I distinctly remember how much my parents loved Chinese food. During our grade school days at De La Salle Taft, both their offices were nearby in Malate, and our shortcut home was often through Binondo—a haven for Chinese cuisine lovers. I loved it—my first taste of freshly pressed sugarcane juice, along with dozens of dimsum treats. We always found an excuse to stop the car and sample the specialties of the day.
To this day, whenever I pass through Chinatown, I still make all those necessary stops. There’s always something irresistibly new to try, and that’s the beauty of Chinese food—it keeps evolving, yet always feels familiar.
Last week, I had the good fortune of dining at two excellent Chinese restaurants: No. 8 China House at the Grand Hyatt Manila in BGC, and Red Lantern at Solaire Resort North along Quezon Avenue. The events were a day apart—just enough time to digest and dive back in.
No. 8 China House: A Dimsum Lover’s Chinese Food Paradise
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Instagram: @grandhyattmanilaph
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Facebook: Grand Hyatt Manila
Let’s start with dimsum—because really, I could eat Chinese food every day. Give me sweet and sour pork and yang chow fried rice and I’m a happy camper.
At Grand Hyatt Manila, we were welcomed to a Dimsum-All-You-Can feast. Steamed, baked, fried—and yes, even two kinds of congee. Our servers, led by a gracious gentleman named Ali, moved swiftly, setting down basket after basket until the table disappeared under dimsum. At some point, the conversation gave way to eating. If you heard a table erupting in oohs and ahhs, that was us. My apologies.
My personal favorites?
Among my favorites at No. 8 China House were the peanut butter noodles—silky, nutty, and with just the right hint of spice. Then there were the steamed pork buns, soft and fluffy with a generous, savory filling. And for dessert, the pineapple ice cream with coconut was a standout—creamy, refreshing, and the perfect tropical finish to a joyful Chinese food feast.
Other hits at the table included the classics: siomai, har gow, and xiao long bao—each one steamed to perfection.
What a joyous, unintentionally noisy lunch. Big thanks to my cousin Fran, head of corporate communications, for hosting us. It was such a treat!
Red Lantern: Modern Elegance Meets Classic Chinese Cuisine
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Instagram: @solaireresortnorth
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Facebook: Solaire Resort North
The next day brought a shift in tone—more elegant, more theatrical, but no less satisfying. At Red Lantern in Solaire North, we were treated to a preview of their first anniversary celebration on May 25—a tribute to fine Chinese cuisine.
Chef Jason Wong, who brings deep experience from top hospitality establishments, now leads the kitchen. His menu reflects bold authenticity, refined techniques, and artistic presentation.
Lunch opened with a dramatic performance by Tea Master Harry Gu, who combined face-changing with Kung Fu tea preparation. Equal parts tradition and spectacle—it was captivating.
Standout Dishes from the Anniversary Menu
Some of my favorites from Red Lantern’s preview were golden, crispy delights. The deep-fried eggplant with meat floss and quinoa was crisp, savory, and surprisingly light. The pork belly, deep-fried and paired with Macanese shrimp paste, packed a bold, umami-rich punch. And to finish, the black sesame balls—nutty, toasty, and deeply satisfying—rounded out a truly indulgent Chinese food experience.
The Braised Sea Treasure Soup with black truffle arrived early—rich, aromatic, and luxurious, it set the tone beautifully. Then came the showstopper: the indulgent “Beef Box,” featuring tender, perfectly cooked M3 ribeye.
We didn’t hold back on the sides either. The Wagyu Fried Rice with shimeji mushrooms and sweet corn was so good, we ordered it early—and finished it just as fast. The entire menu struck a thoughtful balance: refined yet generous, rooted in tradition but presented with modern flair. A fitting way to celebrate Red Lantern’s anniversary—and a reminder of how thrilling Chinese cuisine can be when crafted with both soul and precision.
Why Chinese Food Always Feels Like Home
What I love most about Chinese food is how it brings people together. Whether you’re elbow-deep in dimsum or sipping soup from a lacquered bowl, it’s always a shared experience. It reminds me of family trips through Binondo, of laughter over food that feels familiar and festive at once.
So whether you find yourself in BGC, Quezon City, or somewhere in between—don’t hesitate. Pull over, order that extra serving, make the stop. Chinese food is always evolving, but it never stops feeling like home.
