Manila dining – Jellybeans in the City

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.

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:

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:

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.

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:

King Chef brings exclusive treats for smart diners

Unwrapping Togetherness: Locavore’s Holiday Handaan

Embrace the spirit of the season with Locavore’s festive handaan, redefining your Noche Buena classics. Dive into the warmth of cherished holiday memories as Locavore crafts an expanded menu and exclusive dishes, promising a celebration that captures the essence of Filipino Christmas traditions.

Crafting Culinary Connections

“At Locavore, we believe good food brings people together, and great food enhances the experience,” shares Mikel Zaguirre, Chef and Locavore Co-founder. This holiday season, Locavore aims to share joy and warmth through specially crafted dishes, combining the nostalgia of at-home handaans with a modern twist.

Gourmet Filipino Noche Buena

For a memorable family feast, indulge in Locavore’s Estancia-exclusive menu. Delight in succulent Bulalo Pintxos and Bistek Pintxos, paired with housemade Bagnet Chips for a crispy, zesty treat even the kids will savor. Elevate the experience with the crowd-favorite Bagnet Buro Mustasa, featuring roasted bone marrow, pickled Labanos, and Pares Jam.

Sip and Savor

Locavore introduces new gin-based fruity cocktails for the titas and titos at the table. From the lively Hardin to the fiery Antibayotiko, each Filipino fusion cocktail is designed to have you dancing the night away. Don’t miss the Melona high ball, a vodka-based spritzer for a refreshing kick.

Shared Moments, Lasting Memories

“We believe that great food has the power to bring people closer, to create lasting memories,” says Zaguirre. Locavore’s expanded menu is currently available at the Estancia branch and will soon be served at Locavore BGC, Eastwood, and S Maison branches.

Finding Joy Together

Celebrate the holidays at various Locavore branches across Manila. Whether at Brixton Barrio Kapitolyo, Forbestown Taguig, Valero St. Makati, or SM City Bacoor, Locavore ensures your festive moments are filled with good food and laughter. For added convenience, order your Locavore favorites through Grab Food and Pickaroo.

About Locavore

Founded by a group of friends passionate about food, Locavore offers a unique take on classic Filipino staples. Using locally produced ingredients, Locavore combines tradition with a playful and modern twist, bringing people together through the joy of shared meals.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

A taste of old Beijing at Dragon Court, Manila Prince Hotel

Ever since the Manila Prince’s Dragon Court reopened its doors last September, I’ve been wanting a taste of its esteemed menu. After all, this gastronomic destination is on a worthy mission: to preserve the restaurant’s cherished signature flavors while introducing a tantalizing array of new dishes, an endeavor that foodie who’s always on the lookout for delicious adventures fully supports.

Old-World Beijing Charm

The Manila Standard aptly described Dragon Court as emanating “old Beijing feels,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. Stepping into this restaurant transported me to a realm that seamlessly blended old-world Beijing charm with the excitement of contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Immersed in hues of red and gold, Dragon Court exudes an unmistakable aura of traditional grandeur. Dragon motifs, lanterns, and traditional arches gracefully adorn the restaurant, creating an ambiance that’s both regal and inviting. High-backed chairs encircle round tables equipped with iconic lazy Susans, ensuring an enjoyable, communal dining experience.

Well-Suited for a Myriad of Celebrations

Dragon Court proves to be an ideal venue for a myriad of celebrations. From intimate family dinners to larger get-togethers, this restaurant effortlessly caters to diverse occasions, making it a versatile destination for Chinese food enthusiasts seeking not just a meal but a memorable experience.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, Dragon Court offers private rooms that elevate the dining experience. I discovered that these spaces are not only perfect for intimate gatherings but also serve as splendid venues for Filipino-Chinese engagement ceremonies known as tinghun, adding a cultural and personal touch to special events.

Chinese Culinary Journey

The heart of Dragon Court lies in its culinary offerings, a diverse menu curated by Chef EJ Yap and her team. This tasty collection takes diners on a journey through classic and innovative Chinese delights, some of which I was able to enjoy during a recent visit with a friend.

Dimsum Delights

The dimsum offerings are a testament to the craftsmanship in Dragon Court’s kitchen. From the delicate folds of Xiao Long Bao (Php300/3pcs) to the burst of flavors in the Shrimp and Pork Siu Mai with Crab Roe (Php280/3pcs), each bite is a symphony of taste. The Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Php240/3pcs), more commonly known as Hakaw, with its generous and succulent filling, further elevated our dimsum experience.

Savoring Soups

I can say that Dragon Court’s soul-warming soup selections certainly started our meal right. The Eight Treasure Wintermelon Soup (Php390), a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, and the Braised Assorted Seafood and Fish Maw Soup (Php320), a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients, showcase the culinary prowess behind each creation.

Satisfying Mains

The main courses at Dragon Court are a celebration of the diverse possibilities inherent in Chinese cuisine. I can’t imagine a Chinese meal without Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php280), and this was no exception, as it pairs well with other delicious dishes such as another classic like the Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple (Php380).

The Vegetarian Stewed Eggplant in Clay Pot (Php320) offered a hearty and flavorful option, while the Braised Grouper Fillet and Vermicelli in Hotpot (Php420) was quite a sensory delight. On the other hand, the Fried Shrimp Ball with Mozzarella Cheese (Php680) presented a delectable surprise.

Sweet Endings

No culinary journey is complete without a sweet denouement, and Dragon Court delivered it in style with its Hot Almond Cream with Glutinous Rice Ball (Php120), a warm milky embrace for the taste buds, and the Mango Tapioca Pudding (Php220), which provided a refreshing and delightful conclusion to the feast.

Want a similar Chinese feast? Dine in at Dragon Court and take yourself on sumptuous journey through classic and contemporary Chinese cooking.

Dragon Court is located at Manila Prince Hotel, #1000 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila near UN Square, open daily for lunch service from 11am to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 53282222 local 1231 or email fnb@manilaprince.com.

Keep updated on Dragon Court’s menu and offers by visiting Manila Prince’s website or following the hotel on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Menu items were served at no charge in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature story.