A Taste of China

Because we cannot afford to go to Beijing for the Olympics, we did the next best thing to enjoying a full China sensory experience ... we headed off to Chinatown in Binondo, Manila!

It wasn't easy to look for parking. From Makati, we found the President's Tea House after two hours! The streets were narrow, crowded, and impossible to park in, without getting goosebumps! After parking some blocks away, we hired a pedicab to get us to The President's Tea House.

Salazar Street

We were so hungry, I fear we ordered too much! And because we wanted to have something quick so badly, we got some dumplings before getting to the main dishes. We ordered Hakao Prawns (P75.00) and Spareribs Dimsum (P60). I love their dimsum! The Hakao Prawns were so moist and fresh. And the Spareribs, tender and tasty. Perfect!

Hakao Prawns

Spareribs

The Dimsum Cart

For the main course, we ordered three dishes. First came the Fried Frog's Legs (P260) . I had never eaten frogs' legs before, until this day! I swore I would never eat frogs, but then again... never say never! If I hadn't known they were Frogs' Legs, I would have been the first to stick my fork in them. They were golden crispy and loaded with garlic. After a little hesistation, I bit into one and liked it! It did taste like chicken-with the tinest chicken bones. Had they deboned these, I would never have guessed the difference. Well, I guess there's always a first time.

Fried Frogs' Legs

Next came in my choice-the Steamed Lapu-Lapu with Tausi Sauce (P280). Steamed Lapu-lapu is my personal favorite! And although I am not a big fan of Tausi sauce (black bean sauce), I liked it. I would have liked the fish to be more moist, but it was alright. :)

Steamed Lapu-Lapu with Tausi Sauce

The rice came a little late. I have no idea if this is distinctly Chinese, but we Filipinos want the rice served ahead! So we had to follow up our rice order with the waiter. The Yangchow Fried Rice (P180) was alright. It was a big serving, and would have served four under normal circumstances :) Hehe!

Yangchow Fried Rice

For the main dish, we ordered Peking Duck in Two Ways (P800). They separated the skin from the meat. They served the very crispy duck skin first over deep-fried cracklings, steamed molo wrapper, and vegetable sticks. I guess you have to eat those together. I can only assume, coz we were stunned to see that much food. Next came in the Duck meat - chopped and fried with potatoes and served over crispy vermicelli. It was so good.

Peking Duck 2 Ways

The Vegetable Sticks accompanying the Peking Duck

Peking Duck meat chopped and fried with potatoes
over crispy vermicelli

Duck meat wrapped in crispy Iceberg lettuce

Crispy Duck Skin

Crispy Duck Skin

Molo wrap over duck skin

It was a feast! We'd love to go back again someday. Until then, I have to excercise the duck cholesterol away!