Minnan-Minnan Kitchen: A Hidden Gem in Banawe

Quezon City is one massive foodie destination. We have Tomas Morato which is a great place for nightcaps, Maginhawa for comfy lunch or dinner with family and friends and Banawe for Asian finds. Home to many great Chinese restaurants, I was happy to come across Minnan-Minnan Kitchen. 

Hello, Minnan-Minnan Kitchen. 

Walking along Banawe is like going on a treasure hunt. You get to see a bunch of unfamiliar names and dining inside is like betting on the lottery... uncertain if you'll hit the jackpot or end up losing money. One name I've never seen before was Minnan-Minnan Kitchen. 

With a lack of presence online, the only thing I know about this place is that it's a Chinese restaurant. But its 4.1 rating on Google assured me that it would be at least a decent meal.

As the lunch venue of Good Good Banawe's grand opening, the second-floor dining area was packed! Service was a bit slow but systematic. 

The first dish served was a comforting bowl of Minnan Moonaki Beef (PHP380, good for 6). The broth was slightly thick and best enjoyed with black vinegar for that delightful tangy kick. 

We also got a huge plate of Mixed Vegetables with my favorite cloud black mushroom. The jelly textured mushrooms never fail to make me smile! It also served as a great starter. 

Sweet and Sour Pork was also good. It was balanced and the pork was tender. Make sure to have this with rice!

If you prefer beef, go with Beefsteak Hot Pot (PHP420). I was surprised by how tender the beef was. Make sure to get some of the sauce and pour it on your rice and beef for a more flavorful bite. 

I also enjoyed the Fried Oysters with Scallions (PHP380). Though it was a bit oily, I liked the contrast of textures. It was soft and crunchy at the same time. 

Last served were plates of Steamed Shrimps which were cooked to perfection. It was undeniably fresh as it was so easy to peel off the shell. It also had that slightly sweet taste which was pure bliss. 

I wasn't really expecting much from Minnan-Minnan Kitchen but I left the place with a happy tummy. 

Minnan-Minnan Kitchen is located at 949 Banawe Street, Quezon City.