Why Hellooooo Shi Lin
Wednesday, September 21, 2011I never really loved Taiwanese or Chinese food. I’d eat it if it were the chosen restaurant or if I were in a Chinese centric country but I’ve never craved or lusted for it the way I do for Italian and Japanese food. It’s definitely not because of my lack of trying – I’ve tried it at different price points during different times in my life and even in Hong Kong and China.
Imagine my surprise when for the first time in my life, I wanted, no needed to HAVE Taiwanese/Chinese food all thanks to Lori Baltazaar’s post on Shi Lin? I was confounded, is this real? Am I truly yearning for those dumplings and noodles?
It took some time but I finally found myself at Shi Lin Podium for dinner, bright eyed, ravenous and excited to devour.
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Even though this soup tasted like our Tinola, it was a good start to the meal. The aldente noodles coupled with the fresh vegetable and hot broth were a good combination but not mind blowing. Don’t get me wrong, I liked this soup.
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Shrimp and Pork Shaomai (P165 for 6 pieces)
It was my first time to try any dumpling with soup inside and I was able to try 2 kinds on this visit. I didn’t have expectations since I didn’t have anything to compare these dumplings to. I loved these dumplings because they were different, fresh and warm in the tummy. The 2 dumplings almost tasted the same which was a tad disappointing.
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Maybe I was severely hungry but I blurted “Ang Sarap!” (This is good!) several times while eating the Chicken Chop. It had a distinct flavor profile that I can’t quite pinpoint but love. The chicken and the breading had different tastes but merged well together.
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I’m a sugar-loving dessert person with a minor degree in Choco-hology. Haha So Taiwanese and Chinese restaurants’ dessert options don’t normally give me my dessert fix. I tried their Taro Dumplings which had the consistency of thin Siopao and oozed luscious taro. I’m happy I tried it but won’t be clamoring for more of it since it doesn’t fulfill my sugar addiction.
The food was simple and not at all greasy. I was so happy with my dinner that except for dessert, I would order everything again in a heartbeat! Shin Lin is also without the typical noisy ambiance of a dimsum place which gives it additional brownie points for awesomeness.
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Shi Lin
3rd Floor, The Podium, ADB Ave. Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City,
02-4774108
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