Shi Lin at the Podium

Right now, there are a lot of Xiao Long Bao stores opening in Manila. There's Suzhou for one, and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, and now, there's Shi Lin restaurant in the 3rd level of The Podium in Pasig.



We visited a few days after it opened. They say it's one of the version of the famous Din Dai Fung of Taiwan, but I have yet to try it there. It's now a growing trend to have a see-through kitchen where you can observe how they prepare your food.



Of course, we had to try their Xiao Long Bao, to compare with all others we've tried. We loved it. I say it's one of the best, in you just consider the taste. It's not as big as the ones served in Suzhou, but a crate has 6 pcs in it. Suzhou's shredded ginger and Chinese black vinegar, the one you dip your Xiao Long Bao in, is still the best in my opinion.



We also got their version of Shrimp and Pork Dumpling, which is equally good. You could taste a good combination of shrimp and pork. Next time I would love to try their Shrimp and Pork Shaomai, which I heard tastes better.



Another dish we ordered was the Noodles with Spicy Sesame & Peanut Sauce. Although I would say that the dish was a lot smaller than we expected (because the serving size is only good for one) the overall taste is great. The noodles were cooked a bit on the al dente side, and the flavors of the spicy sesame and peanut sauce is just fantastic! I tried mixing it with the rice, and it was just insanely yummy.



The last dish we got was the Drunken Chicken. It was my first time to be able to sample a cold dry chicken dish served with soup. It was a little bit odd for my taste, but with soy and chili, I guess it worked for me.



We also tried out their Passion Berry Iced Tea (right) and their Green Mistique Iced Tea (left). I love the latter one, which is what I had :)

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao now in the Philippines

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, famous in Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian countries for its La Mian and Xiao Long Bao among others, opened last September 13, 2010 in the Philippines. It is located at the ground floor of Virra Mall in Greenhills, San Juan, near Häagen-Dazs.

My family decided to try out Crystal Jade a few weeks back, when we were in the area. We almost didn't make it because the restaurant closes at 9pm, and we arrived around 30 minutes before closing time. There were people still lined up since 6pm and have not been seated yet. Luckily, we didn't wait for too long to get our table.

While waiting I took photos from the outside. You'll notice that you can see the kitchen from the outside, because it's just separated by transparent glass. I guess it's part of the whole set-up, where passers-by can see how the food, especially their specialty, are made. Frankly, all I can think of while waiting was how good the Xiao Long Bao and the La Mian will be; after all, that's what they are famous for, right?


For the La Mian, we got the Noodle with Dried Shrimp & Peanut in Spicy Sauce (Php 288). I love the mix of the peanut with the noodle dish. The spiciness was just great as well. I enjoyed eating this. You have to eat it quickly, because it becomes cold fast.


Of course, we also got the Steamed Soupy Pork Dumpling "Xiao Long Bao" (Php 158 for 5 pcs.) I didn't get blown-off at first bite, but I would still say that it is good. I guess I would still go for Suzhou's Xiao Long Bao just because it's also of quality and it's more affordable.


All the other dishes that follows are also good. If you ask me though, I would stick to the La Mian and the Xiao Long Bao :) We also got the Sauteed Chicken with Cashew Nuts in Spicy Sauce, served with pancakes (Php 288), Fried Rice with Diced Chinese Sausage, Shrimp & Egg in "Yang Chow" Style (Php 248), and the Radish Pastry (Php 98 for 3 pcs.). I would definitely be back for the La Mian and the Xiao Long Bao :)

Breakfast at Suzhou

You can safely say that you're addicted to Chinese food when you have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Right? I fell in love with the Xiao Long Bao of Suzhou recently. So when I had the chance to eat at Suzhou for breakfast, I didn't hesitate to order my new found fave. I also ordered the Taiwan Beef Noodle, which is also yummy and filling. A can of Wang Lao Ji would add great to the meal.