Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s premier Chinese restaurant offers a heavenly Dim Sum Unlimited buffet
When it comes to super craveable comfort food, there are few dishes that can duke it out with dim sum. Think: tender dumplings with flavors that play on the palate, as you bite through their chewy, semi-transparent skins; soft and doughy buns, filled with hearty meats, veggies, or seafood (or a combination of all three); perfectly fried puff balls loaded with savory or sweet fillings—the array is as enticingly expansive as it is delightfully delectable. I honestly can’t think of anyone (at least, not in my circle of family and friends) who isn’t mad for this traditional, tasty, and easy-to-eat Cantonese comfort fare. In fact, I’d be more than willing to go out on a limb and say that foodies the world over drool for dim sum.
Throughout China, it is typical to consume dim sum in the morning, up to the early afternoon. While these customary bite-sized goodies might be diminutive in size, they are certainly stuffed solid and power-packed with protein and carbohydrates. As such, the Chinese, especially older adults, usually serve dim sum after their morning exercises, to fuel up for the day. It is also commonplace for people in China to enjoy dim sum for lunch, or as a teatime snack later on in the afternoon.
Taking their cue from this, Xin Tian Di Restaurant, the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s premier Chinese restaurant, serves a lunchtime Dim Sum Unlimited menu—and it is every dim sum lover’s delicious dream come true.
Where earthy meets ethereal
In English, the restaurant’s name translates as “New Heaven and Earth,” and its design aesthetic is a nod to that meaning. Interiors give off a classic-contemporary feel, with a cozy ambiance, overall. The wallpaper at the reception area depicts a dreamy earthscape of ethereal-looking gardens and pagodas by the river, while design elements like the multi-level circular pendant lights in gold create an airy, celestial feel. These are nicely complemented by blue-and-white plates with oriental motifs, mounted on the wall to evoke cloud formations. Red banquettes throughout the spacious dining area provide a warm and welcoming earthy vibe. Of course, the inviting atmosphere sets the stage quite nicely for the feast that ensues—and what a fine feast it is!
With 37 mouthwatering items on the menu—from a sumptuous and sweeping selection of dim sum, to premium dishes, noodles, rice, cold starters, roasts, hot entrees, congee, soups, and desserts—Xin Tian Di Restaurant’s Dim Sum Unlimited promotion certainly satisfies. Plus, it’s a sit-down, order-as-you-go buffet, prepared fresh in a theater-style kitchen, which makes for less hassle and far less waste than the usual eat-all-you-can setup.
An array of irresistible offerings
For starters, who can resist that familiar platter of Chinese Roasts and Cold Cuts? Shredded jellyfish, slices of roasted chicken and pork, and century egg wedges open the appetite for the heavier items. After the appetizers, let your cravings lead the way!
My personal favorites include the Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings (Hakao), packed plump with prawn and perfectly paired with XTD house chili paste. A Fried Hakao version is also available—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside—with a zesty wasabi mayo dipping sauce that totally hits the spot.
Diners get to select one free round from a list of premium dishes, which is a good way to try the house specialty, the Peking Duck Rolls, if you’re a fan of this dish. I went with another bestselling premium dish, the XTD Special Hot Prawn Salad, lightly battered luscious prawns atop diced fruit, smothered in a mayo-based dressing (which was creamy but not cloying), on a bed of fried noodles. What a winner!
The Steamed Salmon Dumplings were equally mouthwatering; flavorful and juicy to the bite. I also relished their Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings, which were flavor-rich and brimming with lovely textures (owing to the filling of finely-minced mushrooms and water chestnuts), as well as the Deep-Fried Seafood Taro Puffs, beautifully light in crispness and sweetness. Succulent and super fresh Wok Shrimp in Black Pepper Sauce, swathed in a delicate blend of spices and pepper, and tofu skin Beancurd Rolls with Steamed Bok-Choi were likewise delightful.
Without a doubt, a good Chinese meal must be accompanied by fried rice or noodles (but who’s to say you can’t have both!). I opted for the savory Seafood Hofan, the noodles of which were sheer perfection, with just the right bite and chewy-silky texture. For dessert, XTD’s signature Chocolate Lava Buchi is a must-try customary sweet treat with a twist: the deep-fried glutinous rice flour balls are filled with rich, gooey chocolate sauce instead of the traditional bean paste.
It likewise bears mentioning that the meal comes with unlimited refills of the restaurant’s Chrysanthemum-Lemon Iced Tea, light and refreshing, with just the slightest hint of sugariness.
Straightforward yet sophisticated selections
On the overall, Xin Tian Di offers a menu that is straightforward and simple, yet also exudes the sophistication you’d anticipate from an upscale restaurant. Expect a satisfying combination of the good-old classics, alongside more modern dim sum creations.
While it was physically impossible for me to try all the items on the menu, that gives me a good excuse and an even better reason to return for round two! You may check out the most recent menu here; items are updated, on occasion, but diners are always guaranteed exceptional quality as well as range of selection. Moreover, with Executive Chef David Chuwaifung at the helm, Xin Tian Di appeases the appetite in appealing and authentic ways.
Whether you opt for their dim sum buffet or go with their ala carte items and specialties, you are sure to delight in your delicious dalliance with dim sum and other equally drool-worthy dishes.
The Dim Sum Unlimited promotion is available at lunchtime, Mondays-Sundays at P 1,888 nett. Book your seats at +63287903100.
