If Hong Kong comfort food is what you’re after, TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie will treat you right. TuanTuan in SM Megamall is a collaboration between the Lugang Group and the Mui Garden/Deer Garden restaurants of Canada. Extravagant dishes centered in Hong Kong cuisine and Macanese flavors marry a touch of French flair. Your best bet is to head in for its panoply of savory curry, noodle soup, and signature snow buns, or take delight in some of its best-selling items just as we did. 😉
Review of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie (SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City)
Ambiance: ★★★★★
Filled with thoughtful details, the interior design of TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie has a good command of both modern and retro-style themes. Everything looks classy, with elegant crystal chandeliers and consistent bright lights above the tables. I’m sure it took a lot of effort (and money) to look this effortless.
Ideal for a more intimate setting, the back dining area is arranged with a long table that can sit 10 guests. It has an eye-catching faux garden wall with realistic artificial plants that make the space feel rather magical as an indoor patio or an extended oasis of the restaurant.
The wall just beside this area also deserves a good deal of attention, as it’s decorated with like a collage of framed pictures and things that tell different wonderful stories.
It’s pretty remarkable that TuanTuan has this kitchen countertop in the middle that somehow reflects a laid-back kitchen that charms with its warm but neutral palette. The black and white scheme really never fails to look polished, suitable for contemporary and chic interiors.
Service: ★★★★★
Service was prompt and friendly. In other semi-random information, it was funny how the staff were all camera-ready whenever I would position my camera to take a shot of a section of the restaurant. Even those chefs preparing the pork snow buns in the open kitchen smiled and posed when I was about 20 feet away. It’s been great engaging with them. 🙂
Food: ★★★★★
We made sure to snag an order of TuanTuan’s Signature Barbecued Pork Snow Buns (PhP 128, 3 pieces) because I have heard from several friends how these buns taste better than those of Tim Ho Wan. My verdict? They are right! These pork buns have a crisp, sweet, streusel-like top that flakes beautifully. The filling is delectable and almost addicting. It’s made up of tender, sweet-savory pork wrapped in a warm, pillow-soft freshly baked golden bun. Yummy! TuanTuan’s pork snow buns are a compelling reason to eat here in their own right.
Looking colorful and tasty, the House Special Trio (PhP 398) consisted of creamy baked seafood, pesto wild mushroom, and pork chop rice. This dish struck a number of notes, thanks to the combination of flavors that had successfully addressed every part of our palate, with each boasting a unique taste that just can’t be beat.
Standing up to strong spices, the Steamed Halibut Belly with Chili and Garlic (PhP 468) was not a boring entree either. Although we found it a hassle to remove the fish bones while eating, the flavor did not turn us off. The fish meat was soft and tender. I especially liked the sauce which gave an alluring aroma that reminded me of home. 🙂 Overall, it’s a messy and glorious dish with salty, sweet, pungent, and fresh flavors, plus multiple textures to boot.
Price for Value: ★★★☆☆
TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie in SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall is a must-stop for Chinese food lovers. Featuring a fusion cuisine made from a distinctive range of Portuguese-influenced dishes from Macau, TuanTuan serves food that are worth waiting in line for. While tabs are mostly on the high end, this restaurant still left me wanting to come back. 🙂 See its menu here.
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