Remembering the Times at Masuki

I feel nostalgic whenever I pass by Masuki in Chinatown because I spent many summer days during my childhood slurping bowl after bowl of noodles there.

It's amazing that the Masuki that I remember as a child has not changed.  The fixtures, ambiance, and food they serve remain the same twenty years after.

Masuki has a limited menu of noodles and short order dimsum.

Masuki Noodles Menu

Here's what we ordered:

Steamed Wonton

Asado & Bola-Bola Siopao

Special Brown Sauce & Spring Onions

Original Mami

It's hard for me to be objective when reviewing Masuki because I've grown accustomed to the taste after all these years. For me, a visit always feels like going back to the familiar, comforting flavors of home.

Masuki is located at 931 Benavidez St Binondo, Manila. For more information, call 244-0745.

Home of the Best Dimsum: David's Tea House

While Wai Ying is my go to place when craving for dimsum, I have to give it to David's Tea House for serving the best dimsum in town.

T. Mapua branch

For me, no restaurant comes close in matching the quality of dimsum David's main branch in T. Mapua produces day in, day out. Dimsum is always fresh, with no scrimping on the ingredients.

Just look at these baskets of glory: 

Shrimp Siomai (70php)

Hakaw Shrimp (80php)

Tausi Spareribs (70php)

Pork Asado Pao (70php)

Assorted Dimsum Platter (185php)

Sesame Buchi (70php)

Aside from dimsum, David's also offers hotpot

Hotpot

and hot dishes:

Fried Beancurd (185php)

Fried Wanton (180php)

Wanton Beef Noodles (145php)

Yang Chow Fried Rice (170php)

Sweet and Sour Pork (200php)

Don't forget to end a meal at David's Tea House with soy milk. It's so popular that I've seen some patrons  driving by the restaurant, ordering from their car windows, just to have a glass.

Soy Milk

David's Tea House has 18 branches in Luzon. For more information, click here.

Wai Ying is Comfort Food

What do you do when you’re feeling blue?

Some shop.

Others indulge in a relaxing massage.

I, on the other hand, eat at Wai Ying  where the familiar flavors of the food never fail to comfort me.

Wai Ying is a popular joint in Chinatown that serves good dimsum at affordable price points.

Just leave your expectations of sophistication at the door, as ambiance is nonexistent in Wai Ying.

Mop for Everyone to See

A trip to Wai Ying is never complete without me ordering:

Pork Siomai (60php)

One of the better versions of siomai in Chinatown. Flavorful with real pork goodness.

Taosi Spareribs (55php)

I first discovered the wonders of Wai Ying’s spareribs more than a decade ago and I've never grown tired of it. Perfect balance of meat and fat with the light sauce allowing the meat to shine. A must try!

Hakaw (65php)

Fresh and plump. Shrimps are also huge. 

White Chicken Rice (110php)

Make sure not to get the breast part as those tend to be dry. Decent version of steamed chicken with the spring onions adding flavor to the dish.

Buchi (55php)

Best way to end a meal at Wai Ying. Sweet and crispy. Best eaten piping hot.

I also never fail to bring home some food from Wai Ying for my brothers to eat:

Fried Wanton (120php)

One can do no wrong with fried food. Addictingly good.

Asado Siopao (55php)

I'm not a fan of siopao but Wai Ying's siopao has earned raves from my brothers. 

I'll end this post by sharing the menu of Wai Ying in the hopes that it will encourage more people to visit Chinatown for a taste of Wai Ying as it's certainly worth the trip.

Wai Ying is located at 1237 to 1241 Benavidez St. Tondo, Manila. Contact 2543318 for more information. It also has a branch at the heart of Chinatown in Ongpin.