I hope youβre not on a diet, because youβll want to check out David’s Tea House right after you see the end of this post. π Why? Well…food porn!
Following our “thanksgiving lunch” at David’s Tea House MOA Branch last March, we had a chance to try several dishes at this Chinese restaurant yesterday. At lunch time, I brought with me some members of my team and together we were satied once again by great food courses served courtesy of the house. A parade of interesting flavors ensues.
Review of David’s Tea House (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City) –Β Our Return!
Warming our stomachs first was an order of Polonchay (Spinach) with Seafood Soup (PhP 304), which was like fiesta in a bowl. Thinking aloud, I liked to pair it with crusty whole-grain bread and some sliced tomatoes on the side. Oh, but doing that may just transform this Chinese meal to something else? Anyway, the tastes of both the seafood (shrimps) and pureed spinach were obviously great.
David’s Tea House’s Hot Prawn Salad (PhP 463) is difficult to ignore. As mentioned in my most recent review, it’s my favoriteβnothing short of a nest of mayo-based juicy and crunchy hot prawns with fruits salad. The prawns helped make the salad a substantial course, and the fresh lettuce at the bottom cut the heaviness of the dressing. The leaves and the fruits could mercifully trick you to believe that you’re enjoying a light, refreshing dish. When food is this good, I wouldn’t mind taking the calories.
Packed with vibrant toppings consisting of assorted meat, seafood and eggs, David’s Tea HouseΒ Sauted Misua Guisado (PhP 185) was cooked just right. It rewards diners with chewy and slippery texture as the noodles had been softened and flavored well with the broth. I’m not a fan of noodles, so I don’t want to lie and say I like it. But my mom and everyone else who’s into eating noodles would surely love this.
The Shanghai Spring Rolls (PhP 243) were made faultlessly with compact, stuffed ground meat. With crisp wrappers, they appeared almost grease-lessβand that’s an indication that these spring rolls are a hit in a lineup of standouts. I mean it’s not often when you see a spring roll that’s more crisp than greasy and actually delicious. So rightfully, celebrate, put on a party hat and enjoy the food. Or that may be an exaggeration of happiness. π
Look at that beautiful slabs of meat! The Fried Crispy Pata (PhP 485) encompasses a world’s worth of ingredients in a very distinctive manner. Topped with very colorful garnish, the fried crispy pata arrived at the table with an intense aroma that only picked up as we started to eat. It was really crispy to the bone and did not at all lack in flavor.
Another approachable and no less interesting dish we conquered was the Beef Brocolli Flower (PhP 282). This dish is a good grade of meat cooked separately before being blended with the greens. I remember we ordered Beef with Ampalaya last time. The tenderness of the beef was indeed wonderful as it’s consistent throughout. Thank goodness, it didn’t feel like punishing me for chewing the small slices of meat. The sauce was thick and fairly flavored, good to be eaten with steaming plain white rice.
Similarly, David’s Braised Pata Tim (PhP 463) was protein-focused. I punched a small portion of it and thought it’s good. Soft and savory. Popular as a specialty dish, this braised pork leg recipe may not be a groundbreaking or new idea in contemporary Chinese kitchens, but it’s worth noting that David’s Tea House’s version of it gets appreciated by diners almost all the time.
At last, the Almond with Lychee (PhP 90) felt clean to the palate. Itβs a fascinating combination that always puts a smile on my face. π Sweet, but not too sweet. Nice and certainly addicting.
Wrap Up
Since this was a return visit, my ratings for the ambiance, service and price for value remain the same. For the food, ah… I think the quality is still consistent. I give David’s Tea House another 4/5 stars for overall review rating.Β One thing is for sure: David’s Tea House, which now has 20 branches all over the Philippines, won’t make you look to stray from the beaten path. This is a recommended place to head for any meal.
David’s Tea House in MOA has an ongoing promotion right now called “Dimsum Afternoon Weekday Promo.” From Monday to Friday, at 2:30PM to 5:30PM, diners get to enjoy each dimsum variety for PhP 58 only.Β Choose from: Shrimp Siomai, Tausi Chicken Feet, Tausi Spareribs, Beef Ball, Fish Tofu, Glutinous Rice with Chicken (Machang), Steamed Chicken Wings with Mushroom, Bean Curd Roll, Shark’s Fin Dumpling, Kuchay Dumpling, Vegetable Meat Pao, Pork Asado Pao, Linyong Pao, Taro Puff, Raddish Cake, Fried Spring Rolls, Fried Cuapao, Steamed Cuapao, Sesame Buchi, Pork Asado Pao, and Bichu-bichu (all originally priced at PhP 95 each).
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Oh I am so jealous. This menu looks so delicious. At first I thought this post was about the David’s Tea , in Canada this is huge – it’s actually a tea house; lots and lots of varieties of tea.
Hehe David’s Tea in Canada is far from David’s Tea House here in the Philippines even though the name sounds alike. This place is a Chinese restaurant that passed my standard. Don’t forget to visit this when you fly to Philippines! π
All of that food looks so good. Love the look of those noodles.
They look and taste good. Those are very high quality Chinese noodles. Portion was generous and the food was made with care.
Love the presentation of the food. They do an awesome job of that. You are bolder in your food choices than I would be. The Beef Broccoli Flower would be my choice. Did the fortune cookie predict you were going to give it a 4 out of 5 rating? Enjoyed my visit!
Hehe I haven’t seen any fortune cookie in real life! Would you believe it? Anyway, I don’t think I would need to – because any mere hocus pocus in fortune or magic won’t be necessary for me to give a high rating for David’s Tea House. π It’s the real thing, Paula!
Looks so yummy oh ghaaaaaaad!!!!!!!
I can hear your voice from here. π
Wew I thought I caught myself mouth watering while reading your blog post π Awesomely written post and I must say you have an eye of a professional photographer π
Thanks, Rambo! The meal packages here are also great and well-priced. It’s nice to try them some time. π
The spring rolls look so good to me!
Yeah I think the spring rolls would also be loved by most Pinoys.
I think I like to try the dimsum afternoon promo since it has lots of variety and also affordable.
The dim sum promo is incredible. However, I don’t have a big stomach to stuff them all in haha. Anyway, my top pics would be: Bean Curd Roll, Sharkβs Fin Dumpling, and Shrimp Siomai.
I have a big stomach for that. => I think Dimsum is lighter though than other dishes.
AH haha yes, dim sum literally means snack in Cantonese so your stomach can be all up for it. π
I also like to try their Pata Tim. It’s quite an indulgence but it really taste good.
You have a way of describing food that is incredible. I would love to be able to try this restaurant it sounded delicious!
Thanks, Rena! I really appreciate your comment. It’s the type that gives me more encouragement to write. π
It all looks amazing. I love noodles especially rice noodles so I suspect I would love that first dish after the delicious looking soup.
Nice! The rice noodles might feel heavy though so make sure to take just enough when you know there will be more dishes to be served ahead. π
OMG that restaurant looks delicious! I wish I had one in my town!!!
-Tara
Yeah, it’s definitely a good fix for your Chinese food cravings.
Great review! I like to try new things, and i do not believe i have eaten most of that..
Thanks! The menu is pretty extensive and offers a wide variety of entrees, soups and dim sum. I’m sure you would want to order a lot once you enter David’s Tea House.
It all looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks and you’re welcome, Rebecca. π Overall, the food was good and the company was excellent. If you are in the mood for some dim sum and Chinese food at a reasonable price, give this place a try.
Oh WOW!! That food looks amazing. I’m sure it was delicious.
Right. The portions were large enough to fill anyone’s appetite, and the price for these are reasonable and fair.
Looks like a really delicious restaurant. I am allergic to fish and shellfish (so sad!), so I don’t eat at restaurants that serve it due to fear of cross contamination but those photos looks gorgeous!
Awww too bad – there are many delicious seafood entrees available here. The good news is that you can always order the meaty and/or vegetable courses. Thanks for reading my review!
OMG that Hot Prawn Salad looks so good. it’s a shame we have nothing like that here. I look forward to your next post.
Aw thanks, Katrina. π
Wow, everything looks so delish! I am now hungry.
Food looked so tempting, right? Once you’re there, the menu would also whet oneβs appetite through the mouth-watering pictures.
Perfect read! I’m hungry now.
Hehe I noticed that you read the post and left a comment almost near lunch time. Definitely it’s a great time to read food blogs – to know where you want to eat! π
Such a wide variety of food. If I ever make to that part of the world I will definitely visit Davids!
Sure. You won’t be sorry. π
Wow, I want the guisado and the prawn salad. The afternoon dimsum promo looks mighty tempting as P58 for mah chang and siomai is a good deal.
Yes, that’s absolutely a good teaser. Go na, Aldous. π
All of the foods posted are really enticing and my favorite will be the hot shrimp salad and the Spinach with Seafood Soup but one thing I noticed was the price, maybe they are a bit expensive than average restaurants, just my opinion though.
Yup. I have mentioned that in my review of David’s Tea House before. This is like a high-end restaurant but one where you’ll really be satisfied. π
All of this looks so tasty, i think i love the Beef Brocolli the best though.
It’s a mix of meat and veggies. Love it. π
That braised pata tim looks particularly delicious to me. That’s what I’d order if I were lucky enough to eat at David’s Tea House!
I see that it will be a great new addition to your favorite food list. π
The spring rolls and the beef dish would be high on my wishlist from a restaurant like this.
Good choices. They are Chinese comfort food. π
Yum! Yum! Yum! I want to taste all of the foods above. I looks delicious and I think it will satisfy my appetite.
Have Chinese food galore at David’s Tea House and you will also soon be telling all about it to your friends and family. π
Looks like a really great place! I would love to try The Shanghai Spring Rolls, they seem really delicious.
Hmmm add the sweet chili sauce that further enhances the taste. π
The food looks amazing! And sounds like you had great time!
Yes, we really did have a great time. π Try it soon!
Wow! All the foods are so tempting. They all look too luscious. How I wish I were living in that place. I would be much obliged to bring all the members of my family for a day’s family-bonding food trip. There is no David’s Tea house here in our local SM.
Ohh maybe they will open soon if the demand is good. Hey, David’s Tea House is open for franchising. Contact them if you’re interested. π You can start the business rolling in your local SM. ^_^
This is really a food porn, I love pata tim and crispy pata. The P58 promo is really a steal.
Hehe yes, it is! π
Wow, this looks like some great food!
They’re all must-tries! π
I guess I should bring my mom here.. she likes chinese food.. especially noodles! the misua guisado is a must-try for her. π
David’s Tea House’s menu is full of noodles. You can ask for the staff for recommendations. π Your mom will be happy!
Hot prawn salad is one of my staple orders at Chinese restaurants. I haven’t been to David’s Tea House in ages. Now I’m craving.
Reading this post then just came in proper timing for you. π
I’ve always loved David’s Tea House but there’s a lot in their menu that I haven’t tried yet. The Hot Prawn Salad and Beef Broccoli Flower are some of my all-time faves. π
Those two are mine, too. π
Those dishes are looking great.
They’re a looker and they’re calling you right now. π Head on to David’s Tea House for a hot soup on a cold rainy day or just try some Chinese food you haven’t tried before.
Hmmm look yums, my mouth literally got flooded with saliva (not a good thing coz i’m currently on a strict diet) LOL, especially love the look of that hot prawn salad!
Haha I love it how I can picture you right now. π Hot prawn salad is for the win!
everything on the menu is mouthwatering but I had my eyes on the Pata Tim
Eyes on the goal. You know what to order the moment you take your seat. π
LOL! of course!
I love everything! haha
Hi Dorothy! I know that. π