Tag: Taiwanese cuisine

Fabulous Asian feasts for fam and friends at Manila Ocean Park

The summer season brings with it awesome opportunities to explore the metro’s sights with your nearest and dearest while taking advantage of the myriad of delectable food choices that Manila has to offer.

Take Manila Ocean Park, for example. Not only is it the Philippines’ first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination, it also serves up a lot of great dining selections for a fabulous foodie adventure for fam and friends.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats

You won’t have to worry if you work up an appetite while visiting the park’s eight exciting attractions; you can easily and deliciously sate your appetite with these in-park restaurants.

Makan-Makan Asian Food Village

The park’s famous Asian fusion restaurant seeks to bring back authentic Asian flavors that Pinoys love, thanks to its recently revamped menu, carefully crafted to satisfy diverse palates while keeping to the spirit and culture behind every dish.

Whether you’re keen to fill the tummies of an entire family or just want to explore fresh tastes and textures of Asian cuisine, Makan Makan Asian Food Village should be right up your alley!

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Chili Crab (Php1,199). A Singaporean classic – plump crab coated in a tantalizing blend of spicy, sweet, and savory chili-tomato sauce.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Salted Egg Crab (Php1,299). Succulent crab draped in a luxurious salted egg yolk sauce, resulting in the marriage of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Black Pepper Crab (Php1,199). A flavor explosion of whole crabs drenched with cracked black pepper, garlic, and butter, delivering a deliciously fiery kick.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Fish Steamboat – Bangus (Php850). A heartwarming hotpot of fresh bangus slices, vegetables, tofu, and noodles simmering in a savory broth.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Mango Salsa Fish – Tilapia (Php420). Grilled tilapia fillets crowned with a zesty mango salsa, resulting in a symphony of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Salted Egg Prawn (Php450). Plump prawns cloaked in a crispy salted egg yolk, offering a delectable interplay of creamy indulgence and savory satisfaction.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Oatmeal Cereal Chicken (Php250). Crispy chicken coated in a golden oatmeal cereal crust, served with a side of zesty chili sauce.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Kam Heong Pork Rib (Spicy Sweet Pork Ribs) (Php300). Malaysian-style pork ribs sautéed with dried shrimp, curry leaves, and chili in a fragrant “Kam Heong” sauce.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Thai Chili Tofu (Php250). Soft tofu deep-fried to a golden crisp, bathed in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce, and crowned with a sprinkle of green onions, grated carrots and sesame seeds.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Chopsuey (Php220). A colorful stir-fry bursting with fresh flavors and bathed in a light savory sauce that evolved into a Pinoy staple ulam.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Malay Fried Noodles (Php400). A tantalizing twist on traditional noodles, brimming with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Crispy Noodles (Php380). A hearty feast of stir-fried noodles with an array of meats, delivering a symphony of rich and satisfying flavors in every mouthful.
Makan Makan
Laksa. A spicy noodle dish prepared with a rich and spicy coconut curry soup that beautifully melds traditional spices with contemporary culinary techniques.
Makan Makan
Makan Roasted Chicken. Succulent marinated chicken slow-roasted to perfection.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Seafood Fried Rice (Php250). Fragrant fried rice teeming with juicy shrimp, squid, and scallops, and garnished with a flourish of spring onions, a perfect companion to Makan Makan’s signature viands.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
A fabulous Asian feast at Makan Makan

As if that array of mouthwatering dishes is not reason enough to hie yourself over to Makan Makan, the restaurant ups the ante with these irresistible promo offers!

Manila Ocean Park Eats
For just Php850, fill up on Fish Steamboat that comes with 3 FREE cans of Pepsi Lime and 3 cups of Steamed Rice
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Add Php120 to your order of Chili Crab or Black Pepper Crab to pair it with FREE can of ice-cold Cerveza Blanca and 2 FREE bottles of San Mig Light

Makan Makan Asian Food Village is located at the 2nd Floor, Hotel H2O, Manila Ocean Park Complex, Luneta, Ermita, Manila. For more details on its menu and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Shanghai Noodle & Porridge

At Shanghai Noodle & Porridge, innovation meets tradition as time-honored recipes combine with the freshest ingredients, crafting an tasty yet affordable culinary experience that transcends boundaries. And talk about fresh: noodles are here are made from scratch and pulled upon order in just 10 seconds, thanks to its noodle-making machine. At Php180/bowl, you’re all set for a dining escapade that’s quick, filling and flavorful.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Seafood Lomi Supreme merges Filipino flavors with Tian Mian soup. Featuring premium seafood sourced from the bountiful Philippine seas, this dish boasts a luscious broth infused with Tian Mian Jiang, delivering a symphony of savory-sweet sensations.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Zha Jiang Mian, Beijing’s signature dish that embodies the essence of Northern Chinese tradition, is a bowl of perfectly cooked noodles draped in a savory sauce crafted from fermented soybean paste and tender minced porkand enhanced with crisp, fresh vegetables.

Shanghai Noodle & Porridge is located at Ground Floor, Manila Ocean Park Complex (beside Taiwan Eating House), Luneta, Ermita, Manila.

Taiwan Eating House

Taiwan Eating House beckons you into a world of Taiwanese culinary delights, featuring beloved classics. Here, you can savor the rich tapestry of flavors that define the island’s culinary heritage as traditional recipes intertwine with contemporary twists.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan (Php160). Slow-cooked pork belly, infused with fragrant garlic, crispy fried shallots, and a whisper of five-spice powder, nestled atop a bed of steamed rice and adorned with a perfectly hard-boiled egg and fresh bok choy.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Sheng Jian Bao (Php80/2pcs). Soft flour dough enveloping succulent pork meat and aromatic onion leeks, resulting in bursts of savory goodness and a tantalizing glimpse into the heart of Taiwanese street food culture.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Guotie (Php120/6pcs). Finely chopped pork meat and fresh kuchay encased in a delicate flour-based wrapper and enhanced with a touch of rose wine.
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Crispy Beef Pancake (Php70/pc). A Taiwanese beef roll experience, featuring tender slow-cooked beef complemented by a sweet bean sauce and generous sprinkling of green scallions, encased in a crispy pancake.

Taiwan Eating House is located at Ground Floor, Manila Ocean Park Complex (beside Shanghai Noodle & Porridge), Luneta, Ermita, Manila.

Twist Treats

Nothing rounds off a summer adventure than some frozen sweets! Fortunately, Twist Treats’s signature Egg Waffle Overload (Php120 each), a marriage of crispy egg waffles with velvety ice cream topped with marshamallows, candy sprinkles and chocolate chips, hit the spot perfectly. Each loaded waffle is meticulously prepared to order, ensuring freshness.

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Egg Waffle Overload with Strawberry Ice Cream
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Egg Waffle Overload with Vanilla Ice Cream
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Egg Waffle Overload with Chocolate Ice Cream
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Time to cool down with this frozen delight!

Twist Treats is located at the entry of Manila Ocean Park Complex (beside the ticket booth), Luneta, Ermita, Manila.

So go ahead and take the time to go on summer outing with your kith and kin at Manila Ocean Park: enjoy itsfun and educational attractions, and be sure to treat your companions to tasty culinary delights while you’re there!

Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats
Manila Ocean Park Eats

Know more about Manila Ocean Park’s attractions and food selections by following it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Book your tickets now through its website.

Disclosure: I attended food tasting events held at the restaurants mentioned here. Food items were served at no cost in exchange for honest feedback and this feature.

Check out my previous posts about great eats at Manila Ocean Park:

Gourmet Food Trippin’ at Manila Ocean Park
HAPAG: Your destination for comforting Filipino food during your Manila Ocean Park adventure

Taiwanese Culinary Bliss at Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Are you on the hunt for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine that will leave your taste buds singing? Well, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This award-winning Taiwanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Xiaolongbao, has found its way to the heart of the Philippines, and it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience!

The Moment Group brought the magic of Din Tai Fung to the Philippines in 2015, opening its first branch at the ever-vibrant SM Megamall. Since then, this food haven has expanded to other locations, including BGC, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia, delighting the metro’s foodies.

During a recent shopping trip with my Hubby and son at SM Megamall, we treated ourselves to a Taiwanese feast for lunch at Din Tai Fung.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
The Meaning Behind the Name

Ever wondered about the meaning behind Din Tai Fung’s name? Each character holds significance that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s vision. “鼎” (Din) stands for Wok, symbolizing the traditional cooking method used to create some of their delectable dishes. “泰” (Tai) represents Peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Din Tai Fung – a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for you to indulge in Taiwanese goodness. Finally, “豐” (Fung) stands for Abundance, promising a dining experience that leaves you fully satisfied and wanting more.

The Concept and Ambiance

Similar to other Din Tai Fung restaurants, the ambiance of its SM branch is marked by simplicity and understated charm.

While waiting for our table, we watched the expert chefs busily crafting the dimsum and rolling noodles from scratch.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The newly renovated interiors feature light wood walls elegantly adorned with LED screens and anime-style posters, minimalist wooden tables and chairs, and a relaxed dress code which set the stage for a laid-back yet elegant dining experience.

Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Din Tai Fung promises an atmosphere that allows you to focus on what truly matters – the food.

Efficient Ordering, Serving, and Payment Process

One of the most unique aspects of dining at Din Tai Fung is the efficient and interactive ordering process. As my Hubby, son, and I settled into our seats, we were handed a clipboard with a list of mouthwatering dishes. Excited to explore the menu, we ticked off the dishes we craved, specifying the serving size and quantity we desired. Our choices were swiftly logged into the restaurant’s system, and a printed list was posted on our table to guide the servers in delivering the dishes we ordered.

After our meal, we settled our bill at the counter where payments via cash, credit or debit cards, Maya e-wallet are accepted.

The Mouthwatering Taiwanese Feast

Our lunch feast at Din Tai Fung was a combination of our all-time Taiwanese food faves as well as new dishes we wanted to try. The resulting symphony of flavors whisked us away to the streets of Taiwan.

Din Tai Fung’s iconic Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php375) are delicate parcels of heaven. Thanks to a visual guide shown by the wait staff, we were able to savor the full experience of eating our xiao long bao. This involved dipping our dumpling in a sauce made with made with ginger slivers, soy sauce and vinegar, placing it on a spoon and poking a small home into to release the broth, and then gently biting into it to get the full flavor explosion from the soup and the luscious pork filling.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Hubby couldn’t resist the Hot Sour Soup (Php215). The tangy, spicy, and savory broth filled with vegetables and tofu warmed him up for the rest of the meal.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Apparently, I also couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pork Roasted Garlic Bun (Php175), thanks to the rich, savory flavor of its pork, garlic, and scallions filling combined with the fluffy, steamed bun.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The Shrimp Shao Mai (Php255), on the other hand, is a treat to the eyes and tastebuds, thanks to its delicate wrapper and the sweetness of shrimp mingled with pork and mushrooms.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

To balance our indulgence, we savored the Organic Spinach (Php285), lightly stir-fried with garlic and scallions. This simple yet delightful dish was a refreshing break, adding a dose of health to our feast.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The Salted Egg Squid (Php465), made with crispy, tender squid slices coated in a salty, savory egg batter, is an old favorite that we can always go for.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The 3 Cups Chicken (Php305), on the other hand, was a delicious viand cooked to perfection in a soy sauce, ginger, and scallion sauce; the chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by the rich sauce.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Of course, we couldn’t skip the Shrimp Fried Rice (Php275), a delightful combination of shrimp, chicken, and vegetables tossed in a fragrant soy sauce, ginger, and scallion base. The crispy rice and the medley of flavors complemented the other dishes in our meal.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Din Tai Fung at SM Megamall is quite worth a visit, with every dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The ambiance is inviting, the service impeccable, and the flavors unforgettable.

So, foodies, if you’re looking for an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that’s full of peace and abundance, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Head over to their branches across Metro Manila and embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones while savoring some of the finest Taiwanese cuisine around.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

This Din Tai Fung branch is located at Level 2, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89971935 or +63 919 0845376.

Other branches in Metro Manila are located at:

CityAddressOperation HoursContact Number
Pasay CityLevel 1 South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)+63 2 85271364 / +63 928 5124433 / +63 928 5181466
Quezon City 2nd floor, City Center, SM North EDSA10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)+63 2 84590292
TaguigLG/C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City11 AM-11 PM (Mon-Thu)
10 AM-1 AM (Fri-Sat)
11 AM-1 AM (Sun)		+63 2 88091865 / +63 919 0785209
Makati CityR1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center11 AM-9 PM (Mon-Thu)
11 AM-10 PM (Fri)
10 AM-10 PM (Sat)
10 AM-9 PM (Sat)		+63 2 88382344 / +63 919 0845732 / +63 960 4383830
Makati CityLevel 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center11 AM-9 PM (Sun-Thu)
11 AM-10 PM (Fri-Sat)		+63 2 71211933 / +63 919 0845370

Stay updated on Din Tai Fung’s menu and offers by visiting The Moment Group’s website or by following Din Tai Fung on Facebook and Instagram.