Yumchee at BGC Stopover Pavilion is a newly opened premium fastfood restaurant that aims more toward serving traditional Chinese comfort food in a contemporary, hip setting. Chinese comfort food can be a dangerous game to play now with fierce competition in Metro Manila. So many places mess it up, and the catastrophes tend to be bigger than those at more straightforward restaurants. But I tell you, Yumchee does it incredibly well. This is where savory Chinese dimsum and congee sit nicely aside bowls of noodle soup and some delicious combinations of viands. I had lunch here with my KTG foodie friends two weeks ago. π
Review of Yumchee (BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City)
Ambiance:Β β β β β β
Arriving at Yumchee felt very much like discovering a little-known gem. The setup is similar to regular casual fastfood joints where dining guests view the menu behind the counter to order and pay. What’s notably different though is that the menu is animated. π Photos of food are enhanced with hot steam smoke, an effect that makes dishes look more appetizing.
Yumchee is outfitted with simple fixtures, comfortable furnishings, clean flooring, and bright lighting. It’s spacious enough to accommodate big groups. For business lunches, familyΒ dinners, or after-work meals, this is the place to be.
Service:Β β β β β β
Everything was pleasant. Dishes came out fast as what you would normally anticipate from a fastfood or quick-service restaurant. We met the owners and they were very accommodating. Staffs were also attentive and helpful. I hope that this positive attitude will remain consistent even after their soft opening.
Food:Β β β β β β
Dim Sum
“Dim sum” is to the Chinese what tapas is to the Spanish. It’s all about small servings of different dishes representing a variety of great foods and tastes. We tried the following and thought they were absolutely well executedβa far cry from food stalls normally selling such a hearty delicacy in the busy parts of the city.
The Pork Shrimp Siomai (PhP 85), theΒ Beancurd Shrimp Roll (PhP 85), and theΒ Shrimp Dumpling (PhP 85) were stuffed to the brim withoutΒ overwhelming the wrapper. I guess it’s worth mentioning that the wrapper was moderately thick and not doughy. It was tender but with a bit of elastic chew. Translucency was made perfect, barely revealing what’s stuffed inside. The fillings were moist andΒ packed with the true flavor.
Not skimpy on the meat filling as well, Fried Wanton (PhP 85)Β had a crisp crust and the sauce served with it was quite delicious. It could have been a deeper golden brown though, to add points for attraction.
Yumchee’s Asado Siopao or BBQ Pork Buns (PhP 85) had three defining components: the fluffy steamed bun, tenderness of the pork, and its aromatic asado flavor. When combined, it resulted to a messy, colorful, glorious snack of sweet delight, with multiple textures to boot. It’s one of the dim sum you can order and eat while on-the-go.
Noodle Soup
Clean and thin in texture, the Wanton Noodle Soup (PhP 159) in itself was a filling meal with delicate flavors and a soul-satisfying warmth. Bouncy pork was the star. Overall, this entree tasted okay but not at par with the wanton soup of my youth, the one that originally made me fall in love with the salty, slippery comforting soup dish. I thought the difference lies in the broth.Β It’s a worthy dish to try at Yumchee nonetheless.
Two times better than the Wanton Noodle Soup, the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (PhP 159) had sizable portions of juicy and tender beef brisket that lent body and flavor to the broth for the most part. The soup tasted like it was made with care in a real kitchen using real ingredients. This version was good enough as it did not come out strong on MSG. Would I want to hunker down on a cold night with only this bowl to keep me company? Probably yes, when I’m in BGC. π
Congee
Congee or Chinese porridge is a staple in our home. The right water to rice ratio is the key to cooking it perfectly, and both Yumchee’s Pork with Century + Salted Egg Congee (PhP 159) and Mixed Seafood Congee (PhP 189) were able to pass our taste test. They’re silky and comforting while not being sludgy or overly heavy. The grains of rice were soft and thoroughly blended together. Yummy!
Set Meals
Set meals at Yumchee consist of one main dish, one side dish, and rice or soup. Options are as follows: Steamed Rice + Soup, Vegetable Fried Rice + Soup, Stir-fried Noodles + Soup, Seasonal Vegetables. I highly recommend the Chicken Chop (PhP 199) which reminded me of Taiwan’s crispy chicken chops, Orange Chicken (PhP 199) for its sweet orange-y kick, Beef Brisket (PhP 219) for the well-marbled meat, and the Fish Fillet with Tofu (PhP 199) which was presented in a mild sauce with melt-in-your-mouth soft fish fillet and tofu.
Drinks and Desserts
Drinks and desserts served were wickedly refreshing. I had the Iced Milk Tea (PhP 68) and was successfully satisfied.Β It was smooth, creamy, and fragrant. π Shaved ice with fruits (PhP 78 each) were awesome thirst-quenching concoctions with condensed milk. The combination of fruit selections kept every bite an interesting one. (Note: You get to pick two toppings for each order.) In the hot and sticky heat in the Philippines, a bowl of Shaved Ice will hydrate and cool you down fast.
Price for Value: β β β β β
I have to admit, I entered Yumchee with low expectation and some trepidation. I grew up and still live in Chinatown, so pretty much, tasty and authentic Chinese food is easily accessible both in restaurants nearby and at home.
Biting into our first dim sum at Yumchee, I wondered then, could this possibly be any good? The answer is yes!Β Prices are no way on the steep side and their menu is solid, tooβbetter than most Chinese fastfood joints away from Binondo. π
Yumchee Menu
On the same venue, we also got to greet Boss Spanky a happy birthday since he had just celebrated his birthday a few days ago. The birthday cake with The Kain Tulog Gang’s logo was made by Goldilocks. The cake’s print design looked really adorable and it’s incredibly edible! π
Operating hours:Β 10:30am-10pm
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
wow rating is so high! Hopefully they’ll open a branch nearby.
their food reminds me of comfort food near home e hehe
Yup! All the dim sum were so good. You really have to try them, Stacy. π
Definitely agree with you roch.. with the price and also the quality… yumchee isnt that bad
I’ll bring my family here when we have a chance to shop around BGC next time. π
Looks super fresh and modern. Food looks great and yay they have bubble tea this was my absolute favourite when I was still eating sugar! It looks super inviting and like a really nice place for a meal out with friends. YUM
The iced milk tea wasn’t too sweet. The iced coffee tastes good, too. You might want to try that one or share with a friend so you won’t get the full sugary content for yourself alone. π
After looking at all those yummy dishes I am finding myself wanting some! We don’t have a yumchee here in Canada so it looks like I am going to have to wait awhile. Adding Manilla to travel list!
Great! I’m not sure how Chinese food cooked in restaurants in Canada fare. If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, better drop by Yumchee when you’re in the Philippines. π
I love the look of this restaurant- it’s so fresh and modern. All those pictures of delicious food is totally making me hungry now! I’d love a tall cup of that iced milk tea! And those dumplings look and sound so delicious. I’d love to eat there!
Yumchee offers a variety of food and drinks that actually taste like those ones in Hong Kong or Taiwan. Suddenly I miss those two places. π
I have never seen shaved ice with fruits like this before. I love how bright the whole restaurant is when you are in the restaurant, the menu board looks so easy to read too. All of the food looks amazing as well.
I like that the shaved ice here is different from ice kachang in Singapore where there’s only like artificial-flavored syrup that adds sweetness to the ice. Real fruits are used in the platter and the condensed milk tastes great.
I have not been to Manila in ages, but this looks like a yummy restaurant in the city. I really like Chinese food and I recently did a tour of the Chinese food scene here in NYC!
Nice! Now you don’t need to go to downtown Binondo for your Chinese comfort food fix. There are so many restaurants that serve great Chinese food. Yumchee, while still new in the fastfood area, is promising. π
This looks good I have never eaten Chinese food to this extent but I would love to try it out. I would sit right by that window and see the scenery
That’s a great spot for people-watching. π
I love Chinese food and Yumchee’s looks amazing! Your photos are amazing and have made me very hungry. If I ever get a chance to dine at Yumchee I won’t hesitate to try it. Thanks for sharing this informative post.
Thanks, Michelle! π Feel free to drop by at Yumchee one of these days. Chinese food is my favorite. I hope you have a good time. π
This looks great – Your food images are yummy. I’ve never heard of so many of these fab choices and deserts – oh and the great sounding drinks! And happy birthday to Boss Spanky π
Thanks, Donna. These are excellent dishes matched with well-chosen drinks and desserts. The nicely timed service and spacious dining room complete a great experience at this must-stop. π
This looks like an awesome restaurant. The food looks great too! I love when the menus have pictures to help me decide since I almost never know what I want without seeing it first…LOL
Yes, definitely the menu with pictures helps customers to decide which to order. This is especially usable for those who are considering to dine in a Chinese restaurant and try the items for the first time. π Whatever looks appealing must be a perfect choice!
I wish I lived near there the food looks insanely good. In Chicago we just have good hot dogs and pizza. I would die for some good Chinese food. The first picture of your noodles looks like a noodle man haha your chopticks made the eyes. =-)
Haha it looks scary when you think that way! These food are the real deal, Emma. π Get them when you’re here.
I think their foods are affordable and delicious especially their dimsums. Also the Iced milk tea. Mmmmm.. Their prices are also affordable for their servings. Gotta try this! π
Yeah, I’m missing them all already. I want to go back soon. π