“Bonjour!” the ladies by the door greeted us with their big smiles. I paused for a moment and wondered why “bonjour?” I was invited to a Chinese restaurant right?

Later on, as I settled on my seat, I found out that TuanTuan doesn’t stand as an authentic Chinese restaurant alone. The word “Bonjour” was a hint what fusion it had. Surely, it is French. From the same group of Lugang Cafe, the group collaborated with Mui Garden and Deer Garden to create a distinct dining experience. TuanTuan cultivated the Chinese tradition within a sophisticated yet cozy French inspired ambiance. As the first Chinese Brasserie in the Philippines, TuanTuan is a mix of Hong Kong comfort food with French flair.

Before TuanTuan officially opened to the public, I was blessed to be one of the first few guests to taste and get a sneak peek of what TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie offers.

Holy macaroni! Did Tim Ho Wan send their pork buns from the ground floor? Giving TuanTuan three slow claps for giving me the first reason why I should come back. With the long queue of Tim Ho Wan, I’d choose to save my time and go straight to the take-out counter of TuanTuan for the buns.

TuanTuan achieved the same crispy and fluffy texture yet less flaky compared to Tim Ho Wan’s. Seated on a toasted bottom, it created that admirable texture you’d want for your barbecue buns. When it comes to the heart of the buns – the barbecued pork – a little less sweet for me. As a whole, you won’t taste much of difference compared to its competitor. I have to commend TuanTuan for getting as close to Tim Ho Wan’s standard. I mean, if you’re not that of an extreme pork bun critic or let’s say expert, you might as well save your time from lining up for hours. Besides, TuanTuan has a take-out counter if pork buns are just what you want to take home.

Sweet blend of pineapple chunks enveloped in the same crispy and fluffly buns. Too sweet to start the meal, so I saved a portion for dessert.

TuanTuan highlights their signature congee, cooked with a series of ceremonies. Congee rice is lovingly cooked for longer hours than its usual cooking time, and waits for it until it flowers and blooms. The proof of its obsessive compulsiveness lies on the result. A distinctively creamy and smooth texture with the taste of the traditional Hong Kong congee that we all love.

Flexibility for all types of consumers. TuanTuan gives you the freedom to mix and match your own noodles. The longing for a bowl of laksa tumbled when I saw the option as my soup base. Then, I added the toppings I think would suit my mild spicy laksa, enoki mushrooms, prawns and beancurd. Typically, only 2 toppings are allowed. You could always pay extra (Php 88/topping) for additional toppings.

The final outcome satisfied the type of laksa I was looking for. I may declare it’s not the best I’ve tried yet the best version of being decent and generous with its serving size.

I took a trip around the world as I moved on to the next, Honey Garlic Chicken Wings. Actually a surprise to see a familiar dish I would normally get in casual rugged chicken wings restaurants. Chicken wings, being one of my comfort food, is the simplest dish to please the roof of my mouth. TuanTuan’s side of chicken wings left a good mark as I couldn’t stop craving for more. An A rating for their chicken wings is a sign for you to order this dish.

Now we move on to… India? TuanTuan keeps on touring me to various cuisines. No ordinary curry, that’s a promise by TuanTuan. Through its collaboration with the multi-awarded Mui Garden Curry, TuanTuan brings in a type of curry that is truly decadent, rich with the perfect blend of over twenty meticulously blended spices and creamy coconut milk. The same recipe that has satisfied countless diners from Hong Kong and Canada for over fifty year, attempts to do the same for the Filipinos. I call dibs for this curry! I attest to the irresistible creamy and rich blend joined with the soft US premium beef rib and tendon. Oh, and don’t forget your steaming hot rice.

Now we’re talking about rice meals. This Macau Style Cajun Chicken Fillet on Rice briefly explains what the plate is all about. Boneless thigh chicken fillet, crisp and juicy, relaxed on a bed of greens, rice and spicy sauce. Oh, you’ve got a spoon of corn on the side to balance out the spiciness in case it might be too much for you to take.

Twin brother of the Honey Garlic Chicken Wings just because of their sauce. Similar admirable blend coated on chopped spareribs. It may look generous but you have to consider each piece contains small pieces of bones.

House Special Trio includes baked seafood, wild mushroom and pork chop on rice. Makes it easier for you to select if you can’t make up your mind. A complete set of all three sauces in one boat of rice.

Hong Kong Style Coffee

The secret ingredient is no secret anymore. TuanTuan uses Black & White Milk, which is the only milk most reputable tea masters in Hong Kong use. To blend in a silky and smooth cup of coffee or tea, Black & White is the best choice. TuanTuan imported these milks to assure the best quality in all their beverages that require milk.

The child in me is charmed by mantou bread and condensed milk. TuanTuan cut smaller pieces of deep fried mantou bread, additional crushed peanut for a crunchier texture and Black & White milk as the sweet condensed dip.

Elegant yet cozy French inspired ambiance with patterned tiles used as flooring. Move forward and you’ll land in a spot of being inside an indoor garden.

The wall dimmed in grayscale with post-its of garage items like an old bicycle, ancient framed photos, souvenirs and other random pieces.

The take-out counter I was telling you earlier. Get your on-the-go pork buns from this counter.

I tell you, TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie is the new must-visit restaurant at Mega Fashion Hall.

What do you think of this new restaurant?

Share with me your thoughts foodie! 🙂

Cheers,

Location: 3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Operating Hours: 10:00AM-9:00PM (Sunday-Thursday) / 10:00AM-10:00PM (Fri-Sat)

Contact: (+632) 570-9011

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuantuanmanila

Instagram: @tuantuanmanila

Budget: PHP300++

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