Tao Yuan made quite a stir in Malate late 2009 when Chinese folks started raving about their Singaporean dishes cooked by authentic Singaporean chefs who flew in from Singapore. I’ve been to Tao Yuan a couple of times but this is my first time to write about them.
Tao Yuan HCR
The first time I tried Tao Yuan was at their branch at Resorts World. I wasn’t too impressed thinking that I actually liked STV’s Hainanese Chicken Rice better. It’s no secret that I’m such a big fan of Stevie’s, having ordered it countless times since early 2010. However, when I visited Tao Yuan with Bubba 2nd week of April, I had a change of heart and liked Tao Yuan much better in their Malate branch.
Thanks Pat and Eric for the surprise! 🙂
It was the weekend where Bubba and I stayed at Sofitel –free accommodation, thanks to my Accor Advantage Plus Card (hey Joan Lim!). I invited to have a late lunch in Malate before checking in the hotel but unfortunately, my first choice of restaurant, La Scala Café and Music Bar was closed and won’t open until 6pm. Good thing that Tao Yuan was open and that’s where Bubba and I detoured for lunch.
Tao Yuan Restaurant Hainanese Chicken Rice
On the Table
Pickled Peanuts – Free
Since it was already past 3 in the afternoon, Bubba and I snacked on the pickled peanuts first while waiting for our food.
Bah Kuh Teh PHP 180
Bah Kuh Teh is a clear pork ribs stew that’s usually peppery. The pork ribs are simmered in a broth of mixed herbs and spices for a long time incorporating a strong pork flavor into the soup.
A small version is cooked or reheated near your table and served in a nice pot. Tao Yuan’s version of Bah Kuh Teh had a robust flavor of pork and spices. The meat off the lone bone was tender. It was such a comforting starter.
Tao Yuan Bah Kuh Teh
Singapore Hainanese Chicken PHP 450/Half
I ordered the same at their Resorts World branch but interestingly found the taste at Tao Yuan Malate branch more pleasing to the palate.
The chicken was flavorful and tender. Bubba finished the whole plate and even said the taste was comparable to Stevie’s. He loved it.
Cereal Prawns 2 pieces PHP /piece
Bubba let me have this plate all to myself and only took half a bite of the cereal prawn. He didn’t like the cereal that came with the prawns at first but eventually enjoyed munching the crunchy cereals after a while. The cereals coating the prawns and laid out generously on the serving plate was both sweet and savory.
Tao Yuan Cereal Prawns
Service at Tao Yuan Malate was really impressive, very different from the Resorts World branch. The wait staff assigned to our table was very attentive and helpful.
Albeit very hungry, Bubba and I enjoyed our late Tao Yuan lunch and would definitely be back if we find ourselves back in the Malate area. I look at trying the Black Pepper Crabs of Tao Yuan next time.
Tao Yuan Restaurant
508-512 General Malvar Street corner A. Mabini Street,
Malate, Manila, Philippines
(632) 522 7009 – 10
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Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice
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Recent Table Guest