Much Ado About Lugang Cafe

Lugang Café has created a lot of buzz since it opened.

I’ve been to this beautifully designed Chinese restaurant twice and went home unimpressed on both occasions.

Am I the only one who doesn’t get it?

Steamed Pork  Xiao Long Bao (158php) 

Reminds me of the recent Din Tai Fung disappointment. Has flavor but lacks the oomph factor. Skin is at least delicate.

Steamed Shrimp and Pork Siomai (188php)

Siomai with broth!?! Tastes similar to Pork Xiao Long Bao.

Steamed Shrimp and Pork Dumplings (188php)

I realize here that all Lugang dimsums taste the same.

Steamed Vegetable and Pork Dumplings (188php)

Didn’t have the desire to try this green colored dimsum.

Meat Combination (880php)

Asado could have been better but the duck and pork portions are superb.

Taiwanese Sausage (180php) 

One can find better sausages at Ongpin.

Pineapple Fried Rice (280php)

Not the best, Nina said.

Spicy Beef and Tendon Noodle Soup (250php)

Not spicy at all. Stock strangely tastes like the white sauce popularly used in shawarma. Noodles are also unremarkable.

Hainan Bone Chicken (450php)

Awful! My stomach cringed a little because this is served very very cold. Has funky taste to boot!

Taiwanese Stewed Minced Pork (160php) 

Reminds me of adobo and I HATE adobo.

Taiwanese Stir Fried Rice Noodles with Pork (245php)  

Dry and bland. Such an amateur dish.

Three Cup Chicken (290php)

Interesting flavors. Small pieces made it addicting to eat although I can't say this is very delicious.

Fried Prawns with Oats (480php)

Too small to be classified as prawns. Oat coating works but nothing beats the sweetness of cereal prawns.

Black Pepper on Iron Plate (360php)

I have to say that the meat’s tender but there's nothing spectacular about this dish.

Crab Rice Congee (980php)

Comfort dish! Could use more spices though as flavors are a bit subdued.

Steamed Spinach in Broth with Preserved Egg (300php)

Veggies = Pass

Sweet and Sour Pork (280php)

Decent version of an old time classic.

Crab on Vermicelli in Clay Pot (820php)

The only winning noodle dish we tried at Lugang. Crabs certainly help in giving this dish flavor.

Beef with Chinese Crullers (280php)

Wonderful play of textures with the tender beef and crunchy dough. Fun to eat!

I’ve never tried any of Lugang's sweet offerings as I've always been too full. Maybe it’s in the desserts that I will finally understand why Lugang Café is the popular restaurant that it is today.

Lugang Café is located at 115 Connecticut St. North East Greenhills. For more information, call 7219100 or 5709011.