Special occasions are meant to be celebrated with people who are dear to you– friends, colleagues, your someone special and family. In my birthday month, I am featuring cafes/restaurants that are perfect for celebrating special events. In my previous post, I already have featured a cool place to chill with stunning ambiance and cozy hang out place in Antipolo- Yellow Lantern Cafe. This time, because I will be sharing about my birthday celebration as well, I decided to celebrate my special day in one of the premier restaurants in Pasig– COMIDA CHINA DE MANILA.
Comida China de Manila is formerly known as Panciteria San Jacinto– one of the few restaurants that serve authentic Chinese food. It was established in 1894 in Manila and in 1996 it has moved to E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue in Ugong, Pasig City( along C5 across SM Hypermart). It was just in 2011 when the management has decided to change the name to Comida China de Manila– new name but still the same touch of authentic Chinese food that they serve to their satisfied customers for 124 years.
MY COMIDA CHINA DE MANILA EXPERIENCE
Upon entering the restaurant, I couldn’t help but appreciate everything that I see. Others might visualize the place as a typical Chinese restaurant because of the table design. I couldn’t help as well, but to reminisce the days when I was a kid, we always go to Mamon Luk, where we eat mami noodles). Still, here @ Comida China de Manila, everything is exquisite– from the contemporary furnishings, cleanliness of the place, delectable food, and first-class service.
In my press trips for restaurant reviews/features, we do not just check the ambiance, food, and staff; we check the restrooms. It was similar to the five-star hotels that we’ve visited like Shangri-la and Marco Polo because of their impressive, well-maintained, and spotless washrooms.
The restaurant is spacious enough to cater to families and barkadas and other groups for lunch, merienda, dinner to late snack. They open from 11 am to 10 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, and 10 am to 10 pm on Sundays.
They have a conference room (good for 20 pax) for business meetings and function rooms where you can hold events like christening, weddings, birthdays and Christmas parties. (You can get info about the function room rates here).
MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION @ COMIDA CHINA DE MANILA
On my special day, I wasn’t feeling well, so instead of having an overnight staycation in a hotel, I opted to have a simple birthday dinner with my family at Comida China de Manila. After waiting for hubby and the kids, we headed there right away. I thought this would be a simple dinner, but I was dumbfounded when I entered the place. I was treated with such royalty that I was indeed wearing an invisible crown and dazzling diamond jewelry set. Well, I was quite speechless, but after a second that seemed like an eternity, I was back in my senses. There we were, escorted by Harry, Norlan, and Racquel to the conference room to use, which can accommodate 20 pax.
The room was too big for us–there were two long tables in the airconditioned conference room. We occupied one table, and because we have a hyper 5-y/o kid with us, it’s okay for him to run around the room because the door is closed. At the time that we arrived (8 pm), the restaurant was already jampacked with people. I suggest that you reserve the conference room (if you will come to a small group) if you would like to have privacy and enjoy the occasion with your visitors/companions.
THEIR FOOD
Are you wondering why people keep coming back to Comida China de Manila? I will share the bestsellers that we have enjoyed in my birthday celebration.
At Comida China de Manila, they have set menus that you can choose from (for meetings and events) but you can customize your own. If you plan to just hang out and have simple lunch or dinner, you can order ala carte instead. Here are the recommended dishes if you will be holding your event here.
This comes with their famous Asado, Pata Jamon and Lechon served with Chinese Sausage, Century Eggs and Seaweeds.
Comida China Soup is their House Special (also known as the “balut soup” ) because it looks and tastes like “balut.” This is made of eggs, minced porl, peas, carrots and seaweeds. This is a must-try for first timers in this restaurant.
When the staff saw that we have kids, Ms. Raquel suggested that it would be better if we will have either Bird’s Nest qith Quail Eggs Soup or Sweet Corn Soup. I chose this and I was right– my five-year old kid loved the soup! This is their version of the traditional soup made with nido, minced pork and quail eggs.
Because it was my birthday, and as part of tradition (I’m 1/4 Chinese), we have noodles or pasta on the table everytime we celebrate our birthday. The Chinese believe that the noodles/pasta will give you long life. It has shrimp, pork and Chinese brocolli leaves, carrots and black mushrooms. I loved the sauce and the half cooked veggies.
I love flavored rice that’s why I was delighted when I saw the Yang Chow Fried Rice. I didn’t even force the kids to have more rice because of its taste.
I always look for chicken in parties and I was really glad it was included in the dishes for my birthday celebration. My father told me that my Chinese grandfather used to cook something like this before– golden brown chicken with soy sauce gravy. Of course, the presentation here is quite different– they topped it with crispy shrimp crackers.
For fish lovers, this plate of golden-fried sliced parrot fish topped with fresh julienned vegetables with sweet and sour sauce is also a must-try.
This is the star of our feast and a big hit to the kids– we loved the scrumptious shrimp balls. Every bite is sooo heavenly that we had to eat slowly to savor every minute of it. This is one of their most expensive dishes, but this should be in your list especially if you have kids in the event.
Butchi (3 pcs.) P99.00
My hubby and father enjoyed the butchi but the kids and I wanted and was craving for something. I was feeling dizzy even the day before (abnormal uterine bleeding and mild anemia), so I just stayed in my bedroom and didn’t even manage to order a cake and ice cream for myself. After few minutes, Sir Norlan came in with a birthday cake from Mom and Tina’s Bakery Cafe. That made my day! I’m a kid at heart so definitely the sumptuous meals won’t be complete without the luscious cake 🙂
We were extremely satisfied with the food but we didn’t manage to have another plate for another round– it’s because our tummies are already full.
Thank you again, Comida China de Manila— that was so sweet! I was speechless for a while but I managed to express my gratitude to them and to their staff who were with us in the conference room to attend to our needs.
For a hassle-free meetings and events, Comida China de Manila will take care of all your needs. No need to worry about cakes and other desserts because Mom & Tina’s Bakery Cafe is just beside the restaurant.
TBIP highly recommends Comida China de Manila.
Please refer to these details:
Address: FRDC Bldg., 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
Tel Nos: (02) 671-5942 /(02) 914-0832
Website: https://comidachinademanila.com/
The breakfast is more delicious and mouthwatering.