Come to Peony

MANILA, Philippines - Amidst modern Orientalia, Peony Garden welcomes its guests to the restaurant with a stylish and contemporary Asian ambience. Its main doors are surrounded by slabs of wood with meticulous handcrafted carvings. After all, this Malaysian-Cantonese fine dining restaurant at the third level of the Manila Pavilion promises exquisite culinary creations that boast of a unique blend of Asian flavors in every dish. 

Classy and homey, this culinary destination features soft lights that elegantly illuminate its red, gold and earth color schemes. Chinese-inspired chandeliers that match the restaurant’s sophisticated Asian theme are found at the corners of Peony Garden. A large aquarium by the walkway is also a sight to behold. It houses different kinds of live seafood, where dining guests may choose a desired catch of the day and request for a preferred Chinese gourmet creation. Attractive adornments such as vases and pots also add to the Oriental feel of the place.

Peony Garden, named after China’s traditional floral symbol, has been incessantly blooming since it opened in 2005. Under the helm of executive Chinese chef Lee Yan Feng, the restaurant offers a smorgasbord of authentic Malaysian-Cantonese specialties with exotic herbs and spices, served on set and a la carte menus.

“We are excited and proud to present our newest selection of Malaysian-Cantonese fine cuisine,” says Manila Pavilion Hotel GM Christopher Park. “This menu revamp not only enhances our dining service, but it also gives us the excellent opportunity to present another dimension to our concept of grand Oriental dining.”

F&B director Luther Lapuz furthers, “This move raises the bar of our Malaysian-Cantonese menu and gives us the opportunity to bring Peony Garden’s fine cuisine another boost for our loyal hotel guests and clientele. We are privileged to contribute towards creating an exceptional dining experience for both Chinese and non-Chinese gourmands.”

Peony Garden has a way of making its guests dine like royalty. Be prepared to take on an authentic Oriental gastronomic adventure with the restaurant’s appetizing 10-course set menu that has the distinct desire to please the palate. Donna Lampano, Manila Pavilion marketing communications manager, graciously explains each dish that arrives at our well-designed private room. Donna, a Food Technology graduate from UP and who loves hosting dinner with wine and cheese for her friends, surely knows what she’s talking about.

Some of the stylish entrees in the set menu include a platter starter of roast chicken, pork barbecue, jelly fish and Century egg; braised whole chicken with Chinese herb; deep fried prawn with Chef’s special prawn sauce; braised Chinese cabbage with carrot and radish vegetable; and soya egg noodle with three kinds of meat.

The clear thick soup of shark’s fin, shredded bamboo pit, fish lips and sea cucumber was delectable that a serving is not enough. The star of the menu, however, is the deep fried fish fillet with butter and egg served with crispy oatmeal. You’ll find yourself getting piece after piece until you’ve already lost count. The cold white bean curd with minced pork and pickled lettuce served with Century egg on the side is also special as Donna shares that the bean curd is homemade. For some sweet ending, do not forget to pop a butchi (deep fried sesame balls) or two in your mouth. A cold sweetened black jelly mixed with fruits in season is another perfect way to conclude this Oriental culinary experience.

Apart from the set menus, Peony Garden also boasts of chef Lee’s monthly Special Recommendations, a live seafood selection and 18 new homemade dimsum choices. “Being a chef entails a lot more than just cooking a sumptuous dish,” declares chef Lee. “It requires a combination of hard work and determination since my goal is to contribute significantly to the culinary industry by way of developing novel concepts in food preparation.”

So when you’re in Manila and craving for anything Oriental, might as well head to the Peony Garden at the Manila Pavilion. You’ll find out that Peony indeed has the power to tease your palate.

 (For more information, call 526-1212 ext. 2303 or visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph)