Shi Lin's Xiao Long Bao

One of the yummiest xiao long bao(soup dumplings) in Manila!

An order of 10 pcs is priced at approximately Php265. The soup is divine! The meat and skin is drool worthy. Yum yum yum! Served with a small plate of sliced ginger, I kept on looking for the black vinegar to no avail. The table's condiments only has soy sauce, I looked around and I just saw people putting sliced ginger on top of their xiao long bao so I thought this is new. 

Xiao long bao's not as big as the ones in Taiwan I've had but this is still perfect on it's own accord. The skin has the right thinness that pairs well with the soup and meat. Everything is well proportioned for you to take one big bite. It's not too big that you have to bite a portion and see all the soup drip all over your Chinese spoon and plate and it's not too small that you can't taste the soup anymore. One xiao long bao is just right for one big bite, there is just enough space for you to chew and appreciate the dimsum's flavor. We (meaning 2 people) were able to chow down 20 pcs. of xiao long bao. 

Interior wise, this is a well lit and spacious place. However, I think they lack manpower because everyone is multi tasking and they can only accommodate so much. Nevertheless, I appreciate the staff's hard work. 

Power Plant Mall branch (near National Bookstore and TWG)

Tel. 8900005

The Aristocrat's Lumpiang Shanghai Review

This is one of the most expensive lumpiang shanghai I've had! If my memory serves me right, this is around Php260. 

I was thinking, what's so special with this lumpia? Lumpia ingredients aren't that expensive and most restaurants offer this simple dish at a fraction of the price. 

All it took was a bite from these rolls to find out why it commands such a steep price. Meat quality is excellent. According to Paolo, it's more like siomai meat. They won't offer you minced meat with a lot of extenders and fillers. They prepared whole lean meat cut into smaller pieces to fill the roll. It was that so good! 

Had this at Aristocrat's Banawe branch: 518 Banawe St. Sta. Mesa Heights Quezon City (near Philippine Orthopedic Center).

Tel. 7089772

Lam Tin Tea House Review

This place never fails to hit the spot!

No frills, gimmicks, posh ambiance or over the top food presentation, just plain good food at a good price to tickle your taste buds. 

Ordered their lechon kawali rice topping and it was really good! Meat is not too salty, pork skin is super crispy, yum! This is served with Mang Tomas sauce and atchara on the side. Had my plain rice upgraded to Yang Chow rice and it is bang for the buck, it has a lot of pork asado bits, shrimp and mixed veggies which technically makes it a rice topping on it's own.