Figaro and Tien Ma's Now Deliver its Crowd Favorites

Being stuck at home for months may not be the ideal vacation of many. But it's not all that bad considering many brands are launching its delivery service and mouthwatering stay-at-home menu. And one new player in the food delivery service is The Figaro Group's Figaro and Tien Ma's. 

Hello, Figaro and Tien Ma's!

Surprised that these two crowd favorites are under the same umbrella? I was.

I used to frequent Figaro a lot back in college as I'd always go to Shangri-La or Megamall after class. I'd get its delectable Four Cheese Pizza or one of its filling sandwiches and pair it with its brewed iced tea. The habit stayed till my Summit Media days as Figaro had a branch conveniently located at our office lobby. 

Singapore's One Michelin Star Putien Now in Manila

Manila's food scene is on fire with the influx of local and foreign brands opening left and right. And with Singapore's One-Michelin Star Putien entering the market, we could definitely say that Christmas came in early this year.

Hello, Putien.

Putien started as a humble coffee shop in Singapore back in 2000. Named after Putian, a suburb of Fujian, China, it was Putien's founder, Mr. Fong Chi Chung's way to pay tribute to his hometown. By serving food made with fresh ingredients and packed with flavors, Putien eventually grew into a full scale restaurant and earned its One-Star Michelin in 2016. Now with several branches worldwide, Putien found a new home in Manila, its 67th worldwide.

Love at First Bite: Canton Road

I have been wanting to visit Canton Road ever since I saw its panda bun stuffed with salted egg yolk. It was a powerful combination of two things I love and I couldn’t help nag R about it. However, our weekend schedules were uncooperative and we couldn’t find the time to drop by this new Chinese restaurant in Shangri-La at the Fort. And while I was weeping with sadness, I got an invite from the lovely gals of Zomato to feast on some of Canton Road’s spectacular dishes. Woohoo!

Hello, Canton Road. 

I have never been to the hotel and residential side of Shangri-La at the Fort so everything looked so new to me. But as expected from a notable establishment, the hotel lobby was majestic and every single staff member was courteous and assisted me to Canton Road.

As I walk closer to Canton Road, I was greeted by beautiful interiors in dark hues and touches of gold. The place screams Asian elegance. 

First Bite: Din Tai Fung Manila

Din Tai Fung is probably one of the most talked about restaurants last year. Its huge "opening soon" banner has captured the attention of foodies and every one was on the look out on social media for the official opening day announcement of the well-loved Taiwan-based restaurant. It finally did last month with free Xiao Long Bao for the first 100 guests. I would normally visit on its first week (or even attempt to be one of the first 100 for free food) but since traffic was not very pleasant and knowing that this restaurant will have a blockbuster line, I decided to wait till I do visit SM Megamall. And thanks to the super delayed Christmas lunch with college friends, I braved the crazy Saturday traffic and giddily hopped towards Din Tai Fung. 

Hello, Din Tai Fung!

K was the early bird in our group and managed to get a number for us. However, for us to be seated, everyone from the group has to be there. Since some of us were late, we had to wait a bit longer for us to get a table (because our number was long been called). On a positive note, we could already place our order while still in line. At least that cuts down our wait for food. We ordered Din Tai Fung House Special (PHP155), Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHP315, 10 pcs; PHP160, 5 pcs), Vegetarian Mushroom Wonton Noodle Soup (PHP265), Sweet and Sour Pork (PHP245), Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (PHP375) and Shrimp Fried Rice (PHP210). 

When we were finally complete, we waited for a couple of minutes before we were assisted to our table. I think it wasn't that bad. (Then again, it was already 3 PM when we visited and the place was still packed. So just imagine how busy the place is during lunch.)

The Din Tai Fung House Special was served right away and it looks appetizing. I loved the slight tart of the dish making it very refreshing and a great appetizer. I also love the delightful seaweed texture and beansprout crunch.

The server also tried to upsell by offering the Stewed Spongy Gluten (PHP235) which we said yes to as we were really hungry.