Dimsum discovery at King Chef Dimsum Kitchen, SM Cherry

Hidden within the bustling confines of SM Cherry Shaw Boulevard lies a haven for dimsum aficionados – King Chef Dimsum Kitchen. Amidst the array of dining options in the mall, King Chef stands out not only for its authentic Cantonese cuisine but also for its commitment to providing an affordable yet delectable dining experience.

After a morning of errands, I treated Hubby and my son to lunch at this branch of King Chef Dimsum Kitchen, given that it’s the branch nearest our home.

King Chef, SM Cherry
King Chef, SM Cherry
King Chef, SM Cherry
King Chef, SM Cherry

After spending hours in our car, we were glad to be greeted by the restaurants warm and inviting ambiance. Thanks to its tastefully decorated interiors, with modern touches complementing traditional Chinese elements and the heartwarming house tea, we were made to feel quite at home. It’s definitely a space where families gather, friends reunite, and for foodies to embark on culinary adventures.

Discovering new and embracing old dimsum faves

Being dimsum lovers, we went all out with our orders, opting for both olf favorites as well as venturing towards new flavors and textures. These include:

King Chef, SM Cherry
Hakaw (Php200 for 4 pcs). Plump, juicy prawns and bamboo shoots encased in delicate dumpling wrappers, steamed to perfection.
King Chef, SM Cherry
King’s Fin Dumplings (Php 160 for 4 pcs). A healthy and juicy mix of steamed pork with mushrooms, wood ear, and vegetables.
King Chef, SM Cherry
Kuchay Dumplings (Php 170 for 3 pcs). A combination of fresh pork, shrimp, and chives in a delightful steamed package.
King Chef, SM Cherry
Taro Puff (Php 195 for 3 pcs). Melt-in-your-mouth taro exterior, deep-fried to a light and crispy texture, filled with savory chicken and mushroom bits with a hint of five-spice flavor.
King Chef, SM Cherry
Buchi (Php 130 for 4 pcs). Sweet glutinous rice balls, fried to a light and crispy texture and filled with rich red bean paste.
King Chef, SM Cherry
Chef’s Reco: Almond Crusted Shrimp Balls (Php190). Flavorful balls of shrimp wrapped in almonds for extra crunch and nuttiness

Filling up on the Mains

But the dimsum extravaganza is just the beginning. King Chef Dimsum Kitchen also boasts an enticing selection of hearty and filling main courses, all at prices that won’t break the bank, such as:

King Chef, SM Cherry
Beef Wanton Noodles (Php 340). Fresh egg noodles in a comforting soup topped with tender braised beef brisket and pork and shrimp wontons.
King Chef, SM Cherry
Porkchop Noodles (Php 340). Fresh egg noodles in clear soup, served with a generous portion of crispy breaded pork chop.
King Chef, SM Cherry
White Chicken Rice (Php 270). A healthy Cantonese-style white chicken paired with ginger sauce, steamed jasmine rice, and boiled bok choy.
King Chef, SM Cherry

The King Chef Experience

Beyond the tantalizing dishes, what truly sets King Chef apart is the dining experience it offers. Every staff member, from the server to restaurant manager, is quick to anticipate our request and answer our questions about dishes and promo offers.

With a commitment to personalized service and attention to detail, the staff at King Chef ensure that every visit is a memorable one.

Behind the scenes, the story of King Chef is one of passion and dedication. Founded in 2010 by owners Michael Chan Ang and Marites Apiado-Ang, the restaurant was born out of a desire to share authentic Cantonese cuisine with the Filipino community. With a team of Filipino chefs trained in the art of Cantonese cooking, King Chef has become a beacon of excellence in the culinary landscape.

King Chef, SM Cherry
King Chef, SM Cherry
King Chef, SM Cherry
King Chef, SM Cherry

This delicious lunch with my boys clearly shows that King Chef Dimsum Kitchen offers more than just affordable dimsum – it offers a culinary journey filled with flavor, warmth, and hospitality. Whether you’re a dimsum enthusiast or simply seeking a satisfying meal, King Chef invites you to discover the delights of Cantonese cuisine without breaking the bank.

So, why not treat yourself to an affordable dimsum adventure at King Chef Dimsum Kitchen? Your taste buds will thank you.

This King Chef Dimsum Kitchen branch is located Lower Ground Floor, SM Cherry – Shaw Boulevard, Brgy. Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +639322378464, +639190791667, +639190791668 or +63287262433.

Other branches are located at:

King Chef Dimsum Kitchen:

  • 3rd Floor, 238 Banawe Centre, Panalturan & Pagataan, Brgy. Manresa, Quezon City

King Chef Seafood Restaurant:

  • West Avenue Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Quezon City
  • Phase 2 Level 3, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque City
  • 2nd Floor, Lucky Chinatown Mall Binondo, City of Manila

Know more about King Chef by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about King Chef:

Elevate your celebrations with the irresistible flavors of Chowking CHOWLEBRATION Big Order Packages

In the spirit of joy and festivity, Chowking introduces the perfect way to elevate your celebrations – the Chowking Holiday Chowlebration! Whether it’s a colleague’s achievement at work or a holiday gathering with loved ones, make every moment memorable with an abundance of good cheer and, of course, great food.

Bulk Orders for Every Occasion

Chowking’s Holiday Chowlebration packages allow you to order your favorite Chinese-style dishes in generous quantities. Ideal for family reunions, barkada hang-outs, or your next office party, these packages offer a delectable spread of Chowking’s best-selling delights. From the beloved Chinese-Style Fried Chicken Lauriat to the flavorful Siomai Chao Fan, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Chowking Holiday Chowlebration
Chowking Holiday Chowlebration (Menu)

A Feast for Everyone

What can be better than a party featuring everyone’s favorite Chinese-style food? That’s what the Holiday Chowlebration promises. Whether you’re craving the savory notes of Pancit Canton, the filling Chao Fan or the delightful bites of Dimsum and the Chinese-Style Fried Chicken, Chowking ensures there’s enough to go around for everyone to enjoy.

How to Chowlebrate

To partake in the Chowking Holiday Chowlebration, simply place an order for a minimum of Php 3000. Visit a Chowking store near you to place your order or make inquiries online through their email or social media channels. The process is convenient, ensuring you can focus on the celebration while Chowking takes care of the delicious details.

About Chowking

Chowking, established in 1985, has been the #1 Chinese restaurant in the Philippines. In 2000, it became part of the Jollibee Group, a globally recognized restaurant company. Under the Fresh N’ Famous Foods subsidiary, Chowking continues to captivate taste buds with its authentic Chinese flavors and remains a go-to destination for those seeking a delightful culinary experience.

Make your celebrations extraordinary with Chowking’s Holiday Chowlebration. Order now and let the flavors of China enhance your joyous moments!

Details provided in a recent press release.

Rediscovering Culinary Excellence: Dragon Court Reopens at Manila Prince Hotel

The Manila Prince Hotel is thrilled to unveil a long-awaited gem as part of its month-long anniversary celebration – the grand reopening of Dragon Court, its esteemed Chinese restaurant. On September 27, 2023, Dragon Court’s doors will swing open once more, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a remarkable culinary journey.

Abundance of Flavors: A Feast for the Senses

Dragon Court’s culinary team has spared no effort in preparing for this grand reopening. Their mission? To preserve the restaurant’s signature flavors while introducing an exciting array of new dishes for even the most discerning palates. Expect nothing less than a symphony of Chinese cuisine – from delicate dim sum to rich, flavorful specialties. Each plate at Dragon Court is meticulously crafted with precision and a dash of culinary passion. The menu boasts timeless classics like Shrimp Dumpling, Roasted Pork Barbecue, White Chicken with Ginger and Leeks, Eight Treasure Diced Winter Melon Soup, Honey Beef in Pepper Sauce, Lapu-Lapu Fillet in Soy Sauce, and the irresistible Baked Mango Tapioca Pudding.

Dragon Court Reopens
Dragon Court Reopens

Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu Packages: A Celebration with a Twist

In addition to the à la carte offerings, Dragon Court is introducing Mid-Autumn Festival Set Menu packages. These packages come complete with dice game paraphernalia and the chance to win special prizes. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating unforgettable memories while celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in style.

Marvin Kim Tan, Manila Prince Hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, couldn’t contain his excitement about Dragon Court’s reopening, stating, “We are delighted to reintroduce Dragon Court to our guests in celebration of Manila Prince Hotel’s anniversary. We are confident that Dragon Court will be another reason for our loyal guests to keep on coming back to our hotel and will definitely attract new clientele.”

Dragon Court Reopens
Dragon Court Reopens

Dining Times to Savor

Starting September 27, 2023, Dragon Court will be open daily to tantalize your taste buds. Join them for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm or indulge in a sumptuous dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm. For inquiries and reservations, you can reach out to them at (+632) 5328 2222 or drop an email at fnb@manilaprince.com.

About Manila Prince Hotel: A World of Comfort and Luxury

Nestled in the heart of Manila’s bustling business district, Manila Prince Hotel stands as a beacon of comfort and luxury. With 300 well-appointed rooms, 10 function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant 24-hour lobby, business center, swimming pool, and gym access, this hotel offers the perfect blend of value for money and stylish comfort.

And let’s not forget the dining options! In addition to Dragon Court, they boast Marcelino Street Café, an all-day dining restaurant. Plus, the hotel’s prime location puts it close to top tourist spots and transportation hubs. Attached to UN Square mall, it even makes shopping and dining as convenient as it gets. It’s no wonder Manila Prince Hotel is a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Dragon Court Reopens
Dragon Court Reopens

So, as Manila Prince Hotel continues its anniversary celebration, prepare your taste buds and appetite for the grand reopening of Dragon Court. It’s not just a dining experience; it’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Chinese family meal at Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

For many of us Filipinos, Chinese food has become one of our go-to cuisines when dining out.

Not only has Chinese culinary influences permeated our own cuisine, its sheer variety and rich traditions have made fans of all sorts of food lovers.

The same is true with my family. Most of the time, when craving for a break from our usual lutong-bahay, we would hie ourselves to our local Chinese restaurant.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Since my childhood, Luk Yuen has been a family favorite. After attending Mass at SM Megamall, my parents usually took my brothers and me to dinner at the Luk Yuen outlet at the basement.

Now that I have a family of my own, with each of us having our own individual preferences when it comes to food. I’m happy to rediscover my faves at the same Luk Yuen outlet that my parents used to take me to, and that, despite our widely disparate gastronomic preferences, my husbands, kids and I can all happily enjoy a meal at this restaurant.

We started our meal with complimentary Hot Chinese Tea, traditionally used by Chinese diners to help ease digestion, boost metabolism and prevent overeating, among other health benefits.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

We can’t have a meal at a Chinese restaurant without ordering a platter of Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php265). This dish consists of cooked rice sauteed in a wok together with bits or char siu pork, cooked shrimp, scrambled egg yolks, along with chopped scallions, carrots and peas. While flavorful as it is, it goes so well with other Chinese dishes.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Another staple of Chinese cuisine is dim sum, and my family members are all fans of the Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Php210). Also known as hakaw, it is made of plump shrimp and cooked pork wrapped together with aromatics in a transparent wrapper with its signature pleats. Its Cantonese name

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Deep-fried Bean Curd (Php175). A tasty appetizer also known as Crispy Tofu, it is made with cubes of soybean curd, deep fried and tossed in salt, pepper and chilis.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Birthday Noodles (Php465). Also known as Long-Life Noodles, this dish is the forebear of our own pancit and is traditionally served during one’s birthday with noodles consumed without breaking to signify a wish for a long life.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Boneless Chicken in Lemon Sauce (Php345). Marinated chicken thigh fillets, breaded and deep-fried, then drizzled with a tangy lemon sauce.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Peppercorn Spareribs (Php395). Bite-sized pork spare-ribs deep-fried to crispy juiciness and topped with garlic and served with chilled vinegar.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

With these dishes, the fam’s combined appetites were sated and we were able to revisit some of my favorite dishes from my childhood visits at Luk Yuen.

All the dishes were flavorful, satisfying and affordable, certainly a great choice for a family meal during a bout of shopping.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

This Luk Yuen branch is located at the Lower Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building B, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86334396 or +63 956 7366816.

Other branches are located at Cash & Carry, Alabang, Greenhills, Glorietta and Capitol Commons.

Classic Chinese Meal at EmERALD Restaurant

Where do you go for authentic Chinese food when you’re in the Manila-Pasay area?

Well, Hubby recently introduced our family to EmERALD Restaurant, situated along the historic Roxas Boulevard.

It’s one of those no-frills kind of Chinese eateries where occasions such as baptisms, weddings or graduation parties of loyal patrons are celebrated amidst a feast consisting of the fam’s favorite Chinese food.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

From its round tables with their corresponding Lazy Susan turntables to help distribute the wide array of dishes served family style, to the frenetic energy as wait staff quickly serve EmERALD Restaurant’s signature dishes to their waiting diners, everything about this place is quite characteristic of much-loved, old-timey Chinese joints that we visited with our parents when we were kids.

During our family’s visit at this restaurant, our brood enjoyed a delicious and bountiful lunch which consisted of:

Spinach with Garlic (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php1,020 large). A side dish made of spinach stir-fried with garlic.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Seafood Polonchay Soup (Php360 small | Php540 medium | Php1,080 large. Thick egg-drop soup made with spinach and seafood.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Three Kinds of Cold Cuts (Php350 small | Php525 medium | Php1,050 large). Platter of Chinese-style cold cuts which include asado (flavored with soy sauce, five-spice and sugar), century egg and seaweed.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php960 large). A popular wok fried rice made with pork, shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas as well as chopped scallions and carrots.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Beef with Broccoli (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1350 large). Beef strips stir-fried with garlic, ginger and brocolli.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Lemon Chicken (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1,140 large). Battered and deep-fried chicken pieces and served with a thick and sweet lemon-flavored sauce for dipping or coating.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Spare Ribs with Salt & Pepper (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1140 large). Marinated and deep-fried pieces of pork spare ribs seasoned with salt and pepper.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Camaron Rebusado (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1,350 large). Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with sweet sauce.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

Shakes (Php150). Icy shakes made with milk and fresh fruit.

Emerald Restaurant
Mango Shake
Emerald Restaurant
Melon Shake

What I love about eating at an old-timey Chinese restaurant is the layering of flavors, from the soup and sides to the mix and match of dishes in each bite. Also, given the family-style of food serving, it was a great way to introduce our kids to dishes that are new or unfamiliar to them.

Considering how many viands we ordered, I was initially doubtful if we could fully consume our spread. However, it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried at all because the fam finished off the meal with hardly any leftovers.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

EmERALD Restaurant is located at Ground Floor, Gedisco Terrace, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, open daily for dine-in and pick up from 6am to 9pm. For reservations and orders, call +63 2 70918137, +63 915 7073167 or +63 968 6009827.

To know more about EmERALD Restaurant, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Catch the holiday feels at New World Makati Hotel with festive dining feasts and gift-worthy treats

New World Makati Hotel invites family and friends for that much-awaited Christmas celebration to cap off an unforgettable year. Those looking to come together for a holiday like no other will find an array of festive dining feasts as well as gift-worthy treats to share with those they hold near and dear.

Gift-worthy Goodies at The Shop

New World Makati Hotel’s Christmas hampers and baked goodies at The Shop are an ideal way to show loved ones how special and cherished they are.

Readily made hamper boxes come in three varieties: Grand, Deluxe, and the large and small Tangerine Box. The largest one is the Grand box which includes a fruit cake, chocolate tree, rocky road marshmallows, pralines box of 20, Christmas stollen bread, Christmas cookies, chocolate Santa, Christmas mendiant, and a bottle of wine.

The Deluxe hamper comprises a fruit cake, chocolate tree, box of mendiant, Christmas cookies, chocolate Santa, rocky road marshmallows, and a bottle of wine.

A choice between a large or small Tangerine Box comes with a chocolate tree, Christmas cookies, and rocky road marshmallows for the large box; while the small box contains Christmas cookies.

The Grand, Deluxe, and large and small Tangerine Boxes are priced at PHP7,000, PHP4,500, PHP900, and PHP450, respectively. Build your own hamper boxes are also available for a minimum spend of PHP4,500. All prices are in nett.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining Offers

All-You-Can-Eat Feast at Cafe 1228

Gather over a festive feast with all-you-can-eat a la carte dishes such as roasted turkey, grilled herb and garlic striploin steak, lamb chops, shrimp, blue crab, clams, and mussels, paired with a selection of salads, pizza, pasta, and more at the Western and seafood stations of Cafe 1228. For Asian and local favorites, there is lechon de leche with paella rice, oxtail kare kare, spicy beef caldereta, pancit palabok, and pork spare ribs as well as select dim sum and noodles.

Cafe 1228’s Christmas feasts are priced at PHP2,000 nett inclusive of one glass of sparkling, white or red wine, and free flowing soda, chilled juices, and iced tea.

Set Menu & All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum at Jasmine

At Jasmine, guests will have a choice among four set menus and two vegetarian set menus, each comprising eight courses.

Set Menu 1A includes Suckling pig barbecued combination platter, Double boiled chicken soup with Chinese herbs, Steamed prawn with garlic vermicelli, Braised assorted mushrooms with fungus and bamboo pith, Spareribs with mango, mayonnaise and garden salad, Braised e-fu noodle with honey barbecued pork, Glutinous dumpling with milk chocolate and peanut filling, and Hot taro cream sago with pandan and coconut.

Set Menu 1B highlights Combination platter of Cantonese style roasted duck and roasted pork belly, Assorted seafood with wintermelon and conpoy soup, Garoupa fillet with mango and mayonnaise in lettuce cup, Braised abalone with shiitake mushroom and premium oyster sauce, Wok-fried diced beef tenderloin with XO sauce, Fried rice with barbecued pork and vegetables, Glutinous dumpling with milk chocolate and peanut filling, and Chilled mango cream sago.

Set Menu 2A features Suckling pig barbecued combination platter, Japanese conpoy with abalone shells, seafood and bamboo pith soup, Wok-fried prawn with butter and Chinese bun, Pan-fried egg with bean curd and special meat sauce, Wok-fried diced beef with chicken and XO sauce, Dan dan noodle with minced pork, Chilled mango cream sago, and Steamed piggy bun with milk egg cream.

Set Menu 2B has Cold prawn salad with mango and cucumber, Pumpkin seafood soup, Braised sea cucumber with shiitake mushroom, Wok-fried beef ribs with black pepper sauce, Braised assorted vegetables with bean curd, Fried rice with Chinese sausage and taro, Chilled almond bean curd with fruits, and Steamed piggy bun with milk and egg cream.

Vegetarian Set Menu 1 has Crispy fried bean curd sheet roll with assorted vegetables, Corn and tofu soup, Minced vegetables with mushrooms in lettuce cup, Assorted vegetables with fungus and bamboo pith, Braised country style bean curd with Taiwan pechay, Fried rice with assorted vegetables, Fried sweet taro with sesame seeds, and Hot red bean cream and lotus seed.

Vegetarian Set Menu 2 includes Crispy taro with tofu salad, Assorted vegetables with seaweed soup, Minced assorted vegetables with fried vermicelli, Fried bean curd and abalone mushroom with truffle oil, Crispy eggplant with sweet chili sauce and pine nuts, Country style fried rice with cashew nuts, Fried sweet taro with sesame seeds, and Hot red bean cream with lotus seed.

Set Menu 1 (A&B) and 2 (A&B) are priced at PHP1,888 and PHP2,088, respectively and include one glass of red or white wine, iced tea, soda or local beer. Vegetarian Set 1 and 2 are at PHP1,388 and PHP1,588, respectively and include one round of iced tea, soda or local beer. All prices are in nett.

Guests can feast to their heart’s delight on favorites such as barbecued Honey roasted pork, steamed “Har gao” shrimp dumplings, “Xiao long bao” Shanghainese pork dumplings, “Shao mai” pork and crab meat dumplings, and Barbecued pork buns, as well as Fried wonton dumplings, Seafood taro puffs,
Barbecued pork puffs, and much more.

Festive additions include Cheese and Chinese chive dumplings, Scallop and fish roe dumplings, Shrimp and cheese spring rolls, Wok-fried beef tenderloin with sweet walnuts and XO sauce, Deep-fried shrimp mango with mayonnaise, and desserts Hot red bean cream lotus seed and Chilled almond bean curd with fruits.

A selection of rice, noodle, and congee dishes are likewise available such as Fried rice “Yeung chow” style, Chicken congee with shiitake mushroom, and Braised e-fu noodle with minced pork, salted fish and spicy sauce.

All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum is available for lunch service only at PHP1,588 on 24 December and PHP1,688 on 25 December and is inclusive of one round of iced tea, soda or local beer. A limited a la carte menu will likewise be available.

Christmas Cocktails at The Lounge

The Lounge is making spirits brights with an array of Christmas cocktails comprising Berry Smash, Eggnog, Red Sangria and White Sangria. Each cocktail is priced at PHP495 nett. A minimum spend of PHP800 nett on these drinks entitles guests a chance to win a special prize.

Bring New World Home with Holiday Platters

Those who choose to celebrate the Yuletide season at home can savor the festive flavors of New World with premium holiday platters ideal for intimate celebrations. A choice of eight set menus or a curate-your-own menu are available and is deal for families or groups of ten.

To view each of the eight set menus, guests can visit the website here.

Set Menus 1 to 4 are priced at PHP13,000++ while Set Menus 5 to 8 are at PHP15,000++. Optional drink add-ons are canned soda or chilled juice, local beer or a bottle of red or white house wine. Add-on rates will apply. Delivery fee is PHP600 within Makati and BGC, PHP1,200 for Taguig and within Pasay, Manila, Mandaluyong and PHP1,500 within the rest of Metro Manila.

The New World Makati Holiday Brochure can be viewed here.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can fill up the online order form, call +632 8811 6888 ext. 3679, send a message on Viber at +63 917 888 4194 or e-mail fbreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.

Details and images provided by New World Makati Hotel in a recent press release.