The stomach grumbles when the thought of freshly steamed dim sum comes to mind. It isn’t only a staple of Cantonese cuisine, but of general Asian cuisine as well. Living in Manila, it’s hard to imagine life without these dainty pieces of gastronomical perfection. A soft piece of pork siu mai, a slippery dumpling of Har gaw, and a fluffy bun packed with savory pork is enough to make any mouth salivate. Thinking of it drives us mad with hunger!
Dim sum, actually has a very long, rich history, but has been improving throughout the years (all in thanks to the master chefs who now grace restaurant kitchens). It all started on the ancient days of the Silk Road, where passing travelers would need to stop to replenish themselves during their long journeys to the West. They needed something fast and nutritious, food that would keep them going for the next hours while carrying heavy treasures for trade. Luckily, teahouses on the road had perfected a way to keep customers happy with an assortment of flavors in one sitting. They created something called dim sum, palm-sized, savory dishes that was easy and fast to eat. Once you were seated in one of these eateries, a server would come out with stacks upon stacks of bamboo baskets filled with different delectable treats made from ingredients available to them locally. They featured an array of flavors, and the popularity of this style of cooking became famous all throughout China.
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Later on in history, dim sum became a comfort meal to enjoy over a relaxing hot cup of tea and good conversation with family and friends. It plays a large part of Chinese culture, and to an extent Filipino culture as well (name a Filipino who doesn’t like dim sum!). Today, the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila continues to support this tradition, by serving an assortment of dim sum delicacies in their signature Lung Hin restaurant. Made authentically (with a golden twist) by dim sum master Wong Chiu Lung, each bite is a piece of heaven.
Lunch hours are well spent enjoying dim sum at the hotel. For instance, fans of steamed dumplings have multiple choices to choose from. Fillings range from scallop, spinach, and shrimp. Looking for a ideally cooked Har gow dumpling (known locally as hakaw)? Marco Polo adds a luxurious touch by serving it with a gold leaf! Chicken Feet at the hotel is served with their signature XO sauce, while pork Siu Mai (siomai) is wildly improved with a dash of truffle sauce. If you’re really looking to indulge, order a savory abalone glutinous rice dumpling with lotus leaf.
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Pan-fried and deep-fried dumplins are also available for consumption. Fan favorites include Sesame Radish Cake (which is served with XO sauce), Fried Taro Puff, and the savory Baked Barbecue Pork Buns. Every bite mixes textures of crispy bread and melt-in-your-mouth barbequed pork. It is definitely a must-try. Whatever your choice is, we recommend you re-create the Silk Road experience at the award-winning Lung Hin restaurant at the hotel, and live is dim sum heaven.
Lung Hin is located at Level 44 of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. To know more about the hotel, visit www.marcopolohotels.com. Follow the Hotel in Facebook at facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram.
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