With restaurants reopening once more, diners are eagerly looking for safe venues to indulge and treat themselves after months of being locked up and cooking for themselves. If you want a taste of authentic Chinese fare in a safe and sophisticated setting, head over to No. 8 China House at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City.
The spacious and elegant restaurant features several cooking stations where the dishes are freshly prepared. The whole idea is to provide an interactive vibe amidst a sleek and classy atmosphere—to give you a feel of being in the busy streets of China without leaving the majestic confines of Grand Hyatt. High tables, small, low tables, and lazy susans fill the space, but those who prefer a more intimate setting can choose one of the private dining rooms.
Start with a selection of dim sum to share—perfect bites to further whet your appetite for fantastic Chinese dishes. I love the delicate and slightly crispy pan-fried radish cakes served with XO sauce; the har gow, whose thin yet sturdy skin envelops deliciously plump shrimp; and the xiao long bao, which comes with a delicious black vinegar dipping sauce. The Hot and Sour Soup warms the tummy, a perfect way to start your meal.
It’s quite easy to get carried away with the delicious dim sum and get full quickly, so remember to save some space for the house specialties. Undeniably, the star is the Peking Duck, a prized and prided signature dish at the restaurant. The duck is slow-roasted on a custom-built wood-fired oven, with mango wood bringing out its natural flavors.
Carved tableside, the Peking Duck will be served by a dedicated chef the way it is authentically done so. First, all the skin is carefully sliced and placed on a separate plate—this is meant to be eaten with white sugar. A bite starts with a delightful crisp, followed by a glorious melting, a melding of sugar and fat, of sweetness and smokiness. So sinful yet so good!
Then the chef will slice the breast meat, followed by the leg meat. You then eat them with the traditional accompaniments: Chinese steamed pancakes, cucumbers, leeks, chives, garlic sauce, and hoisin. The duck is beautifully cooked and succulent.
If you wish, the chefs can also cook the remaining duck bones for you. Simply deep-fried, seasoned with salt and pepper, and spiced with green chilies, the duck bones are a delight and a real treat. They still have some meat attached to them—you can gnaw on those pieces, don’t worry, nobody will judge you. I almost ordered a beer after trying one piece! Haha!
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I’m also happy to hear that Grand Hyatt Manila supports local farmers as these ducks are bred and sustainably sourced in the Philippines. They have a dedicated farmer to ensure that they are getting ducks with the best quality.
Aside from the Peking Duck, another dish I highly recommend is the Fresh Fruit King Prawn Salad, which has gigantic battered prawns, strawberries, and honeydew. It’s a signature dish of the chef and really a must-try. The full portion is generous and can be shared by a group of 5 to 6.
The Mapo Tofu is another instant favorite, with its deliciously rich bean paste. The minced beef is very tasty. Diners who have are afraid of too much spice need not worry as the version here is quite mild—you can still enjoy the true flavors of the dish without the overwhelming heat. I personally could take a little bit more spice though!
Another delicious choice is the Braised Sea Bass, served with garlic, ginger, and a black bean sauce in a very hot stone bowl. The fish is delicate and buttery, almost gliding into your throat with that thick black bean sauce. Delicious!
Don’t forget to order dessert such as the coconut jelly. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I love coconut desserts—so this one was quite addicting for me!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourselves to a grand Chinese meal, you need to try the offerings at No. 8 China House and discover its incredible food and unparalleled service!
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