8 Favorite Chinese Restaurants of the Philippines' Taipans

A popular choice of cuisine for Filipinos, Chinese food is a major factor in the success of many group get-togethers. When dining for business or pleasure, the country's top taipans have put their hard-to-earn trust in the establishments below:

Choi Garden

There have always been a number of frequented haunts in the Greenhills area, and Choi Garden has consistently placed that list for the past decade. While other branches have since blossomed around Manila, the original two-story, free-standing restaurant in San Juan remains an institution. A favorite on the menu would be the crispy fried pigeon, which is served with the ubiquitous kropek on the side and priced per piece.

Summer Palace

IMAGE COURTESY OF SUMMER PALACE

Residents up north may be found frequenting EDSA Shangri-Laâs Summer Palace for its Cantonese fare, which it has mastered from day one in 1992. Today, it keeps each of its 180 offerings on its menu worth coming back to. Executive Chinese chef Tony Sum, however, brings innovation to traditional Cantonese recipes by infusing culinary techniques that he's picked up from his travels around Southeast Asia. Apart from dim sum on offer, the selection of signature dishes called the 8 Treasures is worth saving room for.

2/F Tower Wing, EDSA Shangri-La, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, 633.8888Â

Xiu

Since joining the highly competitive Cantonese dining scene in Greenhills two years ago, Xiu has carefully carved out a name for itself, considering it had big shoes to fill after taking over prime lot once occupied by Lugang. The outcome is exactly what you would expect from the same group behind Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie and The Dessert Kitchen. Now a favorite among Manila's discerning crowd, Xiu offers tried-and-tested flavors in a modern setting that steps away from typical Chinese interiors. Signature dishes include the honey-glazed-prime cut char siu and the stewed U.S. beef short ribs.

115 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan, 650.7190

China Blue

IMAGE COURTESY OF CONRAD MANILA

The swanky setting at China Blue by Jerome Leung makes it worth the trip to the Conrad Manila. Diners feast on an array of dim sum and roasted duck, while treated to majestic views of Manila Bay from the floor-to-ceiling windows. But thatâs not the only thing China Blue is famous for. Chef Leung is revered among the gourmand circles for his research and expertise in Chinese cooking techniques, which he spent the '90s perfecting. From his kitchen comes a contemporary take on traditional dishes, including the signature Australian Candy Heart Abalone with Dried Fish Maw in Superior Sauce on the menu.

Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, 833.9999

No. 8 China House

IMAGE COURTESY OF GRAND HYATT MANILA

Perhaps the newest establishment on this list, No. 8 China House opened early this year. Its sleek dining space and dim lighting make it conducive for intimate conversations over the house Peking duck, which is slow roasted for a good hour in a wood-fired oven. The stylish function rooms and attentive staff are a few factors that contribute to the immediate success of this new establishment.

5/F Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Ave corner 35th Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, 838.1234

Hai Shin Lou

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Homey and fuss-free, Hai Shin Lou distinguishes itself by omitting MSG in its Cantonese specials. Itâs also the sole restaurant on this list that still offers the option of choosing live seafood straight from the tanks on display. Chef Tommy Yao ensures that ingredients are delivered fresh from Hong Kong and his hardworking staff ensures that each guest is well taken care of. Frequent diners come for the famed peppercorn sea mantis, as well as Peking duck and steamed lapu-lapu.

810 Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati, 892.5184Â

Shang Palace

IMAGE COURTESY OF MAKATI SHANGRI-LA

For years, Shang Palaceâwith its chandeliers, red motif, and latticework wallsâhas been the quintessential Chinese fine dining spot in Makati's business district. It's become well-known for its unlimited dim sum buffet for lunch, as well as the extensive range of classic Cantonese dishes on offer. Executive Chinese chef Ben Lam puts his own spin on the roasted duck, served two ways, as well as the savory shrimp with cucumber, minced pork, and superior stock.

2F Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Avenue corner Makati, Makati City, 814.2580

Canton Road

IMAGE COURTESY OF SHANGRI-LA AT THE FORT

Apart from Cantonese cooking, Canton Road adds Huaiyang cuisine to its menu, infusing it with delicate Guangdongcai flavors, which are apparent in the seafood, dim sum, noodles, and soups. At Canton Road's opulent and brightly lit dining space, diners can expect a contemporary presentation of regional specialties and signature roasted meat. Must-tries include the stuffed suckling pig and steamed Iberico pork dumpling with abalone and black truffle.

Shangri-La at the Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, 820.0888; shangri-la.com/manila/shangrilaatthefort

TAIPANS TAKEOUT

These establishments come to mind when one gets a hankering for Chinese takeaway.

8 Treasures Roasting

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Located in a convenient corner at a Petron gas station along EDSA and near Dasmariñas Village, 8 Treasures Roasting has been the go-to for takeout roast duck and roast goose.

Petron, EDSA corner Arnaiz Avenue, 821.8282

Luk Yuen

Luk Yuen has been dubbed the nostalgic haunt, a reminder of the times the taipans were still busy cementing their success.

Unimart, McKinley Building, Club Filipino Street corner Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, 721.2620

BONUS

Gloria Maris

There are many memories associated with the original Gloria Maris in Greenhills, which is why its authentic seafood dishes, dim sum, and hot potÂwill always be branded as comfort food.

Greenhills Shopping Center Ortigas Ave.,ÂMissouri St. corner Connecticut, San Juan City, 570.0921

This story originally appeared on Townandcountry.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.