Why Hellooooo Shi Lin

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I 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.

Passion Berry Iced Tea (P65)
They had 3 house blends and when I asked the server for sample sizes to taste, she gladly obliged. After tasting the Green Mystique, Passion Berry and Tropical Iced Tea, my vote went Passion Berry. It was a light blend of sweet tea without going overboard on sugar.

Noodle w/Double Boiled Chicken Soup (P138)
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.

Xia Long Bao (P138 for 6 pieces; P230 for 10 pieces)
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.

Fried Rice w/Chicken Chop and Egg (P245)
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.

Taro Dumplings
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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