After the unmissable BDJ Power Planner Fair and Scavenger Hunt last Sunday, I had lunch with my family and met Louie in the afternoon. We watched Gravity, a super BORING movie about “a medical engineer and an astronaut working together to survive after an accident that left them adrift in space” starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.
Although the special effects were okay, we were totally disappointed at the storyline and the predictable plots, since imdb and Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a high rating. Anyhow, the night didn’t end as tragically as it could have, for a wonderful dinner at Boon Tong Kee, SM Mall of Asia was able to redeem our satisfaction.
Boon Tong Kee is one of the popular restaurant chains in Singapore which has garnered rave reviews and accolades from both industry luminaries and customers alike. The first branch was built at Balestier Road in 1983. Outlets at MacPherson Road, Whampoa West, River Valley Road, Cheong Chin Nam Road and East Coast Road followed suit. The first country to have its overseas branch is none other than the Philippines.
Review of Boon Tong Kee 文东记 (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay)
Ambiance: ★★★★☆
It was a cozy and quiet place for about 40 people. There was a glass window, making way for connection between the kitchen staff and the customers. The color motif which looked like brownish orange brought out an oriental vibe. The design of the lighting enhanced the effect which suggested “artistry and sophistication through simplicity.” The walls were decorated with framed pictures of food, blending tastefully to provide more accent to the room. Oozing with practicality, overall this restaurant was neat and convenient.
Diners can choose to either enjoy Manila Bay’s breeze outside in the al fresco setting or stay indoors (albeit air conditioning did not happen to encompass the entire area). The round table by the door is great for people-watching and/or chilling moments. It’s a homely corner that looks just right for a small family.
Service: ★★★★★
Our server greeted us with a smile and maintained his graciousness till we left. The food was served in 15 minutes as promised and at perfect temperature. Service was quite remarkable here.
Food: ★★★★★
Although this Boon Tong Kee branch is designed with minimal embellishments and isn’t much of a looker, it takes its food dead seriously — presentation-wise and taste-wise. The menu is patterned after the River Valley Road branch in Singapore.
The Crispy Cereal Prawn (PHp 375, Regular) was the star of the night, leaving me struggling to find suitable adjectives to describe its merit. I thought it was perfect, with lovely fragrant morsels of cereals mixed with pork floss or mahu (肉鬆) that burst into flavorful bites complementing the taste of the freshly cooked big prawns.
On the other hand, the Sambal Rice (PHp 225) was outstanding as it had just the right balance of heat and spice. It was topped with shrimps, peanuts, vegetables and sambal sauce. Warm and very authentic, it’s one diners should not overlook on the menu when dining at Boon Tong Kee.
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
It was an awesome evening of deliciousness that made us feel sated for the night. The portion of the dishes was enough for two or three people to share. I thought the prices were passable and proportionate to the quality received in the food served. So I’m excited to dine in here again; and next time, I gotta try the Baked Prawn with Cheese (PHp 395) and Yam Donut with Typical Seafood (PHp 345). 😀
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Operating hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am to 10pm; Fri-Sat 10am to 11pm
Other branches:
3/F, Power Plant Mall (near cinemas), Makati City
Operating hours: Mon-Thu 11am to 9pm; Fri 11am to 10pm; Sat 10am to 10pm; Sun 10am to 9pm
Contact number: (02) 890-0160
310 Tomas Morato Avenue (near ABS-CBN), Quezon City
Operating hours: Mon-Thu 11am to 9pm; Fri 11am to 10pm; Sat 10am to 10pm; Sun 10am to 9pm
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