Shang Palace

Savoring Huaiyang cuisine

By Nico Erle Ciriaco

Makati Shangri-La features China’s Huaiyang cuisine with a guest chef from Shenzhen’s Futian Shangri-La in their posh dining outlet Shang Palace. The premiere Cantonese restaurant invites diners to experience the authentic and elegant dishes of the Huaiyang cuisine through a special selection prepared by guest chef Anthony Dong.

Huaiyang cuisine, known around the world for its exquisite style and flavors, is also one of the main components of Chinese cuisine, combining the cooking styles of Yangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Zhenjiang districts. “Huaiyang cuisine is a mixture of the four major tastes: sweet, sour, spicy, and salty together with the freshness of the ingredients used. While other regions are focused and distinct in a particular taste, such as the spice and zing of Szechuan cuisine, Huaiyang lets you taste everything at once,” apprized Chef Dong.

The celebrated toque, who is visiting the country for the first time, has meticulously prepared his exquisite dishes such as the Glutinous rice dumpling stuffed with sesame paste, deep-fried shrimp with oatmeal, and braised bamboo asparagus in superior broth to name a few. I particularly like the Marinated chicken and sliced abalone with wasabi. The delectable meat dish melds the spice from wasabi and chili peppers to a refreshing finish in the mouth; and not something overwhelmingly hot. Delish!

When asked about his cooking style, Chef Dong shared that his culinary philosophy is “to cook from the heart,” He brings with him over a score of culinary experience to the Philippines and shares his skills in artfully presenting contemporary Huaiyang fare; highlighting the freshness of each. A well-accomplished chef in the culinary world, he holds the title of Honorary Deputy Professor of Food & Beverage Management at the Far East University in Taiwan and has also won a gold medal in the National Innovative Cooking Competition in China for his outstanding kitchen wizardry and creativity.

Aficionados of Chinese cuisine may opt to start their meal with Shang Palace’s unlimited Dim Sum Plus.

Cantonese in origin, dim sum are bite-sized delicacies in the tradition of yum cha. When weary travelers along the Silk Road would retire to teahouses, for a relaxing respite of food and some tea, the dim sum selection is usually unlimited and is accompanied by a choice of a main dish, soup, and dessert. Literally meaning “to touch the heart,” it’s only fitting that a hearty dim sum feast be shared.

Experience exceptional dishes at the Shang Palace, known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine. Its fancy interiors with glittering crystal chandeliers and intricate wooden latticework on the walls create an enchanting teahouse ambience that is unique to the restaurant. Guests may also enjoy memorable celebrations with family and friends in any of its eleven private dining rooms, in its spacious dining room, or intimate booths.

Catch the Huaiyang food festival ‘til month’s end at the Shang Palace. For restaurant reservations and/or more information on this food promotion, simply call 814-2580. You may also email rric.slm@shangri-la.com. The restaurant is open daily for lunch from 11:30 in the morning to 2:30 in the afternoon; and dinner from 6:30 in the evening ‘til 10:30 pm.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts currently owns and/or manages more than 80 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 34,000. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. The Shang Group has substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in eight territories including the Philippines.  For more information, contact a travel professional or browse their Web site, www.shangri-la.com.