that look out to the Libis road. Its decor still calls back to the days of Old Chinatown, thanks to tasteful wall art and shiny hardwood furniture.

Old faves are back, albeit in smaller portions

As we browsed through the menu, we were delighted to see that our old favorites are still there – the same dishes created and curated by Comida China’s celebrated cook who began his career in the original T. Pinpin Street branch in Manila.

However, due to the smaller kitchen size, the servings were also smaller, in sizes good for two people (so goodbye, bandehados!). Still, this suits my fam just fine as we could then order multiple viands to try out more flavors, such as:

Ho To Tay Soup (Php394). This savory soup is made with a rich broth that is simmered with pork, liver and shrimp. It is then garnished with vegetables and served hot, making it the perfect comfort food.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php330). This classic Chinese fried rice dish is a staple at any Chinese meal for the fam. The dish is made with day-old white rice that is stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and meat, such as shrimp, pork, or chicken. The result is a flavorful and filling dish that goes well with other Chinese viands.

Spicy Salt & Pepper Spare Ribs (Php579). These crispy and flavorful spare ribs are coated in a spicy salt and pepper mixture, deep-fried until crispy then topped with chilis and served with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Comida China Chicken (Php379). This signature dish is made with marinated bone-in chicken deep-fried until crispy then tossed in a sweet and savory red glaze.

Camaron Rebosado (Php457). This classic Filipino dish is made with large shrimp that were battered and deep-fried until crispy then served with a side of sweet and sour sauce.

The first of many

While the fam didn’t get to have our last meal at the old Comida China de Manila restaurant before it closed its doors, we were able to have our first meal at its newest one, and, thanks to its convenient location, excellent service and, of course, delicious dishes, it would definitely be the first of many.

Plus, I’ve heard from some sources that if this branch does well, there are plans to open more branches. So how about we extend some love and support to this newly opened Comida China de Manila?

As this branch is currently on soft opening, only payments via cash and credit card are accepted.

Table reservations for early lunch and dinner for groups of maximum of ten to fifteen persons are accepted during weekdays. Seating during weekends are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Comida China de Manila is located at Unit 4&5 S&R Membership Shopping, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open for dine-in and takeout Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 9pm, and Sundays from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries, contact +63 2 82819867 or +63 917 1100951.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Comida China de Manila on Facebook.