First Bite: Hong Kong Little Kitchen

We've witnessed a growth spurt in the international food scene with more foreign brands coming in the metro these past few years. On top of that, there are also local shops that offer our favorite sushi, pizza, noodles and burgers. And with more restaurants to choose from, it can be challenging to discover the ones worth your money (and limited tummy space). Thankfully, I got to know this under the radar shop in New Manila that offers great Hong Kong cuisine. 

Hello, Hong Kong Little Kitchen. 

Hong Kong Little Kitchen is one dainty shop tucked inside New Manila serving roast meats, noodle soup and other popular dishes you'd find in Hong Kong. I was in for a treat last Saturday when this restaurant spoiled me with some of its bestsellers. 

Tim Ho Wan Supper Specials for Night Owls

I still remember the crazy long lines of Tim Ho Wan when it opened its first branch in Manila way back 2014.  Fast forward to 2016 with 5 branches, this pork bun heaven has not lost its charm. How could they if they keep on cooking up reasons to make us salivate for more?

Hello, Tim Ho Wan! 

This well-loved one-star Michelin restaurant opened its newest branch in Uptown Mall Bonifacio and it has some new offerings exclusive for its supper menu available from 10 pm to 3 am. Yes, you read that right, until 3 am. This place is an answered prayer for those with sudden odd hour cravings! 

Tim Ho Wan BGC is still exploring the possibility of doing 24/7 run; but for now, here are some dishes you could sample during your midnight run: Sliced Imported Abalone Congee with Chicken and Mushroom (PHP350, 1 pc abalone | PHP500, 2 pcs abalone), Beef Brisket and Tendon Noodles (PHP200), Pork and Vegetable Wonton Noodles (PHP220) and Garlic Fried Fish Skin (PHP190). We also ordered the staples Baked BBQ Pork Buns (PHP145, 3 pcs),  Prawn Dumplings (PHP160, 4 pcs), Dumpling with Spicy Sauce (PHP150, 4 pcs), Steamed Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp (PHP120) and Mango Pomelo Sago (PHP120). We also got Iced Tea and Cold Barley Tea (PHP50 each) as drinks. 

First served were the delectable baked BBQ pork buns. The flakey bun with the sweet and tender pork filling sure brought out those pearly whites as it tickled our taste buds. 

The dumplings were served right after. 

The piping hot spinach dumpling made me feel so healthy given the fact that I was munching on veggies. The slight bite of the spinach and shrimps created a nice contrast from the wonton wrapper. It was delicious. If healthy tastes like this, I wouldn't mind having my greens all day long!

Same was true with the prawn dumplings. It was also bang for the buck as Tim Ho Wan does not scrimp on prawns! Each dumpling was packed! Definitely no wonton-wrapper-with meager-filling dumplings here! 

I found a new favorite in dumpling with spicy sauce. (Side story: I usually lose interest when I read the word spicy but R insisted we order one. And I was so glad we did!)

Restaurant Discovery: Tim Ho Wan

When there’s a hype, I get curious. When there’s a line, my curiosity disappears (unless I really, really want to try it). Tim Ho Wan has been one of the most anticipated restaurants this year. The line seems to be longer than when you process your NBI clearance. As much as I would love to try its famous pork buns, I always think of the long line and I’m not confident my tummy will like the wait as I am always hungry when I pass by Tim Ho Wan. I thought that the line would eventually disappear after a few weeks but it’s a totally different case for this place. Luckily though, grumpy W was in a good mood and lined up while I was busy looking for a paper bag to pack his late birthday gift. So…

Hello, Tim Ho Wan.

It was almost our turn when I arrived so I didn’t have to do the Trip to Jerusalem game (where you move seats every time someone gets a table) that long.

The menu is very straightforward. There are the famous pork buns, dumplings, a few rice toppings, and congee. They also have barley which happens to be one of my favorite drinks (thanks to Toastbox). W pretty much chose what we’ll eat. I just added two. We ended up with the following dishes: Pork Buns (PHP145/ 3 pieces), Rice with Beef and Fried Egg (PHP180), Pork Dumplings (PHP150), Prawn Dumplings (PHP160), Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp (PHP120), Steamed Egg Cake (PHP85), Vermicelli Roll with Shrimp (PHP190), and Mango Pomelo Sago (PHP90)

First to arrive was the plate of Pork Buns. It was served warm and I had pretty high expectations as people line up and wait to order this.

It was good. Not great but good. It tasted like your typical asado though this one had a stronger flavor. I also enjoyed the baked bun. I just find it slightly messy to eat. 

Next served was the Rice with Beef and Fried Egg which was rather soupy. It was also a bit bland for me.