Chinese cuisine has been embedded in Filipino culture for many years. Just think of pancit, siomai and siopao. These have been so much a part of our daily meals that we take for granted these are actually part of Chinese influence in the lives of Pinoys.
I read, however, that what we are familiar with are only foods that are part of Southern China's cuisine which mostly consists of rice and noodle preparations. Apparently, we haven't known Northern China's cuisine
that is mainly flour-based.
I read, however, that what we are familiar with are only foods that are part of Southern China's cuisine which mostly consists of rice and noodle preparations. Apparently, we haven't known Northern China's cuisine
that is mainly flour-based.
Enter Mai Wei Fang -- that cheery-looking hole in the wall at the Robinsons Place Manila (near the Adriatico entrance). This eatery has the "mission" to introduce to Filipinos Chinese cuisine from the Northern region. According to an online article, the owner (or one of the owners) toured Northeastern China for months to study the cuisine and gather recipes before building the menu for Mai Wei Fang,
which, by the way, means "wheat mill room".
The restaurant occupies quite a small space but what invites one in is the happy-looking yellow interiors and the glass-walled kitchen that lets diners see all the action happening inside. What could be a better way to work up an appetite than to let one see his food being skillfully prepared? Well, the food being actually served right in front of you, I guess? Tee-hee. Anyway, I tried Mai Wei Fang with family last June and came back solo last Saturday before going to church.
What we've had:
which, by the way, means "wheat mill room".
The restaurant occupies quite a small space but what invites one in is the happy-looking yellow interiors and the glass-walled kitchen that lets diners see all the action happening inside. What could be a better way to work up an appetite than to let one see his food being skillfully prepared? Well, the food being actually served right in front of you, I guess? Tee-hee. Anyway, I tried Mai Wei Fang with family last June and came back solo last Saturday before going to church.
What we've had:
Sheng Jian Bao
This is Mai Wei Fang's signature dish that's similar to xiao long bao, only this one is pan-fried and the skin is a bit thicker and chewier. Just like its more popular version, these dumplings could be tricky -- and fun -- to eat. Because the soup inside each dumpling is hot, don't gobble apiece up, lest you scald your tongue. Bite into the skin just a bit to open up the dumpling and let the soup cool down awhile before popping the whole thing into your mouth. You may also dip it first into the vinegar that comes with every order of the dumplings. Now let your taste buds enjoy the play of flavors and contrast in textures coming from the softness of the dumpling skin at the top and the subtle crisp of the pan-fried bottom. What an enjoyable gastronomic
experience it is, eating these Sheng Jian Bao!
This is Mai Wei Fang's signature dish that's similar to xiao long bao, only this one is pan-fried and the skin is a bit thicker and chewier. Just like its more popular version, these dumplings could be tricky -- and fun -- to eat. Because the soup inside each dumpling is hot, don't gobble apiece up, lest you scald your tongue. Bite into the skin just a bit to open up the dumpling and let the soup cool down awhile before popping the whole thing into your mouth. You may also dip it first into the vinegar that comes with every order of the dumplings. Now let your taste buds enjoy the play of flavors and contrast in textures coming from the softness of the dumpling skin at the top and the subtle crisp of the pan-fried bottom. What an enjoyable gastronomic
experience it is, eating these Sheng Jian Bao!
Shao Bing Sandwich
Sandwiched in between flaky and crusty bread are scrambled eggs, pork floss, green onions and you tiao, which is an elongated piece of bread. You might be thinking, "What? Bread in bread?" Well, I was just as surprised as you are. I haven't had anything quite like this Chinese sandwich! Each bite gives an interesting interplay
of textures and flavors. It's unique, savory, delicious and filling.
Sandwiched in between flaky and crusty bread are scrambled eggs, pork floss, green onions and you tiao, which is an elongated piece of bread. You might be thinking, "What? Bread in bread?" Well, I was just as surprised as you are. I haven't had anything quite like this Chinese sandwich! Each bite gives an interesting interplay
of textures and flavors. It's unique, savory, delicious and filling.
Chinese Fried Chicken
If you love chicken like I do, you surely would fall for this enormous serving of fried chicken breast that's juicy and tasty. Best with some steaming white rice! Share this with your sweetie or best buddy. Up to three persons
may share one order of this chicken chop. 😊
may share one order of this chicken chop. 😊
Chinese Fried Chicken Rice Bowl
Going solo isn't bad if you want to eat in peace. Haha! Opt for this chicken rice topping if you're coming in alone. Unlike the extra large chop, the chicken here is drizzled with soy glaze sauce so it's sweet and savory at the same time. Yummy!
Cong You Bing
This is crispy green onion pancake. It's something light -- both in flavor and texture and might just be perfect when you're not really hungry but want to munch on something. This could be perfectly paired with a hot pot of tea.
Wintermelon Chilled Tea, Chinese Iced Lemon Tea
My gang ordered Wintermelon Chilled Tea to wash everything down while I chose Chinese Iced Lemon Tea as suggested by the crew who took our orders. I asked for a drink that wasn't sweet, and true enough, it wasn't at all saccharine, with a strong
tea taste and a hint of lemon. Very refreshing!
As I mentioned, I went back to Mai Wei Fang last Saturday and ordered the Sheng Jian Bao and Chinese Iced Lemon Tea again.
In and around Mai Wei Fang
Watching our food being prepared stirs anticipation,
not to mention hunger. Haha!
Frying the Sheng Jian Bao
Menu
Mai Wei Fang at the ground floor of Robinsons Place Manila
near the Adriatico entrance
tea taste and a hint of lemon. Very refreshing!
As I mentioned, I went back to Mai Wei Fang last Saturday and ordered the Sheng Jian Bao and Chinese Iced Lemon Tea again.
In and around Mai Wei Fang
not to mention hunger. Haha!
near the Adriatico entrance
What Mai Wei Fang offers is a welcome deviation from the food offered by most restaurants, including those Chinese establishments that are too many to count in the metro. It's the perfect choice when you're kinda tired of the usual
food in the usual places you go to for a meal. Try it now!
Happy eating!
food in the usual places you go to for a meal. Try it now!
Happy eating!
