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. 

First Bite: Bai Nian Tang Bao

Xiao Long Bao is one of the most popular Chinese dishes in the world. Though it gained popularity in Manila just a few years back, it is undeniable that this dish is here to stay with more and more restaurants offering this delicate soup dumpling. But it turned out that most of the xiao long bao we see in Manila are not exactly the ones you'd get in China as these are based on Taiwanese recipes. And one new restaurant claims to be the first in Manila to offer authentic Chinese xiao long bao.

Hello, Bai Nian Tang Bao.

I had a hard time finding this restaurant as one address directs me to the 38th corner 9th while another says it should be 36th. Technically, both are correct and incorrect. Bai Nian Tang Bao is located along the strip of restaurants behind Denny's so it doesn't really have a street name of its own and it is in between 36th and 38th.