Lugang Cafe at Mall of Asia

I think I've never tried Taiwanese cuisine before (or maybe I already did but just didn't know any better), so when we came back to the Philippines and saw Lugang Cafe at Mall of Asia, we knew it was about time to broaden our (culinary?) horizons.

Lugang Cafe, Mall of Asia, Pasay

At first glace, this place looks highly intimidating, making us do a double take as we were only clad in the official tropical-based mall-going attire of shorts, shirts and flip flops.  But, upon noticing almost half the people in the room were in the same garb, that gave us pause and we huge uttered a sigh of relief (as we were already set on havin' us some hot pippin' Taiwanese fare.)

Love the lighting fixtures

First on the list was Taiwanese Pork "Maki" Thick Soup (Php180).  As the name implies, it is a slightly clear, brownish soup with thin noodle strings and pork pieces.  Not really a fan of Maki, but the Little One seems to like her bowl.

Taiwanese Pork "Maki" Thick Soup

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao's the specialty here; but we were salivating too much on the pictures of their Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shiao Mao (Php268 for 8 pieces) in the menu that we simply could not pass that one up.

Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shiao Mao

Delicious and very tasty!  It had a very thick skin, which surprisingly, also held this delectable broth.  Comes with a vinegar and ginger dipping sauce that complemented it perfectly.

Dipping sauce

The Husband sure loves his noddle dishes, and Lugang Cafe's Cantonese Mushroom Stir-Fried Noodles (Php350) was just what he needed to whet his cravings.

Cantonese Mushroom Stir-Fried Noodles

It's surprisingly not so flavorful, but I mean it in a good way.  The flavors are just right and complements each other quite well.  I also love my stir-fried noodle dishes with a little bit of sauce; just right that it's not overpowering the whole thing.  And this has it down pat.

The next dish I call Machang; but at Lugang Cafe, it's known as Glutinous Rice and Stewed Pork Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves (don't cha just love it when restaurants get too literal?  Heheheh!). 

Glutinous Rice and Stewed Pork Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves

Long name aside, this has got to be the best Machang errr... Glutinous Rice and Stewed Pork Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves (Php120) I've ever tasted.  The rice is sticky enough, with tender pork pieces hiding here and there.  The portobello mushrooms also give it a nice earthy flavor.  Also comes with 2 types of dipping sauces: a thick, dark, sweet and salty (too salty, IMO) sauce, and a sweet and spicy one.

We also had Aloe Jelly in Honey Lemon Juice (Php150) and Mango Jelly in Mango and Coconut Milk (Php150) to wash everything down.

Aloe Jelly in Honey Lemon Juice

The Aloe Jelly in Honey Lemon Juice sort of reminds me of drinking a glass of pressed flowers.  Really not my thing.  On the other hand, their Mango Jelly in Mango and Coconut Milk was the best.  Very thick.  Sort of like a milkshake, but instead of milk, coconut milk is used.  Refreshing!

Mango Jelly in Mango and Coconut Milk

That meal certainly left us quite satisfied.  Maybe on our next visit, we'll be able to try out a few of their desserts, too.  J

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Lugang Cafe
G/F 136-137, SM Mall of Asia
Pasay, Philippines
T      (+63) 2 555 0219 / 916 214 0822
W     http://www.lugangcafe.com.ph



Please visit the Lugang Cafe website (click here for the site) for more information on menu items and branch locations.