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Must-Try Chinese Restaurants in Metro Manila
March 25, 2024
Must-Try Chinese Restaurants in Metro Manila
Certain cravings can only be satisfied with Chinese food. Birthdays or anniversaries? Pancit is a must! Tough time at work? One serving of Xiao Long Bao will surely cheer you up.
Filipinos have a special affinity for Chinese food. It’s not only served during celebrations but it has become part of our palate and our culture. Let this guide take both seasoned Chinese cuisine aficionados and newcomers on a journey through the heart and soul of Chinese culinary artistry in the vibrant backdrop of Metro Manila.
4 Best Chinese Restaurants in Metro Manila
The influence of Chinese cuisine on Filipino food and culture is deeply ingrained, dating back centuries to when Chinese traders and immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the archipelago. This culinary fusion has given rise to a distinct Filipino-Chinese gastronomic identity that is now integral to the country's culinary landscape.
The featured Chinese restaurants in Metro Manila contribute significantly to this cultural amalgamation, acting as modern-day ambassadors of Chinese culinary traditions within the Filipino context.
Hua Yuan - Brasserie Chinoise
Hua Yuan - Brasserie Chinoise promises a decadent dining experience. Led by a Shanghainese chef, Xi Qiao Yuan (Chef Kevin), the restaurant specializes in Shanghainese cuisine.
The interior decor captures the opulence of Chinese culture - from the dandelion-shaped chandeliers to the splash sculptures, everything screams elegance. Apart from its stellar menu, the ambiance of Hua Yuan - Brasserie Chinoise further contributes to the satisfying experience. The area is spacious and cozy. For diners who want a bit more quiet atmospehere, their private booths can accommodate up to 12 people.
If you visited during its opening, you need another visit soon as they just released a new menu that included Cantonese and Sichuan dishes. For your appetizers, try their Braised Beef Shank with Homemade Chili Oil or Rice Cake with Dried Scallops. Dumpling lovers will love their deep-fried pork dumplings which combine the texture of a Shanghainese pan-fried pork bun and the juicy pork filling of a Xia Long Bao.
Apart from those popular dishes, they also have seafood and dessert options that you should not miss!
Chairman Fu Hotpot Bar
We Filipinos love our soups and noodles in whatever form they may come. That’s why hotpot is such a big hit with us. There’s only one spot for the best hotpot in Manila—Chairman Fu!
Said to be the first-ever hotpot bar in Manila, Chairman Fu combines an Instagrammable location with impressive menu options and of course, their personalized hotpot! You can choose your preferred broth—beef, satay, laksa, and many more. Mix in your beef, seafood, and vegetables of choice. Add in your selected condiments and voila! Your hotpot is ready.
Chairman Fu can also accommodate groups. If other members don’t want hotpot, the restaurant also serves appetizers, fried rice, and yummy desserts!
Boss Kitchen 
Wanna know what it’s like to dine like royalty? Head over to Boss Kitchen in Hotel Okura Manila. With an unassuming facade, you don’t immediately get the typical Chinese restaurant vibe from this establishment.
Led by Cham Kin Ming, former personal chef for Hong Kong business magnate Li Ka-Shing, Boss Kitchen offers Cantonese and Sichuan recipes that have the personal touches of Chef Cham and Chef Roy Angeles.
If you’re willing to spend on a luxurious feast fit for royalty, request their Michelin Menu. This 10-course meal includes the crème de la crème of their best ingredients and cooking techniques. From the tantalizing appetizers that spark the taste buds to the exquisite desserts that conclude the meal, this course is a symphony of flavors meticulously curated for those who seek the peak of gastronomic delight.
Man Ho
Fun fact: Man Ho is the direct Chinese translation for Marriott. The head of Man Ho’s kitchen is Hong Kong native Chef Law Wui Wing who has been cooking since 15 years old.
This restaurant is fitting for any occasion with its 140 seats and 6 private dining areas. Their assortment of starters, soups, and entrees will ensure that all kinds of preferences are accommodated. Take note that their dim sum is only available during lunchtime. Get your fill of Har Gao that doesn’t skimp on the shrimp and Pork Sew Mai that gives you the real deal.
Chicken and pork are quite common dishes when eating at restaurants and Man Ho gives you the chance to be a little adventurous with their Roasted Goose (availability differs).
Indulge in a culinary journey at Man Ho, where tradition meets innovation on every plate, creating an unforgettable dining experience for all.
Conclusion
Each restaurant weaves its own story, combining traditional flavors with contemporary twists, and inviting patrons to embark on a culinary exploration that transcends normal dining—it becomes an experience that lingers in the memory, creating a harmonious fusion of Chinese and Filipino gastronomic cultures.